2022.01.17: Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Squamous Carcinoma Cancer

• So Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) results came back for primary source of cancer and diagnosis is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).  Not sure likely cause of this as have been a non-smoker all my life but goes to show life can be dangerous, no matter precautions taken.
• 2 weeks of radiation was just completed on Friday and cancerous lesion in pelvic bone seems much better.  Reduced pain in hips and legs where nerves were going through lesion.  
• Chemo therapy and immunotherapy begins this Friday with 4-6 treatments spaced 3 weeks apart.
• With this treatment a bone strengthener will be added also to help build back the break in the pelvic bone caused by the lesion and strengthener will also facilitate the regrowth of (hopefully) healthy bone where the lesion was.
• The chemo therapy/immunotherapy is aimed at killing off:
• 2 cancerous spots found on the tissue of my lungs
• cancerous cells in my right arm lymph node
• and any lingering cancerous cells traveling through my body trying to find a home
• As a side-note, the 2 spots found on the tissues of my lungs were noticed in November (although not known to be cancerous at that time).  They were so small in size that in most cases they are noted as a minor concern to be monitored on a regular basis.  It is unknown why they have caused such major trouble since spring for their relative small size but as happens with each person with cancer, not 2 stories are the same for cancer patients.  Thankful for the diligence of my awesome oncologist for having such a thought out testing plan to get to the NGS results.  Many great doctors and medical professions have helped get me to the point we are at today.  Nichelle, Trenten and I are so thankful for each and every one of them and all of you that have sent encouraging messages as we go through this journey.
• Now as a final note here (I promise), as we as a community go through an unprecedented pandemic, I find it important to thank people often that are there doing what they do best under a pandemic environment.  From the doctors doing surgeries, nurses helping with prepping for procedures and appointments, front desk checking me in for appointments, entry door staff following hospital procedure's to verify no patients/visitors enter with potential covid-19 exposure and even parking lot attendants and many more.  They all put their health and their families health potentially on the line to make sure we all get the best medical treatment possible during this difficult times. 
• One day at a time, one moment at a time.  This is how my wife and I move through all this...