Journal entry by Jay Wolff —
It has been a very long time since posting here. A lot has happened since March of 2021. Most of you know what's going on, but I'd you don't here's a quick overview. Cancer came back in summer of 2021, docs decided to monitor for awhile. Over next 6 months, 4 tumors were found and had gotten to the point of treatment. Tried an oral chemo for four months with no success. Radiation and surgery was the next option. I'm currently 14 rounds of proton therapy in with 14 to go. Radiation has been going well, but I'm noticing side effects sooner and they are lasting longer. But this is just the next step of a very long journey. Surgery is scheduled for November 14th. Which brings me to why I'm writing here. It's too long for FB and my family and I are getting a lot of questions about what's next.
Even though I've had surgery before to remove a large tumor, this one will be more invasive. They are not only removing the tumors, but also my spleen and the tail of my pancreas. This surgery will also require the repair or reconstruction of my diaphragm, because one tumor is tucked in a difficult location. And they're going to their best at removing as much as they can to get better margins this time. I've been down this road of recovery before, but this time I'm expecting a tougher, longer recovery time. I have full confidence in my team that they will make this as comfortable as possible.
I also wanted to share that surgery is not the end of my fight. The purpose of radiation was to provide better margins for surgery so I can get more time before I have to do this all over again. The possibility of my cancer coming back is very, very high due to the kind of liposarcoma (de differentiated) and the difficult locations (retroperitoneum). My doctors are hopeful that I can 10 maybe 15 years before another surgery. This was obviously both good and heartbreaking to hear. Coming to Houston was the best thing I could have done, they are literally saving my life.
I have the right attitude, the best support network, and loving family that will carry me through whatever comes at me. I am strong because of everyone behind me, and to say I can't do it without all of you is an understatement. Thank you for all that you have done for me or my family, it is appreciated more than you know!
#wolffpackstrong
#sarcomasucks
Even though I've had surgery before to remove a large tumor, this one will be more invasive. They are not only removing the tumors, but also my spleen and the tail of my pancreas. This surgery will also require the repair or reconstruction of my diaphragm, because one tumor is tucked in a difficult location. And they're going to their best at removing as much as they can to get better margins this time. I've been down this road of recovery before, but this time I'm expecting a tougher, longer recovery time. I have full confidence in my team that they will make this as comfortable as possible.
I also wanted to share that surgery is not the end of my fight. The purpose of radiation was to provide better margins for surgery so I can get more time before I have to do this all over again. The possibility of my cancer coming back is very, very high due to the kind of liposarcoma (de differentiated) and the difficult locations (retroperitoneum). My doctors are hopeful that I can 10 maybe 15 years before another surgery. This was obviously both good and heartbreaking to hear. Coming to Houston was the best thing I could have done, they are literally saving my life.
I have the right attitude, the best support network, and loving family that will carry me through whatever comes at me. I am strong because of everyone behind me, and to say I can't do it without all of you is an understatement. Thank you for all that you have done for me or my family, it is appreciated more than you know!
#wolffpackstrong
#sarcomasucks
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