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Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy. UPDATE

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:52 am
by Bev G
Hi all:

As most of you know, my husband was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma (lymph system cancer) in January. He went through the main chemo for it, finishing it in April, then had to wait 6 week for his post-chemo scan which was *supposed* to show 100% remission, but didn't. This was a bit of a surprise to our oncologist. He still has a bunch of retroperitoneal cancerous nodes, and something lit up in his COLON to an SUV of 10.6! He's finally getting a colonoscopy tomorrow (which he's been adamantly refusing for 15 years, even after I was diagnosed stage 4 :roll: ) The colonoscopy will show, 1) colon cancer (probably not) 2) diverticulitis (hopefully) or 3) lymphoma spread to his colon (probably, and very, very bad).

We'll go see our onc on 7/17 (when hopefully the path will be back) and the day after are going to New England for 10 days. Our onc has already said she will want to put him back on chemo right away, but he wants to see his second opinion lyphoma specialist and try to negotiate waiting for another PET/CT first in another couple of months before re-starting chemo. However, this doc has already told our onc by phone that he would re-start the chemo promptly, so I think this is a little denial my DH is having. The chemo he will have to go on is very dangerous, and WILL be career ending. It is an overwhelming thought for him, I know. It also brings to the fore many scary things that will need to get done right away. He wants me do all these things, but not talk to him about any of them, which makes it a bit harder.

This chemo, according to our onc, will require him to be an inpatient for about 4 days every 2 or 3 weeks (I can't remember how long the cycle is) and he will have 4 rounds (more can be deadly). It is horrible on blood counts, and I've been told he will feel like incredible sh*t each and every day of the 4 rounds. For my friends here, if you could please pray for my stamina to get through this. It isn't about me, it IS about him, but I am very fearful that he will need more than I can provide. I am so fatigued, and have such a hard time getting around because of my back and ankle issues, and am not much of a driver anymore (but will have to be driving back and forth to the hospital constantly)...so, if you have some spare prayers, or good thoughts, etc, please pass them over. I am so tired, and very scared for what is coming...

Love,

Bev

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:04 am
by JAZZToo
Bev

Wishing you continued strength and endurance to withstand the trials that lie ahead for your husband and the demands that will be placed on you. Swinging chickens and many positive thoughts heading your way.

Leslie

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:29 am
by Peteswife
Beverly, I really don't know what to say, besides I wish I stayed neared and could help! I haven't met you, but you are such a special person to all of us on this board! I think we wish we all could be there to help!

Lots of love, and good wishes and vibes! You are super!
Ilse

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:33 am
by michelle c
Oh Bev, of course I will pray for you and for your husband too. I hate what this is doing to you and how it is making you so fearful and scared. I really, really hope and pray that it is diverticulitis. Try not to think too far ahead Bev, easier said than done, I know. Try and take one day at a time. I really wish that I could help you in some way. Praying and thinking of you.

Take care of yourself,

Love Michelle xx

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:37 am
by elise
Bev,

my heart and strength is with you and your husband. Chin up girl, you can do more than you ever thought you could. You're so strong.

Elise

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:43 am
by Mama__Becs
Dear Bev,

For what it's worth, please know that someone, somewhere is always thinking of you -- and that some of the time, it is me.

Peace,

Mama Becs.

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:18 am
by Cj51
Oh, Bev, I'm so sorry that you and your husband have to go through this. I'll be praying for both of you.

Cj

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:34 am
by SpeechieRox
Lots and lots and lots of good thoughts and prayers.

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:13 am
by edinaman
Bev, I am thinking of you and your husband, and wishing you all the best. May you find the strength to get through this, and you know we are here to help and support you. Please take care.
Jeff

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:30 am
by RixInPhx
Best of luck to him with tonight's prep for tomorrow's scoping.

Then relax, there's nothing to be done (medically for him) until results are back.

I'm sure you've arranged for housekeeping help and whatever else can be hired-out.
What about car service/medical transport to ease your chauffer duties? Maybe a responsible college student on vacation as an 'adult nanny' for driving, running errands, etc.?

Of course you have all my support and best wishes,
-Rick

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:46 am
by SkiFletch
Phew, lots of prayers coming your way Bev. Hoping you don't need them :)

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:51 pm
by barbara jayne
Hi Bev :)
Wishing you loads of stamina for yourself and lots of strength and good vibes etc for the days ahead for both you and hubby !

All the best,
Barbara x

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:17 pm
by annalexandria
What a terribly hard situation. I'm so sorry that you and your husband are going through this. Is there anyone else who can help you with some of the things that will have to be done? Perhaps, as Ric suggested, someone could be hired to help with the burden a little. I watched my stepmom almost kill herself trying to do everything for my dad in the last couple of years of his life, as they had no family nearby to step in, and my dad refused to let her pay anyone to help. I hope there's some way to get a little more support, as this just isn't a challenge anyone should have to face alone. Sending strength your way-Ann

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 5:34 pm
by Fede
The best for you and LOVEEEEEEEEEE infinit LOVEEEEEE, think in it.

My best wishes for you.

Fede

Re: Tomorrow, DH colonoscopy, then what????

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:36 pm
by Gloria
Sending prayers to both of you! Praying that you both have the stamina and strength to get through this.