Well...we got the call we were waiting for today. Apparently we are more special than we thought we were. Kim received a call from her oncologist Dr. Liao. He had a conversation with the pathologist reviewing the case, Dr. Allen Gown from PhenoPaths in Seattle. He is apparently internationally recognized for his work in the cancer field. His quote to Dr. Liao was something like "This is the most difficult case I've ever worked with". Great.
He is fairly certain that the tumor in Kim's chest (the before mentioned third boob) is a malignant tumor, most likely Thymoma or Germ Cell. Good news is both have high cure rates. Bad news is they still aren't certain. So...we go back to Tacoma General on Friday for another biopsy, this one more evasive to gather a bigger sample of the tumor. This will again be a day procedure, but will cause more discomfort than before. Hopefully we'll know more details next week and will be able to plan a course of action. What we know is that typically thymoma is locally aggressive and requires surgery. With the placement of the tumor this of course means cracking her sternum and doing a procedure akin to open heart surgery. With germ cell it has a similar high cure rate to thymoma, in the 80's, with treatment that begins with chemo and possibly includes surgery at the end.
For now, we are digesting this new information and trying to stay strong and faithful. Even though we've known this is a possibility, it still feels like a kick in the gut today. As always, when I know more...you'll know more.
Take good care, of yourself and those you love.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Day 15 - September 29, 2009
So thank you to everyone for calling and inquiring about how today went. For those of you who know me, you know I love music. Today is summed up best by an old song...I believe it is by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers:
"The waaaaaaiiting is the hardest part!"
No results today...no doctor appointment...no news.
Uggghhh.
Hopefully tomorrow we will get a call inviting us to come into the oncologist to review results...in the meantime...we wait.
I've been thinking about the day we did Kim's biopsy. At the end of it, our pastor led us in a prayer of thanks for all the blessings we have received; friends, family, strong doctors, one localized tumor, etc. It was a great reminder to be thankful for the good that had already happened...a sure sign of answered prayer. In the mean time, I thought I would share with you a few of my other current prayers:
My friend Kari from college who recently had surgery in her third bout with skin cancer - for healing and peace.
My friend Ron, whose family is directly impacted by the recent flooding in the Philippines - for peace, safety, good news and good health.
Many at church who are dealing with their own health issues and family health issues.
Kim's high school friend who is also waiting on biopsy results (they're hoping to get the same good news on the same day)!
Hope to have more news tomorrow. Until then, stay faithful.
"The waaaaaaiiting is the hardest part!"
No results today...no doctor appointment...no news.
Uggghhh.
Hopefully tomorrow we will get a call inviting us to come into the oncologist to review results...in the meantime...we wait.
I've been thinking about the day we did Kim's biopsy. At the end of it, our pastor led us in a prayer of thanks for all the blessings we have received; friends, family, strong doctors, one localized tumor, etc. It was a great reminder to be thankful for the good that had already happened...a sure sign of answered prayer. In the mean time, I thought I would share with you a few of my other current prayers:
My friend Kari from college who recently had surgery in her third bout with skin cancer - for healing and peace.
My friend Ron, whose family is directly impacted by the recent flooding in the Philippines - for peace, safety, good news and good health.
Many at church who are dealing with their own health issues and family health issues.
Kim's high school friend who is also waiting on biopsy results (they're hoping to get the same good news on the same day)!
Hope to have more news tomorrow. Until then, stay faithful.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 14 - September 28, 2009
I love fortunes. Fortune cookies, Chinese zodiac place mats, horoscopes, all of it. I have to buy the paper on my birthday so I can read the horoscope that says "On Your Birthday". It's always helpful to know ahead of time what kind of day it's going to be. My mom sent her horoscope to us from last Friday, the 25th...here's hoping it comes true!
Virgo: A loved one's health will change for the better. Good news is easy to share, and this is one time when you enjoy being the messenger. Take advantage of the opportunity to reach out to those you haven't talked to in awhile.
We're remembering this, and other things as we head to the oncologist tomorrow where we hope to hear definitive news on what the heck is growing in Kim's chest. (Though I doubt it is a wayward third boob as one friend has indicated...not sure how that would work, but I'm intrigued!)
I know I often say this, but it bears repeating: We feel so blessed to receive so much support and prayer, often from people we haven't met. My mom sent us a card from a co-worker (I think?) that is a prayer for Kim from the Mass for the Healing, celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. We've moved from counting states to counting countries! Woo hoo! Not a fan of their mimes, but I do dig their fries...and their toast!
Another friend sends us confirmation that her mother in Costa Rica is praying as well! So...as we have figured it...that makes at least 11 states (including the entire Pacific Time Zone), France and Costa Rica. Not bad for simple country folk!
I have to thank many people...but a few in particular right now: many friends who have watched our kids during appointments, and many more who have offered, our neighbor kid who has made it his responsibility to mow our lawn, and two women from work who so thoughtfully put together a binder to organize our paperwork for doctor appointments and a freezer full of meals ready to eat. It truly is the little things that make a huge difference. It is difficult to be the recipient of such great care. We hope someday to have the chance to return the favor.
Keep reading...I'll post again tomorrow regardless of whether we receive good news, bad news, or word that says "You have to wait longer!"
Steve
Virgo: A loved one's health will change for the better. Good news is easy to share, and this is one time when you enjoy being the messenger. Take advantage of the opportunity to reach out to those you haven't talked to in awhile.
We're remembering this, and other things as we head to the oncologist tomorrow where we hope to hear definitive news on what the heck is growing in Kim's chest. (Though I doubt it is a wayward third boob as one friend has indicated...not sure how that would work, but I'm intrigued!)
I know I often say this, but it bears repeating: We feel so blessed to receive so much support and prayer, often from people we haven't met. My mom sent us a card from a co-worker (I think?) that is a prayer for Kim from the Mass for the Healing, celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. We've moved from counting states to counting countries! Woo hoo! Not a fan of their mimes, but I do dig their fries...and their toast!
Another friend sends us confirmation that her mother in Costa Rica is praying as well! So...as we have figured it...that makes at least 11 states (including the entire Pacific Time Zone), France and Costa Rica. Not bad for simple country folk!
I have to thank many people...but a few in particular right now: many friends who have watched our kids during appointments, and many more who have offered, our neighbor kid who has made it his responsibility to mow our lawn, and two women from work who so thoughtfully put together a binder to organize our paperwork for doctor appointments and a freezer full of meals ready to eat. It truly is the little things that make a huge difference. It is difficult to be the recipient of such great care. We hope someday to have the chance to return the favor.
Keep reading...I'll post again tomorrow regardless of whether we receive good news, bad news, or word that says "You have to wait longer!"
Steve
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Day 10 - September 24, 2009
So a lot of people today have greeted me with "So...no news is good news, right?" I wish. We had our follow up appointment with Dr. Liao, our oncologist to go over results from Kim's biopsy on Monday. The results? Inconclusive. The tissue samples harvested are fibrous...and don't appear to be cancer. That was good news. There don't appear to be the traditional markers of lymphoma...also good news. However, Dr. Liao introduced me to a new phrase today: "The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." Translation...just because they haven't seen it yet doesn't mean it isn't there. Shit. What we now know is this...Kim's tissue samples have been sent to Phenopaths, a private pathology lab in Seattle. This apparently is a very good thing...like having Slash give you guitar lessons, or Billy Joel teach you piano or how to marry women WAY out of your league (which apparently I figured out on my own, thank you very much). They are staining the slides to further examine them. We'll hopefully hear something by Monday. The possibility exists that Kim may need to go in for more biopsy work. We've been given lots of new names as well...like Sclerosing Mediastenitis, Histoplasmosis, Immuno Histochemistry, and Sclerosing Lesion. As somebody with a Master's degree, I've never felt more dumb in my whole life. Are these people paid by the syllable? Yikes.
In the mean time, we appreciate the positive, encouraging words, they prayers, and laughs. Somebody told my mom today that "The Jews are praying..." for us. This cracks me up. New score card...
Christians...
Jews...
Muslims...
All praying for my wife and family. Like I told a colleague...at this point it doesn't matter if it is Jesus, Allah, Buddha or some Hindu god...we just want wellness. With that...I bid you good night and wish to pass on my most sincere thanks for walking this journey with us! All who read this are a blessing to my family...I hope you know that.
Steve
In the mean time, we appreciate the positive, encouraging words, they prayers, and laughs. Somebody told my mom today that "The Jews are praying..." for us. This cracks me up. New score card...
Christians...
Jews...
Muslims...
All praying for my wife and family. Like I told a colleague...at this point it doesn't matter if it is Jesus, Allah, Buddha or some Hindu god...we just want wellness. With that...I bid you good night and wish to pass on my most sincere thanks for walking this journey with us! All who read this are a blessing to my family...I hope you know that.
Steve
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Day 8, September 22, 2009
No new news for today. Want you all to know we read all your comments. Love the humor and encouragement. It really feeds us.
So...on with the tumor humor for today!
We have a very well-intentioned friend who truly wants to pray for healing, and the miracle that a goiter brings at this point in our lives. She really is sweet, but is having one hell of a time remembering what to pray for. Kim patiently reminds her that it is a goiter, because really, who are we to turn down a prayer, right? She excitedly called today asking if there was news from the doctor...there wasn't. Her response..."This is killing me. I'll just keep praying for gargoyles!"
So...for those of you keeping score at home...here is the scale for now.
Worst - Cancer
Better - Gargoyles
Best - Goiter
Hope this clears things up!
Have as blessed a day as we have been having knowing all of you.
Steve
So...on with the tumor humor for today!
We have a very well-intentioned friend who truly wants to pray for healing, and the miracle that a goiter brings at this point in our lives. She really is sweet, but is having one hell of a time remembering what to pray for. Kim patiently reminds her that it is a goiter, because really, who are we to turn down a prayer, right? She excitedly called today asking if there was news from the doctor...there wasn't. Her response..."This is killing me. I'll just keep praying for gargoyles!"
So...for those of you keeping score at home...here is the scale for now.
Worst - Cancer
Better - Gargoyles
Best - Goiter
Hope this clears things up!
Have as blessed a day as we have been having knowing all of you.
Steve
Monday, September 21, 2009
Day 7 - September 21, 2009
First let me thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. Kim and I have always been convinced about the power of prayer, and that has only be reinforced this week. You'll really never know how much we appreciate all the thought and time that has been dedicated to us. We think we counted at least 8 states and D.C. where people are praying for us...pretty overwhelming. Heck...we have the whole Pacific Time Zone!
Now for today. Up and at 'em, left the house at 6:15 to head to TG. Totally felt like the early bird, saw no freakin' worms. Is that good? Can't figure that out. Anyway, we met with tremendous staff at TG today. My mom stayed with me for moral support, though it was tough to admit that I would need that. Our pastor, Paul Freese met us there as well. What a blessing that was. As a pastor, he has done this so often and was very thoughtful and insightful. He certainly brought a sense of peace to the day. Kim was, of course, interviewed extensively today prior to her biopsy. No questions about the relative merits of her diarrhea or other bodily functions, but still two doozies none the less. So...you're 35, getting a cancer biopsy. Not the greatest day, right. The nurse asks..."Are you feeling depressed?" Duh...I'm getting a biopsy. Follow up question..."Have there been any significant changes over the past year?" You mean besides the fact that somebody told me I have cancer 6 days ago? No...we're all good baby! Bless them for being thorough...but sometimes you have to laugh!
Kim spent approximately 1 hr. 15 minutes with the interventionist radiologist, Dr. Wurst, who performed the biopsy. How hard do you have to work to out perform your name? Tough. Today he did though. He got plenty of great samples, and harvested extras so Kim could send them out for additional opinions. She came out looking and feeling great. In fact...the doctor today seemed to think that the tumor had shrunk since he had seen it on Thursday. Sounds like prayer to me.
We had to wait at the hospital for 3 hours while Kim rested. She couldn't leave until she could walk and pee. Thankfully she did them in succession, and not simultaneously...another blessing!
So...now we're home, she's resting, and now we play the waiting game. I've always hated games...especially this one.
More to come later. Thanks again for your support, comments here, and indulging my ramblings. Those who know me well know all I require is someone to pretend they are listening!
Steve
Now for today. Up and at 'em, left the house at 6:15 to head to TG. Totally felt like the early bird, saw no freakin' worms. Is that good? Can't figure that out. Anyway, we met with tremendous staff at TG today. My mom stayed with me for moral support, though it was tough to admit that I would need that. Our pastor, Paul Freese met us there as well. What a blessing that was. As a pastor, he has done this so often and was very thoughtful and insightful. He certainly brought a sense of peace to the day. Kim was, of course, interviewed extensively today prior to her biopsy. No questions about the relative merits of her diarrhea or other bodily functions, but still two doozies none the less. So...you're 35, getting a cancer biopsy. Not the greatest day, right. The nurse asks..."Are you feeling depressed?" Duh...I'm getting a biopsy. Follow up question..."Have there been any significant changes over the past year?" You mean besides the fact that somebody told me I have cancer 6 days ago? No...we're all good baby! Bless them for being thorough...but sometimes you have to laugh!
Kim spent approximately 1 hr. 15 minutes with the interventionist radiologist, Dr. Wurst, who performed the biopsy. How hard do you have to work to out perform your name? Tough. Today he did though. He got plenty of great samples, and harvested extras so Kim could send them out for additional opinions. She came out looking and feeling great. In fact...the doctor today seemed to think that the tumor had shrunk since he had seen it on Thursday. Sounds like prayer to me.
We had to wait at the hospital for 3 hours while Kim rested. She couldn't leave until she could walk and pee. Thankfully she did them in succession, and not simultaneously...another blessing!
So...now we're home, she's resting, and now we play the waiting game. I've always hated games...especially this one.
More to come later. Thanks again for your support, comments here, and indulging my ramblings. Those who know me well know all I require is someone to pretend they are listening!
Steve
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Big Day Tomorrow
Well...it's Sunday...time to praise God for all the good news we've received this week, pray for better news this week and steady surgeon hands, and watching the Seahawks! Hopefully they have some Husky mojo!
Tomorrow we'll meet at 7:00 AM at Tacoma General for a needle biopsy of the tumor in Kim's chest. If you're the praying type, please pray for the interventional radiologist on the team of Dr. Dennis Nichols as he performs the procedure and the team of pathologists at Tacoma General and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance who will be reviewing the samples. Oh yeah...pray for a goiter too! I'll be drinking my goiter-aid as extra luck. (Get it...goiter-aid, not Gatorade...sorry).
For now...have a great weekend. We had a fantastic day at the fair yesterday with family. We even ran into friends while we were there. We continue to be marveled at the blessings of family and friends in our lives...and by the number of people who are reading this...too funny.
Thanks for everything...we'll keep you posted as we find more out.
Oh...and by the way...no broken nose for Noah...yet.
Tomorrow we'll meet at 7:00 AM at Tacoma General for a needle biopsy of the tumor in Kim's chest. If you're the praying type, please pray for the interventional radiologist on the team of Dr. Dennis Nichols as he performs the procedure and the team of pathologists at Tacoma General and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance who will be reviewing the samples. Oh yeah...pray for a goiter too! I'll be drinking my goiter-aid as extra luck. (Get it...goiter-aid, not Gatorade...sorry).
For now...have a great weekend. We had a fantastic day at the fair yesterday with family. We even ran into friends while we were there. We continue to be marveled at the blessings of family and friends in our lives...and by the number of people who are reading this...too funny.
Thanks for everything...we'll keep you posted as we find more out.
Oh...and by the way...no broken nose for Noah...yet.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I need an umbrella...
So...when I thought my life couldn't get any more weird...here are some highlights of the last 24 hours.
Doing laundry last night. Checked the lint trap. Expected lint...maybe paper...hopefully a dollar, even a quarter. Found an underwire. What the hell?
Decided to give Kim the night off tonight. I'm awesome...right? Took the kids to ER volleyball game...love to see the former Ferrucci kids play. I'm done calling it ER...Emerald Ridge sounds much better. Noah, the boy who jumps off campground tables and lands on his feet, tripped on a bleacher and fell. Thank God the bridge of his nose was there to break his fall on the bleacher. Instant bruise, ice pack, trip to the convenience care, 4th co-pay this week, 3rd trip to digital imaging place, now he's laughing and dropping trou' for his sister. Love my life!
Really does seem like when it rains...
Doing laundry last night. Checked the lint trap. Expected lint...maybe paper...hopefully a dollar, even a quarter. Found an underwire. What the hell?
Decided to give Kim the night off tonight. I'm awesome...right? Took the kids to ER volleyball game...love to see the former Ferrucci kids play. I'm done calling it ER...Emerald Ridge sounds much better. Noah, the boy who jumps off campground tables and lands on his feet, tripped on a bleacher and fell. Thank God the bridge of his nose was there to break his fall on the bleacher. Instant bruise, ice pack, trip to the convenience care, 4th co-pay this week, 3rd trip to digital imaging place, now he's laughing and dropping trou' for his sister. Love my life!
Really does seem like when it rains...
September 17, Day 3
People say the funniest things when you are in the doctor's office. While there is nothing funny about cancer, there are some pretty damn funny things that are discussed.
As you are aware...we've discussed Kim's unimpressive diarrhea, (honestly...that never stops being funny). Now...for today's story.
So...we are meeting with the cardiac/thoracic surgeon today..Dr. Dennis Nichols at Tacoma General Hospital. Sounds serious...but what doesn't one the big C has been discussed. Nice nurse...doing medical history stuff of course. Less exciting than when you give blood, but still fairly detailed. The question was..."Do you smoke?" The answer..."No". Smart-alec husband's response? "Well, does it count if she is smokin' hot?" Nurse's answer...yes (said with serious face). Stunned patient and husband. She repeats the question..."Well...do you?" After I explained that I was talking about her being smokin' HOT...she explained she heard smokin' POT. Laughed my ass off...still am.
Story number 2. When Kim was pregnant she was a mush brain. I called it cous cous...same thing. Apparently cancer does the same thing. For the second time in her life, today she was on the cell phone with someone...while looking for her cell phone. I love her...glad she's so cute.
For the details.
Surgeon feels it is either lymphoma or thymoma. Lymphoma requires chemo...thymoma requires surgery...not sure which is better. Biopsy is scheduled for Monday at about 7:30 AM at Tacoma General. Should only take about an hour. We'll hopefully have results in a day or two, then we'll follow up with the oncologist, Dr. Liao, on Thursday at 9:00 AM. Next week will be big. We both really like Dr. Nichols. He's confident, thorough, and ends up that he is a Lute as well! Attaway doc!
The other possibility in all this...could be a goiter! Never thought I'd say this...but pray my wife has a goiter! You learn the best vocab when your sick!
Thanks for reading...I hope you find this helpful.
As you are aware...we've discussed Kim's unimpressive diarrhea, (honestly...that never stops being funny). Now...for today's story.
So...we are meeting with the cardiac/thoracic surgeon today..Dr. Dennis Nichols at Tacoma General Hospital. Sounds serious...but what doesn't one the big C has been discussed. Nice nurse...doing medical history stuff of course. Less exciting than when you give blood, but still fairly detailed. The question was..."Do you smoke?" The answer..."No". Smart-alec husband's response? "Well, does it count if she is smokin' hot?" Nurse's answer...yes (said with serious face). Stunned patient and husband. She repeats the question..."Well...do you?" After I explained that I was talking about her being smokin' HOT...she explained she heard smokin' POT. Laughed my ass off...still am.
Story number 2. When Kim was pregnant she was a mush brain. I called it cous cous...same thing. Apparently cancer does the same thing. For the second time in her life, today she was on the cell phone with someone...while looking for her cell phone. I love her...glad she's so cute.
For the details.
Surgeon feels it is either lymphoma or thymoma. Lymphoma requires chemo...thymoma requires surgery...not sure which is better. Biopsy is scheduled for Monday at about 7:30 AM at Tacoma General. Should only take about an hour. We'll hopefully have results in a day or two, then we'll follow up with the oncologist, Dr. Liao, on Thursday at 9:00 AM. Next week will be big. We both really like Dr. Nichols. He's confident, thorough, and ends up that he is a Lute as well! Attaway doc!
The other possibility in all this...could be a goiter! Never thought I'd say this...but pray my wife has a goiter! You learn the best vocab when your sick!
Thanks for reading...I hope you find this helpful.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 2 - September 16, 2009
So...rough start to the day. Had to try to tell my staff what is going on...cried through that. I thank God I work with such amazing people. Shoot...now they know I like them. Oh well!
Remembered from yesterday...
Dr. Liao, in his VERY thorough collection of symptoms asked about any diarrhea. Kim explained that she does get it occasionally. He asked how often each day, she said maybe twice, then not again for a few days. His response? "You have very unimpressive diarrhea." Still trying to figure out if that is good or bad...though I'm still laughing my butt off about classifying diarrhea!
Today Kim had another CT scan done to determine whether or not there are more tumors in her body. Good news...no new tumors. So...now that we know that, we have a consultation scheduled for September 17th (happy birthday to my mom) where we will discuss the biopsy procedure and schedule it...most likely for Monday the 21st. We meet with Dr. Liao again on Thursday, September 24th at 9:00 AM to go over the pathology report. THEN we'll know exactly what we're facing, can seek other opinions, and move forward with a plan for treatment.
I'm continually amazed at the outpouring of support for us by friends, families, and colleagues. We truly are blessed people. Kim's strength and sense of humor is inspiring, and I marvel at how she is handling this. How she ended up with a dope like me is amazing. Our kids are great, and only want Mommy to feel better...gotta love 'em.
That's all for now. Just excited to kick cancer in the ass.
Steve
Remembered from yesterday...
Dr. Liao, in his VERY thorough collection of symptoms asked about any diarrhea. Kim explained that she does get it occasionally. He asked how often each day, she said maybe twice, then not again for a few days. His response? "You have very unimpressive diarrhea." Still trying to figure out if that is good or bad...though I'm still laughing my butt off about classifying diarrhea!
Today Kim had another CT scan done to determine whether or not there are more tumors in her body. Good news...no new tumors. So...now that we know that, we have a consultation scheduled for September 17th (happy birthday to my mom) where we will discuss the biopsy procedure and schedule it...most likely for Monday the 21st. We meet with Dr. Liao again on Thursday, September 24th at 9:00 AM to go over the pathology report. THEN we'll know exactly what we're facing, can seek other opinions, and move forward with a plan for treatment.
I'm continually amazed at the outpouring of support for us by friends, families, and colleagues. We truly are blessed people. Kim's strength and sense of humor is inspiring, and I marvel at how she is handling this. How she ended up with a dope like me is amazing. Our kids are great, and only want Mommy to feel better...gotta love 'em.
That's all for now. Just excited to kick cancer in the ass.
Steve
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15 - Day 1
So...did you ever have a conversation with a seemingly nice person and wind up feeling like you've been kicked in the guts! Let's just say that is a starter on my day. Yesterday, my beautiful wife Kim had a CT scan to figure out what was bugging her in her chest...causing pressure. Based on that we were sent to the oncologist today. Not a place you expect to be at 35 for sure...especially with your wife.
So...they we were...full of trepidation...when this otherwise very nice man...Dr. Liau...said the dreaded C word. Looks like the mass in Kim's chest may be cancer...70-80% likelihood. After 90 minutes of discussion it appeared like this: 6 possible types of tumors...4 hopeful...2 not so much. Thankfully...he feels that it is more than likely one of the 4...thank God. Unfortunately, as the tumor appears to be pressing against her sternum it surrounds major arteries and vessels, and therefore can't be operated on. Looks like Kim may be testing the "Bald is Beautiful" mantra people always share in the presence of those more folicly challenged.
What do we know? We know that on 9/16 we have another appointment to have another CT scan, this time of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to rule out anymore tumors and then a follow up with my new BFF Dr. Liau. After that...biopsy. Pending those results we'll hopefully know more about the type of tumor and how it is treated. Until then...those offering thoughts and prayers...thanks. Those offering other assistance...your time will come...we'll try not to wear you out too soon!
Keep checking...I'll post updates as I have them. In the meantime...here's hoping for the 20-30% benign possibility and a speedy recovery. And the loss of this general feeling of naseau I seem to be carrying around!
By the way...the title? Our team of folks ready to kick the a@@ of cancer is, for now, called The Tumornators (had to explain to Morgan...). We'd love you to join our team. We're hoping to beat cancer like it's the '08 Detroit Lions!
Steve
So...they we were...full of trepidation...when this otherwise very nice man...Dr. Liau...said the dreaded C word. Looks like the mass in Kim's chest may be cancer...70-80% likelihood. After 90 minutes of discussion it appeared like this: 6 possible types of tumors...4 hopeful...2 not so much. Thankfully...he feels that it is more than likely one of the 4...thank God. Unfortunately, as the tumor appears to be pressing against her sternum it surrounds major arteries and vessels, and therefore can't be operated on. Looks like Kim may be testing the "Bald is Beautiful" mantra people always share in the presence of those more folicly challenged.
What do we know? We know that on 9/16 we have another appointment to have another CT scan, this time of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to rule out anymore tumors and then a follow up with my new BFF Dr. Liau. After that...biopsy. Pending those results we'll hopefully know more about the type of tumor and how it is treated. Until then...those offering thoughts and prayers...thanks. Those offering other assistance...your time will come...we'll try not to wear you out too soon!
Keep checking...I'll post updates as I have them. In the meantime...here's hoping for the 20-30% benign possibility and a speedy recovery. And the loss of this general feeling of naseau I seem to be carrying around!
By the way...the title? Our team of folks ready to kick the a@@ of cancer is, for now, called The Tumornators (had to explain to Morgan...). We'd love you to join our team. We're hoping to beat cancer like it's the '08 Detroit Lions!
Steve
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