The C Word – Day 16 Forward Progress

Quite unexpectedly the oncologist called me this morning with the name of a local surgeon based in the Los Gatos area. He suggested we call and get an appointment with him this week. He also stated that in the CT scan done in 2007 when George had his first kidney stone showed a small tumor on his small bowel.  This was not brought to our attention at that time.  When he compared the size then to what it looks like now he sounded encouraged that it had grown relatively slowly over seven years meaning while this is a rather aggressive and unusual cancer, it is moving in slower motion than most cancers.  I phoned George to let him know about the call and the surgeon and could tell within minutes that he had moved quickly into an anxiety mode.  I realized in an instant that I would have to take matters in my hand and make the necessary appointments happen.  I spent part of my morning talking with the surgeon’s office scheduling that appointment, calling the oncologist’s office to get updated on status of the CT scan approval and then, upon finding out when it was approved calling and getting a scan scheduled for tomorrow.  I also called the hospital records office and got them moving on preparing a CD of all the test results for us to take to the surgeon’s office on Friday. 

This evening during our counseling session we discussed what had transpired since last week and where we stood emotionally with that.  She emphasized to George that he needs to find balance between googling online to get information and still maintaining a healthy attitude.  You see, George has become obsessed with finding out as much information as he can about PMP, the kind of surgeon we need, the treatments, etc.  However, the more he thinks about it the more anxious he can get.  The end result is that he needs to listen to me when I tell him to “stop” and turn off the computer and find things to do that are more productive and have nothing to do with the “C” word.  Take a walk, sit in the back yard, take a drive…. Just give the brain some time off from the inevitable. 

Things appear to be moving more quickly than anticipated.  Maybe it will keep on going along quickly and smoothly with everything falling into place.  I think I am relieved there is someone local to do the surgery as the cost of picking up and going somewhere else in the state or country could prove to be quite high, as well as the fact that our support system is embedded here in the Bay Area.  There are very definitive advantages in being close to your support system because more people means that the burdens need not be entirely mine to carry during and after the surgery.  I will have family and friends that can step in and allow me a break from time to time.

Another positive thing (always trying to find the rainbow, that’s me) is that the diet we have had in place for George since January can be nearly tossed out the window.  Last year when the doctor informed him that his A1C1 levels were high he told George it showed inflammation in the body.  He assumed it was the fact that carbohydrates (like bread) could not be tolerated in his body and he needed to cut them out of the diet entirely.

While this change in diet did result in a weight loss of about 30 pounds initially, it stalled a few months back.  And George noted to himself that he did not appear to be losing the gut as well. 

Now we know why the gut would not go away – because that is where there is indeed inflammation.  But not inflammation due to carbs but rather this disease which has gained a foothold in his gut.  The domino effect of finding out about this PMP is that after surgery George will probably lose much more weight and will probably be able to actually realize a goal weight which he has not seen for over a decade.  The problems he has had bending over is more due to the state of his peritoneum than to his weight.  While surgery is never something we look forward to, the end result of this could turn out to be good.  And we also know that with the cytoreduction surgery the chances of survival for 5, 10 or more years is actually in our favor.  That means more time with the kids, grandkids, and, oh yes, even me!! 

While we still need to eat healthily at least some of George’s comfort foods can be reintroduced into his diet in moderation.

Lots going on today – but much to be thankful for.  Thankful that we have an oncologist who is proactive and working quickly to find a surgeon.  Thankful for very kind receptionists and office staff at the surgeons office, the oncologist office and even O’Connor scheduling who quickly were able to get everything in place for us today so we can plan out our week.    Thankful for our bosses at work who are generously letting us take whatever time we need to take care of business.  Thankful for all our friends who are praying unceasingly for us.