First and foremost, Chad's CT Results and Blood work all look good. That is the blessing of 2019 as far as his health is concerned. I assume we will have to see his oncologist in the New Year to see what the modified regiment is for prevention. I assume his CT Scans will be pushed back to once a year along with his colonscopy.
Chad had an appointment with the Nurse of the Neurosurgeon yesterday and I felt like I was in an episode of Grey's Anatomy. Anyone who watches knows that the surgeons on that show are very hungry to cut, cut, cut. Surgery is always the answer for them! This guy was very eager to get Chad to have surgery.
The MRI he had done two years ago is basically the same as it is now - but he let us know it's "bad". He's seen worse but this is bad. There's basically zero cartridge left between C4 and C5. There is a follow up appointment on January 14th with the actual neurosurgeon.
I have mixed emotions about the entire thing because Chad is not in pain every day like he was when we went to the doctor originally and also because Chad is a terrible patient. He does not recover well and every time they treat him for one thing, ten more things go wrong. So it worries me.
On the flip side, if this is going to get progressively worse, he needs to be proactive in preventing further deterioration and risking more sever consequences. He returns to work on January 6th, so he will have to find out what the deal will be with time off, etc., and then once we meet with the Surgeon on the 14th, we will know more.
For now, it's a waiting (and thinking) game. Ultimately, it will be his decision on what he is most comfortable with. Thank you for your prayers and love xo
Have a great 2020!
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, December 31, 2019
Friday, December 13, 2019
Preliminary Results Are In on Friday the 13th.
Chad just received a written report from the Radiologist. We have not spoken to his doctor or his oncologist. There is some concerning stuff in the report that we don't necessarily understand but after comparing this report to several from his past and considering at the end of the report it said this...
We are cautiously OVER. THE. FUCKING. MOON and hopeful that this really does mean that he is ...
We are cautiously OVER. THE. FUCKING. MOON and hopeful that this really does mean that he is ...
!!! 5 YEARS CANCER FREE !!!
His actual surgery date when the cancer was officially removed was January 6, 2015. His big surgery in Baltimore with the appendix cancer specialist was March 2, 2015 so this celebration is 'technically' premature but this clear scan likely means he will now be pushed to annual scans instead of bi-annual :) So this scan was the big one and I am so beyond grateful that the news, thus far, looks promising!
You did it Chad! You made it over the hump! I am so proud of you for soldiering on despite the endless health problems and somehow still finding a reason to smile and enjoy life. Cheers to another 40 years cancer free!!
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Scanxiety Begins....
It's been awhile since I've updated. That is because we have been in a holding pattern for ages.
Chad had approval for a bunch of tests for his stomach but due to a paperwork error when we went to that appointment, we couldn't see the doctor. They've supposedly fixed the paperwork now but we're still in a holding pattern waiting for an appointment.
Chad did receive bad news about his neck. There is further deterioration on his disc and they refused therapy so we go back to a Neurosurgeon on December 30th for a consult, likely more scans and I am sure they're going to suggest neck surgery of some capacity. :(
The Big One - CT Scan. Chad gets bi-annual CT Scans as a preventative measure for cancer. This will be his last CT Scan before the Five-Year mark for being cancer free. It's a big one. The one Chad has really been waiting for. Five years doesn't mean cancer free forever, but it's a big hurdle and one we're both anxious for him to get over. This will also move him to only having to have CT Scans once a year :) That CT Scan has just been scheduled for tomorrow. It is getting done locally (which is good) but that also means I am not sure when we will get the results (That is annoying) Previously, we would have to travel to Marion, IL to get the scan but we would also see his oncologist immediately after and he/she would read the scan and give us the preliminary results. But God willing the scan comes back clear and we get the results sooner than later.
As always, and maybe now more than ever - we could really use your prayers, positive vibes and good thoughts! <3 xoxo
Chad had approval for a bunch of tests for his stomach but due to a paperwork error when we went to that appointment, we couldn't see the doctor. They've supposedly fixed the paperwork now but we're still in a holding pattern waiting for an appointment.
Chad did receive bad news about his neck. There is further deterioration on his disc and they refused therapy so we go back to a Neurosurgeon on December 30th for a consult, likely more scans and I am sure they're going to suggest neck surgery of some capacity. :(
The Big One - CT Scan. Chad gets bi-annual CT Scans as a preventative measure for cancer. This will be his last CT Scan before the Five-Year mark for being cancer free. It's a big one. The one Chad has really been waiting for. Five years doesn't mean cancer free forever, but it's a big hurdle and one we're both anxious for him to get over. This will also move him to only having to have CT Scans once a year :) That CT Scan has just been scheduled for tomorrow. It is getting done locally (which is good) but that also means I am not sure when we will get the results (That is annoying) Previously, we would have to travel to Marion, IL to get the scan but we would also see his oncologist immediately after and he/she would read the scan and give us the preliminary results. But God willing the scan comes back clear and we get the results sooner than later.
As always, and maybe now more than ever - we could really use your prayers, positive vibes and good thoughts! <3 xoxo
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