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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Meeting with Oncologist

Yesterday Louise and I met with the oncologist for a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the recent CT scan and the endoscopy and to firm up the direction we will go from this point in time. We met with Diane who is the physician's assistant and who had discussed everything with Dr. Donovan who is the actual oncologist. Dr. Lewkowitz, our GI doctor who performed the endoscopy had called Dr. Donovan the day before and had discussed everything with him in detail.

The first news that Diane gave us was that the cytology report from the endoscopy showed that there were malignant cells remaining in the tissue of the esophagus where the tumor once had been. That test result had surprised Dr. Lewkowitz because the tumor was gone and this area at the base of the esophagus had appeared so clear of any remnant of the cancer. Diane emphasized that the upper 2/3 of the esophagus was unaffected.

Diane also went into further detail with us about how "normal" the rest of her body appeared from the CT scan. She said there was no enlarged lymph nodes and no other evidence of any other even small tumors in her body. She said there was also no need for a pet scan at this time because there is no evidence of cancer anywhere other than the cancer cells found in her lower esophagus.

Both doctors agreed that surgery was necessary at this time to remove the lower third of her esophagus to eliminate the current cancer and to remove the tissue that could lead to more cancer later. Surgery would also connect the good 2/3 of her esophagus with her stomach, allowing her to eat normally again.

When we first met with Dr. Donovan before the chemo and radiation began, he told us that there would be three possible scenarios that might happen. This was the second scenario where all evidence showed that the cancer had not spread anywhere in her body and that the tumor would be essentially gone but that remnant cancer cells might still be found in the esophagus and surgery would be required. For some reason, Louise and I have always felt that surgery would be necessary. I am pretty sure we would have opted for surgery even if no other cancer had been found. It made a lot of sense to repair the esophagus permanently so she could eat solids again and removing the once-infected portion of the esophagus could prevent that cancer from ever coming back. Though the results of the cytology test were discouraging to us, we know that there is a solution. That solution is the direction we were headed for anyway--surgery.

A surgeon has been recommended by our GI doctor and we probably will meet with him in the next week or so. We are exploring other possible surgeons also. We anticipate the surgery will take place in early January. It is major surgery and will require a fairly long hospital recovery time as well as a long home recovery period. But Louise is very hopeful that she can heal quickly. She seems to be getting stronger every day. She is going in for an ultra sound for an unrelated matter today, but otherwise she is doing well. Many of you were inspired by her like me, when she bore such a strong testimony in Testimony Meeting on Sunday. She gave such a strong witness of how merciful Heavenly Father is and how He was the reason for this miracle to take place for the ongoing cure to her cancer. May we all draw from her great hope and faith and testimony of a great and merciful Father in Heaven.

Love, Spence

9 comments:

  1. Thank you Spence for the update. All day yesterday I wondered how the appointment went. It sounds like you are truly being led to the best course of action. You and Louise are great examples of faith and obedience. I am glad to hear the Louise is gaining strength. She will need that for the surgery. I hope you can enjoy Christmas and I pray the 2011 will bring continued improvements for Louise.

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  2. Thank you for the news which seems to be very hopeful since surgery was in the picture anyway. Louise is such a stong girl, spiritually and physically. We all should have so much faith! We love you.

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  3. I'm so glad that there was no more cancer in other areas of her body, but it would sure be nice to have it all gone. You are in our constant prayers and thoughts. I'm so glad that things are looking up, even if it's just a little.

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  4. Would have loved to hear your testimony. As a doctor once said to me "This is just a bump in the road" to your recovery. With so much at stake, this was going to be you path anyway. Count me in to come take a turn at nursing & mothering when you are home from the hospital. Love you, Nancy

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  5. Me too! I want a turn to come help after the surgery. I am glad that they didn't find the cancer anywhere else and that it looks as though they can just take that infected area out. I am also happy that you will be able to eat again....one birthday lunch is all you are allowed to miss! I love you.

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  6. This is great news. I'm so glad you are mostly cancer free. You just have to clip the yucky part out. I'm very happy for all of you. Love, Rosemary

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  7. Webe, I substituted at my former school yesterday and today and was telling everyone who had heard about your fight with cancer that you were cancer free. Then I just got home and saw Spence's post. That's what I get for bragging about you, Webe! I am confident surgery is the best thing to eradicate this cancer monster once and for all. I know surgery is what you both were feeling would be best/needed all along. Plus, surgery was going to be necessary anyway to remedy your swallowing issues. Please know that once I am back in town after January 14, I am totally available to help in any way you'll let me. In the meantime, I will be praying for your regained strength to continue building daily. You are a very strong woman, physically and spiritually, so I know you can do this! I just wish the road had fewer bumps in if for you. Loads of love, Deb

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  8. Thanks Spence for your careful and complete explanation. And Louise, let me come help you post-surgery? I would love to come! As for the surgery, just make sure you get lots and lots of rest so you are strong as possible for it. It will give you peace of mind to cut everything out--not to mention you will finally be able to EAT again1!!! yeah!! It sounds like your doctors are excellent. As for the malignant cells, you were going to have this surgery anyway so all the more reason to do it now.. Then we can all turn our back on the cancer FOREVER. Big hug, Sue

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  9. I'm glad this surgery will help so you can eat solids again! Salad here we come! ;) We are praying as always for your health and for your upcoming surgery. I'm sure you're a little nervous, but looks like everything will end up ok :) So glad there weren't signs of the cancer spreading--such a wonderful blessing to such a strong, faithful woman (and family)!

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