The never ending saga of Chad's health continues down a familiar path.
Brief Recap: Ever since Chad's big surgery to remove the cancer, Chad has had on-going issues with pain and digestion. For the better part of a year or more, it's gotten to the point where he can barely eat a meal without cramping and pain to the point where he was vomiting sometimes, several times a day. It is not as sever now but he still experiences all of the same issues.
As part of the treatment plan they ordered him to have a Colonoscopy and an Endoscopy.
Colonoscopy - This was clear. Not even a polyp, which is fantastic news. When he had his colonoscopy pre-surgery in 2015 he had several and some were pre-cancerous. Since they're removal he has not had a single one, so prayers are answered there.
Endoscopy - Not so great but verdict is still out on what is going on. Chad has now been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus which is basically a disease of his esophagus where the tissue presents with irregular cell growth/formation. The tissue has been biopsied and we should have the results within a week or so. The reason why this sucks is because this disease increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is cancer of the esophagus. Our best case scenario here is that he has low-grade or very little abnormal cells which will only require monitoring via Endoscopy every three years. Only 1% of patients with Barrett's Esophagus get cancer of the esophagus so we're praying Chad is of the other 99% and leaves this rare cancer for the birds. One rare cancer per life-time is enough :) The doctor did not seem overly concerned so God willing, everything goes fine there. The gastroenterologist who performed his scopes does seem to believe
that all of Chad's issues are related to blockages, likely in the small
intestine. So the next step will be to follow-up with the General surgeon and see what they want to try next.
Knee - My husband is no stranger to medical issues :) His knee that he broke just over a year ago is giving him some trouble. He had an X-Ray done today and it showed some areas of concern so his doctor is now ordering an MRI to investigate that further.
Neck - His Neck that gave him trouble four years ago is getting bad again but this time on the left side. We went to a Pain Management consult today and that was a waste of valuable time and mine. The Pain Management doctor at the VA Hospital in Marion, IL is a clown and shows zero concern or care for the welfare of his patients. He literally offered absolutely zero of anything other than a sleeve for Chad's elbow. I can't even talk about this, I get so irritated. We're going to try a different route and ask to see the Neurosurgeon again (Dr. Hall) who helped Chad previously because when you stay within the VA Health Care system you're treated as sheeps and if anyone knows me, I do not fare well be carted around.
Anyways - so mostly good news. A little blimp on the radar which we're are praying remains tiny and insignifigant. Aside from that - still no answers. Just more questions - which is representitive of life I guess.
Thank you everyone for your never ending love and support! <3
This is the story of Chad's fight against Appendix Cancer. On January 7, 2015 Chad found out just how special he was when he was told that not only did he have Cancer but it was extremely rare and very aggressive. Chad has always taken life by storm - so why stop now? Some may have crumpled and fell but the soldier in him took over and he decided then and there he had an infinite number of reasons to kick Cancer's ass. The road will never be easy but he will fight - and he will win.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Quick Update - Same Ole'
I have been meaning to post for awhile but life is distracting. I wish I had something different to say but unfortunately life is much of the same. Chad still gets sick when he eats. He is still cramping and vomiting 3-5 times a week. Some days are better than others. His previous test rendered no results but this is also nothing new. It blows my mind they can fly someone to moon or replace an entire heart but no one seems to have a clue about what could be wrong with my husband.
With THAT said. Chad is trying harder than ever to enjoy life and embrace each moment. Sometimes I don't know how he has a smile on his face at all. When my back goes out or I get sick I am miserable, and it only lasts a few days. To consider he has literally lived with this for years and years - it's mind blowing. All I can do is continue to pray and hope he has more good days than bad.
His neck and back are giving him trouble again and his knee has not been well.
March 24 - He will have both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy
March 25 - We will be going to Marion for an X-Ray and Pain Management Consult.
I will post when I get more news :)
As always, thank you for your love, support and prayers!
xoxo
With THAT said. Chad is trying harder than ever to enjoy life and embrace each moment. Sometimes I don't know how he has a smile on his face at all. When my back goes out or I get sick I am miserable, and it only lasts a few days. To consider he has literally lived with this for years and years - it's mind blowing. All I can do is continue to pray and hope he has more good days than bad.
His neck and back are giving him trouble again and his knee has not been well.
March 24 - He will have both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy
March 25 - We will be going to Marion for an X-Ray and Pain Management Consult.
I will post when I get more news :)
As always, thank you for your love, support and prayers!
xoxo
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