Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. On June 25, 2019, Brad went in for his "first ever" colonoscopy. During this process they found a "large" mass in his rectum. He had subsequent testing following this and they have diagnosed him with Rectal Cancer. The tests show that there are two enlarged lymph nodes near the tumor site, the University is calling them "suspicious" and that is new from what they said here in Willmar. Concerning is what I would call it!! The MRI and CT did not show any additional lesions on the Liver, Kidney, Lungs; that is good news!! We have been patiently awaiting his visit to the University of Minnesota. We had our first visit there yesterday, July 30, 2019. They did a lower endoscopy and were able to get some better biopsies to further evaluate the stage and grade of this tumor. I was able to watch the process and it was quite interesting.... not sure why, when they are up in there, that they just don't grad it and get rid of it!! Just kidding, but, it sure went thru my brain! We were informed that we needed to meet with the University Oncology Dept. That appt. is not until August 26, 2019. At that time, they should be able to define a definite plan for Brad's treatment. As of now, we have been told that he will need Chemotherapy - 12 cycles probably, and then Radiation/Chemotherapy after the initial Chemo. Then after he has completed that treatment, he will again see the surgeon and see if the tumor has shrunk enough to proceed with surgery. Needless to say, this has been quite a whirlwind of information and lots of unknowns. At this time, what we do know - Brad will be having these treatments here in Willmar; after the initial plan is laid out by the experts in Minneapolis at the "U" and consulting with the experts here at the Willmar Regional Cancer Center. They feel that he should be able to continue his daily work/activities thru the treatment. The treatment will come with side affects and mostly fatigue. He already is excited about not having to cut his hair! (keep the humor coming people!) We feel we are in great hands - just wish the process moved faster. That being said, we understand that the prognosis is good, but the treatment will be long and arduous. The entire process will be anywhere from 9 months to a year. We started this page because we are finding it hard to keep up with who we have spoken with and updated. We hope that you will visit this page and send positive thoughts and prayers Brad's way. He has a long road of treatment ahead of him, but, we know that God has got this and he is Good!!! We will try to keep this page updated as we know more and move ahead. He has got this!!! Terri
Hello all and Happy Holy Week!! Today is Brad's last day of oral chemo!! He will go back to the University for all scans on April 27. We have appreciated all of the prayers and positive thoughts thru this entire process!! We cannot even begin to tell you how much it has helped us thru!! We are hoping that the scan show the tumor is completely gone! They will then decide if surgery is needed or not.... Uff! Not sure what I am hoping for right now, but in the end, it is Brad's decision. Keep the prayers coming and the positive thoughts!! Love to you all!! Brad and Terri
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