Brian had some testing done today. A cardiogram and another CT scan. We took the morning easy at the hotel and took off for lunch at CTCA. We are real pleased about getting all tests and treatments under one roof. They really make this as stress free as possible, shuttling all of us to and fro.
I am getting a lot of reading done. We plan on seeing our friends Bruce and Mary this weekend by renting a car and driving to Lisle IL to visit their new home. Hopefully we will be able to do some laundry.
There is only one problem , we miss the animals. Jessamyn is taking care of Doc the horse; Marc and Paqui are taking care of Rico the dog and our neighbors the Huddles are taking care of the cats. We appreciate you all!!!
Until tomorrow!
Mary
Angkor Wat
Temples of Angkor Wat
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
We're Here
We made it!
Got to Illinois beach resort late last night due to having a plane delay related to the right engine not starting properly. We had to unload and reload in another 747 which delayed us over 2 hours. What is in important though, is we arrived safely but very tired about 12: 30 am.
Brian was supposed to be at the CTCA medical center by 8:00, but since we missed supper we stayed and had a good breakfast before we headed out on our new journey. We were checked in and saw our first doctor. He was quite a character and very to the point. He told us that Brian has an aggressive type of tumor. None of the other physicians we saw told us that. He also wants Brian to have another CT scan, due to the last one is over a month old. Also will maybe get another esophageal ultra sound. He sees a nutritionist and naturalist on Thursday. Friday he sees another doctor for a second opinion. He couldn't get in to see the surgeon until next Monday or Wednesday.
Everyone we have talked to has been so friendly and helpful. Other clients have similar stories about confusing diagnosis or not getting the positive personal attention desired. Many other clients state that their experience at CTCA has be wonderful. This facility at Mid Western CTCA is the original one built and the hub for all the others.
Brian and I took a walk on the beach of Lake Michigan and through the woods. The surf was up! It is beautiful here and strange to see so much water.
We will keep in touch,
Mary
Got to Illinois beach resort late last night due to having a plane delay related to the right engine not starting properly. We had to unload and reload in another 747 which delayed us over 2 hours. What is in important though, is we arrived safely but very tired about 12: 30 am.
Brian was supposed to be at the CTCA medical center by 8:00, but since we missed supper we stayed and had a good breakfast before we headed out on our new journey. We were checked in and saw our first doctor. He was quite a character and very to the point. He told us that Brian has an aggressive type of tumor. None of the other physicians we saw told us that. He also wants Brian to have another CT scan, due to the last one is over a month old. Also will maybe get another esophageal ultra sound. He sees a nutritionist and naturalist on Thursday. Friday he sees another doctor for a second opinion. He couldn't get in to see the surgeon until next Monday or Wednesday.
Everyone we have talked to has been so friendly and helpful. Other clients have similar stories about confusing diagnosis or not getting the positive personal attention desired. Many other clients state that their experience at CTCA has be wonderful. This facility at Mid Western CTCA is the original one built and the hub for all the others.
Brian and I took a walk on the beach of Lake Michigan and through the woods. The surf was up! It is beautiful here and strange to see so much water.
We will keep in touch,
Mary
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New Plan
Hello all!
Some exciting news for us! After the news we received in Denver, I started to google the net for other treatment options. I came across Cancer Treatment Centers of America's (CTCA) website. Brian contacted them and immediately he and I felt a genuine feeling that they wanted to take his case on. Esophageal cancer is a difficult cancer to treat and is becoming more prevalent. They told Brian they only treat stage III cancers or more and aren't a research hospital. They treat cancer with the most current innovated treatments possible in a holistic manner; not only medically, but in a naturalistic, spiritual, and nutritional way.
CTCA has contacted our insurance company to make sure they will pay and made our travel plans to fly to the Midwestern facility in Zion, IL on Monday, September 28Th. We will be staying at the Illinois Beach Resort in Zion and will fly to O'Hara and then take a limo to Zion. Brian and I don't know how long we will be there for evaluation and treatment. CTCA didn't make any return plans as of yet. Zion is on the north shore of Lake Michigan.
This gives the family new hope that we can lick this cancer and have more quality years with our favorite music man! I will be keeping the lap top with me and posting updates as they come so all will know whats going on.
Mary
Some exciting news for us! After the news we received in Denver, I started to google the net for other treatment options. I came across Cancer Treatment Centers of America's (CTCA) website. Brian contacted them and immediately he and I felt a genuine feeling that they wanted to take his case on. Esophageal cancer is a difficult cancer to treat and is becoming more prevalent. They told Brian they only treat stage III cancers or more and aren't a research hospital. They treat cancer with the most current innovated treatments possible in a holistic manner; not only medically, but in a naturalistic, spiritual, and nutritional way.
CTCA has contacted our insurance company to make sure they will pay and made our travel plans to fly to the Midwestern facility in Zion, IL on Monday, September 28Th. We will be staying at the Illinois Beach Resort in Zion and will fly to O'Hara and then take a limo to Zion. Brian and I don't know how long we will be there for evaluation and treatment. CTCA didn't make any return plans as of yet. Zion is on the north shore of Lake Michigan.
This gives the family new hope that we can lick this cancer and have more quality years with our favorite music man! I will be keeping the lap top with me and posting updates as they come so all will know whats going on.
Mary
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Great Decisions
Greetings to all!
We are here in Estes Park contemplating Brian's future. As you know he had an appointment with his onocologist in Denver today. He gave him 4-options: 1 no surgery, scan every three months and chemo if necessary; 2-surgery, and possible have cancer spread anyway with very dangerous procedure and risk of death followed by more chemo; 3-do nothing and possibly have 2-3 years to live; 4- have endoscope with ultra sound to see if nodes are still involved which isn't necessary if going to do surgery. The onocologist got us in to see the surgeon before we left Denver and his prognosis has gotten worse related to lymph node involvement. He said that the surgery now will only increase Brian's chance of survival by 5-10%. It is a difficult decision for Brian to make. I know it will be difficult no matter what he decides, but the family will support what ever decision he makes.
Your continue prayers are appreciated and we will let you all know what decision Brian makes.
Mary
We are here in Estes Park contemplating Brian's future. As you know he had an appointment with his onocologist in Denver today. He gave him 4-options: 1 no surgery, scan every three months and chemo if necessary; 2-surgery, and possible have cancer spread anyway with very dangerous procedure and risk of death followed by more chemo; 3-do nothing and possibly have 2-3 years to live; 4- have endoscope with ultra sound to see if nodes are still involved which isn't necessary if going to do surgery. The onocologist got us in to see the surgeon before we left Denver and his prognosis has gotten worse related to lymph node involvement. He said that the surgery now will only increase Brian's chance of survival by 5-10%. It is a difficult decision for Brian to make. I know it will be difficult no matter what he decides, but the family will support what ever decision he makes.
Your continue prayers are appreciated and we will let you all know what decision Brian makes.
Mary
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
09/09/09 Brian comments 2 blog
Much love to you all, at times it is overwhelming; with all of the positive energy coming this way. It is just taking a lot of time to work through all of the issues surrounding my condition. To look back on summer slipping away gets me thinking. Through the years I have wondered when life would slow down for me. Hey now, slow motion is the only way that I'm operating it seems. Anyway, I wish I could give you all a slow hug right now.
I have been trying to walk/hike a couple of miles every day or so. Some days it doesn't work so well and I nap whenever I feel like it. I am getting stronger but not able to put any weight back on. Guess I'm destined to be one of the people who actually is at the recommended poundage, (for now at least!). The food intake has been a lot better with the excitement of eating all types of sandwiches. It was three months without them, you know.
I have been trying to walk/hike a couple of miles every day or so. Some days it doesn't work so well and I nap whenever I feel like it. I am getting stronger but not able to put any weight back on. Guess I'm destined to be one of the people who actually is at the recommended poundage, (for now at least!). The food intake has been a lot better with the excitement of eating all types of sandwiches. It was three months without them, you know.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Labor Day Weekend News Flash
Greetings from Buffalo, WY!
Brian and I are doing the music and mini vacation gig here in Buffalo, WY. The band is playing two nights at The White Buffalo. Brian has been keeping most music gigs, but traveling in the car seven hours wore him out.
Brian's doctor in Scottsbluff called and his CAT scan results look favorable. His tumor has shrank, lungs look good, but had some small cysts on liver. The doctor isn't too concerned about them I guess, could be aftermath from radiation and chemo therapies.
Brian has his appointment on Tuesday the 15Th with his oncologist in Denver. Will discuss options and determine a plan. He has been trying to wean himself off the Fentanyl patches which has been very difficult. Be aware, that if you start them they are very hard to get off. Brian has had some really problematic symptoms drying to decrease the dose.
Happy Labor Day to all and safe journeys if you are out on the road!
Brian and I are doing the music and mini vacation gig here in Buffalo, WY. The band is playing two nights at The White Buffalo. Brian has been keeping most music gigs, but traveling in the car seven hours wore him out.
Brian's doctor in Scottsbluff called and his CAT scan results look favorable. His tumor has shrank, lungs look good, but had some small cysts on liver. The doctor isn't too concerned about them I guess, could be aftermath from radiation and chemo therapies.
Brian has his appointment on Tuesday the 15Th with his oncologist in Denver. Will discuss options and determine a plan. He has been trying to wean himself off the Fentanyl patches which has been very difficult. Be aware, that if you start them they are very hard to get off. Brian has had some really problematic symptoms drying to decrease the dose.
Happy Labor Day to all and safe journeys if you are out on the road!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)