Monday, February 23, 2015

One Week

We are seven days away from the 'big day'. One of the most common questions we've received is "How long will you be there for?"


The answer is "That Depends." There are a few scenarios that may come into play. For those who may have tuned into the story late in the game, Chad's cancer (like most of this type) was found 'by accident'. He was getting his Gallbladder out, and as an afterthought the doctors decided to take his appendix out because it looked 'murky'.

It was only once the biopsy was complete, did we know there was cancer. There have not been any further surgeries so we don't actually know what we're dealing with and won't - until they open him up.

With this type of cancer, it is usually found in Stage 4 - once the appendix has burst. What then happens is the cancer cells and spread throughout the abdominal cavity. Imagine a salt shaker, if you will, shaking cancer cells all around.  Because of that, this cancer becomes very tricky to treat and the chances of recurrence are very high because regardless of the surgery, it is difficult to remove all of those cancer cells that have been shed.

Receiving this type of a diagnosis is never a positive thing but once you accept that it is what it is, you have to deal with the facts and form a game plan.

So the first bit of good news we received was Chad's appendix did not burst. The doctor also said when he was in there, he seen no evidence of any other tumors. Granted, he wasn't 'looking' for them but he also said it is not something you would miss.

The second bit of good news was that his blood work (Tumor markers) were all well within normal range.

The third bit of good news was that the results of his PET/CT Scan showed nothing of concern. There was some activity around where his gallbladder used to be but they figured that was surgery related. (By the way,  a biopsy was also done on the gallbladder and it was free of disease)

One area of concern was that, since they didn't know they were dealing with cancer - when they cut the appendix, that they may have cut through the tumor and spread some cells. A second microscopic biopsy was done on the area where the appendix was removed and there was no evidence of malignancy and it was tumor free. That was our fourth bit of good news.

It is difficult to consider any of it good news but in comparison to what it could have been - we'll count our blessings.

So with all that considered - We don't know how long we'll be there because we don't actually know what we're dealing with.

The plan is to commence with a laproscopic right hemi-colectomy. When Dr. Sardi performs that he will test the lymph nodes and have a look around.

Scenario One: Best Case (What we're praying for) - The lymph nodes test negative for cancer. There is no visible sign of cancer. Dr. Sardi sews him back up. He is in the hospital for 3-5 days. Then we wait in Baltimore for a follow-up appointment.

Scenario Two: The lymph nodes test positive for cancer. It can be anywhere from 1-18+.  At this stage, he may or may not proceed with opening him up fully and doing HIPEC.

Scenario Three: Upon opening him up they do see cancer cells that have spread. They would then open him up, complete a cytoreductive surgery, followed by HIPEC. (Heated Chemo therapy, swirled around in his abdominal cavity for 1.5 hours) If this is the case, his hospital stay would be 14 days + and then an additional week in Baltimore waiting for the post-op meeting.

So in short - we could be there two weeks, we could be there eight weeks. Obviously, we're on our hands and knees continuing to hope and pray for more good news. Preparing for the worst, hoping for the best.

Chad has the sniffles still and it makes me nervous. We've worked so hard to get where we are, I am terrified something will mess up the surgery.

Special Request: I will likely post this again later. I've always believed in God in my heart but this entire experience has revealed just how much He means to our entire family. Faith is an amazing thing to feel in your heart and propel you forward. So if you're religious and attend Church - please consider adding Chad and our family to your prayer lists. We believe in the power and prayer and would sincerely appreciate it.

Much Love
Shannon

4 comments:

  1. That's alot of GREAT news! Attitude is everything in life...keep those positive thoughts close and hang on to them. They'll help propel you towards success in kicking "C"s ass! Sending lots of positive vibes your way and keeping you both in my prayers.

    Vicki (vicster)

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  2. Hi Shannon , Chad..I asked the poor Clair nuns in B.C to pray for Chad.. You can ask them also...there wonderful..google poor Clair nuns Duncan...they will ask for your email and they will get back to you...also spirit daily..if you scroll down the page has prayer requests.. I asked for prayers there to.. If you like ..you can ask family and friends to add chad there as well..my sister has him on a pray list in Vancouver as well...praying for God to help you get through this...

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  3. Hi Shannon , Chad..I asked the poor Clair nuns in B.C to pray for Chad.. You can ask them also...there wonderful..google poor Clair nuns Duncan...they will ask for your email and they will get back to you...also spirit daily..if you scroll down the page has prayer requests.. I asked for prayers there to.. If you like ..you can ask family and friends to add chad there as well..my sister has him on a pray list in Vancouver as well...praying for God to help you get through this...

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  4. Chad this is the first I have seen of any tests etc you have had. What I see so far is great news with respect to cancer. Your blood work showed nothing in the markers, your gal bladder was clear and there was no evidence around the appendix. From what I see here and have heard from sooo many Chad I have a good feeling the nodes are going to be free as well. I still think you should do a chemo treatment to make sure that there are no straggling cells anywhere. I dont know what treatment that would be for that type of cancer. Regardless of any of this Chad, stay positive. A positive mind can conquer many things. It's a very difficult thing to do when you don't have a base line to start with. You just have to say to yourself everything is going to be ok regardless.You will work with what you have and adapt to the things you need to. I have a good feeling about this Chad and I am praying for you and your family. Stay strong.... Steve-G

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