Well we're finished with two days of testing at Virginia Mason (VM). John underwent cardio and pulmonary evaluations, including a treadmill stress test, and he's healthy as an ox. He just has cancer. Go figure. We met his surgeon, Dr. Donald Low, who is a rock star. He is reputed to be not only one of the best in the U.S. but one of the top thoracic surgeons in the world dealing with esophageal cancer. As an added bonus, he's Canadian and hails from -- as he said -- "a little town called Toronto." I told him I'm from the "small Canadian hamlet of Windsor" right across from Detroit. I'll ask that they play "O Canada!" in the operating room during John's surgery. We don't know as yet when that surgery will be.
John also had an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) which gave a 3-D picture of what's going on and "staged" his tumor. Dr. Jiranek, the GI doctor who performed the EUS, told us John's tumor is a low-level T3. Tumors are staged at various levels of T1 through T4. While we were hoping for a T1 or T2, the fact that it is a low-level T3 is good news. Combined with John's earlier PET (full-body) scan done last week in Bellingham, it's all very positive news. Both John's surgeon, Dr. Low, and Dr. Jiranek said that the report from the PET scan alone showing no visible cancer elsewhere is most excellent.
The next step...VM's "Tumor Board" will meet Wednesday, Feb. 2. This board is comprised of Dr. Low, Dr. Jiranek, VM oncologists, radiologists, etc. Their job is to review patients' tumors, including John's, and make recommendations for treatment plans. We are pretty sure that John's path is going to lead him to chemo and/or radiation prior to surgery. How much treatment we don't know. What we do know is that when Dr. Low is satisfied that the tumor and any radical cells that might be floating around somewhere are stabilized and, where possible, destroyed, there is a 4-8 week waiting period. Surgery will occur SOMETIME during this period. But as I've already mentioned we don't know exactly "when."
So it's a long road yet to travel. We're taking all of your prayers, good wishes and kind comments with us on the trip. Each of you can never truly know how much your support means to both of us. John reads every email and comment you post. It is not only a comfort but a giant boost for him to know his friends and family care. So onward; I'll keep you posted. With loving thanks...Nancy
Well, of COURSE you are as strong as an ox!! Luckily, that will serve you so well--you need all your strength to combat the Bad Guys.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have assembled a most excellent team of physicians, who will put together a solid plan to beat this.
We are cheering from Renton!
Sending hugs, xo Amy & Kevin
Hey John and Nancy. Want the two of you to know we (Karin, Jeanne and Vegas too) are with you on your journey. We are here for you for anything you need.
ReplyDeleteNancy...I promise not to do anymore snow dancing!
Karin, Jeanne and Vegas
Okay, I thought that I was leaving messages all along, but apparently I have been dumb and didn't set up a proper account! I think that I am okay now. Anyway, I'm sorry that you haven't heard from me. You have both certainly been in my thoughts and prayers and Jim and I are with you all the way. Please just give a shout if you need anything at all. And John, "strong as an ox" is a very good thing!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Pam
Hi Nancy and John! Well, a low level T3 is better than a T4, and better than high level T3....cancer puts things into perspective. :) Glad to hear you are in such good hands...that is fantastic and I'm MOST HAPPY that his case is going before a tumor board. That is how folks can share their opinions about treatment, then come up with a treatment plan for the patient that all agree on. No man is an island and that includes Doctors. :) Sending tons of cyber-hugs..... (((((( kk ))))))
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