Thank you everyone. I went to see I_ today (they've eased the rules, perhaps because he doesn't have long). He's very weak, but still himself and we had a good laugh. "The doctor said I have agressive lung cancer that is untreatable and it has spread to my brain and given me two tumours there too. I said that was lucky. The doctor asked why. I said most people only get one brain tumour" We know each other through music. He said he hopes to get four albums recorded in the next couple of weeks (and pointed out that one tape he already gave me contains some 'good funeral music'). I mentioned that his daughter had suggested he hoped to record six (which was true - she thought his bipolar was playing up and he was manic). He fixed me with his deadpan face and told me she was exaggerating.
I'm really going to miss him. Thanks for all your prayers.
I had my surgery yesterday. It went well as far as I can tell, and they didn't have to take my lymph nodes so I'm happy about that. I feel pretty good except for some pain under my left arm. Thanks to all who prayed. I have an appointment with the surgeon on Friday when I'll learn more.
I'm back from the surgeon, it was too early for pathology reports, but she took out the drain I had in, which is a Good Thing, and I'm more comfortable. I see the surgeon again, and have my first visit to the oncologist, both on June 8th.
The news was generally good. The tumor was small and is out and the margins were clean. It was stage 1. There was no lymph node involvement. They did find some abnormal cells in the right breast (where they did the surgical biopsy) and I don't know yet what's going to be done about that. The tumor has been sent out for more lab work and I go back in two weeks to find out the prognosis and treatment.
Last day of drug-cycle #40!!!
Then 7 days to recover
Very fatigued but blissfully resting from the dawn chorus till mid-afternoon - an interesting combination.
Indebted to all for prayers and other modes of intercession.
I am taking Mr. Image to the doctor today following his tests to learn what treatment plan is proposed. I am glad to just finally be moving forward in some way, the sit and wait part has been un-nerving for me. I know I am not the patient but still.
No, you are not the patient. but you are probably the main person caring for and about him. Praying that it all goes as smoothly as possible for both of you.
Good visit today, Doctor expects a positive outcome, for Mr. Image. This is good to hear. The tumor looks to have clean edges. Surgery will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Also because of his age, they will be keeping him in the hospital this time overnight and not sending him home the same day as they did before. I feel much better knowing that.
Hell is too good a place for cancer side effects and after effects. After eight years it seems that I am still haunted by the toxic reaction to Interferon Alpha. My old brain wasn't a very good one, but I'd really like to have it back.
Sorry to hear that Stercus Tauri. Sounds like an unwanted gift that keeps on giving. I had hoped by now there would be kinder, gentler, treatments on hand.
Hmmm... Remembering that we don't give medical advice here, I had better note that the aforementioned toxic reaction is not the general case, but was indeed a personalised gift - not all people are blessed with it.
My best friend and my wife have been diagnosed with cancer within three months of each other. Last year, another close friend was diagnosed with Paget's. I am sort of at the primal scream therapy stage with this one.
I am taking Mr. Image to the doctor today following his tests to learn what treatment plan is proposed. I am glad to just finally be moving forward in some way, the sit and wait part has been un-nerving for me. I know I am not the patient but still.
It is un-nerving. I am practically a basket case waiting to get 'the full SP' on the wife's situation, so I have some conception of where you are at.
Talked to the hospital today and they have scheduled surgery for Mr. Image early next month. What a great experience, they explained everything, answered all of our questions with patience, and even arranged for us to have pre-op tests done with a local lab as the hospital is some distance from where we live. I am no longer comfortable driving on freeways so our son will be taking off work to drive him the day of his surgery. Having pre-op done locally will mean that I can take him for both of those appointments, and the surgeon comes to our area once a week for follow-up. Sounds simple but what a relief to me as I was very concerned about the driving.
GI I am happy for you that this has turned out less stressful than it might have been the case. It's more difficult to cope with medical things when you're stressed out about stuff like driving to an appointment.
Comments
I'm really going to miss him. Thanks for all your prayers.
@NicoleMR - What encouraging news! You continue in my daily prayers.
Praying.
The more information you have the better - whatever it is (In My Opinion and Experience)
Then 7 days to recover
Very fatigued but blissfully resting from the dawn chorus till mid-afternoon - an interesting combination.
Indebted to all for prayers and other modes of intercession.
It is un-nerving. I am practically a basket case waiting to get 'the full SP' on the wife's situation, so I have some conception of where you are at.