Another health update

Walt's latest tests indicate all the cancer is currently under control.  He'll continue the chemotherapy protocol and will be closely monitored.  We'll update again as the situation warrants.  As always, prayers and positive thoughts are much appreciated.  Thank you!  Susan

8-26-2016

Round 2 of chemo has started; Walt's pain medications have been adjusted.  We are investigating radiation therapy for his left shoulder pain.  Numerous weekly doctor visits and chemo are on the calendar at any given time.  And the story continues...

Yet another health update

We met with the oncologist this morning.to review the latest test results and scans.  The cancer continues to spread and he'll be undergoing chemotherapy starting next Thursday.  Thank you for your continued support.

Roller coaster plunge

We saw the oncologist last night.  Walt's bladder cancer has spread into his abdominal cavity.  Another PET scan and labs will be done in about a month to determine the best chemo protocol for the situation.  We're fine and facing this like we always do - head on.  Thank you for your continued support and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Update

Walt had a biopsy of the abdominal lesion today.  We should have answers within 2 weeks.  Until I write again, thank you for your continued prayers of support.

Susan

Good news!

Walt had a cystoscopy this morning....no new bladder tumors!  Will repeat the procedure in 3 months.  The recent brain MRI showed marked decrease in the lesion size and no new lesions!  June 6 he will have a biopsy of the lesion on his small bowel (outpatient).  The doctor may elect to do a small bowel resection at this time (several days in the hospital).  Thank you for your continued support!

Latest health update

We've seen the urologist and will continue to monitor the bladder cancer through periodic cystoscopies.  The lungs are still clear, the brain tumor hasn't grown.  There is a lymph node in the abdomen that has grown since the last PET scan and will be biopsied before Walt's next appointment in early May.  The current schedule is to monitor lab work and scans on a quarterly basis.  Just another twist in the road.

Latest reports are in

Radiation has stabilized the brain tumor which means it hasn't grown; there's been some reduction in size.  Walt will have periodic MRIs to monitor the progress. 

The 2nd cystoscopy revealed no cancer in the bladder muscle.  We'll see the urologist later this month to discuss treatment options (some form of chemo is necessary).

The lungs are clear of cancer; periodic scans will be done.

Short of hoping that he was completely cancer-free, this is the best outcome we could have expected.

Repeat cystoscopy

Walt's repeat cystoscopy was today.  The urologist removed more bladder muscle tissue so the pathologist can give a better report on the exact cancer and it's stage.  By early afternoon we were back home and he was resting comfortably.  Surgery went as expected.

Well...damn and blast.

The doctor called last night with the results of the pathology report on Walt's bladder tumors.  They were malignant.  The pathologist needs even more tissue from underneath the tumors to determine if the bladder wall is also involved.  The cystoscopy will have to be repeated after next month's post-op appointment (need time for the body to heal).  Further treatment will be determined by these results.

Bladder surgery

Walt's bladder surgery to remove 2 tumors went well.  During his pre-op visit with Walt he said he was feeling quite good today.  My comment, after the fact when I learned of the conversation, was 'Gee, sure am glad he wasn't feeling crappy and wouldn't be on his A game!'  I know he meant it in the best possible way.  We really do like our urologist who sports bright green eye glasses.  He came home with a catheter which we figured he probably would.  Our friends thought we were nuts to presuppose this before the procedure.  Why?  If it happens then you're not surprised.  If it doesn't happen then you're quite happy.  I don't remember seeing anything in the fine print of our marriage licenses that mentioned catheter care.  And I hope I don't have to re-enlist to do this again.  Yuk.  He's almost weaned off the steroids which means his blood sugars can get back to a normal pattern - frequently on the low side.  Aaahhh, just something else to handle in the mix.  I/he will remove the catheter Monday morning at 8.  Asked the doc why 8 and he said because by then the world will be up and in their offices so you can reach out for help if you need it.  I said that with my sister being an RN and her husband Walt's primary care doc and the fact that they lived about 6/10 of a mile away I wasn't too worried about getting help.  Now to await the pathology report.  We've learned to play that game all too well.

2016...it's a new year but not off to the best of starts

Walt had numerous tests run the end of 2015.  He is no longer in remission.  He has a tumor on the brain that has already been treated with radiation.  Other tumors are in the bladder.  He will have surgery to remove the tumors on 1/22 and the pathology report (get it the end of January) will tell us if further treatment is necessary.  As usual, he's doing just fine and keeping his medical staff on their toes with his humor.  As things develop I'll let you know.  Please keep sending positive thoughts; they're greatly appreciated.