March 10th - Well, it's been 8 days since Dr. Chow, my GI Doctor, came back through the curtain to tell me what he found during my colonoscopy. He first assured Lori that my head was no where to be found and to tell me they had found an ugly spot on my Colon (Oxymoron?) that measured about an inch. He was pretty certain it was cancer but took a biopsy to confirm. He sent in the blood guy who stuck me again and took what he needed. I got dressed and Lori took me home.
Fortunately I've been paying attention and my doctor Bryce Cleary, heard me when I said “ … something isn’t right” and sent me to have an early Colonoscopy... otherwise it could have been 3 more years before my first Colonoscopy I don’t think the prognosis would be as good as what we are looking at now.
Dr. Chow told me I would need to have a “resection” but first a CT Scan to make sure that nothing has moved outside of the Colon walls. My understanding of a resection is removing the diseased part and grafting the ends back together… shortening my Colon. Uncle Tad said “Well now you won’t be so full of S**t” … Agreed, Uncle Tad.
On Wednesday, When the biopsy came back confirming what Dr. Chow already knew, we told Connor and Elizabeth, they asked some questions in their own way. Connor diving into the details and Elizabeth immediately scared. We have assured them as best we can and then happily watched American Idol. I slipped off to call Brooke. Our future nurse was clinically asking the questions that she wanted to know. Everybody in the house, which includes Brooke, even though she is at school in Walla Walla, are aware of what is going on with Dad and show the right amount of concern while still getting on with the day to day stuff. I am happy this is not overwhelming their actions … I imagine it is on their minds all the time but they are not letting their concern or fear effect the home…. The dishes are still dirty and the showers are too long.
When I say “we” I mean Lori and I because even though she is not diagnosed as having cancer it will affect her just as greatly as it will me … so we are again the team you all have always known us to be. She has been incredibly supportive and helpful even though I know she is scared and frightened … even more than she is letting on. Only last Monday and Tuesday did she let it overwhelm her … since then, strong… I am blessed that she loves me.
Earlier in the afternoon, radiology called and scheduled me for a Wednesday the 12th CT Scan. I prepared for a week of waiting. I think the hardest part of this fight will be the waiting …
Thursday morning Radiology called and said they could take me in at 12:30 but I needed to start drinking the Barium sulfate. That stuff could be described as having the consistency of a very thick glass of milk. Liquid chalk, but not too unpleasant. The I would need to start drinking the mixture within a few minutes and hurry back to Corvallis. Couldn’t do it! I was out of town trying to earn a living so they rescheduled me for Monday at 10:15 (today). That kinda messes with your mind a bit when the clinic works so hard to get you an earlier diagnostic test than regularly scheduled. Fortunately I was busy during the weekend so it didn't completely overwhelm me.
I also began to tell those close to me that I had been diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. I’ll just say right now over the last few days I have again been assured that I am one of the most blessed men in the world. I have so many people that care for me.
So that brings us to today, Monday the 10th
The Radiologist was great. Explained what was going on and how the equipment worked and what I would feel as the Isotopes hit my blood stream. Finished in about 20 minutes. Pretty easy. Waiting today was not easy. Dr. Chow had asked me to come into the office late in the day to discuss what was known…. The CT scan looked pretty good but they see a small spot on my liver that he would like to take a closer look. So I’ll have a PET Scan on Thursday at 11am to determine the next course of action. I'll probably get results by Friday afternoon. If the Spot turns out to be nothing more than just a spot I will have a resection here in Corvallis next week sometime. I’ll spend a couple days in the hospital, then go home for a short recovery, probably avoid Chemotherapy, be healed and cancer free before football season. The Chemotherapy in this case would be determined by what they find during the resection.
If they determine the spot is a significant threat I will go to OHSU and have both a Resection and work on my liver at the same time… the hope is that the spot is insignificant.
How can you help? Prayers! … my friends and family have reminded me that Prayer is the best medicine. Prayer of thankfulness that Dr. Cleary, father of one of the football players I coach, heard me and set up the appointment with Dr. Chow.
Today’s conclusion: I am not sick. I don’t look sick and don’t feel sick. A little tired, Blood work shows I am Anemic, but no more so than 2 weeks ago when I didn't know I had cancer. The Cancer was discovered because I was paying attention not because I felt bad. In all likelihood, I will have the Resection next week, heal up, show off my scars and grow a little closer to my family, friends and find a new trust in the love of God.
I probably won’t post here until after I get new info from the PET Scan on Thursday. I’m writing this down because making all those calls to you all the first time was pretty hard and frankly… I’m busy, I have a lot to do and some ASS to kick. DRH
p.s. Now that you are caught up I won't write the novel that this was. It'll be shorter. If you want more info call me. 541-602-6828 or send an email dave@hodgert.com
Dave
