And so it goes....

Had a setback couple weeks ago. A bile duct blockage knocked me out of commission. It took the docs a few days to put in a fix. After three procedures I think they (finally) have the stent working OK.


Unfortunately they found more tumor activity around the blockage. I am going to see the Radiation doc next Friday as well as the people at T-GEN cancer research foundation. My doc wants them to review my case for a second opinion and a treatment plan.

I am spending a couple of days wallowing in self pity and decided it's time to get back on the horse. So, I am taking disability from work for a few weeks to concentrate on the task at hand "getting better". It just feels like I have been treading water for the last year and I think it will help me focus my efforts and allow me to more accurately assess the changes as they occur. I feel bad that the guys at the office got slammed with all of the loose ends I left. I hope one day to be able to have an opportunity to repay the favor.




The T-Gen folks are great. There is a new research trial starting on Thursday this week that they signed me up for. It's a new chemo drug that has had some success in cancer strains similar to mine.


Casey and Sean are fine and glad to be out of school. They leave in a week or so to visit Grandma in Hawaii for a couple of weeks. Nice way to kick off the summer huh?


Steven is working hard every day and making the most of his opportunities at work.

Melanie is doing her level best to manage all of our lives while taking care of everyone too.



That's all for now.... Let's everyone pray for hair and stomach friendly chemo tomorrow.....

OK, Back it up!!

Arrrgh. Not fixed yet after all. I had to call and return to the hospital at 2am this morning to obtain a new drain bag. The pain had become unbearable. I wish they had included that extra bag originially and saved me a trip. At any rate I guess we are moving to plan "C", whatever that is.

Finally!!!!

OK, They finally got it. Stent inserted and working. The external drain stays in but is capped as of Saturday. Once the scar tissue forms (the good kind) they will remove it and the correct draining will all go bck to where it is supposed to be. I spent the night in the hospital Friday night (That is routine for them but was a complete surprise to us). I didn't know I needed my toothbrush and teddy bear until I was on the table for the procedure.

More good news!!! I discovered the pharmacutical version of "The Perfect Storm". A semi restful night though for the most part.

The best thing in a while was the return of some appetite and hydraton to my system. I actually ate some roast pork and potatoes Saturday night. Other than some ramen noodles days earlier it was the first substantial food I have had in quite a few days. I also have a general feeling of wellness inside like there is some stuff working now that hasn't been for a while. Obviously things may not be at 100% but I think we may be moving in the right direction. More to follow...

Keep Pushin'


Scott

News Update...

Unfortunately, Today's plan to insert a steel stent to resolve the bile duct blockage was unsuccessful. Apparently their capabilities were not compatible with my new plumbing arrangements. Plan "B" scheduled for tomorrow morning will involve the use of an arterial catheter to accomplish the same thing. They will be going through the chest wall and liver to get where they need to be. I don't know much else other than that but i am happy it is scheduled so soon because I am really sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was also told that the reason for the blockage appears to be enlarged Lymph Nodes and that my Doctor may be considering more Chemotherapy. I am going to see if there might be any pathology available to confirm that. I am not ready to take a bunch of Chemo on speculation if I can avoid it. I will do it if I have to because my Doc is a rockstar and I trust him but I like to push back a little sometimes so that I can make sure nobodys just guessing their way throught this (And I have been known to be a little obnoxious).

Thanks to Christina for taking the puppy tomorrow for us. That is such a huge help.

We are thrilled that we dont have to take Steven to work tomorrow either!!! Yay!!! We love him but that chore is getting a little old......

Sheri, if you see this I miss you and hope I can see you when you come through town on your trip. You too Snooze. Come to Sean's games this weekend if you can...

Keep Pushin...

Scott

Enough already!!!!

OK Look, No less that 6 people have now told me that I look like crap and need to go see my doctor. Some even wonder why I might be a little apprehensive about doing that? Well let's review. Doctors order tests, tests involve needles and other sharp instruments, sometimes tests lead to less than favorable news, etc. I just finished nearly a year of Chemo and I am ready for a freaking break. Apparently my liver is not and seems to not be functioning normally. I am told that jaundice is related to liver issues. I have been pretty sick since last week and I am calling the docs office today right after I go do some blood work.

Ok new info here... Dr called and it appears that I have a bile duct blockage. There are two ways to fix that. One is basically an advanced endoscopy where they might put in a stent and the other is a procedure where they get to the liver through the chest wall and place the stent and/or clear the blockage. Neither sounds like a party but the first would be way more preferable so lets hope for success.


Note to all... If you or someone you care about is past due for a Mammogram please encourage them to get one. If they need a comfortable environment to have the test please use the Women's center at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea. Melanie said that place was like a spa (Other than the actual exam).


We're fans of the band Shirley's Temple and their drummer Stephanie is currently fighting breast cancer. Her story is at http://caringbridge.org/visit/spudtata


Maggie is growing like a weed!!! She is over 16lbs now and about three times larger than when we got her. The cat is even more pissed because now he's not the heavyweight anymore and she just stands there and takes it from him. It's pretty funny.... He is a real grumpy gus!