Diagnosis----finally

8:22pm CST: Finally received results of last lumbar bone lesion biopsy. Pop has carcinoma (cancer). Pop will begin radiation therapy as soon as possible---maybe even tomorrow along with chemo. They are unsure of the primary but the the combination of chemo given once a week has the potential to treat several systems/organs. Terry is staying with Pop tonight and I will be with him tomorrow. Pop told Dr. Buth---"at least we now know what we are working with" and told me he intends to fight it. Heading for bed---will post more tomorrow. Pop has felt so bad the last couple of months---it is almost a relief to be moving on with treatment.
Keep Pop in your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mom

Waiting for Tests

Pop still in hospital, on IV's, still under going testing, ate a little today, and slept most of the day. All consulting MD's have made rounds, awaiting results of blood work and Monday's biopsy. Lots of speculation, still a mystery as to diagnosis.
Still no private room available so Terry and I are unable to stay with Pop during the night.
Will keep you advised when more info available.

Love,
Mom

Great News!

Pop had his test this AM at hospital. Just happened that a couple of the nurses were ones I went to school with were working the critical admitting area---we discussed Pop's status---and I was informed his WBC was 16,000. The diagnostic radiologist was great---did confirm a C&S was done on the "lesion" biopsy.

I paged Dr. Buth through the office, physician exchange, and finally the hospital operator to ask him to call me ASAP. Dr. Buth called me back----I told him test completed, advised him of WBC, Pop's dehydration, sleeping 20 of 24 hours, losing weight, becoming weaker, and dying a little each day. I asked him to please admit Pop. Pop was admitted in the hospital for treatment. IV's started, blood cultures done, sed rate, chemistry profile, etc., and infection control MD referral. I also called and cancelled the PET scan that was scheduled 10/30/2008 since it was to be done as out patient.

Prostate biopsy back and negative for cancer!!!!! Cannot tell you how relieved Pop was to find he does not have cancer.

Continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

Love,
Mom

Road trip to for more testing

Fasten your seat belts---we are off for more testing. Pop is about the same. Will provide update at end of day. Expect to be at hospital most of day.



Suggest you take a look at LJ's blog to see wonderful pics of her family while you wait. Here are ones taken just yesterday. How great!!!!

Love,
Mom

Where are those prostate biopsy results?

Okay---got a call back from Dr. Steinberger's office. Prostate biopsy reports should be back Wed/Thursday and will be faxed directly to Dr. Moore's office.

Will be gone most of tomorrow w/Pop at the hospital. Will try to blog at the end of the day.

Love, Mom

Pop is moving slow

Pop is moving slow today---up, reading paper, drinking coffee, eating a banana. Nothing planned today other than the Mickey D gathering.

Aunt Karen and Karla came by for a visit yesterday afternoon. Karen crocheted and brought by a prayer shawl for Pop that her church people prayed over. The shawl is beautiful, do not want the "boys" to snag it so I have put it on the top of his headboard.

Hopefully, will have the prostate biopsy results today. (Their handout indicated results would be available in 7 working days).

Linda--please do me a favor and ask Connie about: Immuno phenol typing. A nurse friend of mine told me heard about this test at Mayo on a person also affected by a marrow problem and it ended up being a rare immunosupressive disease. Just grabbing at straws.

Love,
Mom

"Pretty darned good"

Pop says he feels "pretty darned good" this AM. Think the medications have really kicked in. He only took 4 Lortab yesterday plus other meds. Ate some breakfast and now resting in recliner w/pup posse.

Terry and I are planning on going to Mass at 10:00am--Kevin is going to take Pop to and from Mickey D meeting. Nothing planned today other than kicking back, visiting with Terry and relaxing.
Continue to keep Pop in your thoughts and prayers. He has a busy week ahead with more testing.

Love,
Mom