Journal entry by Regina Graham —
Late December early January momma was having some trouble swallowing. She was constantly beating on her chest trying to burp. She tried everything Pepsi, Coke, baking soda you name it but nothing seemed to help. We decided to make an appointment and see if maybe just maybe we could get her in and get esophagus stretched. That's what Regina had done so maybe it will work for mom. Fast forward...
January 22
I received a call from momma stating that she wanted me to take her to the doctor "after" I got off work. After arguing with her, I had the squad pick her up and take her to Madison Health. The emergency room doctor suggested admitting her and having an EDG. Procedure scheduled and a food bolus was found. Unable to stretch the esophagus due to inflamation and tenderness, biopsies were performed and another appointment schedule for an upper GI near Mt. Carmel. Again, procedure scheduled but unable to stretch due to a little mass at the end of the esophagus into the stomach, biopsies done sent home to wait for results...
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018 @ 7:23 a.m.
Results are in... Cancer cells have been found, need and Endoscopy Ultrasound (EUS) to determine what is going on. Referred to OSU Brain and Spine where Momma's journey has now become a roller coaster of appointments...
February 15
Ms. Picklesimer you have been diagnosed with Esophogeal Cancer, we would still like you to have the EUS, plus we would like you to see a dietician, nephrology, oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, endoscopy, a PET Scan, plus have a renal biopsy because the spot that you have had on your kidney has doubled in size since your last scan.
While waiting on referrals to come through, appointments to be made, momma has started to feel a lot of pain. She has been complaining that her left shoulder blade just hurt. To the point she is unable to sleep. The doctors I work for (pain management) are giving us suggestions and a little prescription to get her through until some of her scheduled appointments.
February 22 day before her EUS, Madison, my daughter calls and says momma is in a lot of pain. Consulting with my physicians an MRI was ordered, unable too make it through the testing due to pain, it was changed to a CT. 20 minutes after the CT, emergent call from radiologist. TUMORS all over her spine and into the bone. (PICTURES HERE)
Knowing momma has her EUS the next day Regina and I decide to have a little slumber party at mommas. Just to break up all the seriousness. We laughed ate Larrys pizza, did some reminiscing and just enjoyed being together without doctor, test and results. (PICTURES HERE)
Today is the day we finally get to find out what this thing is in momma.
Friday February 23, we met a fantastic doctor, Dr. McCarthy who is going to take momma down for her EUS. He gives us information regarding the procedure and then I gave him the information from the CT we received on Thursday. This kind mans face went from normal to utter shock and concern. He let us know it would take a little while and that they would be out to get us. ooop, procedure cancelled.. On Thursday evening momma decided to eat a small piece of fish at 7 pm and the fish decided to stick around. So Dr. McCarthy politely told us he is going to suggest a stent or a feeding tube. Now we just continue with appointments and wait for answers.
Monday, February 26... PET scan
Wednesday, February 28...Renal biopsy
Thursday, March 1...Dr. Shubsighy Urogolical Surgeon
This day did not start out the best. By this time we are so tired of answering the same questions especially to people that do not take the time to read the chart. At this time I am literally thinking who am I going to have to call first to get bail money for Regina because she is about to punch a CNP out. That's when to doctor came in and begin to answer questions we have been waiting for. Until he receives the results from the PET scan he really is unable to do anything for her. The main concern right now seems to be the tumors on the spine, not the cancer.
We now get a call stating they are scheduling her for stent placement on Monday, March 5.
Monday, March 5 we head back to OSU where Dr. McCarthy will put the stent in place. Things went well and she was sent home only to turn around and head back up to OSU on Tueday.
Tuesday, March 6, Dr. Mendel Neurosurgery
January 22
I received a call from momma stating that she wanted me to take her to the doctor "after" I got off work. After arguing with her, I had the squad pick her up and take her to Madison Health. The emergency room doctor suggested admitting her and having an EDG. Procedure scheduled and a food bolus was found. Unable to stretch the esophagus due to inflamation and tenderness, biopsies were performed and another appointment schedule for an upper GI near Mt. Carmel. Again, procedure scheduled but unable to stretch due to a little mass at the end of the esophagus into the stomach, biopsies done sent home to wait for results...
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018 @ 7:23 a.m.
Results are in... Cancer cells have been found, need and Endoscopy Ultrasound (EUS) to determine what is going on. Referred to OSU Brain and Spine where Momma's journey has now become a roller coaster of appointments...
February 15
Ms. Picklesimer you have been diagnosed with Esophogeal Cancer, we would still like you to have the EUS, plus we would like you to see a dietician, nephrology, oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, endoscopy, a PET Scan, plus have a renal biopsy because the spot that you have had on your kidney has doubled in size since your last scan.
While waiting on referrals to come through, appointments to be made, momma has started to feel a lot of pain. She has been complaining that her left shoulder blade just hurt. To the point she is unable to sleep. The doctors I work for (pain management) are giving us suggestions and a little prescription to get her through until some of her scheduled appointments.
February 22 day before her EUS, Madison, my daughter calls and says momma is in a lot of pain. Consulting with my physicians an MRI was ordered, unable too make it through the testing due to pain, it was changed to a CT. 20 minutes after the CT, emergent call from radiologist. TUMORS all over her spine and into the bone. (PICTURES HERE)
Knowing momma has her EUS the next day Regina and I decide to have a little slumber party at mommas. Just to break up all the seriousness. We laughed ate Larrys pizza, did some reminiscing and just enjoyed being together without doctor, test and results. (PICTURES HERE)
Today is the day we finally get to find out what this thing is in momma.
Friday February 23, we met a fantastic doctor, Dr. McCarthy who is going to take momma down for her EUS. He gives us information regarding the procedure and then I gave him the information from the CT we received on Thursday. This kind mans face went from normal to utter shock and concern. He let us know it would take a little while and that they would be out to get us. ooop, procedure cancelled.. On Thursday evening momma decided to eat a small piece of fish at 7 pm and the fish decided to stick around. So Dr. McCarthy politely told us he is going to suggest a stent or a feeding tube. Now we just continue with appointments and wait for answers.
Monday, February 26... PET scan
Wednesday, February 28...Renal biopsy
Thursday, March 1...Dr. Shubsighy Urogolical Surgeon
This day did not start out the best. By this time we are so tired of answering the same questions especially to people that do not take the time to read the chart. At this time I am literally thinking who am I going to have to call first to get bail money for Regina because she is about to punch a CNP out. That's when to doctor came in and begin to answer questions we have been waiting for. Until he receives the results from the PET scan he really is unable to do anything for her. The main concern right now seems to be the tumors on the spine, not the cancer.
We now get a call stating they are scheduling her for stent placement on Monday, March 5.
Monday, March 5 we head back to OSU where Dr. McCarthy will put the stent in place. Things went well and she was sent home only to turn around and head back up to OSU on Tueday.
Tuesday, March 6, Dr. Mendel Neurosurgery
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