The other "C" word was spoken today

Today, for the first time since we found out I have cancer, the other "C" words was spoken by the radiological oncologist. Quite a nice man. Thoroughly discussed radiation treatments and why they as a group of doctors decided to go this direction in my treatment first. I was tattooed today with three marks and put thru a CAT scan to help him line me up for the 28 days of radiation treatments. I will have to go back Friday to get the final mark up before starting radiation treatments on Monday. I will have 23 days of broad range treatment from my collar bone to my lower pectoral muscle then under my arm. The last 5 will be the same dosage but concentrate in the area where the mass was removed. Side effects will include tender pealing skin and some fatigue. Long term side effects will include hair loss on my chest and under my arm. (Heather has suggest to Patti that she wax the other half of my chest and underarm to keep me looking good when I show off my muscles at the beach --- right!) The other long term effects will be toughening of my skin on my right side, fluid build up in my right arm, my ribs on the right side will be somewhat more brittle and could break easier, and I will loose up to 10% of my right lung to scar tissue. He stated that I could have microscopic cancer floating around even after but the interferon should take care of that. But then he said that they are being aggressive with this treatment because they feel as a group that they felt that the ("C" word)CURE may very well be possible because I have not smoked, drank or have done drugs plus being in good health up to this point are all in my favor. He is saying my possibility of developing cancer from the radiation later down the road is 1-2 in 1000 because of the way I have lived my life. It truly was great news to us. I praise God for answering my prayers. Now I could get it again, but that will be another battle and a different blog. Doctors cannot give guarantees. One last note for this post. Today I awoke with my blood pressure at 117 over 73, the lowest it has been since Steve T was called to the army some three years ago in January. My weight this morning was 178#. Last time I weighed 178# was in 1987 when I had a physical before going to Germany for the army. And the weight loss is good as it comes from good food and a changed lifestyle thanks to Patti and Heather. Keep praying though. The toughest part of treatments (and cure) are yet to come.

Approaching the end of the year thoughts

I have been reading all that I can and getting advice from people and truthfully, it has left me down and wondering what will happen this next year. I know that when Heather suggested this blog that it would be to inform people and keep things upbeat. Well, cancer is not always something you can be upbeat about. I want to be honest with the people who read this blog as to what is happening and what goes thru my mind as I progress along day to day. With all the information on the net and such, one can be really upbeat after one article and then down in the dumps the next. That is what the past few days have really been like. My decision to go the course of radiation and interferon has about a 10% statistical chance of keeping the cancer from reoccurring. Weighing that with the possible side effects I still am going that route. Melanoma is a strange cancer. There is really nothing that is proven to remove it from your body except surgically removing it. There are really no proven drugs, natural cures or diet that stop it. Once you have it, you always have it. One fact I did read that I did not know earlier was just how small cancer cells are. One million cancer cells can sit on the head of a pin. A tumor that is one centimeter (less than a half inch in diameter) contains one billion cells. So when the surgeon told us he got it all, he got all that could be seen or suspected. So, because we have a great God, I am going to rely on him to get me thru the treatments and pray that they were not needed as all the cancer had been removed. If he chooses not to have that the case, then I will trust in him that when it is found later, that surgery again can remove it and that he will allow my life to be extended for the 34 years I have promised Patti that I would be around when we celebrated our 34th anniversary on September 24th. Don't mean for this update to be a downer for anyone, including me. Just think of it like the guy on the internet phone commercial who gave his name and number to three hot girls. He was having his phone checked to make sure it was working. He asks the repairman what were the chances that all three called and the same time and jammed his phone. The repairman says one in a million. The guy gets a big smile and say "then I have a chance." Well I have a chance and it is a lot better than a million to one. Thanks for you support and I hope you will continue it in 2008. Steve

A Poem

This Christmas, our Great Niece, Bailey, gave this poem to her parents. It touched our hearts. We hope it touches yours. Thank you, Bailey.

"I Am"
by Bailey Dooley

I am good at math and very athletic
I wonder if I will be a professional gymnast
I hear shoes squeaking
I see me being a professional gymnast
I want people to have homes and food

I am good at math and very athletic
I pretend to see imaginary people
I feel me living a wonderful life
I touch my brain
I worry about someone breaking into my house
I cry when I get hurt

I am good at math and very athletic
I understand how to work towards my dream
I say all people should have food to eat and a home to live
I dream peace and love will spread out to the whole world
I try to be the best I can be
I hope my Uncle Steve will get better

More Appointments and tests

We finally got all the doctors hooked up between the different locations and they have all agreed to work with each other to allow us to have Steve's treatments at Southwest General/Ireland Cancer Center with limited trips downtown and out east. We will meet with the radialogical oncologist on Monday December 31 at Southwest. Steve will have to have another CAT scan and be marked for ports for the treatments. Looks like it will be 4 weeks of radiation, one week off, then 12 months of Interferon injections. We have an appointment for January 2 with the Dermatologist downtown for an initial appointment and body check. Dr. Koon instructed me to "fatten him up" over the holiday as they are expecting him to loose weight. He has lost 9# since his first surgery so I will push food in him if necessary. I have never had to do that before so it seems strange to say it. He seemed pretty confident with the surgical pathology report that they got all the cancer, but the radiation is a precaution just in case there are cells too small to detect floating around. Steve was a little disturbed at first when he read the surgeons pathology report that showed a lot of breast tissue. He jokes now about being a man getting a masectomy. All the breast tissue was clear of cancer so hopefully it was all contained in the fatty envelope that surrounded the mass under his arm. He and I are very upbeat about the results and doing what the doctor said and have a Merry Christmas. We wish all of you reading this a Merry Christmas and will update you more as thing happen. To all of you who normally get a Christmas card from me, no I did not forget you, I just forgot everyone. So take this as your Christmas card greeting from Steve and me.

Just Waiting

I guess the worse part about cancer and it's treatment is the waiting between the steps and on doctors to call or schedule things. I find that the hardest times is the waiting. Emotions run high and all kinds of thoughts go thru one's head about the process, the side effects, possible results and the thought of passing away. I really have come to realize the demoralizing side of cancer. But at the same time I realize the uplifting side of family and true friends. I truly realize how some people could end their lives abruptly when they lack a supporting spouse, family, church family and true friends. I have been blessed with all of these people. One other thing that I realize, people don't know what to say or avoid you. I know now that I was one of them so I can speak frankly about it. To all those who read this, don't avoid someone with cancer. Talk to them as you normally would and don't be afraid to mess up in the conversation. We are all human. I thank everyone for the cards, the calls and emails. There have been so many that at times it is overwhelming but welcome. More later when we find out from the oncologists.

Update on treatment saga

We waited all day today for a phone call from the oncologist. Patti called several times and left messages with him. He in turn left messages with the main radiation oncologist as well as with the other oncoligist at Southwest Hospital who he is partnering with. We know we are going the radiation route even if it is something that is not normally done unless there is a definite tumor. In this case I have tissue around a specific area where they took out the masses of tumors that might have cancer cells in it. They feel this is the best way to destroy them. Dr. Koon did tell us that the cancer was in my armpit, right side of my chest and in my shoulder and that it was all removed as best they can tell. The conclusion of the conference discussing me was that radiation and then infuron injections would be the best. We will have to wait for the radiation oncologist to determine what type of radiation and duration. We also have a dermatologist appointment set up for January 2, 2008. I will have to see him probably every 3 months for a long time to come. Well that is all from a day sitting and waiting. Dr. Koon says for us to call him tomorrow before noon to see if he has the appointment set for the radiation oncologists or they may call us. Pray that I get in soon.

Surgeon & Oncologist Update

We were able to see both the surgeon and the oncologist today with one visit. They removed the drain tube so Steve can finally get some sleep. We will have to go back to the surgeon in 6 months. Dr. Koon, the oncologist, is having a conference on UH Melanoma patients at 5 to discuss Steve's case and review the pathology report. Looks like he will have 2-3 weeks of intensive daily radiation and then start the interferion in mid January. The radiation is because the cancer had masses and there is a possibility that the cancer was outside on the lymphnodes. He has to review the report yet today. The good news is that the surgeon got everything up to one good lymphnode past the cancer and feels good about the surgery. Also too, we will be able to do most of the treatments at Southwest General/Ireland Cancer Center so we will not be driving downtown or to the east side. We will be talking to Dr. Koon by wednesday to find out if Steve has to do the 2-3 weeks of radiantion everyday and where. He has to do exercise theropy now that the tubes are out. Hopefully soon Steve T. will not have to come over to put Steve's surgical sock on in the morning. The best news was Steve can finally take a shower and not have me give him a bath and wash his hair. He plans to waste some serious water. More news hopefully on Wednesday.

Update

Today is Friday December 14th. I have been healing well and anticipating going to see the surgeon on Monday. My arm and surgery area are still quite painful. I thougth that I should be healing quicker so Patti reminded me that last surgery, which was not as intensive, took three weeks. It has only been a week and a half on this one so I need patience. Tonight is our sunday school class Christmas dinner at J.L. Moore's office. This was planned long before the surgeries and such so I am glad everything worked out so I can be there. Thanks to all beforehand who are helping to set it up and provide the meals. I want to especially thank all those who have sent cards, emails, food, calls, etc. Sometimes it gets overwhelming to think that all of you are praying for me and in your thoughts. It is a real boost on the drab and dreary days of winter sitting there watching mindless TV or putting together puzzles. Steve T. has forwarded me some work to bid on and it has helped keep my brain in gear. I really do want to thank all of you who have been in or are in a similar circumstance health wise who have given me and Patti your words of encouragement and faith. Have a good weekend and we will update on Monday after the visit to the surgeon.

We went to church on Sunday morning but I was too tired and sore to go to the musical. The busy day saturday and sunday left me with quite a lot of pain. I slept well Sunday night with the maximum dose of pain pills. I acutally slept until noon on Monday. Patti got me up, bathed me and got me dressed. Steve came over at 7:30 and helped me get my compression stocking for my phlebitis on like he has every day since I have come home from the hospital. Without all the help I would be a dirty, stinky, hungry mess. Patti removed the dressing yesterday. A touch of pain but we made it. I have little to no feeling in my upper right arm and parts of my back. When the feeling does come back, it is quite painful. I am just now beginning to be able to feed myself with my right hand. I can type as of yesterday but very limited. My arm goes numb after about 5 minutes of using it. My left arm is not much better as I can go about 13 minutes before it goes numb. It must be from all those hands in my chest during surgery. Not being one to complain, Patti is keeping up with the house and me but it is a strain on her. She has lost some weight then gained it then lost it while she does all here work and eats with me several times a day to help keep my strength up. She may not be the best nurse, but she is the most dedicated one I have ever had to deal with. It is strange for both of us. Neither one of us has ever really been sick and the only time I ever spent time in the hospital was to have my tonsils out and Patti to have kids. It is really different being on the other end of a sympathy conversation and seeing how people struggle to talk or begin to break up when talking. And the test of patience when waiting for tests, surgery, results, appointments, etc is really a new experience. We both have found that relying on God is a whole lot better than relying on people but, personal prayers, words of encouragement, cards, meals, etc give the personal touch that God is there working in our lives and other peoples lives. That can really cause a rush of emotions. Wow! Will meet the surgeon, Dr. Kim next Monday at Chagrin Medical Center for UH. Hopefully we will know more towards treatment and the next step.

Made it through the night

We had a lazy day yesterday after we got home from the hospital. Steve got a good rest and I got a few things done. We decided I needed to go to AWANA so that Caleb, Tyler & Micah got to participate. Things have been so crazy around here with everyone that Steve thought the normal AWANA night would be good for the boys. Heather came over to stay with her dad. Steven T & Ron did some furniture moving to get Steve the smaller recliner from his moms, and give her our longer recliner which is hard on Steve right now. We all survived the evening.
Bedtime took a little longer then usual since our bed doesn't come with an adjustable position, but with a few pillows here and there he was set. We made it through the night.
I just got a phone call from Lori telling me she left some food on the porch for us. Leftovers from the senior luncheon. Thanks for thinking of us, I love soup. Here it is 3:30 and I haven't really sat down for the day. I am working on the cross stitch for our little granddaughter who is on the way. Check the ticker at the bottom to find out how many days I have left.
We really appreciate all your prayers and help along the way.

Back Home Again

This morning, the surgeons assistant came to check on my Dad. He told him that during the surgery they had to do a great deal of work in areas other than the incision area. This is going to cause him much pain and discomfort for some time. They did work in his chest cavity and "all over the place". The surgeon did a great job of working with a small incision to speed the recovery along. They were able to remove many orange sized masses.

This afternoon around lunchtime my Dad was released from University Hospitals. I had the nerve wracking responsibility of driving my parents home. Of course, right out of the hospital's main entrance is a bumpy construction area on Euclid Avenue. I felt so badly for the rough ride and apologized to my Dad at least 30 times for the bumps, dips and rough roads. I know he was in a lot of pain.

Your continued prayers for healing, wisdom for the doctors and my parents as they finalize their decisions regarding further treatments, direction and encouragement would be appreciated. Please pray that my Mom will be a good nurse and that my Dad will be a good patient!!! ;0)

Surgery Report

My Dad went into surgery around 1:45 p.m. and was out at 4:30 p.m. Dr. Kim said that it went well. He couldn't tell us the number of lymph nodes that he removed, because they were massed together, tangled around his veins and covered in cancer. He said it was more like pulling out a bunch of oranges and he's not sure how my Dad was able to hold his arm down at his side.

After an hour in recovery they moved him to Lakeside 50 20, a special room set up for him by my sweet cousin, Jocelyn. She works on the floor that he is staying on and arranged for a private room for him. THANKS, Jocelyn!! The nurses and students treated my Dad and our family well and with respect. If you know my Dad well, then you know he was goofing off the whole time and joking around to make everyone else feel good.

My Dad said that he feels like there is a real void under his arm and in his side and he was so used to the pressure that it will take some getting used to. My Mom told him it sounded much like childbirth (ha ha!). They were in pretty good spirits.

I left both of my exhausted parents at the hospital tonight and will return tomorrow to take them home. My Mom has vowed to not leave his side.

Thank you to all of you who are praying. We felt your prayers and remain steadfast in our belief that the Great Physician is in complete control of my Dad's and all of our lives. Thank you to Pastor Quick for driving all the way down to Cleveland to pray with us. You lightened the mood and we really appreciated your visit. Thank you to Lori and Tom, our dear friends, who left a meal on my parents' garage door. It is waiting in the fridge for my parents lunch tomorrow. Thank you to my friend Brenda for picking my boys up early this morning, watching them all day and then sending dinner home with Ron when he picked them up. Thank you to all of you for your love, prayers and support. We feel really blessed and we cannot thank you enough.

- Heather Marie for my parents, Steve and Patti

Update - New Oncologist and Surgery time

This morning we went to meet with the new oncologist, Henry Koon. He is a straightforward guy who told us he really cannot give us a final answer regarding the treatment just yet. He needs to have the surgical path report to make the final plan. We did find out today that my phlebitis is made worse by the melanoma cancer. Apparently, it causes the blood to clot easier. Since I am off my 81 mg of asprin a day, I am already experiencing alot of pain from that.

Tomorrow at 1 p.m. will be the surgery. We have to be at University Hospital at 11 a.m. and the surgeon said I will be at the hospital for at least one night. Heather will be typing the results from the surgery tomorrow. We will keep you posted.

We would appreciate your specific prayers for the doctor - that he would have wisdom and that he would get all of the cancer out. If any remains, there is a 30-50% chance of reoccuring. This will be a fight, for the rest of my life with checkups and testing every 3-6 months. Please pray also that the recovery would be quick. Treatment cannot begin while any skin wounds exist or with the drain tube still needed. I'll be at risk for bacterial infections (skin infection, pnemonia, etc.)for at least a year. Sunglasses, a hat and SPF 30 will be my new best friends.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support.

Thanks to ALL

I just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns. This is a new experience for both of us. We would much rather be praying for you, but are humbled to see the concern of others. Steve felt really great as we left church yesterday. He knows and feels the power of the prayers from you all. We are headed to the doctor this morning. Leave it to us to pick the first big snow storm to head to the east side. We will update you on that appointment. I haven't been to so many doctors since Heather & Steven T were so sick one year and we helped pay Dr. Chang's house payment. Have a great day and thanks for your prayers.