This is for Kathie and others who have been kind enough to ask about Teds health issues: (I will try to be brief in sharing what we have learned today)...And, I have not called any relatives because I am still trying to digest what we learned. First stop was in radiation at UTMB in Galveston, which went fine. Second stop was in the lab for blood work before chemo tomorrow. That did not go fine. We received two calls from the nurse and the doctor both saying that Teds white cell count was down too low for the chemo treatment tomorrow. We had been warned that this might start happening because of the chemo and radiation he is getting. Will continue radiation all week and try again with more lab work on Friday to try to keep the chemo in a weekly time frame. He has experienced pain in his chest and stomach area the past two days, but they said that would be normal. Third stop was with surgeon at Victory Lakes. We had thought previously (and had been told) that after five weeks of the chemo/radiation, they would re-evaluate the size and strength of the tumor and formulate a plan either for surgery or something else. We knew five weeks had not passed so we were a bit surprised at being called in for the appointment. The surgeon said he had spent quite a bit of time reviewing all scans, tests, and reviews, as well as current treatment status. The surgeon then proposed that since the tumor is quite large and has fused the esophagus and stomach together, and that tests showed it to be in the lymph nodes and having grown outside the esophagus and stomach, he would like to plan to operate four to five weeks after the last chemo and radiation treatments, and remove all of Teds stomach and a portion of the esophagus. He said, In order to sustain life, we must take it all to get the tumor. I questioned that immediately asking how he could live with no stomach at all. (I know how much this man enjoys his food). As I understand the charts, illustrations, and the surgeons words, he would craft the intestine directly to the esophagus. We then had a lengthy explanation of many ways to survive life on basically a liquid diet or extremely blended food diet of very small portions. I am stunned. Ted took it well and said he would think about it. I plan to talk to the two other doctors involved in his care to get their opinions. And after this very difficult (his word, not mine) surgery, there would be another round of chemo and radiation to make certain the cancer cells were killed. I honestly cannot imagine another round of these treatments with what they do to the human body. And, I find I cannot imagine not eating any real food ever again. I confess I feel I dont have any answers today. Ted thanks you for your prayers in his behalf.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 22:48:58 +0000
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