Denny’s Story

Site created on January 13, 2024

Thank you for visiting dad’s page. Here is some background information and a timeline of events. 

Towards the end of November, Dad started experiencing some hoarseness in his voice and some slight pain and discomfort in his neck. A laryngoscopy and endoscopy were conducted around November 28, and they showed nothing of concern. A CT-Scan was then conducted which showed a couple small nodules in his lung. On December 28, a PET-CT scan indicated the likelihood of cancer in and around his thyroid, and it appeared that the cancer had potentially metastasized in one lymph node on the side of his neck. The lung nodules appeared ok in the PET-CT scan. A fine needle aspirated biopsy was taken on January 3, and we received the results back from the biopsy on January 9. These results indicated the potential for a squamous cell carcinoma in the thyroid. It is extremely rare for this type of cancer to occur in the thyroid.  Following the biopsy, an appointment was scheduled with the specialists at the University of Minnesota  on January 24 to discuss the next steps. However, after discussion with a surgeon friend of ours, he felt that was too long to wait, as the biopsy results indicate that this is a rare cancer with the potential to be aggressive. Fortunately he was able to schedule us an appointment with an endocrinologist in Duluth on Friday January 12. The results of this visit were discouraging, as the surgeon felt there is a strong likelihood that this could be anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). This is a very rare cancer that behaves aggressively, does not respond well to traditional cancer treatments, and has a poor prognosis. Our hearts sank when he talked in terms of “months” rather than “years” as to the typical outcome for life expectancy after diagnosis. He said he averages one case per year of ATC, and none have survived.  Surgery is scheduled for Monday January 15 at 6:00 a.m. They will remove the left thyroid lobe and surrounding tissues, and they will do a complete lymph node dissection on the left side, as the PET scan has shown that the cancer has metastasized in at least one lymph node. They said to expect the surgery to last about 6 hours, and they believe he should be able to go home the following day. After surgery, the tissues will be sent out for analysis, which will determine the next steps. This could take 1-2 weeks. 

We do have some things to be thankful and hopeful for, though. First, we are thankful that our surgeon friend was able to get us into this endocrinologist in such a short timeframe. Time is of the essence. Second, by the time most ATCs are diagnosed, they are typically inoperable due to the speed in which they spread. In Dad’s case, it appears as if the cancer is still fairly localized to the thyroid and surrounding tissues, and the surgeon does feel he can operate. This does not put us in the clear, as these aggressive cancers tend to escape and attack other organs, but it still is a good first step. Third, the cancer does not appear to have yet attacked any significant organs in the neck area (e.g., wind pipe, esophagus, carotid artery, etc.). We will not know the damage entirely until surgery is performed, but we are hopeful based on the initial scans. Finally, we do not know for certain that this cancer is ATC. It could still potentially be squamous cell cancer, which is even more rare for the thyroid than ATC but is more treatable. We will not know what kind of cancer it is until it is removed and analyzed. 

This was not the news we were hoping for, but we remain hopeful and would greatly appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. Specifically, we are praying for wisdom for the doctors and for all of us as we navigate this difficult time. We are praying that the surgery is successful and they are able to remove all of the cancer. We are also praying that the cancer is not ATC and that it is treatable after the surgery. They said to expect chemotherapy and radiation if the surgery is successful. Finally, we are praying for complete healing and restoration. 

We worship a God that is much bigger than cancer, and we are putting our faith and trust in Him.

Newest Update

March 19, 2024

Journal entry by Joy Bonnema —

First Day of Spring:
I took the lakeshore picture (above) on my morning walk not far from my Dad‘s hospital room and it brought back a rush of memories because every summer when I was growing up, our family would trek up to the North Shore of Lake Superior for 3-day vacation…a tradition that Mom and Dad later continued with their grandkids. Back, then none of us would have imagined that this would be the location of Dad‘s extended hospital stay! It wasn’t unknown to God, though, and on this first day of spring, we are so grateful for God's providence and faithful care in ALL seasons.
 
As you heard from Mike a few days ago, Dad’s tracheotomy went well. He’s been gaining strength, has had less secretion and mucus, and was even able to speak a little bit yesterday after they attached a speaking valve. (Check out the picture of him drawing a diagram of a heart while giving a mini biology lesson…once a teacher, always a teacher!)
 
We were hopeful that he would be able to be discharged by the end of this week, but right now there are two hurdles to get over before that can happen:
  1. Finding home healthcare that can manage a trach
  2. Battling possible pneumonia
Although Dad had a really strong day yesterday, he had a rough night which included spiking a fever. I'm very grateful to Mike who has been spending night and day in the room with Dad and who was able to advocate for him as things took a downward turn. This morning they heard some crackling in Dad's lungs and are concerned about pneumonia, so they’ve begun treating him with IV antibiotics. We're waiting for results of the cultures which will indicate what type of infection it is so it can be properly treated.
 
Each setback is discouraging, and yet dad is buoyed by your prayers and support. Time and again you have sent notes of encouragement & text messages that have landed at just the right time. Your love and care mean so much and your prayers are greatly appreciated; please continue!
 
I'm grateful I can be here for a few days and for all of you who are following this page and sending love!
Joy
Read More of the journal titled "March 19, 2024"
  • Lakeshore outside Dad's hospital room
    Lakeshore outside Dad's hospital room
  • Dad giving a mini biology lesson :)
    Dad giving a mini biology lesson :)
  • Lots of love from Mom
    Lots of love from Mom
  • Lots of waiting...
    Lots of waiting...
  • Playing Connections (after having completed Wordle!)
    Playing Connections (after having completed Wordle!)
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