Paul Ledbetter

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I could begin 46 years ago when I met Paul, but there isn't space to fully tell how wonderful my husband is. Diagnosed 10/3/16 with malignant tumor in the esophageal junction. Paul has never been sick in his life aside from the usual colds. Never broken a bone. Never been in a hospital until this.

 When we found out last Thursday (October 13, 2016) that radiation previously considered had been ruled out because the tumor had spread, I went blank. I didn't know what to think for all the emotions and confusion. He felt the same. His first thought was not for himself but for me and our boys, their families and the grandkids.  He, to this update today, Nov. 8, 2016, wishing only to spare me and himself the suffering that may be coming more and more our way.

Tuesday, the 18th of October we see another doctor at MD Anderson, thanks to Donna Hadfield who helped us get an immediate appointment. Donna is my step grand daughter's Aunt.  Update: 10/18: Doctor Blum at MDA confirmed Stage 4 EC. Aneurysm 3.7 in his heart. She would change the chemo to protect his neuropathy in his legs. He will see a neurologist at MDA. He has another upper GI for 2nd biopsy for a protein that will help her with selection of chemo.  Update: Nov 8, 2016: the biopsy from MDAnderson was sent to the North Cypress Hospital doctor today. It looks like the report will not change the chemo treatments at all. 

We have very good doctors at North Cypress hospital. Dr. David B. Hodges.  He is young and not burned out.  He will be able to administer the MDA regimen.  (Updated: Nov 1...Chemo begins November 2 at 7:30AM).  Originally the doctors said it was localized but they never can be certain until a pet scan. That's when last Thursday they said it is in the lungs, liver, lymph system, couple of spots near the neck/throat area.  


Adding to the overwhelming stress, we lost our son Michael Ledbetter who passed away 10/20; funeral 10/28.  Especially difficult for Paul was the endoscopy for his second biopsy on 10/21.  Never, ever do that.  I would recommend no human being do that to themselves ever.  That was a horrible day for Paul, myself, Kathy and Don...just the worst.  Think a grown man doesn't cry?  Don't know where the gallons came from us both. 

I update this periodically. Thanks for all your prayers and love coming our way.  There are truly angels among us.  YOU! All!


Updated November 8, 2016