Status Quo

Geez, I didn't realize it had been so long since I'd posted an update. Al had very successful surgery in Kansas City last April, 'textbook' to quote his surgeon. The downside was that his voice was reduced to little more than a whisper as a result of the surgery. The left side of his vocal cords has been slow in 'overcompensating' for the right side, but the good news is that his airway was indeed improved.

He has undertaken speech therapy, and has vocal exercises to improve his ability to speak. Dr. Garnett explained to us that we should think of his vocal cords as another muscle, and with more exercise, that muscle would get stronger. This has proven to be true, as his voice gets stronger the more he talks. But if you call him on his day off, you're likely to get little more than a whisper.

Understandably, this has been very frustrating over the past number of months. We have had regular follow-up visits with Dr. Garnett in KC, and he's pleased with Al's progress. We have another visit scheduled in July, and I'll try to remember to post again after that.

Otherwise, neither of us has any indication of cancer. I'm still undergoing semi-annual mammograms, and they remain clear, so we're thanking our lucky stars for these blessings, and trying to support friends and family when they are faced with the challenge of this wicked disease.

xoxoxo

More surgery to come.

Dr. Cossette wanted to give Al's vocal cords some time before proceeding with anything further. When we saw him in January, he scoped Al again and was disappointed to see how little airway is available. After his laser surgery last summer when they removed scar tissue from his vocal cords, Al had a better airway. Unfortunately, the airway is still restricted (about 5-6 mm compared to a regular person's 12-15mm) and the scar tissue will grow back. When he gets a cold or any kind of infection, that airway is even less.

So we've been referred to Dr. Garnett, an otolaryngologist at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, who scared the life out of us. (The other patients in his waiting room gave us a bit of a start, as well.) He looked at the photos from last summer's surgery and the scope done at Dr. Cossette's office recently, and gave us all the skinny on a trachestomy. Short of that hand-held machine that you use to speak when your vocal cords don't work, a trach has been Al's biggest fear, though we now understand it's not if he has one, but when. Dr. Garnett explained that this part of your body responds to radiation by creating scar tissue for the rest of your life. Also, the radiation killed off the saliva glands in that area, so that is why Al's always fighting mucous build-up -- the saliva would be thinning out that mucous so it's more easily expelled -- resulting in that hideous cough he's lived with the past five years.

He went on to tell us all about a trach (see Hood Stoma Stent if you really want to know) and how much better the stents are now and how much better off Al would be with a trach. (Prior doctors have advised us to put off a trach until there are no other options due to potential complications and just the ick of dealing with it!) So we were figuring that would be his solution until Dr. Garnett scoped him in the office.

Evidently seeing for himself changed his mind, and he recommended a cordotomy. The long and short of this procedure is to remove a section of the right side of Al's vocal cord (which is immobile and unresponsive, due to the radiation) to increase his airway. The left side of the vocal cord will overcompensate to allow him to talk and it should allow him to move more air. They leave a stitch in his neck holding the vocal cord open, which allows the incision to scar over when it heals and hold the vocal cord (and airway) open. He explained that Al's voice would be raspy for a few days, but should be vastly improved in pretty short order.

So they've scheduled the surgery for April 29 (which is FAR too long in Al's estimation, but we didn't get any choice!) at KU Med in KC. He'll be in the hospital overnight, and he's decided to take a full week off to heal. Then we'll go back on May 18 for a check-up, and at some point another surgery to remove the stitch.

We're both happy to have something hopeful on the horizon, but it can't come soon enough; this man needs to breathe, after all! Thank heaven for optimism!

Mostly Good News Today

Surgery went well. Al's throat was sore, but that's to be expected. He didn't require the trach (thank goodness!), but we all agreed overnight at the hospital was the best thing. I'd forgotten how you really can't sleep in the hospital (as I stayed with him)!!!

He got several things done around the house while he was on medical leave for a week. Best of all, we both feel he's breathing AND talking better, and hope it's not just wishful thinking!!!
He's allowed to do pretty much whatever he feels like doing. They told him to sleep in a reclining position for several nights, but now he's back in bed most of the time.

He's just come down with a 'different' sore throat in the past few days, so I dragged him into the doc this morning, who confirmed some ICK going on and felt like we'd be better off to nip it in the bud considering the recent surgery. So he ordered a Z-pack of antibiotics and Al stayed home from work to rest. He's scheduled off tomorrow, so I'm thinking by Monday he'll be feeling a LOT better.

Thanks for thinking of us!!!

WAY overdue for an update!

Good news, bad news kinda thing. Good news is that Al was dismissed from further visits by his oncologist when we saw him on early May. WOO-HOO!!! No signs of cancer!!! Hard to believe it's been four years, isn't it?

On the bad news side, he had a nasty cold/respiratory infection this winter which has brought to light some scar tissue on his vocal cords (after about half a dozen various appointments). He's been hoarse off and on to varying degrees since December.

So please keep us in your hearts come Thursday, as he'll be going in for laser surgery to remove the scar tissue. We believe (and hope) there are a couple of bands of scar tissue which are restricting the right side, and once that's alleviated, the cord should be able to move freely. This would allow his voice to return and his vocal cords to open fully again so he can, oh, I dunno, BREATHE.

He'll be admitted as an outpatient but the plan is to keep him for 23 hours. We're expected at the hospital at 6 am for a 7:30 surgery. If all goes 'textbook', he'll be home Friday morning and can return to work Saturday. If the area swells, they'll put in a temporary tracheotomy, he'll stay in the hospital an extra night, and he'll need to be off work a week or two. He's very cool and calm about this; I'm a little freaked out about the possibility of a trach, but we both have great confidence in his ENT (Dr. Cossette).

I'll post an update as soon as I have some details, probably later on Friday.

As for me, I'm doing just fine. My boob still feels sore -- like a bruise -- off an on, and it varies in size from week to week, but no further treatment is needed at this point. I blew off the cutlet idea, but have been reconsidering lately, so one of these days I'll get down to B&K for a consultation. I'll have a bilateral mammogram and final follow-up with my surgeon in early September, continue to take Femara daily, and see my family doctor quarterly until further notice. Otherwise, we're pretty much back to life as we know it!!!

It's been a crazy 6 weeks!

Happily, I'm recuperating well. We visited Dr. Osland for my 6-month surgical follow-up (can you believe it's been 6 months???) on Thursday, and got the all-clear. I've been making myself crazy thinking about cosmetic (reduction) surgery, so it was great to talk with the pros. Given the risks and the (relatively) minor issues I'm having, she seemed to advise against it; her PA was encouraging surgery "if it would make that big a difference" in my mind. Dr. Osland explained me the 'mechanics' of the process and told me no reasonable surgeon would consider touching it for another 6 months, so I've put it behind me for now.

I plan to go to B&K and pick up a 'cutlet' -- and start stuffing my bra for the first time in my life!!! Nobody notices the difference but me, but when I'm wearing those few shirts that emphasize the difference I can slip in the prosthesis and feel better about myself. And I'm thinking I'll take surgery off the table.

Al, on the other hand, has had quite a rough ride. He got a respiratory infection in late December which involved two rounds of antibiotics and a round of steroids. He's pretty much lost his voice, and a bronchoscopy the end of January revealed a yeast infection on his vocal cords. Dr. Berquist put him on an anti-fungal, which has cleared up the yeast infection but has not restored his voice. So he saw an ENT, Dr. Hendrick (Al saw him in 2006), who reiterated there is no paralysis evident in his vocal cords. He didn't understand why Al's voice hasn't come back either, so Al's going to have a study (scheduled for March 23) of his vocal cords. As I understand it, they'll go in with a high-speed camera and record the activity of his vocal cords. I'm hoping this will prove to all of us that the paralysis of his vocal cords disappeared after his treatment, and we'll get back to life as we know it.

Fortunately, he is feeling better and has more energy. His voice comes and goes, but his breathing has gotten easier and he doesn't need nebulizer treatments every 5-6 hours just to function. He now wants to get a feel for how much his system is actually compromised, and what he can do to improve his lung capacity and literally breathe easier.

So, hang in there with us. I'll try to be better about blogging regularly, but always know that no news is good news.

More bad news AND a bit of Inspiration

Saw Dr. Perez-Tamayo again yesterday morning, and -- as expected -- my radiation has been put off yet another week. Instead of keeping everything moist, we're now working on keeping it dry, and she gave me a prescription that should resolve the rest of the problem.

The good news is that it already looks (and feels) a lot better, so I'm hopeful we can conclude this business in time for Al's birthday next Friday.

Speaking of Al -- poor guy -- his cold has come back again with a vengeance. Bos has him taking a stronger antibiotic and continuing what he'd been doing earlier in December. If this doesn't clear things up, he wants to refer him back to Berquist (the pulmonary specialist) to scope his lungs again. Which I'll admit, sent chills through me remembering a similar scope nearly four years ago. (Can you believe it's been that long?)

I found this wonderful video on Cathy Zielske's blog, and recommend it to everybody. Get out the tissues, friends. It really hits the spot, and I'm off to learn more about the author, and hoping her book is available at our local library.

Monday, Monday

Well, I did get dressed on Saturday. Al and I even went out for breakfast. Pam & McKaylen came by to visit, and we went out to Hobby Lobby. Riding in the car was not a lot of fun, but it felt good to walk around the store. Al went off to work 1-10, and I slept most of the afternoon away.

Saturday night was restless and Sunday was pretty much sleep, sleep, sleep. I actually slept like a rock last night, so am hoping to be a bit more active today. The good news is that the swelling has finally receded, except over the specific spot where the lump was, and both incisions are looking really good. They itch and sting a bit, so we know they're healing.

I go back to work on Wednesday, and see the surgeon for follow-up on Thursday.

Poor Max doesn't know what to think. His favorite place to sleep is the middle of my chest, and I won't let him up there. He and Mikey have been quite the little nursemaids; they barely leave my side!!! One of the reasons I'm sleeping in the guest bedroom is that I can shut the door with them on the other side. I just don't need a cat jumping one me in the middle of the night!!!

Al is really facing some challenges at work these days. Their 'new' manager Josh finally started working in the department August 1, then Leonard was killed in a car wreck mid-August. Robert hurt his knee a couple of weeks ago, had surgery and will be off about 6 weeks. Now poor Lance took a couple of days off last week to work on his porch, and cut off a finger with his table saw!!! They managed to re-attach it, but he'll be out til at least the first of the month.

Far as I know, Danny's still in one piece, but he only works part-time. So Al and Josh are splitting the days trying to cover the department. You all know how Al doesn't like to let things go undone, so he's pushing himself trying to get everything taken care of, and he's just worn out, poor guy!!! He doesn't like to sleep in the waterbed without me, so he's been camping out in the basement.

Well, I'm off to get some breakfast, get dressed and get going. I'm sick of laying around, and though I know I won't be doing much of anything, I need to do SOMETHING.

xoxoxo
Sharon

A bit of a Scare

Al went in for his regular 6-month check-up with his primary care physician. Bos took a look at him -- with his swollen neck and puffy left arm and hand -- and ordered a CT scan. Needless to say, gave us a good scare.

Good news, it's just inflamed lymph nodes. The CT shows no sign of a mass, so they're going to scan him again in a month and see if anything new develops. In the meantime, he's going to try some lymphedema treatment to attempt to decrease these lymph nodes. Benadryl seems to help most so far, so I've been putting him to bed with some of that on board.

What can I say? His body's 'weird' (to quote every doctor he's ever seen!)!!!

xoxoxo
Sharon

Just remember . . .

No news is always good news on this blog!!! Geez, I need to set a calendar reminder to check back here periodically!!!

Lessee, the latest good news is that Al had a CT scan in January, and there was no sign of anything looking like a tumor. Instead of coming back in six months for a re-check -- and since he sees his primary care doctor every six months -- he's not scheduled again until September.

And if that scan comes back clean, he will be discharged from the oncologist!!! WOO-HOO!!! The doctor says that with this type of cancer, if you make it three years without recurrence, you can consider yourself cancer-free.

Come on, September!!!

Still here!!!

High time for another post, wouldn't you say?

I'm having a personal celebration tonight, as this is the second anniversary of Al's last cancer treatment. Dr. Beck tells us that if he can go three years with no cancer detected, he can consider himself 'cured' (whereas 'they' usually say five years).

So . . . two down, one to go.

Al had another bronchoscopy in May, just to take a look around to ensure no new masses. All clear on that front. Followed this month by a CT scan; again all clear. So we've nothing but good news. He's doing quite well from my perspective. I'm not sure if it's the sunny weather that's boosting his spirits, having a new project (namely Mikey's 'flip' house), or that he just decided to stop complaining, but his energy is up and his outlook is far less gloomy.

We might just make it through this after all!!!

Update on Al #44

Well, good news!!! Dr. Alsop did the EGD this morning, and found no big surprises. WHEW!!! We're both so relieved, we've been asleep since we got home!!!

He agreed with Dr. Beck that Al's esophagus has some stricture, and used a couple of tools to dilate the esophagus a bit. (Isn't that what they used to have to do for Uncle Lorran???) We're to call him on Monday and let him know if that helped him some, and if so, he feels that confirms the stricture as being the problem. Also, if need be, they can use ALL the tools to dilate his esophagus fully.

I didn't ask any smart questions, so I've started a list to ask on Monday when I call.

Al's resting pretty comfortably -- like he normall does following conscious sedation -- though he feels a little nauseous. Thanks for reminding me, Vicki, that they've been poking around on that 'gag me' zone.

He was surprised to find that his stomach wasn't empty, even though Al hadn't eaten anything for 12 hours, so he put him on a drug called Reglan to assist emptying his stomach. Said he saw no evidence whatsoever of acid refux or damage to the esophagus.

So we're good to go til the next update!!! Al's next CT scan is scheduled mid-January; I promise I'll send out a new update.

xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #43

Well, I guess I've been a little remiss in updates, since my last one was in June!!!

Al had another CT scan in September, and it came back clear as a bell again. Other than various aches and pains -- which tend to all get attributed to side effects from radiation -- he's been doing well.

He mentioned about a month ago that his throat was kind of sore, and we just figured it was a seasonal allergy or something. Then a couple of weeks ago, I took him to supper and he ordered steak, and I realized he seemed to be working to swallow it. THAT's when he tells me he's been having problems swallowing for about 3 weeks.

So you can bet we beat it to Dr. Beck's (oncologist) door first thing last Monday morning!!! He examined Al and discussed him with his internist, and they agreed on a barium swallow, expecting to find a stricture of his esophagus, which is evidently pretty easily resolved with an outpatient procedure. Well, the barium swallow showed all clear, so tomorrow morning they're doing an EGD which is a scope down his throat, esophagus, and into his stomach to look for scar tissue, masses, whatever.

Needless to say, we're both on pins and needles. I hesitated to share anything until we 'know' something, but thought a heads up would be the best bet. We're off to bed shortly to get up early to the outpatient section of the hospital. I'm actually looking forward to an update on the staff members' lives -- we saw them so regularly for several months, and now it's been a while. How nuts am I???

I'll update you as soon as I know anything definite. Keep us in your hearts.

xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #42 -- aka HALLELUJAH

HALLELUJAH
hal-le-lu-jah or hal-le-lu-iah or al-le-lu-ia
interjection
Definition:
1. used to express praise to God: used to express praise or thanks to God
2. USED TO EXPRESS RELIEF: used to express relief, welcome or gratitude, i.e.
Hallelujah! The cancer is gone!!!

Well, you can choose the definition you're the most comfortable with, but I can't think of another word that better describes how we feel today after seeing Dr. Beck. The PET Scan is clear as a bell, life is good, and we will go on (sorry, I really didn't mean to plant the theme song from the 'Titanic' in all your brains!).

Al will be having quarterly CT scans, then they'll go to semi-annual "for a few years", and then "we'll be rid of you". Laughingly, Dr. Beck admitted that if he never had to treat Al for anything again, he'd be perfectly happy "never to touch you again" -- due to Al's weird reactions to things, and how every treatment seems to go backwards on him!!!

Speaking of weird reactions to things, he's been having a reaction to the dye from the PET Scan, so we visited the ER yesterday morning. They took a look and sent him home with over the counter meds. No better, and Al was completely miserable this morning, so we went back to the ER -- without a shower OR my morning glass of milk, thank you very much!! -- where they treated him for a few hours, and sent him home to rest and recuperate. But we cheated, and went to Dr. Beck's office (only 90 minutes late).

I fear once he's feeling better, we're going to be difficult to live with, as we received a letter last week informing us that we're never going to have to make a mortgage payment again. When we bought the house in the early 80s, we did so under a special program for first-time homeowners. Turns out, the bonds issued that funded that program were paid off recently, and the legalese states that if the mortgage is still outstanding when the bonds are retired, the mortgage is 'forgiven'. The downside is that we will have to pay taxes on the balance in some fashion as income, so I'm just going to put those mortgage payments into savings to pay those (I estimated it in 2005's Turbo Tax), and we should be good to go come April!!!

So, you can bet we bought a Lottery Ticket for Saturday's drawing!!! LOL!!! Haven't checked it yet. If we win, I'm sticking with my plans to rent a tour bus and driver to visit friends all over the country; I'm thinking I'll need to start in Seattle. Al hasn't decided whether he wants to tag along just yet for the full ride, but BOTH Emerald Cities are on our list.

Now that Al's cold is gone, he sounds a lot better. He's been having some problems with his LEFT knee, but it seems to be getting better. He still hates the CPAP, but he's working on it.

I'm good -- I can get into the garden, play in the den and enjoy time with Al when I'm not off at work antagonizing the general public. It's coming along, with a little help from our friends. (BTW, Ed, thanks for pulling up all those little weed trees!!!)

I'm going to log off now, and run around to fetch supplies from the drugstore, etc.

Hope this finds you all safe and not TOO warm!!! Thanks for keeping us in your hearts!!!
xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #41

It's been awhile (six weeks!!) since I've sent an update, and a few things have changed, so thought we were due for one.

I completely forgot to send an update (though I thought I had, really!) after we got the results of his latest CT scan. Sorry about that. The tests show no change, in fact it doesn't even report a tumor, merely a 'fullness' in the neck region. Dr. Beck sees this as a very positive improvement, and Al confessed to me this week he believes the cancer is gone. Now we just need to get rid of the side effects from all that radiation.

Happily, I spoke with one of the PTs in our office, and Al's been seeing her for about a month. In two visits a week, the circumference of his neck has decreased 4 centimeters as a result of her treatment, and it seems to help. They've shown me how to perform the massage of his lymph nodes, so hopefully we can keep some of that fluid reduced with treatment at home.

In our meeting with Dr. Berquist, he confirmed the vocal cord paralysis is a new development, that he expects it to be permanent, and indeed recommended a sleep study. Al did the sleep study on March 31 (and brought home a nasty cold), and we went for follow-up this week. He believes the edema in Al's throat would be decreased with a CPAP machine to relieve his sleep apnea, and we now have a new bed partner. It's surprisingly quiet, and actually pretty easy. Al looks a LOT like an alien -- or maybe a bug! -- in his face mask contraption. Well, it's really more of a huge nose cover with an elastic 'headgear' strap. The downside is that Dr. Berquist expects him to gain maybe 10% in oxygen saturation while he's sleeping (according to the test, he gets about 85% in his sleep), which should help relieve the edema, and provide more oxygen to his muscles, etc. so he feels better during the day.

I'VE adjusted to the CPAP just fine. LOL Al is convinced on a logical level, but is really questioning it on a physical level. He says he feels like it's even harder to breathe in the morning after the machine's been on all night. I remind him it's only been a couple of nights, and both Dr. Berquist and the respiratory therapist said to give it a fair trial, he needs to use it for 2-3 MONTHS to get used to it.

As Nathan can tell you, Al's voice is nearly non-existent at times. This cold has made it worse, and he generally reserves his voice for when he goes to work and HAS to use it. He's increased to about 30 hours a week, and trying to get back up to his regular 40 hours. He's been keeping quite busy at home, throwing himself into the work here at home and in the yard and garden, as well as the garage. He's very dedicated just now to ridding the yard of the fescue that pops in among the bermuda we cultivate.

I'm just plugging away per usual. It's taking more work this spring to get the garden in shape due to the neglect of last season, but we'll get there. You all know I can go on and on and on about the garden, but let's give the glory just now to the 'Miss Kim' WHITE lilac that's blooming like mad just outside the window next to my computer.

Hope all is going well with all of you. Thanks for keeping us in your heart.

xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #40

Hi all!!! Sorry I'm a bit late, but GMail didn't want to work last night, and I was too tired to be patient!!!

The good news is that there is still no sign of tumor via bronchoscopy. That's no change from the last bronch 2-3 months ago.

The bad news -- though Al doesnt' seem fazed by it -- is that his right vocal chord appears to be paralyzed. Dr. Berquist says this is no doubt the result of his radiation treatments. And he expects it's permanent. My only thought was "I'm never going to hear my sweetheart's natural voice again." Al's comment was "why didn't he tell us about this BEFORE now???" He also wonders whether it's always been that way, as he had a freak accident as a toddler that affected his vocal cords. So when we see Dr. Berquist next week, we're going to ask a few more questions than I had the presence of mind for.

Dr. Berquist also commented how much swelling Al has in his throat, and believes this edema would be decreased with a CPAP machine to relieve his sleep apnea. We've done this before, if you'll recall, after his bypass surgery in 2000. This version makes more sense to us both, so we're going forward with it. I think Al's relieved to know this on-again, off-again swelling really ISN'T just in his mind, and more importantly, there's probably something we can do about it.

Now he's anxious to get Dr. Beck to order that PET scan. I'm anxious to see what the CT scan reveals -- we'll have that news on Monday morning. So I'll update you again Monday evening.

Hope all is going well with all of you. We're both looking forward to our annual Valentine tradition tomorrow -- going to the Wichita Garden Show, and spending the day away from home alone together. Thanks for keeping us in your heart.

xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #39

Hey everybody!!! Remember, when it comes to our health, NO news is GOOD news!!!

Al had his latest CT scan yesterday, and I'm happy to say there's no bad news to report. The mass hasn't gotten smaller -- this radiologist reported it at 1.5 centimeters (compared with 1.3 in December) -- but the lymph nodes are looking normal, and there was no mention of a mass near the hyoid bone as report last time. Dr. Beck was concerned, until Al told him that his throat feels swollen off and on, and yesterday was one of the days it felt swollen. The doc said this is not unusual as after effects of his radiation, and confirmed the same when Al's throat is sore, which again is off and on.

He wants to have another CT scan in TWO months (whereas they have been every month), and have Dr. Berquist "take a final look" via bronchoscopy which is scheduled for March 1. But the really GOOD news is he agreed Al could have the PEGG tube removed. Al's ecstatic! It's really the only thing he's complained of on a regular basis in the past month or more. (He mentions the sore throat or swelling, but doesn't really complain about those!) The PEGG has been real awkward since he's gotten more active -- namely at work for the most part. Oh yeah, if all looks good after the bronchoscopy, they'll probably remove the infusion port as well.

So we'll keep hoping for continued improvement, and an easy PEGG removal. He had the choice of going to the doctor's office for removal WITHOUT sedation, but considering the discomfort level he had when it was initially installed, we agreed sedated removal as a hospital outpatient made more sense. Sounds like Tuesday morning, but I need to call Dr. Alsop's office to confirm.

By the way, Al turns 50 on January 16. I'd love for him to be 'showered' with cards -- THIS year especially, after all he's been through. Join in if you'd like, and send them to Al Steponick, 333 Yale Ave, Salina, KS 67401-7369. Thanks!

Meanwhile, I think every 'child' should read this, and every 'parent' should remember it.
Beaner, thanks for sharing the link with me -- it's SO accurate.

If I missed you on our recent self-portrait, check it out here.

Nate, give us a buzz sometime. The phone number I have for you (628-something) doesn't work any more, so I'm thinking you have a Salina number now? BTW, when I drive by and honk, tell Desi it's customary to wave!!! (You ARE on my route to and from work, remember!!!)

Vic, keep me posted next week.

Pam, I have your Christmas photos here. How's Roger doing by now?

John, how was your Christmas? Hope you had a great visit, and that you enjoyed the gift we left you in the freezer!!!

Steph, I really haven't fallen off the planet. Promise.

Chat chicks (you know who you are!!!), we need to organize a visit . . . soon!!! Rainy, what night(s) are you off?

Again, thanks to all of you for your ongoing support. Please continue to keep us in your hearts.
xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #38

OK so Al had another head and neck CT scan with contrast yesterday. We saw Dr. Beck (oncologist) this morning. The report from the CT scan supports that Al's throat and trachea look clear, but the mass remains, which is still 'displacing' his esophagus. This explains why Al sometimes has trouble swallowing on the right side of his throat.

Better news is that the mass was 2.3 cm x 2 cm on the November report (which I don't recall hearing); it is now measuring at 1.3 cm x 1.3 cm, so it's decreased significantly.

That 'nodule' that showed up in last month's scan has decreased, and yes, Vicki, he said that could just be some inflammation of a lymph node or something altogether unrelated.

This report was written by a different radiologist than has done the past two, and me mentions "soft tissue asymmetry superior at the level of the hyoid bone". So that gave Al something new to worry about. Dr. Beck feels the radiologist is just covering every base, as the report mentioned this could not be appreciated on the prior scans (due to the nature of the scans). So that's going to be something to keep watching.

We spoke with Dr. Beck at length today, and explained how we feel we're just treading water at this point. He confirmed my optimism, that as long as the mass continues to reduce and Al doesn't develop new symptions, all is well. We talked about how sore Al's throat has been, and Dr. Beck instructed him to get back on the Prevacid (for acid reflux) to see if that would help. His wife suggested this to Al two weeks ago, but since I don't have a medical degree, that didn't count. You can bet I gave him a big 'told you so' in the office today!!! His voice is still a bit in and out, but it's definitely improved in the past month.

Al's been working half days back at Lowe's, which has really boosted his spirits. He's also keeping busy on various projects involving wood and the garage, which has also been very good for him. I'm getting a few hours on the weekend to myself, which has boosted MY spirits. Things are getting better.

He's scheduled to go back for another CT scan the first week of January, so unless there's a big change beforehand, I'll send an update then. This cold weather has been giving Al a run for his money, but I've converted him to lounging fully dressed (t-short and sweat pants instead of just gym shorts in the dead of winter), and he's learned to appreciate the joys of the down throws. My next goal is getting him into SLIPPERS!!! Could a robe be next on the horizon???

Thanks ever so much for your support and concern as we work our way through this challenge. Your notes, calls, cards and various greetings are SO appreciated; I never realized how much of a difference such things could make in one person's life!!!

xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #37

Hiya everybody!

Just a quick note (as if!) on our visit to the oncologist today. The not-so-great news is that on this CT scan, they saw a 'nodule' on Al's left lung. I thought Dr. Beck said the size of it was a sonometer, but this evening I did a little research on the metric system and didn't find such a measurement. At any rate, he said it was minuscule, and not to be terribly concerned, because the way a CT works is to take the x-rays in 'slices' which are spaced 'x' far apart; this nodule may well have fallen between the slices in the previous CT scans.

As for the tumor, the CT scan reveals that the mass is 'appreciably smaller' than previously measured. I'm taking this as good news. He said it's possible the cancer is gone, but there could be a mass of benign cells remaining, and reminded us the radiation is still coursing through Al's body in case there IS still cancer there. Dr. Beck also asked whether Dr. Berquist took any biopsies on the bronchoscopy, and was surprised to learn he hadn't. He's encouraged the mass is getting smaller, and expects that to continue.

Al complained about his sore throat and the cough, and Dr. Beck suggested some gargling, and continuing with what he's been doing to resolve it. Sometimes a breathing treatment helps, sometimes cough syrup helps, other times it doesn't.

So, the plan of attack is same as before, or in Al's words, "Hurry up and WAIT!". He's scheduled for another CT scan the first week of December, and we'll be watching for changes in the mass and/or in the nodule. Dr. Beck said he won't even consider another PET scan for another 3-4 months, and then only if the mass or the nodule are growing.

The best news is that he released Al to go back to work half time -- so he's going to finish up some of his 'projects' and start 10-2 on Saturday.

OK, maybe that's the second best news. The best news is that I'll have FOUR uninterrupted hours at home alone on Saturday, and again on Sunday!!! This is the first 'for sure' time I've had at home to myself in MONTHS. Geez, I sound like such a witch, but I know those of you who REALLY know me will understand!!! (Al does!)

So, please continue to keep us in your hearts and prayers. We'll get through this yet!!!

xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #36

Hi, everybody!!!

Sorry to be so late in the day getting this update out. After we traipsed around town (I knew Al wouldn't go straight home!), we both kinda passed out on the couch.

GOOD NEWS -- Dr. Berquist says he can't see any sign of tumor in Al's trachea!!! That's the best possible news we could have heard today. They also did a CT this morning, but Dr. Berquist hadn't seen it, so we'll wait until Monday when we see Dr. Beck to see what the CT indicates.

Dr. Berquist says Al's cough is probably just his regular cough made worse by the "hell and back" Al's been through this summer. He also told me his vocal cords look really good, although his 'false' vocal cords below that are still rather red and inflamed, as is his throat. This is due to the radiation and part of the package, and he feels it will clear up as time passes and he heals, expecting his voice will get back to normal as that happens (it still waxes and wanes a bit).

So, we dropped by Randy's to check in, then went to Lowe's. Anticipating that Dr. Beck will release him to work at least full time, Al spoke with the HR lady, and they're willing to work around whatever kind of schedule he can manage. They'll keep him on 'full time' status with few hours to keep his benefits at that status instead of dropping him down to 'part time' status and benefits, since he hopes to build up to full time again soon. Then we dropped by Dillons for a loaf of bread and came straight hom. Passed out on the couch, and finally woke up and got busy around 4:30!!!

So, please continue to keep us in your hearts and prayers. I'll update you again once we see Dr. Beck on Monday.

xoxoxo
Sharon

Update on Al #35

Greetings, all!!! I've had several inquiries about Al recently, so figured I should send out a new update. Forgot to let you 'newbies' (who weren't on the list for Al's bypass in 2000) that "no news is good news" or at least, as Mark says "no news is no news!!!"

Al is continuing to improve. Best update news is that most days are good days, and the bad days aren't as bad. Next best (in my opinion) is that the hair under Al's chin is growing back in, and his beard looks ALMOST normal (just a little longer, then a good trim from looking normal). In fact, he went out north and helped a pal close his pool on Sunday; fixed Len's carpet shampooer over the weekend, and shampooed most of the house on Monday. Then basically collapsed into bed last night and didn't get up til noon today!!! This encourages me, as he's taking on some bigger projects than reloading the dishwasher and laundry. He's a little concerned yet about a building project on the horizon, but I reminded him how well the porch project went at Lucille's house a few weeks ago. 'Course, he was well supervised with a talented architect on the project.

And any of us who knows him would not be surprised to know he overdoes it a bit, then crashes. Some day, SOME DAY, he'll learn to pace himself. =)

Of concern is his ongoing, periodic, horrendous (IMHO) cough. Need to thank Mom, Rita and Shelley for not running out of the restaurant recently when he had a coughing jag in the middle of lunch. I've gotten pretty used to them (except in the middle of the night!), but they can be really disconcerting to strangers. We did get the other drug for his nebulizer (instead of Albuterol, which messed with his heartbeat), and it helps him overall, but doesn't seem to stop the cough. He's actually been using the prescription cough syrup, with mixed results. I fear this is just one of those things we'll have to wait out, and hopefully it will pass soon. Doesn't seem to be much we can do about it anyway, so will keep trying suggestions, and hopefully it'll go away soon.

His voice still seems iffy to me, but people who haven't seen him in a few weeks are WAY impressed with how good he sounds. It's FAR more consistent than when I sent my last update. Better in person than on the phone, I'd have to say. It just takes more effort to speak than it used to.

Next up will be a CT scan and bronchoscopy on November 2. I should know SOMETHING that morning, so will expect to send a new update later in the day. We follow-up with Dr. Beck (oncologist) on Monday, November 7. Hopefully all the news will be good, with the tumor smaller or GONE, and he can start working at least part time again. He's going to go stir crazy if he stays home alone much longer, though I hate to give up my homemaker husband.

Jeannie, Al shared your e-mail with me. Please know you can call on us at any time -- even if it's just for a supportive hug. I don't know which hospital you're at, or what your mom's name or room number is, so drop me a note and I'll check in with you. I understand where you are right now, as my father passed a number of years ago following a massive stroke. Nothing can make it easier, but know we're here for you, and only a phone call away. (Remember, I work just across the street from SRHCl!) And I highly recommend e-mail updates; they're much less exhausting than 15 calls a day!!! =)

Connie and JR, your surprise visit recently was SO much fun!!! Feel free to drop in on us any time!!!

I'm going to get on to other projects now, but not before I thank you all for your ongoing thoughts and prayers. Please continue to keep us close to your hearts, as we still have this fight on our hands.

xoxoxo
Sharon

P.S. Oh yeah, I know some of you will ask. I'm doing fine. I have my emotional, teary moments (days), but overall, just keep on going to work, plugging away and juggling the finances. Having a creative outlet really helps, and working in the garden recently has been very calming. Plenty of hugs from the big guy don't hurt, either. Now if it'll just warm up for a couple more weekends, so I can put the garden to bed!!!