The “C” Word – Day 365 First Anniversary of “D” Day

One year ago today was “D” (diagnosis) day for George in the emergency room to see about a kidney stone.  One year ago – wow, amazed in the transformation that has occurred over the past twelve months.  Over the past twelve months we have run the gamut of emotions – fear, anxiety, dread, anger, frustration, elation, relief, hope and so on.  We have answered to those emotions with bargaining, denial, gusto, acceptance, etc.  We have contemplated death and contemplated life.  We have cried tears of despondence and tears of joy.  We have spent hours in doctor’s offices and hours enjoying our beautiful back yard.  Our outlook on life today is different than it was one year ago. 

While the first six months after diagnosis were all consumed with dealing with the diagnosis, the seeking of and treatment of the cancer and trying to find comfort after surgery, these past six months have seen life just beginning to shape into some semblance of “normalcy”, albeit it a new kind of normal. 

As a caregiver I have had to do things I don’t like to do but had to be done including treating/changing dressings on open stitches, inspecting bulbs of body fluids draining, and nagging my husband to do things he would at times have preferred not to do (breathing exercises, eat, walk).  I have had to push and advocate in the hospital to get things done.  There were times I had to just sit and watch my husband suffer in pain knowing there was nothing I could do to help him.  That was (and is) perhaps the hardest part of it all.

George has good days and bad days still… but the good days usually outnumber the bad ones.  Over the course of these past few months he has been following some dietary suggestions from his general practitioner and they appear to be working to some degree.  While there is always room for improvement, this particular “normal” is much better than where things were four, six and eight months ago.  Others who have had the MOAS agree that it is nearly impossible for the digestive system to go back to the way it was pre-surgery.  They will all tell you that they have learned to accept and live with whatever their system does, because it is better than the alternative of not having surgery.

In the past six months we have been actively part of a Facebook page for PMP patients and/or caregivers as well as a PMP online group that allows people to post questions, tell their story, etc.  We have seen success stories - - and we have seen others not make it through.  We recently made acquaintance with a young lady from the bay area who was diagnosed with PMP nine years ago.  While her outcome proved to be far different from expected (no cancer found), we were able to provide emotional support and advice for some of the side effects of the surgery.  We also are hoping to be a success story but that part of our journey has yet to be revealed to us. 

The biggest lesson George has learned along the way (thus far), is the importance of relationships (something I already knew, by the way).  George pointed this out in his Father’s Day Sermon that he gave at church in June.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk7zb_82AL4)  He relates what he calls the Power of Prayer and the Power of Faith as well and how this experience has transformed him.  Anyone who has been through an ordeal with any cancer will probably tell you the same thing.  They may also tell you how they connect with others who have or are struggled with a cancer diagnosis.  It is something that bonds them together. 

While George’s stamina is better than it was in prior months he still tires easily.  He can tinker in the garage for hours one day, and the next succumb to sitting and relaxing.  For him this is extremely frustrating.  After ten months he is tired of being tired.  He longs for his old self that was actively busy all weekend and easily could knock out projects in short order.  Now, it seems to take him much longer to accomplish projects.  There are still gaps in his memory of the order in which things occurred.  Sometimes he says or does something out of character for him – and I have given to calling these moments “chemo brain” although we don’t know if that or the long time under anesthesia are actually the cause of them. 

In the next four to six weeks we hope to find out how things are shaping up.  We have planned visits with the surgeon and oncologist and will have the second CT scan since surgery.  This CT scan is important as it will paint a clearer picture of the three “suspect” areas discovered during the baseline scan.  If they are unchanged, that is good news.  It may mean there is scar tissue. If there is evidence of change, this will mean that the cancer has already returned.  We pray for the first scenario. 

We have a short vacation planned for September.  I informed George that I do not want to get any test results prior to leaving.  We both deserve some time off together without the worry of cancer.  It has been two years since our last vacation and that one ended up not being very relaxing.  It’s probably been three years since we had a good vacation.  I just hope that Arizona and Utah are not insufferably hot while we are there!

We don’t yet know what the future holds in relation to this “C” word.  All we know is that we have to take things one day at a time.  We have to keep praying not only for ourselves but for others going through difficult times.  We know his particular cancer has a high probability of recurring.  My hope is that we will be able to “shelve” our thoughts on this in order to go out and live.  Live life to its’ fullest.  We know God has a plan for George.  The only thing we don’t know for George, or for anyone for that matter, is how long God will give us to carry out the plan.

I will post updates on the outcome of our visits at the end of September which will actually be the one year anniversary of George’s surgery.  By then we will have had all of our appointments and our scan and will be able to report on those for anyone keeping tabs on progress. 

Lastly, we want to take time to give thanks.  Thanks to our children for being there for us, loving and supporting us, stepping in to do things we couldn’t do at times.  We thank George’s sister, Rosemary, for being available when we’ve needed her to take care of mom – and for spending countless hours just sitting and talking to George and being a shoulder to lean on.  We thank our neighbors for some delicious meals, for taking time to pop by and check in on us.  We thank the multitudes of friends and family members who have prayed, visited, called, or sent notes or cards as that helped see us through some particularly dark moments.  We thank all those who, via the power of the internet, been called upon to be prayer warriors – some people from the far corners of the world.  We thank the good Lord for the opportunity to have more time together.  We continue to need this support, the prayers, and the friendships as we go forward.  There are not enough words to express how thankful we are for everyone.  May God be a blessing in your lives. 

The “C” Word – Day 306 (6-21-15) Happy Father’s Day

Today we got to experience something we were not sure we would have been able to 10 months ago – Father’s Day.  Ten months ago things were looking so grim we didn’t know if George would be here for this…. But… not only is he here, he is starting to be more “alive” and is looking toward the future.

As a testimonial to the Power of Prayer (POP) and Power of Faith (POF), George was the guest “preacher” at church today.  A while back he had told Pastor Rod that he wanted to do so.  He needed to wait until he could be a little less emotional about all that has happened.  He probably would have gone a little bit longer but Pastor is retiring in a week so it was going to be now or never.  On one level he is less emotional about the effect this has had on him, but deep inside the emotions are always there and ready to surface at a moment’s notice.  Some things are just not in our control.

I was able to round up the three daughters, a son-in-law and, of course, the grandkids – It was important to us that family be there for this special sermon.  I was glad that a few of his closest friends made it as well: Steve and Robyn, Cathy and John. 

He spent the past two months or so drawing up his outline, trying to figure out which points he would like to cover.  This was going to be a somewhat educational talk about appendix cancer as well as a few miracles that happened because of POP and POF.  He did a good job with his sermon today.  . . . Despite the fact that I was tearing up before he even took to the pulpit.  That didn’t help … but I couldn’t help it.  It’s just who I am.  I get very emotional when I remember not only the hard times but the times pure faith, the moments of relief, of joy, etc.  All of those together are very emotional for me. 

George was able to make a few jokes – even ad libbing about calling up “Mr. Google” and “Mr. Yahoo” in order to find out more about this cancer.  He took us on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, laughter and tears, during his 25 minutes or so of speaking.  Yes, some of the jokes were at my expense – especially when he spoke of me trying to get him to eat – eat – eat!  Among the “miracles” due to prayer were the fact that we found a surgeon close to home, that the surgery was given the “go” signal and that surgery was shorter than expected, that he was able to climb stairs before going home, and the biggest miracle of all was the sudden return of his taste buds. 

For lunch today a catered meal from Buca di Beppo (Italian food) was on the agenda.  It was perfect!  No cooking for the guys on Father’s Day (and also none for me either) – and easy clean up as well.  So we got to sit, eat, relax and visit for few hours before the kids all went home.  Addy and Bella got to play in the little pool and get some energy out before their ride home as well. 

Later in the day at home he asked what he did right and what he could have done better with.  I told him that he did pretty well.  Aside from a few facts that were incorrect, things only I would know because I remember, he got the point across at how this played out and how effectual the prayers were.  Of course, this led to a discussion about how the facts were wrong and it took me awhile to convince him that I was right!  (He could always go back and read this blog to confirm it!)  He said he left out a few things – some intentional, some not.  He was going to talk about why this was hard to tell his daughters – but some of the girls are in difficult places right now so he decided to omit this today.  A few other things he either forgot to speak to or decided he was running out of time so he would just have to table them for this particular sermon.

All in all, it was a good day.  George says it was one of the best Father’s Days he has ever had.  Mostly because he got to see all the girls in the same day and that doesn’t happen very often.  The fact that they were at church with him while he gave his sermon – priceless to him. 

So, we give glory to God that George is continuing to get stronger.  He is “tinkering” more in the garage.  While I was on my glorious vacation, he put up some spotlights in the garden and started to do some bathroom remodeling, including painting it and rebuilding the shelves.  He is looking forward to some vacation time when the twins are here to attend VBS week at church.  He is starting to figure out what he wants to do when he retires from his job (a time still to be determined).  At this point in time we are looking toward a future - - and that is a beautiful thing!

The “C” Word – Day 271 Settling down and relaxing

We were very fortunate that the shingles ended fairly quickly.  The sores healed up within about 10 days.  George’s face is still tender so he cannot yet use his CPAP machine, but he has been managing okay in spite of that.  The only weird thing we encountered was when the MD asked if we had told the oncologist.  We were puzzled by this but did what he asked and scheduled a follow up with the oncologist along with lab work.  All involved were curious that George had a second outbreak of shingles (his first one being about 30 years ago) and more puzzled still that it was in a different location.  Apparently if you have a second outbreak it should be in the same location as the first one.  The oncologist suggested that the regular doctor do an immunological test whenever the next labs are ordered up.

An evening caregiver is now in place and after having to stay home at night because of the shingles, we are now able to get out and about for a little bit in the evenings during the week.  How nice it is to be able to come home and just make dinner and relax for the evening.  A welcome respite for me, indeed. 

I had my own health issues in recent weeks having to do with intestinal tract stuff.  So far it appears to be nothing serious - - and could actually be that my diet needs to be the exact opposite of George’s.  Mine being high fiber and his being low fiber.  I have to figure out how to “marry” these two needs and come up with a plan that satisfies both without too much extra work.  Guess I have to go back to planning out meals accordingly. 

This weekend George has resumed going out “man land” and doing some small wood working projects.  We found out yesterday that his favorite store to find good wood is closing at the end of June.  Not a happy day for him!  It is good to see him absorbed in his hobby – time certainly flies by more quickly for him when he is busy doing what he loves. I have had to go out and remind him that it is time to eat or time to come in for the night! 

And me, I get to go on vacation at the end of this week.  Much deserved and much needed time off from all responsibilities for 9 days.  I will be travelling “home” which for me is Connecticut, and visiting family and friends during my stay.  It has been nearly two years since I have had a vacation and, while I will not be able to replicate all the plans I had for last fall, I will be seeing a handful of them.  I look forward to these little reunions and visits very much.  I am sure the time will quickly fly by.  I so look forward to being able to relax and just enjoy having only me to take care of - - and come back home rejuvenated after a very stressful nine months. 

The “C” Word – Day 240 New complications

A few days ago George had a headache.  He woke in the morning and I noticed that his face looked sort of splotchy.  He also complained that his cheek hurt.  He stayed home from work yesterday because he just felt bad.

When I woke up this morning I noticed that his CPAP unit was off – he had taken it off because it was irritating his cheek.  He was concerned that he might have a sinus infection, ear infection or something with his teeth.  I told him he should call a doctor. 

By mid-morning I spoke with him again and he was still concerned.  I had to remind him that, since he has no spleen, he really needs to be proactive in his health care and make the phone call.  I figured it would be easier to get in to see his doctor than his dentist.  So he called and got an appointment.

I got a call from him after his appointment – the diagnosis is shingles.  He was so upset with that.  To top that off, the nurse said that because there was a lesion on his nose, that indicated that there could also be shingles on his optic nerve and he needed to see an ophthalmologist right away (tomorrow) to get drops to take care of that.  If he doesn’t do that he could lose some vision. 

Geesh, this is so frustrating.  Sometimes I feel like we cannot catch a break.  We have gone over two months “tethered” to the house because there is no evening caregiver for mom.  And next week a caregiver starts, but George could be down and out with the shingles.  It is in the early stages and it may take weeks to peak – but without a spleen to help fight off infection, this could be a very different bout than his previous one (more than 20 years ago). 

One step forward, one step back…. This is so hard on George.  He actually filled the prescription for pain meds (even though we have some on hand from surgery), because he remembers how painful shingles can be.  He doesn’t like to take pain meds, but he is preparing for the worst. 

The “C” Word – Day 235 Baseline Scan and Oncology follow up

On March 13th George had his first baseline CT scan.  This was preceded by a lot of varying emotions as can be expected.  Every blood test, every scan raises the anxiety level when the Big C is in the picture.

We had assumed that if there was contrast to be used it would be administered during the scan.  However, the day before the procedure we received a call that we needed to go to the hospital and pick up the contrast.  They left the message on the house phone, of course, so we did not get the message until 4PM.  George was pretty disgruntled when he heard about this.  He ran over to the hospital to pick it up… and to make matters worse found he had to drink the first bottle 4 hours before the scan - - which in our case meant 4AM!!  The second one was to be consumed at 7AM.  He did note that having this “glitch” helped some.  It made him more angry and less anxious!  Sort of a trade off!

The surgeon had said that we would probably not hear from him after the scan. He also said that he expected that the radiologist would see “stuff” as there would be scar tissue and areas that are still healing.  He noted that any questionable areas would be the areas we would watch for on future scans to determine if they are worrisome or not.  We had a follow up oncology appointment scheduled for a few weeks later and figured that if anything looked really bad we would find out then.

A week or two after the procedure I happened to log on to the hospital portal site and found that the radiology report was showing.  There are good things and bad when you can read reports online without the direction of the doctor.  On the good side you can see how things were done, maybe find things the doctor left out of his verbal report (as we discovered after reading the surgery procedures from last fall).  On the bad side you can over-interpret things and fall prey to fear with the verbiage.

In this case, there was cause for disappointment.  While we pray for NED, we saw that there are a few areas of “concern”.  These may or may not be reoccurrence of disease but for now we will not know that answer.  This is what we read:

1.  New or developing density at the tail of pancreas is identified. Recurrent disease is a differential possibility.
2.  There is nodular density identified just to the right of midline and superior to the prostate measuring 3.8 x 1.8 cm and previously measured 3.3 x 1.6 cm.  This may also reflect area of focal disease.
3.  Ill-defined density around the distal stomach is identified which is difficult to measure.  There may be additional disease in this region.  Follow up imaging may be helpful.
George looked up the phrase “differential possibility”.  According to Wikipedia the definition is: “In medicine, a differential diagnosis is the distinguishing of a particular disease or condition from others that present similar symptoms. Differential diagnostic procedures are used by physicians and other trained medical professionals to diagnose the specific disease in a patient, or, at least, to eliminate any imminently life-threatening conditions. Often each individual option of a possible disease is called a differential diagnosis (for example, bronchitis could be a differential diagnosis in the evaluation of a cough that ends up with a final diagnosis of common cold).”

What it basically means is that there are several reasons why this area shows up and they cannot rule out that it is possibly a recurrence of cancer.  I think to be safe they have to include this in the report as it basically covers their butts so one cannot go back and say “why didn’t you see this before now?”  After reading this, George’s mind was somewhat eased but not entirely.

Since we would not be seeing the surgeon for another 5 months, I asked the oncologist to speak with Dr. Bastidas regarding these three concerns so that he would be able to speak to us about them at our appointment.  This he did.  And, honestly, he did not really tell us anything that we did not already know.  It is likely that these are scar tissue formations but we will not really know until future scans are done.   

Prior to seeing the oncologist, George accompanied me to my endocrinologist doctor appointment.  I was having a thyroid ultrasound scan (routine) and thought he might like to see how that is done and what the doctor looks for.  I have two nodules on my thyroid that the doctor keeps an eye on (they were tested benign a few years back). There is apparently a third one now to keep an eye on.  The doctor is quite knowledgeable and talks in a patient friendly manner.  He knows of the oncology office that we go to and is aware that they have been purchased by Stanford.  He indicated that he is surprised that they use the LabCorp for testing and not a Stanford lab as Stanford charges more and receives more money from insurance.  Given that, we were not entirely surprised when, as we made our follow up appointment with the oncologist, we found out that the offices are moving to a new building, Stanford Cancer Center, and they will have their own lab onsite at that facility.  As patients, though, we can request to continue to use a different commercial laboratory.  Just another twist and turn as our oncologist went from being private practice to being swallowed up by Stanford.

So, our first baseline scan is done and out of the way.  While it is not exactly as we had hoped, it appears that at least for the time being we should not worry too much. The scan in September will enable us to know more about where we are at than this one did.  That being said, I think we should plan to go away on our fall vacation before we get the results back from the scan.  In that manner, we can enjoy the time off and just relax!

Health-wise George is doing well.  He has now been back to work a full two months.  Stamina is still low (per pre-surgery activity) but he is venturing out into the garage making some small wood turned projects.  We have been able to get out of town about once every 6-8 weeks just for the night, having attended my nephew’s wedding in Carmel Valley last week.  Because there is no evening caregiver for his mom right now, with rare exception we are tethered to the house 7 nights a week and have been so for about 2 months now.  We are hopeful that a new caregiver will start in about 10 days so we can relax and enjoy life a little more and get out to visit friends once again.

The next five months or so we should be “doctor free” which is nice to know.  We do both need to get in for a regular office visit with our regular doctors but aside from that there will be no cancer appointments!  Yippee!!  That in and of itself is a relief as we have had more than our share for the past eight months!  Looking forward to things calming down a bit so we can relax and enjoy things more – family time, friend time, etc.  We are grateful to have crossed a major hurdle (thanks to many, many prayers from people around the globe) and we pray for continued recovery and healing.

                                      

The “C” Word – Day 209 Vocabulary, relationships & revelations

We have learned a lot of new words in the past six months and they are becoming increasing intrinsic to us.  Every corner we turn, we see them.  We hear about them.  They bring emotions to the surface – sometimes joyous ones, sometimes frightening ones, sometimes downright angry ones.

We are learning new acronyms.  Things like:

PMP:  Pseudomyxoma Peritonei …. Cancer

HIPEC:  Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy – one of the few treatments that works on PMP as well as CRS, Cytoreductive Surgery.

MOAS:  Mother Of All Surgeries.  So named because the surgery that must take place involves opening the belly and removing all evidence of disease. The surgery can take anywhere from 5-15 hours. In many cases it means taking out a number of “parts” such as spleens, gall bladders, appendix, colon and sometimes liver or parts of the stomach.

NED:  No Evidence of Disease.  Someone posting that they are celebrating five years NED.  Others posting they are praying that their next scan will show NED.  They want NED to be their BFF.  We, ourselves, are in this particular position with George having his first post-surgery CT scan last week.  We pray that it, too, shows NED.  As long as there is NED, we can keep positive thoughts and energy in our lives.  Should NED become ED, I am sure that will cast a shadow over our lives.

This last one, NED, we learned after joining a very active group on Facebook.  In order to be part of this group you have to have a relationship to PMP-Appendix cancer.  Trust me, if any one of these folk would have a wish it would be to not have a relationship to PMP.  While we may never meet the people who are “friends” on this page, having a place to go to post updates, challenges and prayers gives everyone a chance to connect and support one another throughout the journey of this particular cancer.  Because of the rarity of this cancer it is easy to feel isolated and alone as the treatment is different than that of most other cancers.  Finding others “just like you” leaves you feeling a little less isolated.

And then there is that one “small” six letter word that reverberates over and over again… CANCER.  It hangs heavy in the air at times, still has the ability to shake us to our core.  Unexpectedly it creeps in and seeks refuge in our heads or in our hearts.

It did that tonight.  We have a dear friend who has end stage prostate cancer. His name is Bernie. He and George have become buddies these past few years – all because George offered to put up a new light in their garage so they wouldn’t fall down in the dark.  Bernie is in his 90’s I believe.  He saw this act as a gift from God and every time we see him he gives George thanks and praise for his act of kindness.  Ever since then we have kept tabs on them and this relationship became even stronger after George’s surgery as Bernie called out of the blue one day to talk to George.  He asked how George was doing.  He had not heard about the cancer because he had not been to church in a while.  As it turns out, Bernie had been diagnosed with cancer as well and we had no idea.  So we make as much effort as we can to stay in touch with our friend and his wife.  We paid a couple of visits.  Phone calls are exchanged back and forth.  Bernie is in a lot of pain and discomfort and is ready to “see the face of Jesus”.  His biggest worry is what will his dear wife do without him – they have been married over 60 years.  I think if it weren’t for the fact that he is afraid she cannot live without him he would have given up long ago.  But he has been waging war with the “C” word. 

Our dear friend called tonight – presumably because he wanted to hear George’s voice.  He also wanted to let us know he was having some surgery on Wednesday and would be in the hospital for a few days.  He asked for prayers – and of course we will be praying for him. 

 Yet once the phone was placed back in its cradle all kinds of other emotions kicked into gear.  George became angry – he HATES the “C” word.  He hates what it has done to him – and to others.  Until this happened to him he did not understand how consuming this disease can be.  He hates that Bernie is in such pain.

Yet we also wonder if there was another reason that Bernie wanted to call George.  Should we be listening for the still small voice of God to figure out what it is?  A part of us is wondering if this is God’s way of letting us say goodbye to a dear friend – giving us opportunities for conversations – so that should the inevitable happen we will have no regrets about having stood by this wonderful, sweet man in his time of need these past few months.  The bond that Bernie and George share is special.  Bernie is always sharing words of God and even though he is in pain he is an ever faithful servant, giving words of encouragement to those around him.

We pray for the pain to be lifted from Bernie’s body – yet we know that this truly may not happen until he is in the arms of His Saviour.  One of his little daughters has been waiting for him for decades and he cannot wait to see her either – but he isn’t quite ready to leave his love here on earth.  He is torn between two “homes” all the time it seems.  We weep – because we love him and we feel his pain.  Every moment of time spent on the phone or with him is precious to us as we know it could be the last.

Here are some of our favorite memories of Bernie:

Hearing “Hallelujah” shouted out at the end of a particularly good hymn or song of praise at church (and then looking around the congregation and seeing people smile because they all know who it was that said it!)

Having him refer to the installation of the lightbulb in the garage as “a light from heaven”

Having him leave phone messages, always ended by him singing one of his favorite hymns

Getting wonderful, warm hugs each and every time we meet and part

George is more focused on relationships since being diagnosed with cancer.  He never realized how powerful they could be until he heard from so many people that prayed for him for those months following his diagnosis and throughout his days in the hospital and in recovery at home.  People he barely knew – many he does not know as the prayer chain circled the world. 

Like many of us, he feels so insignificant, unworthy of all the prayers – “Who am I that I deserve this attention?”

God knows him.  Just like God knows each and every one of us.  We know that God cares for the “lilies of the field” and for us who are also part of His creation.  We are not insignificant in His eyes.  There is a plan for us we just have to listen and be open to that plan when it is revealed.  God puts people in our path all the time – sometimes for a reason and sometimes for a season. 

I think God put Bernie in our path for a reason.  As I sat with George and wept with him over Bernie’s phone call, something occurred to me.  Their relationship started because of a $2 store item and a five minute job of installing a simple light bulb.  It really is the “little things” that make a huge difference to others.  While they are seemingly insignificant to us (A light bulb?), those little things can mean much more to someone else.  Maybe God doesn’t want George to take on a huge project in his “next life”…. Maybe he wants him to pay more attention to the small stuff.  Maybe he wants George to use his capable mind and capable hands to help the less fortunate with small tasks that make a huge impact on others. 

I think maybe there is something here for all of us.  My devotional today says that our real heart is revealed by what we do in secret when only the Lord is watching.  It is when we are doing the little things that do not call attention to ourselves that we receive eternal treasures.  It is in the smile we give to a stranger, the hug we give to a friend, the encouraging word we give to someone in times of despair.  It is in changing a light bulb for someone who cannot do it themselves. 

I couldn’t help but read the title for tomorrow’s devotional and realized that it, too, is sending a message to us.  It says that sometimes we forget that life is about the people and relationships that God has put around us.  We must not discount the value of others.  We need each other as friends, family or even just passing acquaintances in order to live successful lives.  The prayer reads, “Lord, help me know when it is time to drop the task and run to the relationship.” 

Hmmm… Is God using Bernie as a tool to reveal something to us?  I have no doubt about that. Thank you, Lord, for putting people in our path to enlighten us, to enliven us, to enable us to learn not only about them but about ourselves as well.  Thank you for our long time friends and for our “little while friends” (the ones who enter our lives only briefly but make an impact on us).  Help us to recognize the importance and significance of these relationships.  Amen. 

The “C” Word – Day 192 Five Months Post-Op

Today we met once again with the surgeon.  Dr. Bastidas has become more like a “friend” each time we see him.  He is very congenial, has a sense of humor, but also knows his business.  He strolls in with his white jacket, bow tie and black clog shoes, takes a seat on his rolling chair in front of George, and simply asks “How’s it going?”  He addresses any questions we have and, if needed, backs it up with research data. 

Today’s question from George:  Does the HIPEC have any residual effect?  The response was that the actual chemotherapy does not… but the heated factor does.  He noted that there was a doctor at Sloan Kettering that, from the late 1880’s up through the 1950’s, injected a ‘toxic bug’ (I think that was the term he used but not sure) into cancer patients in order to cause them to break out into a high fever.  This high fever then, in turn, used to kill the cancer cells.  These days, Dr. Bastidas is doing another clinical trial where they do a whole-body heat up during chemotherapy to help eradicate or slow down cancer cells in women who have been diagnosed for a 3^rd recurrence of breast cancer and have no other options to try.  It has been fairly successful thus far.  He said that the “heat” somehow boosts ones immune systems and kicks it up to fight the cancer. 

Also, today we have arranged for the baseline CT scan which will take place in two weeks.  George asked what should be expected of this scan.  Dr. Bastidas said that most likely it will throw red flags to whomever reads the scans.  He expects there to be visible scar tissue as well as some of the abscess which he says is quite small compared to where it was 4 months ago but is still there.  There will be spots and things that the radiologist will not be able to confirm are cancer or whatnot, but those are the areas that we will be able to watch in subsequent scans.  This is “baseline” – the starting point.  He told us he might call or email us if anything shows up but he does not need to see George for six months.  Note: By then it will be time to schedule up the next CT scan and then it will be one year between future scans. 

All in all – a good day mentally.  Physically, George is having a hard time with his back today.  He also has started to get a sore throat so is not feeling well.  Will need to keep an eye on that – and this is probably a signal that he needs to start going back to his regular doctor to keep an eye on things as well.  He hasn’t been ill since surgery and without the spleen to fight things it will be more difficult – and he will need to stay on top of it so things don’t get super bad which will make it harder to fight.