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.

Howdy!

We saw Walt's oncologist this morning.  He continues to be in remission!!!!!!!!!!!  We have another appointment in December when he'll have a PET scan done.  Presuming it's clear, he will be seeing the oncologist yearly instead of every 6 months.  Yay!!! 

The days leading up to the appointment are always a bit nerve-wracking.  With all that Walt has going on medically, we are always on pins-and-needles waiting to see what results from each doctor's appointment. 

On other medical issues...his cardiovascular appointment is now yearly so that's another good thing.  Unfortunately the wet macular degeneration in his left eye has returned (as the doctor warned it most likely would) so he's on another round of injections into the eye to dry up the leakage.  He hasn't driven in 3 years so when his license comes up for renewal in August he will get an ID card only. 

It's very hard watching someone you love not be able to do the things they used to do.  But we continue to make the most of what we have and take each day as it comes, knowing that none are promised to us.

Great news!

Walt saw the oncologist today...he's still in remission, everything looks and sounds good!!!!  She downgraded his PET scans to 6 month chest CT scans!  Two years ago at this time we were just beginning this journey.  We keep taking life one day at a time and enjoying the heck out of it.  Holiday hugs and please don't stop the prayers and positive vibes!  Thank you!!!

One year and counting...

It's now official.  Saw the oncologist this morning and all reports show that Walt has been in remission for one year!  Yay!!! A red-letter day for sure!

Seems like not a month goes by when he's not being tested for something but so far all systems are checking out just fine.  Next update in 3 months. 

Can't stop saying 'thank you' for your continued thoughts, concerns and prayers.  While we know he is incurable, he is manageable.  Although some days I do question the manageability.  lol