Green Genes!

Where to start....

Ok! So there are no cancer genes, but there are gene mutations that we know will cause colon cancer. And we know that these mutations can be passed on. Also, the test for these mutations is very expensive, so they don't like doing it without good reason.

In my case my family history lends itself to the possibility that I have this mutation. However, because of the liver disease and the ulcerated colitis, I would have gotten colon cancer without having the mutation. So the question becomes does any one in my family and near generations have or had a specific type of colon cancer. Well my dad is out no colon issues there and since he was adopted, that's a dead end. My Papa on my moms side died of colon cancer with mets to the liver back in 82' and both of her brothers have had polyps. So there might be some genes here.

The gene lady asked if we could get the path report for the uncle who doesn't liver here and if that showed pre cancer polyps we would do the test. Well the path report is in and no pre cancer. So as I said I have Green Genes!

Oh! You can't pass on colitis but the liver disease hereditary but there is a slim chance of that. That means as long as the swimmers are still good, we'll be makin babies.

Guess? Genes!

Well we (Jen and I) had our first meeting with a Genetic Counselor on Friday. She spent an hour telling us over and over agian that she realy doesn't know if we should get tested for gentic disorders and that she needed time to reaserch my family. What I some what missed was that she said while she was try to explain genetics to us, that at best it was all just an educated guess.

So I called Dan up (because he's smart, sometimes) and told him what she said. He replied that she didn't know what she was talking about. He did agree that it was all just a guess, but explained it more in terms of probability rather that chance. In response, I equated it to quantum physics and he agreed. We ended our conversation with Dan stating that I should *#&!@ it and have the kids.

I went about doing some reaserch and found some interesting facts. There are 46 chromosomes in each human. Each one is made up of 50 to 250 million protien combinations. That means that each of us has between 2.3 to 11.5 billion protien pairs. And it only takes one wrong pair to mess us up.

How is it possible that we are here?

Don't Panic

I often think if we retitled the Bible to "Don't Panic" more people would read it. I say this because for me, one of the most useful aspects of the Bible is not panicking.

For an example, this weekend I did something to my ankle. I don't know what but by Monday it was about the size of a baseball (that's big for my 160 lbs frame). It didn't hurt but there was some bruising. So I called up my chemo guy, because of the whole blood thing, and he ordered a Doppler (it's an ultrasound for your leg). In which they found nothing. Now I didn't panic because I've read the book. With all the other crap going on I had every right to act like my mother at a clearance sale. Even the technician performing the Doppler found it amazing how calm I was with all that I've been through.

In the end the answer to the quest why don't you/we/I panic is because God is always there and it is real easy to stay calm knowing that.

So in the middle of all your crisisies remember "Don't Panic" and bring a towel.

"To The Pain"

If you ever want to know what true pain is, have a bone marrow biopsy. Nothing will prepare you for it, words can't discribe how painful it is, the only good thing about it is that it last for a few secounds. I guess any longer you one would die.

Went to the doc today to get the results. My marrow is good, like five ***** good. I'm also 162 lbs (need to start working out to get this weight were I want it). The bad part is even after the transfusion my platelets were only 18,000 that's up from 11,000 but good is between 50 to 100 thousand. And it looks like they want my spleen now.

The title is from the Princess Bride (you need to see it if you haven't), a scene in which Wesley confronts Prince Humperdink by stating he was going to cut off or out most of the prince. I for some reason find this familiar.

As for the delay in post, I am beginning to understand theories on processing. Sometimes things need time to process before I can write about them.

"Oh sure! You can live without (insert organ here)"

I'm beginning to wonder how many times one can hear this and it be true.

I went to the liver doctor on Monday and they pretty much agreed with the oncologist, that I can live without my spleen if need be. If this does end up happening that will make it four organs removed and one replaced. I'll have to change the blog to 3 organs down or 4 and 1 and still kicking.

I also went and gave blood today and the oncologist called about an hour ago and wants me to have a transfusion today and a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow. Yes my mind is spinning with all the not so good thoughts, that I wont mention.

I again ask for your thoughts and prayers.
And remember I can live without (insert organ here).

Ferfer

What follows is a poem (yes, I'm one of those types) I wrote to my wife.

It has come to my attention,

That's something of me you lack.

And I wish you no intention,

To give the ring back.

As I begin to understand how two should be,

Wrapped with Him in eternity.

I see the reason why,

Flowers wont do,

So I write this poem,

Of love to you!

Matt Dejonge 08'

"Let Me eSpleen,...No! Let Me Sumup..."

For those who didn't know my platelets are low (1700's [they give transfusions and 3500 or less]). No transfusion yet. I saw the doctor (Parker, cancer guy) today and he gave me four possible resons: 1) I have a platlet antibody (ie...a bacteria or white blood cell targeting my platelets); 2) Hyperactive Sleen (this is a side effect of liver disease); 3) something going on with the new liver; 4) or something else (other).

The plan so far is to do more blood work and have the liver clinic (whom I see Monday) do some extra tests, to rule out antibodies of viruses.

The best outcome is I am just having a reaction to the chemo (He went to school 4 more years then me, go figure). Worst case I have to rename my blog to "Three Organs Down." So if you could start sending the prayers my way thanks!

Where We Headed Now Boss?

One thing I have been meaning to talk about, but have only tuched on in prior post, is following God. The church I go to calls it "Being a fully devoted follower of Christ," but that's a little wordy, so following God.

The Bible says it's that still small voice, which is what psychology deems classic schizophrenia (responding to an internal stimuli). So I'm psychotic, and so are most Christians. The best example of this, besides David Koresh who may have not been listening to God very well, is when I went back to collage.

I had quite school when I was 21 because at the time I was dealing with dieing (liver problems). This resulted in the loss of funding and me having to get a full time job. I went back when I was 26 not only because my health was better and I had funding, but also because God had put it in my heart to go back. I wholly believe that God had arranged everything in my life so that I had no other choice but to go back to school.

Now granted I could have chosen not to go, but that would have left a bigger hole in my life then when I did not have God. That experience taught me that I could trust God but also that He truly wanted me to be happy. And it's a great feeling to set my heading and know that God will get me there!

Achieving Depression

When I finished collage I got really depressed. Not because I now had to join the real world (I had done that already), but because I had no plan for my future. When you achieve all your goals what do you do next?

Knowing this me and the Mrs started to plan for your next big thing, last weekend. We are going to try and have kids, like in a year. And while that is good news, I was surprised at the reaction of a friend. They were upset that we would even consider having kids this close to chemo.

For those who don't know, chemo has made it a little bit harder for us make babies. We know this and have planed how to deal with this. Which is one big reason to wait a year. Regardless of this problem, making babies is a blessed event. It's what God put us on the Earth for. And what I truly believe He wants us to do next. And it's been a lot of work for God to get me to this point.

So before you weigh in on this plan, realize that all the possible problems have been analyzed, and our goal is not achieve depression; but blessedness!

YOU Did It!

That's what Dr. Parker said yesterday as he walked into the room. I had a PET scan Friday and yesterday we were in his office to get the results. Which are, I'm cancer free. And while I had a part to play in this war, without you my supporting friends and family and God himself, I would not be here today. So Parker's right YOU did it and I thank you.

This is what "Having the faith to move mountains," means. So the next time you doubt yourself and God, remember this story and the part YOU had in it.