Welcome to my CaringBridge site! I am undergoing Chemotherapy, and will use this site as an avenue for keeping you informed on my progress. Thank you for taking time to accompany me on this journey to healing! Thank you for your prayers and moral support for me and my family!
Oliver
Tuesday, 30 May 2017:
An MRI showed 3 problem areas of my prostate.
Thursday, June 22 2017:
I had biopsies taken for 3 areas of concern in my prostate plus one general area. They came back negative fortunately. Unfortunately, I developed prostatitis.
Friday, July 14 2017:
On the second day of my second round of antibiotics, unable to reduce my fever, we went to the ER. The doctor said that when I arrived, I was septic. I was put on IVs and admitted. Blood work indicated that the infection had spread from prostate into the blood stream.
Monday, 17 July 2017:
The bacteria type was identified as E coli. The correct antibiotic was begun to be administered.
Wednesday, July 19 2017:
I was having abdominal pain. He and Hospitalist and I reviewed my case. We decided to do a CT scan.
Thursday, July 20 2017:
The CT scan showed a large mass on my left kidney.
Friday, July 21 2017:
A biopsy of kidney was performed.
Monday, July 24 2017:
Another CT scan was done.
Wednesday, July 26 2017:
I was discharged from the hospital.
Thursday, July 27 2017:
I went to see my Oncologist. The biopsy indicated that I didn’t have kidney cancer even though it was "on" the kidney. The origin was still unknown, so more diagnostic tests were in order. This time an Out Patient PET Scan and colonoscopy & endoscopy tests were ordered.
My Oncologist sent a referral to MD Anderson.
Wednesday, August 2 2017:
I had a PET scan. It showed that only the left kidney had a malignant mass; that nearby lymph glands and nodes were clear.
Thursday, August 3 2017:
My Oncologist sent all referrals and all diagnostic & pathology reports to MD Anderson. She also ordered an endoscopy to replace the colonoscopy & endoscopy.
My Oncologist and her Nurse have been in an ongoing conversation with MD Anderson. Together they have decided what additional diagnostics were being ordered, analyzed and where they were being done. It has been a joint endeavor.
Tuesday, 15 August 2017:
I had an endoscopy. New tissue was obtained from organs around pancreas that needed to be examined. The doctor who did the procedure said that he also took tissue from some lymph nodes near the pancreas. They needed to be sure that they knew exactly what kind of carcinoma it was so they could treat it exactly. They do not want to miss it even by a little.
More waiting and praying.
Friday, 18 August 2017
Diagnosis: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (2 lymph node areas / left kidney / small duodenal - probably point of origin). Chemotherapy begins Wednesday, 23 August.
We won't know if treatment is effective until after 2 cycles. If effective, I will have to have chemo for at least 6 months. If not, a new plan will be in order. This type of cancer is aggressive. If treatment is effective, it will be an ongoing treatment - this cancer cannot be completely cured - it is recurring.
Monday, 21 August 2017:
Elizabeth, Natalie, Tamara and I attended a class on chemotherapy "Chemo Teach." I had an ECG (echocardiogram)
Tuesday, 22 August 2017:
A Port to receive the chemotherapy was surgically installed in my chest.
Wednesday, 23 August 2017:
A blood draw is scheduled; followed by a checkup with my Oncologist; followed by a FIVE-SIX HOUR chemotherapy (my first one).
Thursday, 24 August 2017:
A 1 1/2 hour chemotherapy is scheduled.
Friday, 25 August 2017:
A 1 1/2 hour chemotherapy is scheduled; then a system flushing; then a checkup with my Oncologist.
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