Greg’s Story

Site created on August 27, 2020

Thanks for stopping by Greg's Caring Bridge site.  Updates on his journey will be posted here.  Also, there isn't a donation site setup for Greg yet but we will be doing this soon.  If you are asked to donate its because Caring Bridge is a non-profit.  Someone has already donated to make sure Greg's Caring Bridge site remains active.  Thank you!

Greg was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer on June 3, 2020. The first step in the journey was to shrink the tumor so it could be safely removed. This required chemotherapy. His first chemotherapy dose was given on July 29, 2020. He was given a very heavy dose of chemotherapy after being advised by his doctors that it was needed to get ready for surgery. He has been very weak and chemotherapy is such a challenge let alone coping with a Stage 4 Cancer diagnosis (during a pandemic as well).

We’ve received lots of love and support through Greg’s chemotherapy and we’re happy to report he finished his last treatment on August 18th.

The second step has begun after our last visit with his doctor on August 25th. Greg responded well to the chemotherapy treatments and the tumor has shrunk. His body still needs to heal from chemotherapy and they are targeting his surgery to be sometime in October, giving his body the 6 – 8 weeks to fully recover.

The second appointment, on August 26th, was meeting with his surgeon in Waterloo. After the surgeon reviewed his case and response to chemotherapy and he's decided to refer Greg to the University of Iowa hospital. The reason is because of the additional risk found with his surgical plan. The risk is coming from a large lymph node that is attached to Greg’s aorta. This risk requires a vascular surgeon available to handle anything that may happen during the surgery to remove his kidney (ureter), a small part of his bladder and lymph nodes. A vascular surgeon is available at the University of Iowa hospital. While Greg wanted the surgeon in Waterloo to perform his surgery, he trusts him completely and knows his recommendation is to make sure all precautions are taken for a successful outcome.

We are now working to set up appointments with surgeons at the University of Iowa hospital. We will keep you posted. The news we have received is good but comes with more challenges. Thank you for everyone’s support and love during this very difficult time.

Newest Update

September 11, 2020

Journal entry by Arica Nielsen —

We saw the surgeon in Iowa City yesterday and surgery is scheduled for October 6th. We will have to go up on the 5th for Greg to get his covid test and then we will stay in a hotel for the night for surgery on Tuesday. The doctor is telling us the surgery will be 4-6 hours. Due to Covid they are only allowing one visitor per day, and only between the hours of 1pm and 5pm. 
Dr says as long as everything goes well with surgery and Greg is able to be up and walking he should only have to stay 2-3 days. I will be up there with him, just have to stay in the hotel as the house of hope at the hospital is closed due to covid too, but i will update as I can after his surgery.
Thank you all for your love and support! 
Read More of the journal titled "September 11, 2020"
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