Monthly Archives: May 2010
Update – Sunday May 2, 2010.
This whole thing started with a case of bronchitis, that turned out to be anemia, that was suspected to be a bleeding ulcer, that is now strongly suspected to be cancer of the esophagus. On Monday we will get the … Continue reading
The pathology report is done and the news is encouraging.
The pathology report indicates I have adenocarcinoma cancer which is a very common cancer that is treatable. When the pathologists did the initial examination they saw abnormalities, but nothing that was glaringly obvious that it was cancer. As they examined … Continue reading
Some observations about my friends and life in general.
It has been fascinating watching the reactions of people when they learn I have cancer. Young people tend to be shocked and emotional because it is so foreign to them. People my own age (62) tend to become distraught realizing … Continue reading
Next test scheduled for 10 AM Wednesday May 5th.
The endoscopic ultrasound procedure is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 AM. At that time they will go back down my throat and do a more detailed analysis that will determine the best treatment. This may include a combination of surgery, … Continue reading
Ultrasound results could be a lot worse. I continue to be encouraged.
I completed the endoscopic ultrasound procedure and the results are in. I have stage three cancer (on a scale of one to four) which is better news than it sounds. The treatment and prognosis for the first three stages of … Continue reading
Anne is hanging in there too.
It has come to our attention that we have not let you know how Anne is doing. We decided to have her write something for me to post here: “Given the nature of the news we received last week, we … Continue reading
Comments on the flow of positive energy from our friends.
I’ve never been a religious person, and am not becoming one now. But the world view that something does not exist unless it can be measured is woefully inadequate. There is something beyond our comprehension that can only be described … Continue reading
New information from the oncologist visit.
The good news is I don’t have to undergo radiation therapy and my cancer is potentially curable, not just treatable. The news pretty much goes downhill after that. It turns out the cancer is lower than the esophagus, which makes … Continue reading
It was a rough day, we’re both wrung out, here’s a quick update.
This morning we met with Dr. Cook who is the surgeon who will implant my chemotherapy port and will probably do the major surgery. The port is a small reservoir that will be connected to an artery in my neck. … Continue reading
Sleep helped. I feel much better now.
As I predicted yesterday, I am feeling much better now that I’ve had a good nights sleep. I considered not posting yesterdays update because it seemed such a downer. But stomach cancer is a difficult thing and there are going … Continue reading
A wonderful email comes from nowhere.
On Sunday I got an email, through Facebook, from a total stranger. She discovered me through a comment I posted on a Facebook wall where I referred to the installation of my port as a Borg implant. Which, of course, … Continue reading
Borg chemo port insertion scheduled.
I am scheduled to have the chemo port surgically installed at 1 PM on May 28th. It will be a day surgery procedure that involves running a tube into a vein in my neck. The tube will be connected to … Continue reading
Developing a survival strategy.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger” – Nietzsche It’s a pretty good bet the next year is going to be an ordeal. I figure it best to approach it like preparing for a marathon. Which, considering how … Continue reading
Not a hero, but a clown.
Life has handed me a epic story. A heroic life and death struggle against formidable odds in an unfolding drama with lots of potential twists and turns. Plot lines don’t get better than that. It is a story I can’t … Continue reading
Today’s pre-surgery appointment went well.
We went in for the pre-surgery appointment today. It went very well. We met with a nurse who explained a lot of things, which was very helpful. I am feeling much better about the entire course of treatment because of … Continue reading
I have joined the Borg collective.
The Borg port is installed. The worst part was going without food for fourteen hours prior to the surgery. The best part was the warm glow immediately following surgery. Thank you pharmaceutical industry. Today my shoulder is sore, I am … Continue reading
I had no idea I had this many friends.
I am astounded by the overwhelming support I am getting from friends, neighbors, and relatives. I had no idea there were so many people who cared about me that much. I’m also amazed at the fantastic response I’ve gotten from … Continue reading →