The meaning of Christmas

We love Christmas - we deck the hall with new and old trimmings, eat cookies without hesitation, and listen to heartwarming Christmas songs nonstop.  However, what we love most is that our empty nest is full again with our three kids and their partners. Joy is in the air when they are around. They whisked us to a cabin in the mountains for a getaway, cooked for us, played games with us, hiked with us, and talked with us - things that we used to do for them when they were young, except that they don't discipline us (lucky us because several of them used to be speech and debaters in HS). On Christmas, they cooked a sumptuous feast while we sat and watched Charlie Brown Christmas, eating popcorn. Time reverses our roles in life; we felt like pampered, happy children.

The Big Tree in Calaveras Big Tree State Park

Gohan received his 12th chemo on Dec. 18, and is recovering well despite frequent fatigue and not having a good appetite. Today, he had a brain MRI and lung CT scan, for which we will receive results on New Year's Eve. Time seems to slow down while we wait for the news, which gives us more time to think and pray.  We think of all the wonderful people in our lives including our medical team who takes care of us faithfully, our friends who support us kindly, and our family who loves us unwaveringly. Through them, we experience the unconditional love that God has shown us on the cross, and that is the true meaning of Christmas. 

Wishing you a Christmas warm with peace and happiness, and a new year filled with health, joy and every good thing!

Love,

Gohan & Jacqueline

The infusion center nurse team take care of cancer patients through the holidays

Gohan in the news

The World Journal interviewed Gohan after he shared the life lessons he learned at the FGBM on Dec. 20. Below is the article in Chinese followed by the English translation. Gohan's humbleness and courage is an inspiration to many people.

世界日報北美版 12月26日

簡國漢抗癌 學到人生功課

正在與癌症抗爭的簡國漢說，抗癌過程讓他學到很多功課。例如改變價值觀、團隊作戰、欣賞每一個人的奇妙、全心依靠信仰、謙卑自省、平衡生活、多祝福家人。他日前在全福會年會上分享抗癌經歷，令許多人感動。

25日簡國漢與妻子李佳芬和三個子女在庫比蒂諾家中歡度聖誕節，其樂融融。28日他要去重要的掃描檢查並等待結果。他表示，現在自己感覺很好。雖然今年6月底發現肺癌細胞轉移到腦部，但數據看起來還不錯，醫生看來也並不緊張。只是到台灣度假的計畫取消了，以治病優先。簡國漢1978年台灣大學電機系畢業。1980年來美留學。他在EDA產業界打拼30多年，先後擔任矽谷多家高科技公司主管。2013年9月被診出患肺癌。

這次癌細胞轉移腦部的治療過程，讓他學到更多功課，他發現自己很多地方都有改變。以前有很多放不開的東西，常獨自埋藏在心裡。尤其男人往往遇事都一個人硬抗，不願交流。其實這些都是錯誤的。「任何事都要團隊作戰，單打獨鬥非常辛苦」。要打開心胸與人分享，接受幫助」。

通過謙卑自省，簡國漢與家人相處有很大改變，學會對小孩「多鼓勵，少逼求」。他表示，過去對大女兒學業逼得太緊，令她害怕學數學，導致父女關係隔閡。他發現自己錯了，就向女兒道歉，並經常祝福鼓勵她。以前女兒看到他就緊張，現在看到父親就有笑容，願意與他溝通，對自己也有了信心。家人休閒玩麻將算帳時，都是大女兒算得最快。

簡國漢說，上帝造的每個人都不同。他學會欣賞每個人的奇妙。過去他常認為自己總是對的，對別人期望太多。現在他懂得要欣賞別人的優點。改變思考後，他和太太相處得非常好，總是看到她的優點，「比從前在台灣談戀愛還要甜蜜」。

他說，如果別人做錯了事，要多寬恕別人。回想從小到大他都有一些心結埋在心裡，其實對自身不好。

談到平衡生活的重要性，簡國漢表示，男人好比同時在拋好幾個球。家庭和健康是其中最重要的兩個玻璃球。工作雖也重要，出了錯還可以重新再來。但是家庭和健康這兩個玻璃球如果掉在地上就碎了。

簡國漢笑著說，生病後客戶都對他很好，以前回電郵總要拖兩三天，現在都是很快就回覆，還經常問候他。老闆也對他很好。

Gohan fights cancer, the life lessons he learned

Gohan Jain, who is fighting cancer, says that he has learned many life lessons in this journey, for example, changing his values, the importance of team work, appreciation for everyone's uniqueness, relying on his faith, humility and introspection, a balanced life, and blessing his family.  A few days ago, he gave a talk at the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Chrismas dinner, where his sharing touched many people in the 300+ audience.

On Dec. 25, Gohan, his wife ChaiFen Jain and their three children merrily celebrated Christmas at their home in Cupertino.  On Dec. 28th, he will have scans to evaluate his treatment progress and will begin waiting for the results.  He said that at present he feels well and his doctors are not worried either, despite finding that his lung cancer spread to his brain earlier this year in June.  He decided to cancel a planned trip to Taiwan and focused on his treatment instead.  Gohan graduated from National Taiwan University with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering.  He came to the States in 1980 for graduate study.  He has been working in the EDA industry for over 30 years, holding various high level management positions at the major high tech companies in Silicon Valley.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2013. During the treatment for his cancer, which later metastasized to his brain, he learned many life lessons.  He realized that he used to hold on to frustrations and grudges - things that bothered him that he didn’t let go of.  Like many men, he was reluctant to open up and communicate his true feelings.  “I was wrong. Living life takes teamwork, fighting alone is hard.  Open up and accept help!” he encourages readers.

Through humble introspection , Gohan Jain made big changes to how he communicates with his family.  He learned to guide and encourage instead of demanding from his children.  He said, in the past, he had high expectations for his daughter’s academic work, which unfortunately made her afraid of math, and created a gap in their relationship.  He confessed that he was wrong and has apologized to his daughter.  He now blesses her and encourages her.  Her daughter used to be nervous around him, now he can see her beautiful smiles toward him again. Furthermore, she is willing to communicate with him and has regained her confidence.  When the family plays mahjong, his daughter is often the quickest in tallying score.

Gohan noted that God created everyone equal but each in a different way, and he has learned to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation in each person’s uniqueness.  In the past, he often felt he was always right, and had high expectations of how people should act.  He has changed his perspective and thinking, and now values people’s unique qualities.  After his transformation, his relationship with his wife has blossomed because he more than ever appreciates her merits.  “Our love for each other is sweeter than when we were dating”.

Gohan also said to forgive when other people have wronged you.  Looking back, since his childhood he has buried several unresolved issues in his heart which was not good for him.  Regarding the importance of living a balanced life, Gohan reflects, "a man juggles many balls throughout his life.  However, only two of the balls are made of glass and when they are dropped, they will break.  That two balls are family and health."

Invitation - A gift of love

Gwohann is on a mission: to let people know about God's love.  Over the past year, he has spoken at various venues where he openly shared his amazing transformation on his journey with cancer and how the journey has strengthened and revived our family.  His humble and heartwarming story has touched and inspired his audiences. On Dec. 20, he will speak at a dinner event hosted by the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship (FGBMF).  We are excited and grateful for the opportunity.  The title of the event is 'the Gift of Love', which is exactly what he wants to pass on to people.  He is eager to share with everyone what we wished we had learned earlier in life.  Please contact us for tickets if you are interested in receiving this gift of love.  If you can't join us, please pray for strength for him because the event will be held two days after he receives the next chemo.  Thank you.

Date and time: Dec. 20, 5:30 pm 
Place: China Stix Restaurant, 2110 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Hope to see you there!

-- Gwohann and Jacqueline

11th chemo - better sleep

We went to see a dermatologist for Gohan's rashes, who prescribed a new regimen.  On the first night trying it, he was able to sleep longer.  "What a great feeling!", he said, feeling recharged for the first time in 5 weeks. The good sleep also better prepared him for the chemo today, which went smoothly.

After a long nap following chemo, he felt well enough to go to his company's Christmas party. Gohan has been working from home since his brain radiation, and has not seen his colleagues for over two months.  Everyone was very happy to see him at the party, hugging, patting on the back, and complimenting him for his shiny bald look. Several people even suggested that he keep his head bald because he looks sexier.  He is a popular guy in the company.

It was fun to visit, but we left the party early so we don't overexert ourselves.  After all, fighting cancer is our number one priority.  Pray for a good sleep while the chemo drugs destroying his cancer.  

Thanksgiving

At this time of giving thanks, our thoughts turn grateful to you, our family and friends. We thank you for your steadfast love and kind support on this journey. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving!

在這感恩的季節，我們再一次思想到這兩年來親朋好友對我們不離不棄的愛和支持。感謝大家！也祝福大家感恩節快樂。

10th Chemo - surrounded by love

Our best friends Sean and Sophie Hsu came to visit us from LA

Radiation + chemo is tough.  The rashes that started during the whole brain radiation treatment still wakes Gohan up itching at night, which, in coupled with the chemotherapy, making him more fatigued.  Thankfully the burn on his forehead and the skin cracks behind his ears from the radiation have healed.  His inner ear canal swelling (also from radiation) has improved, but our ENT doctor advises not to travel by air until his ears have fully recovered.

His appetite is poor, nonetheless being a person with discipline and perseverance, he managed to keep his weight up.  The oncology nutritionists at both Stanford and El Camino Hospital told us that he is one of the small percentage of chemotherapy patients who didn't lose weight.  Kudos to Gohan!

Despite the challenges and discomfort, his spirit is strong and his smile is big.  He bravely received the chemo #10.  We want to attribute this to the kindness and support that we have been receiving.  Every week, we have friends and family visit us from near and far.  We see what God's love is. We continue to fight because we are surrounded by love.

9th chemo - a new round

Two days after the Whole Brain Radiation Treatment was finished, we are back to the infusion center for chemotherapy.  It would be nice to have a break from the treatment, but we know we can't give cancer a break.  

It has only been a month since our last visit, however unlike in the past, none of the oncologist nurses recognized Gwohann when he stepped in.  Gwohann reported his name and one nurse suddenly exclaimed "OMG, I didn't recognize you, I love your new look!".  Words spread quickly, the nurses came one by one to give us hugs, compliment his new bald look and show admiration for his strengths.  These oncology nurses are our best comrades on the battleground.

The 9th chemo went smoothly. Gwohann got his laptop ready to join the webinar of his company's annual conference, which he had prepared the slides for, but has asked a colleague to present on his behalf.  However, though not surprisingly, he fell asleep within minutes after the antihistamine was infused. When he woke up, he learned from his colleagues that the presentation had gone well.  You see, oftentimes problems and worries can be solved by a good sleep :-)

Praise God that the newest blood report is amazingly good, with the tumor marker CEA fallen within the normal range! Although the CEA is only used for reference, and based on our prior experience, it does not necessary mean that cancers are gone, it nevertheless indicates that the chemo and radiation treatment have been effective.  I still pray that God miraculously kill all the cancer cells.  

3 more cycles of chemo are scheduled before the next CT scan in end of Dec.  The future chemo dates are set for 11/20, 12/4 and 12/18.  We shall persevere!

Next treatment plan

We met Dr. Dormady today to discuss the next treatment after WBRT and also asked him about the newly approved immunotherapy drugs, anti-PD1 agent, Keytruda and Opdivo.

Dr. D suggested that we do 4 more cycles of chemotherapy using the same cocktail drug as the last 8 cycles to keep Gwohann's cancer under control.  We will do brain MRI and Lung CT scan at the end of Dec. to evaluate the effectiveness of WBRT and chemo.  If his cancer is stable or better, will possibly try Keytruda or Opdivo. Dr. Dormady said that due to its clinical trial status in the past, immunotherapy has mostly been used on patients who have run out of treatment options and are in the terminal stage.  He believes that for patient whose cancer is not progressing and who is still relative healthy, the treatment outcome should be much better.  Hence, Gwohann will be a good candidate.  That is an exciting news.

To get health insurance company to pay for Keytruda which costs $12500 a month, we will need to prove PD-L1 positive. Dr. Dormady will contact the Caris Molecular Testing lab to see if the test can be done on Gwohann's biopsy sample that was taken in Feb 2014.  We will know more about Opdivo eligibility requirement later.

New drugs bring new hope.  So thankful that we live in America and have access to the newest treatment options.

p.s. We have decided to forgo the NCI-Match clinical trial.

Bald and free

Salute to Gwohann for completing the full course of WBRT today! The radiology team gave him his radiation mask to commemorate his bravery and a congratulations award to honor his perseverance.

He has also joined the group of bald and beautiful men and women, who are freed from the worries of hair styling, graying hair, thinning hair, and, the 'bad hair day'.  More importantly, his feelings of freedom have manifested in many other aspects of his being as well, as he continues to practice 'let go and let God', which includes spending more time in prayer, letting go of the urge to drive, and eating whatever I present him with :-)

Thank God Gwohann has tolerated the radiation well.  The only visible side effects are rashes that have developed on his face and neck, which steroids have helped to control.  Following our radiologist's advice to keep his brain active, he continues to work, do sudoku, and with my value proposition of hand-eye coordination, help do dishes too.  Whether it is the stimulating brain games that he is doing or the Memantine (medicine to protect his brain) that he is taking, he seems to be getting smarter!

Now that we are done with the WBRT, we will resume the chemo this Friday.  Please pray that chemo will continue to work and kill cancer cells in every part of his body.

Thank you for your love and care!

Gwohann & Jacqueline

Gohan receiving Whole Brain Radiation Treatment

Have you ever wondered what WBRT is like?  Watch this video to see how Gwohann was treated with WBRT.  We can't help but marvel at the amazing medical technology, and above all Gwohann's inner strength and faith for lying still while the gigantic machine humming and turning around his head.  Our hats are off to Gwohann!

Jacqueline

Documentary - the truth about cancer

A new documentary series that is getting a lot of public attention.  The documentary promotes healing cancer using natural therapies.  The producer lost his father to cancer and since then has been on a mission to find the cure for cancer.

https://go2.thetruthaboutcancer.com/global-quest/episode-9/?a_aid=54fd974f499c5&chan=p3

Trailer

Ketogenic diets

We are seriously considering the ketogenic diet.  The diet is extreme and will require significant planning and efforts, and need to be monitored carefully to prevent adverse health risk.  We need God's guidance, wisdom, strength and stamina.

A good scientific paper about Ketogenic diets as an adjuvant cancer therapy, history and potential mechanism 

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231714000925

The only Ketogenic for NSCLC (KETOLUNG) clinical trial that I can find was initiated by Univ. of Iowa in 2011 - however, it is suspended at this time.  Maybe we can contact the unit to get more info
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01419587?term=ketogenic&cond=%22Carcinoma%2C+Non-Small-Cell+Lung%22&rank=1

The KETOLUNG trial planned to use a product KetoCal(R) 4:1 by Nutricia North America.  
http://www.nutricia-na.com/
http://www.myketocal.com/product.html?webSyncID=bad28196-d35a-c031-9d56-5c6414db36c6&sessionGUID=9351ad14-8803-3486-9a1b-a002857519bc

Wiki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketogenic_diet

Ketogenic diet menu
http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/ketogenic-diet-menu.html

Trusted websites for ketogenic diet
http://www.charliefoundation.org/ketogenic-therapy/therapies-2/brain-tumor-cancer
http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/cancer-treatments.html

Related diet: 

The Wahl protocal 
https://www.msconnection.org/Blog/January-2015/The-Wahls-Protocol-An-Interview-with-Dr-Terry-Wahl

The Paleio Diet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleolithic_diet

NCI - MATCH Clinical Trial

We are now exploring options for Gwohann's future treatment, in hope to prevent brain mets from re-surfacing.  

My high school friend, Dr. Liwen Lai is a research medicine professor specializing in clinical genetics in U of Arizona.  She suggested that we look into the new Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice trial initiated by NCI (NCI-MATCH) last month.  This trial will help determine which therapy will be more effective based on the molecular profile of the tumor.

http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/nci-supported/nci-match

We have done Molecular Intelligence Testing through Caris in Feb. 2014, which found out that Gwohann is EGFR mutation positive and also suggested a list of chemo drugs that maybe effective.  As a result, we have been using most of the recommended chemo drugs.  The NCI-MATCH assay will be more comprehensive than the Caris test because it includes T790 mutation test (gene mutation after taking Tarceva), which Gwohann was not tested before.  I have checked with Dr. Dormady about this NCI-MATCH,  he thinks the trial looks interesting and suggested to explore further. However I found out today from PAMF that if Gwohann is eligible for the trial, we will have to establish care with the clinical testing sites for the trial, such as PAMF and Mills Hospital in our area.  El Camino Hospital, Stanford and UCSF are not the clinical sites for this trial.  This will mean Dr. Dormady (El Camino Hospital) can not oversee the treatment for us, and we will need to change to an oncologist in PAMF.  This will be a tough decision because we trust Dr. Dormady and have been pleased with the services provide by his team.

Fresh biopsy sample will be needed to enter the trial, meaning Gwohann needs to have his chest punctured again to take a specimen.  Furthermore, patient can not have any chemo or targeted therapy for one month ("wash out" period) before the biopsy can be taken.  Coincidentally Gwohann has stopped chemo therapy while undergoing the WBRT, therefore he will meet the wash out period.  While this may look promising, we need to keep in mind that almost every clinical trial requires fresh biopsy sample, hence we need to find out which of the hundreds of clinical trials will be our best option because we can't afford to take repeated biopsy and the wash out period without treatment can be dangerous.  To make the matter complicated, every trial is administered by different hospitals, so we will need to contact each hospital one by one, and go through the qualification process.  I would like to count on Dr. Dormady to find the right trial for us, but he has indicated that he would like to reserve clinical trials as the last resolve.  As a clinical oncologist, he prefers to use the standard treatment (chemo) before taking risk of the clinical trials.  

I have asked the oncology NP Katie at El Camino to send the lastest scan reports to PAMF Tanya (408) 730-6122
fax number: (408) 746-9095.   Will follow up next week to determine the next step. 
PAMF trial coordinator Tanya commented that PAMF has no radiology department but Mills does, so for comprehensive care, Mills maybe a better choice for us.  Need to make decision about that as well.

10/26/25
Mills Hospital replied today (650)696-4814
9 out of the 10 arms are oral treatment.  Fresh biopsy sample is required. Mills Hospital hires California Cancer Care oncologist Dr. Kent Adler to oversees trial care.  Mills also has a radiologist for brain care.  As of today, Gwohann after praying, decides not to pursue the trial.
Nevertheless, we will discuss with Dr. Dormady about this trial when we meet him on Nov. 5

Regain hope

Last week we experienced emotional and spiritual turmoil, but thank God for leading us through the valley of the shadow of death.  We sought a second opinion from the Stanford Thoracic oncologist Dr. Wakelee on Monday, who also advised us to go with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). With her confirmation, Gwohann started radiation this Tuesday. After four days of radiation, Gwohann's headache has gone away.  In addition, Dr. Dormady also gave us a good CT scan report, showing that the eight chemo treatments that he has received have been effective!  Gwohann will undergo 18 more WBRT sessions, and will resume chemo treatments in mid Nov. Gwohann is not allowed to drive until one month after radiation treatment, hence, I will be his Uber driver until mid Dec. I am expecting a fat tip (in kisses) from him :-)

In times like this we are reminded once again how fortunate we are to have a wonderful community and a great medical team.  Our kids came home to help, and our friends are supporting us by prayers and kind deeds.  Most important, we are blessed to have a loving God who is there all the time!

Thank God and thank you all!

Gwohann & Jacqueline

Alternative therapy through diet

If conventional medicine can't stop the cancer spread, what else can we do?  How do we choose among the myriad of options each claiming success without the scientific evidence such as a double blind trial?  A lot of prayers.

Ketogenic diet
http://www.charliefoundation.org/ketogenic-therapy/therapies-2/brain-tumor-cancer
http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/cancer-treatments.html

Cannabis oil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT8ryvvdSto
http://www.sfweekly.com/sanfrancisco/miracle-cannabis-oil-may-treat-cancer-but-money-and-the-law-stand-in-the-way-of-finding-out/Content?oid=2825695
http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/cannabis-helped-heal-my-cancer
http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/tag/stan-rutner/

Gerson Therapy
http://gerson.org/gerpress/the-gerson-therapy/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG9QUFUQmPw&feature=youtu.be

Budwig diet
http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/190-the-true-budwig-protocol.html
http://www.budwigcenter.com/testimonials/#.VWLgOU9VhBc

Essential oil

http://quantumhealthconsulting.com/frankincense-and-cancer/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664784/

Frankincense oil effect on breast, skin and bladder cancer.  One patient used it to keep her brain cancer in remission.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22171782
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19296830

Whole brain radiation starts next week

I was too optimistic about Gwohann's brain MRI result.  It turns out what our oncologist said a 'minor' problem is in fact a huge problem. Unfortunately, Gwohann's lung cancer has metastasized to his brain.  Cyber knife is not an option for his case, hence, starting next Monday, he has to do whole brain radiation to control his cancer.  He will receive treatment Monday to Friday for four weeks, a total of 22 times. His chemotherapy is temporarily put on hold and will resume after radiation pending on the next CT scan result.

It is a setback that is difficult to deal with. However, with God nothing is impossible! We will march forward with courage and strength.  Please pray for the effectiveness of the radiation treatment and minimal side effects, that Gwohann will be totally recovered.

Brain MRI shows a minor problem

Bad news.  Gwohann's brain MRI scan shows something.  Here is the email from the NP Katie this morning.  

"Dr. Dormady has reviewed the results of Gwohann’s brain MRI from yesterday and unfortunately, there does appear to be a small problem. He would like to discuss these results with you in the office morning at 8:45 am. Will that work for you?

I want to assure you that this was a minor problem and Dr. Dormady wants to discuss further with the radiologist before meeting with you. I told Dr. Dormady about your upcoming trip and he didn’t feel that the scan results would interfere with your plans in any way."

Please pray that the problem can be easily treated.  

8th chemo - expecting good scan result

The El Camino Hospital Cancer center has become our most visited place since Jan. 2014.  We come here three days every two weeks, to do blood lab, to see our oncologist and NP, to receive chemo, to get Neulasta, and to get scans. However, this week we have made a few more trips because Gwohann's right fingers have been feeling numb.  Our integrative radiologist is certain that the Mediport did not block his nerves. A sonogram on his right arm reveals no abnormalities, now we are waiting for his brain MRI result this Friday.  Thus far, I don't see any unusual behaviors from Gwohann, except that he can't stop eating watermelon :-), so I am expecting a clear MRI.  We will explore other possible causes afterwards.

Chemo went well, Gwohann had a good nap.  The blood report is very good.  Every value is within normal range which is amazing, and the best part is that the tumor marker CEA continues to drop! Praise God!  The result makes the suffering feel worthwhile.

Powered by Dexamethasone, he went to attend our church board meeting in the evening.  Although I am worry, I let him go, because I know he is choosing life over cancer.

Next CT scan will be on Oct. 8.  We pray and expect a good result!

-- Jacqueline

7th chemo - good blood result

Every cubicle of the infusion center is occupied this morning.  It is a solemn reminder of the prevalence of cancer nowadays.  Some patients look new to the battle as they nervously fiddle with the infusion tubes.  We have been there.  Now we learn to settle in quickly so Gwohann can catch as much sleep as possible because he won't be tonight.  As I watch the seven drugs infused into his body drop by drop, I pray that every drop destroys his cancer under God's mighty name!

"The blood report looks great!", exclaimed our oncology NP Katie Khul.  "I have never seen such good report for the chemo treatment that you are on.  Keep doing whatever you are doing!".  Indeed, Gwohann has put in his famous disciplines in fighting his cancer.  He walks 10K steps a day and drinks the vege/fruit smoothies that I make regardless how disgusting they look or taste.  He learns to balance work and life.  He learns to relax, let go, and enjoy life.  We feel encouraged that our efforts make a difference.

Keep going! Gwohann. Let's win the battle!

-- Jacqueline

6th Chemo - feeling better

I got to tell you first that one week after the last chemo, Gwohann's chest started to feel clearer and he could breath better!  The tumor marker CEA index also dropped, reflecting the effectiveness of the chemo.  With a renewed hope, we started the 6th chemo with a lighter heart.  The infusion proceeded smoothly. When Gwohann woke up, he was delighted to see our friends who brought a feast of his favorite foods.  His appetite opened up so much that he refilled his plate three times! Enjoying the delicious food with the good company, we almost forgot that we are having chemotherapy.  Thank You to our wonderful friends for being so kind to us!  We are also grateful for those of you who keep us in your good thoughts and prayers.  

Gwohann couldn't sleep for the first two nights due to the dexamethasone (a steroid) that he received. We are prepared that he will be fatigued for several days, with bone aches, headache and a low degree fever.  Chemo is still hard, but we are hopeful because the drugs are working and his chest is feeling better!  

5th chemo - make it a party

We were mentally prepared to do four more rounds of chemo again, one every other week, before the next scan.  However, nothing prepared us better than a chemo party thrown by our old friends and relatives.  Foods made with love nourish our souls, humor and laughter lifted our spirits.  We are grateful for your love and support.

Also, thank you for your prayers, Gwohann's blood lab result is stable, with only two indexes out of the range which is expected from chemotherapy.  Please pray that the chemo will effectively control the cancer for a long time, and that Gwohann's body can continue to tolerate the treatment. 

We may be changed by the cancer, but we refuse to be reduced by it.  So we will have a chemo party whenever we can.  Join us!

Fighting on

Stable is good news.  The new CT scan tells us that Gwohann's cancer is under control, no new progression.  All scan impressions are stable.  Thank God!  The blood report also shows that Gwohann's body is tolerating the chemo well.  Therefore, Dr. D advised to continue the chemo, and that is what we will do tomorrow.  Fighting on!

4th Chemo - slow and steady wins the race

When the nurse presented two popsicles, Gwohann's eyes opened wide with delight, "Is this part of the treatment?" he playfully asked.  The nurse nodded with a big smile.  Evidently, ice or popsicles have helped reduce mouth sores in some patients who received Vinorelbine, the nasty drug that damages small blood vessels.  Gwohann gladly accepted the proposition while the nurse slowly and steadily pushing the Vinorelbine through his Mediport. Feeling blissful, Gwohann did not pause to finish eating one and open another one.  The nurse had to tell him to slow down so that he will not finish before she completed the infusion.  Popsicles make us a kid again.

Thank you again to our wonderful kids and friends who came to support us, we feel more relaxed and hopeful with them around.  Otherwise, it can be painful to watch/take the treatment and the resulting side effects. Through the procedure, Gwohann slept and awoke, his blood pressure went up and down, his face changed colors as six different drugs infused to his body one by one over the stretch of five hours.  It takes enormous strength to endure such treatment.  He truly is our hero!

The latest lab report shows that Gwohann's white blood cell (WBC) count has gone back up but is way over the normal range.  Bands count is over the range as well.  Therefore, our oncologist reduced the WBC booster Neulasta to half of the last dosage.  Please pray that every indexes will be normal by next lab test. A CT scan will be performed on Aug 13 to evaluate the effectiveness of the four chemo cycles and we will hear the findings on Aug 17.  Please pray for a great result!

Chemo is hard, but by going slow and steady, we will win the race!

-- Jacqueline

Not alone in the dark valley

It is certain that the third chemo is harder than the previous two.  Gwohann felt fatigue two days after chemo for five days, spending most of Saturday and Sunday in bed.  Friday cell group meeting has been one of his favorite activities, but we had to cancel it because he was feeling so tired.  He did however, enjoyed a good mahjong game with friends on Saturday.  The game distracted him from coughing.  It was nice to see him laugh and playful.

His bones are sore because of Neulasta, we see it a small price to pay for boosting the white blood cell counts.  Good thing is that he is sleeping well after the steroid/cortisone wore out and he has very good appetite.

Recently, more friends and relatives are visiting from afar.  We are encouraged and feel blessed because we are not alone walking through the dark valley.  

"He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.…" Psalm 23:4

Looking forward to a pleasant and active weekend before the fourth chemo on next Tuesday, Aug. 4.  

- Jacqueline

3rd chemo felt short

Before the three chemo drugs were infused, Gwohann first received anti-histamine, Tylenol and cortisone to reduce his body's defense reaction to the forthcoming potent chemo drugs. Within 15 minutes, he felt drowsy and fell asleep due to the side effects of anti-histamine. 1.5 hours later, he woke up to Christina and Jimmy's relaxing guitar music and singing.  All the while, U Channel film director Sean Fan diligently recorded every scenes. With our friends and family around, this chemo treatment felt short and tolerable.

Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers, the lab report today showed that Gwohann's liver functions have restored to within normal range.  It was a relieving news.  However, his white blood cell count has dropped to below the normal range, and Lymphocytes and Monocytes are over the range.  The NP Katie said that the abnormality is expected during chemotherapy. Consequently, she prescribed Neulasta injection to boost the white blood cell production.  Gwohann had received Neulasta last year when he was on Cisplatin treatment, it worked wonder and we hope to achieve the same result this time.  At the mean time, we need to avoid crowded area to prevent infections.

After we returned home, the cortisone kicked in, Gwohann became energetic and hyper.  It reminded me of the old days before he was ill, when he was full of vitality and vigor.  Regardless, we are going to enjoy our time whenever we can before fatigue set in again.

-- Jacqueline

2nd chemo was smooth sailing

                                       

                                            Medi-port makes injection easy

Relaxing in daughter's music

Surrounded by love

With the Mediport, the infusion was reduced from five hours to four, and there is no pain in the vein!  Relaxing in daughter Christina's guitar music, the chemo feels easier this time.  A yummy In N Out burger for lunch also helps boosting the good mood.

Today's blood report shows that all key indexes are within range except the liver functions AST and ALT which went up after last chemo.  Please pray that the chemotherapy effectively destroys and controls the tumor cells, and will not damage his liver.  Thank you!

- Jacqueline

Mediport is in

Woke up at 5:15 am, checked in at the El Camino Hospital at 6. The Pre-op room was already in hustle and bustle.  I thought to myself, it's fitting that I am not a medical professional because I will be grumpy if I can't see sunshine or hear bird singing when I wake up everyday. However, the nurses who rose up early to help us were all very kind and pleasant. 

The procedure was smooth.  It took four hours including pre-op and recovery. Gwohann was relaxed and happy when he was pushed out on a gurney from the operation room.

The Mediport is a small reservoir with a rubber septum that can be repeatedly punctured with a special type of needle. There is a tube runs from the reservoir into the main vein and the tip ends at the mid portion of the heart.  It sounds scary but apparently it is considered a short and low risk procedure. The future chemos can 'flush' through the body without damaging the smaller veins in the arms where injection used to be given. The port can be used immediately and Gwohann will be able to resume exercise once the incision is healed. When the port is no longer needed, it can be removed in an office visit.  Whoever invented this device and procedure must be very creative and clever. 

We are fortunate to have such option to make receiving treatment easier and less painful. 

1st cycle of second chemotherapy - Feeling familiar

Once we entered the new infusion center, several familiar faces greeted us.  Shelly, one of the infusion nurses who helped us last year, carrying a big smile, gave us a warm hug, and said  'Mr. Jain.  Don't worry, this time we are going to use a missile and blast off the cancer".  That was an uplifting start!

It felt good that we were put in one of the large infusion rooms. The 150 sq ft room was painted in calming blue and beige, and has a brand new plush recliner chair and warm blankets.  As soon we sat down, we were offered coffee and tea, and a snack bar.  One could easier think we are in a massage parlor.  

The cocktail drugs consist of Vinorelbine, Gemzar and Cyramza, and together with four other medicines that were used to control the side effects, will take 5 hours to infuse.  We have learned from past experience, the slower the infusion, the better.  So we are in no hurry.  

Our infusion nurse strongly recommended that we put in a mediport for future chemo cycles.  She told us that Vinorelbine burns and fractured vessels near the injection site for almost all patients.  The vessels may never recover, not to mention the constant pain and permanent ugly bruises the damage will cause.  

I researched online and learned horror stories reported among the cancer patients community.  It seems that everyone eventually surgically put in a mediport either before or after the first cycle of Vinorelbine.  Hence we decided to put one in.  Hopefully, we can get an appointment with a surgeon next week before the next cycle starts on July 7.

The NP Katie advised that Gwohann will feel the most fatigue and weaknesses four days after the infusion, and he will start feeling better after one week.  He may have fever and insomnia on the first day.  He may experience mouth sores, nausea, diarrhea and constipation (yes, at the same time) on any day.  

We will just take one day at a time, and be grateful for each 'bonus' day.  


- Jacqueline