Prognosis - Not Good

I will try to keep this short. I have been alive for 83 years. I probably will not reach 84. Just over a month ago I noticed that I was having pain in places that progressively got worse. An annoying breathing resulted in a trip to the emergency room at Lakeview Hospital. Multiple scans and tests suggested possible cancer of the lung, and I was hospitalized for three days. With no definitive conclusion as to what was wrong, I returned home. A few days later I awoke to a feeling of suffication and Judy called 911. A few minutes after the EMS team administered oxygen they prepared me for transport to the St. Tammany Hospital's emergency center. They promptly added tests and admitted me to the hospital for five more days, most of which were waiting for the growing data to be studied. Then I was released. A few days later, I was once again forced to call 911 due to my worsening breathing problem.This time an oncologist joined the growwing team of doctors, all of whom were pretty sure it was cancer. They also agreed that I had a blood clot travel from my leg to my heart, and then to my lungs where it scatterd into many pieces, thereby causing my breathing issues. Medications were administered to address that problem. The next day the oncologist determined that I had cancer of the esophagus and gastric stomach cancer. It was stage 4 and had probably been active for some time. It had spread to my lympth nodes. They could treat, but not cure it. My oncologist said I may have six months to live with treatment and maybe only three months without it. Without hesitation, I passed on the treatment. My oncologist agreed with my decision and suggested that we call Hospice. The following day we called Hospice and the following day someone came to explain Hospice care to us and get necessary papers signed. By that evening a bag full of comfort drugs were delivered. They were meant to provide only comfort, not cure me. The following day a Hospice nurse came to explain how and when to use the drugs, if needed. Already, I am trilled to have Hospice's help and support. Today, we will receive equipment and devices that help me get around safely to enjoy the days I have left. Meanwhile, my Judy has been a real trooper through this challenge. It is just another reason why I worship her and her equally supportive family. Do I have any regrets in life? Yes, I do. I wish I had learned to play a piano, or guitar, or violin, or even a French Harp. And to create my own music would have been icing on the cake. To all of those who were a part of my life, thank you. I'm a greater person for having known you. We had a lot of good times over the years and I hope some memories remain that will make you smile.

Cancer Raises Its Ugly Head Once Again

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer over twenty years ago.  I had it removed and I've been finc since then.

Today, we got word that I have "Adenocarcinoma." not lymphoma as we first thought after multiple tests, scans, and opinions.  

 By definition, Adenocarcinoma is:"Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the glands that line your organs. These glands secrete mucus and digestive juices." 

It took almost three weeks, three visits to emergency rooms, and one trip via ambulance to get a diagnosis, not to mention eight days in two hospitals with five days in ICU.

I will meet with the oncologist on Tuesday to plan how to treat it.

For now, that's all I have.