minor update

This is Keri ... updating John's blog...
5/21 Had a CAT scan of the liver, stomache & pelvic. Routine scan
5/27 Today John had to go to ER for a kidney stone. Is home resting and taking pain medicine till he passes the stone.

Latest Scan Results

I am near normal now 3 months after surgery. The monthly Cancer doctor visit was suspended in October because I had another Octreoscan. The Sandostatin shot that I receive every month at my Dr. visits would have interfered with the nuclear isotope that I get injected with for the scan. So we skipped October’s appointment. This month when I went in the news was almost all good. The results of the scan were very good. My blood work was very good. The tumor marker was at 88 when I first visited Dr. Roberts, now it is at 7. I don’t understand too much but from a “bad” high of 88 to a “good” low of 7, I can see the improvement. 7 is a normal level.

The one worrisome detail is that the scan showed a tiny abnormality at the base of my brain. I will have a CAT Scan to check on it. They wanted to do an MRI. I said I wouldn’t be able to do that unless I was unconscious. That wasn’t an option, so the compromise is a CAT Scan, if that finds something then I will have to have an MRI. I think I fear the MRI more than a brain tumor.

I also visited the radiologist to get the results of my CAT Scan on my liver. The tumors in my liver are shrinking. That means No new Chemoembolization. The first two were sufficient. Dr. Palestrant was very positive in contrast to Dr. Roberts who is very reserved. Although at the last visit we saw Dr. Robert’s nurse practitioner instead of him. She said he was very jubilant about my scan results.

The next things happening are a CAT Scan of my brain, let’s hope for NO tumor, they say it is a remote possibility. I also have to have an open MRI, (emphasis on the open) of my abdomen as a follow up on the intestine tumor that was yanked out, hopefully there will be no traces of that.

All in all things are very positive and I am feeling good. Thank you to everyone who cares, has prayed for me and shown concern and love.

After surgery

It’s been awhile since I have posted anything. I haven’t felt like posting after my surgery. I am getting better. The nightmare of the hospital is receding. I am getting stronger and less woozy. I am amazed at how long this recovery is taking. I was supposed to be in the hospital 7 days, my goal was to get out in 5 or 6 days and do better than the average. I ended up being in for 10 days. I thought I would go back to work pretty fast, couple of weeks, it’s been a month and I don’t know how I will do yet. All the doctors tell me it’s normal, that the recovery takes time.

I have what looks like a red zipper on my belly now. It starts below my belly button and goes up to the belly button then curves out in a half moon circle around the belly button and then continues up to just below my chest.

There are always more things to wait for, but the main thing is that the primary Carcinoid tumor is gone. They say there are probably microscopic pieces left in the lymph nodes. Which means another tumor may start some where else. The good news is that Carcinoid tumors are slow growing so I may have years before having to worry about another surgery.

Next things upcoming are another Octreoscan, CAT scan, possibly another Chemoembolization. The results of a sleep study for sleep apnea and the results of a battery of tests done at the last Dr visit. Then of course regular blood tests.

I am hoping for another medical vacation, where I can pretend things are normal for awhile. A place where there is NO hospital green Jello.

Monday, 25th

John is coming home!!!
Keri

Saturday, August 23rd

John is staying a little longer in the hospital because his blood pressure and heart rate need to be monitored. They gave him a CAT scan of the heart this afternoon to rule out a blood clot. Results of CAT scan - everything looks good in the heart and lungs.
Hopefully John will come home Monday.
Keri

New Room

This afternoon John was moved to a new room.
Telemetry first floor, room #137, bed 2, pod D
602-239-4992 direct line to his room.
He was given some juice, clear soup, jello & italian ice for the first time since he had surgery.
He was also able to have a shower!
Hopefully Saturday he will come home.
Master Block sent a beautiful fruit bouquet to John, yummy, yummy!!!! Thank you! Thank you for everyone sending cards & well wishes!
Keri

2nd Update

John is still in the intensive care unit. The doctors are concerned about his severe sleep apnea. As far as the surgery, the doctors say John is doing great. Everything is progressing nicely. Because of the anesthesia, his intestines are still asleep. When they wake up they will let him have liquids. He hasn’t had anything to eat or drink since last Thursday night. He is feeling lousy and can’t wait to come home. Hopefully Wednesday they will move him to another room, which means one more step to coming home.
John will have another CAT Scan in October to check on the liver. In November (or sooner) he will have another Octreoscan. The doctors will continue to monitor him closely.
I would like to thank everyone for love shown & prayers offered in John's behalf.
Keri