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Started By
Message
Thankful to be alive (another cancer update)
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:30 am
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:30 am
Apparently I have cancer that just won't friggin die, so the docs this week decided to open me up and start cutting. Went through what is called Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection surgery to cut out the lymph nodes that have been causing all the problems for the last 18 months. Was told it was going to be a 4-5 hour procedure, but when I woke up in recovery nearly 11 hours later I knew something went wrong.
Doc came in and tried cliffs notes'ing it for me but I was waaaay to high for that. I was in a megaton of pain and a quick glimpse of my abdomen showed huge incisions and tubes sticking out of my body. Went to intensive care for a few days where it was explained that one of the original lymph nodes that triggered the pain when all of my symptoms started 18 months ago had basically wrapped itself around the right side kidney uterer that goes to the bladder and had to cut it all out. My appendix was also taken out all in one swoop.
While I was in ICU by blood pressure tanked, so the docs started getting really concerned. However, they pumped me full of donated blood and got everything stabilized - including getting my one remaining kidney to function normally. I was released from the hospital this weekend and now here I sit in misery. Just pure agony.
I'm happy to be alive baws. Doc thinks he has successfully removed the last surviving cancer nodes in my body, so I'll go get scanned in a week or two to confirm that. I had a bronchoscopy a few weeks ago that showed the nodes in my chest have gone sarcoid - basically full of minerals and debris from fighting off the tumors. I'm not sure what the docs are going to want to do with those, but considering how it seems like it has been one gut punch after another for the last two years I'm cautiously optimistic about everything. If its over, I'll be happy...but I'm bracing for more surgery or chemo or whatever.
In total now that's 8 rounds of chemo, 2 stem cell transplants, 5 surgical procedures, countless imaging procedures and gallons of blood given for labwork, and an unbelievable amount of scars on my body.
E: The best advice I can give people who know or will be going through an abdominal procedure of any kind - buy a wedge pillow. Not a cheap foam style but a sturdy wedge that will emulate a hospital bed. Getting elevation under my shoulders and taking pressure off my abdomen when laying down and starting to get up has been a godsend since I've been home. Can't do much right now aside from walking to the bathroom, but laying on the wedge feels fantastic.
Doc came in and tried cliffs notes'ing it for me but I was waaaay to high for that. I was in a megaton of pain and a quick glimpse of my abdomen showed huge incisions and tubes sticking out of my body. Went to intensive care for a few days where it was explained that one of the original lymph nodes that triggered the pain when all of my symptoms started 18 months ago had basically wrapped itself around the right side kidney uterer that goes to the bladder and had to cut it all out. My appendix was also taken out all in one swoop.
While I was in ICU by blood pressure tanked, so the docs started getting really concerned. However, they pumped me full of donated blood and got everything stabilized - including getting my one remaining kidney to function normally. I was released from the hospital this weekend and now here I sit in misery. Just pure agony.
I'm happy to be alive baws. Doc thinks he has successfully removed the last surviving cancer nodes in my body, so I'll go get scanned in a week or two to confirm that. I had a bronchoscopy a few weeks ago that showed the nodes in my chest have gone sarcoid - basically full of minerals and debris from fighting off the tumors. I'm not sure what the docs are going to want to do with those, but considering how it seems like it has been one gut punch after another for the last two years I'm cautiously optimistic about everything. If its over, I'll be happy...but I'm bracing for more surgery or chemo or whatever.
In total now that's 8 rounds of chemo, 2 stem cell transplants, 5 surgical procedures, countless imaging procedures and gallons of blood given for labwork, and an unbelievable amount of scars on my body.
E: The best advice I can give people who know or will be going through an abdominal procedure of any kind - buy a wedge pillow. Not a cheap foam style but a sturdy wedge that will emulate a hospital bed. Getting elevation under my shoulders and taking pressure off my abdomen when laying down and starting to get up has been a godsend since I've been home. Can't do much right now aside from walking to the bathroom, but laying on the wedge feels fantastic.
This post was edited on 7/3/22 at 11:40 am
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:32 am to Horsemeat
I’m happy you’re still around meat. Thankful for survivors and hope you do something to inspire others with the additional time you have.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:33 am to Horsemeat
Props to you for fighting more than I probably would have. Hope your quality of life improves soon.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:33 am to Horsemeat
No wonder all of my Amazon packages have been fricked lately.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:35 am to Horsemeat
Finally some positive news, Meat!
You’re in my prayers for sure.
You’re in my prayers for sure.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:35 am to Horsemeat
Glad you are still in the fight. Hope you can get back in the cab and OTR soon!
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:37 am to Horsemeat
Hope the best for you. Sounds like despite all the pain and other issues, that you've got it and the doctors have basically said as much. Keep updating us on your story.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:37 am to Horsemeat
Dude you’re an exponentially stronger man than I am.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:39 am to Horsemeat
After all of that, you’re still alive and kicking arse. Keep it up Horse. You’re busting cancer’s arse, baw
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:39 am to Horsemeat
Glad you’re alive. Have a great 4th!
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:39 am to Horsemeat
RPLND is no joke. Wish you a good recovery.
Thankfully my cancer didn’t get that far, but it was my next step.
Thankfully my cancer didn’t get that far, but it was my next step.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:42 am to Horsemeat
That’s amazing. Keep fighting and I hope you have a recovery and get to enjoy a quality life cancer free.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:45 am to Horsemeat
I never thought I'd come to care for and appreciate some weirdo named Horsemeat, but I have.
Here's to hoping the hell you've faced over the past two years is now on the downslope. You've been a fighter, and it sounds like you'll continue to fight. You seem to have a good cast of doctors working for you, and that is a large part of the battle. Try to keep your spirits up, let this joint help take your mind off of the misery, and just keep swinging.
Happy Fourth, and I'll say a prayer for you!
Here's to hoping the hell you've faced over the past two years is now on the downslope. You've been a fighter, and it sounds like you'll continue to fight. You seem to have a good cast of doctors working for you, and that is a large part of the battle. Try to keep your spirits up, let this joint help take your mind off of the misery, and just keep swinging.
Happy Fourth, and I'll say a prayer for you!
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:46 am to Horsemeat
Dude Good Luck and frick cancer
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:49 am to Taffeta
I can picture you, next summer, at the beach, with a subtle but legible tattoo that says
You should see the other guy
Seriously, congrats on having the attitude it takes to keep going.
You should see the other guy
Seriously, congrats on having the attitude it takes to keep going.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 11:50 am to Horsemeat
quote:
including getting my one remaining kidney to function normally.
Subtle "I have a normal kidney" brag.
My two, together, operate at 31%. It doesn't seem to affect anything. Just an FYI. High blood pressure does permanent damage to your kidneys, so keep an eye on that.
Congrats on making it through that last part. Hopefully, fighting that bear is in your past.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 12:05 pm to Horsemeat
Keep fighting meat. Will keep you in prayers.
Posted on 7/3/22 at 12:28 pm to Horsemeat
quote:Thanks for the update. Glad you are still with us. Hang tough.
Horsemeat
Posted on 7/3/22 at 12:29 pm to Horsemeat
I’m still praying for you. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but you sound like a strong, great person.
I hope you continue kicking cancer’s arse. God bless you always.
I hope you continue kicking cancer’s arse. God bless you always.
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