One Step Forward, Two Behind.

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