Another cancer was found!

[DALederle]

I may be off line next week for a while, maybe all week.
They found another cancer I have to deal with and this time, instead of just radiation therapy, it looks like I will have to have surgery!
I went through some tests the last two weeks, for possible ulcers to explain a GI beed I had back in Feb and Mar. while undergoing my radiation treatment for my prostrate cancer. In looking at my small intestines they found some problem spots. Biopsy showed one spot, in my esophagus, where it ties into my stomach, was a cancer. It's a small spot. A cat scan last Thrus. showed that there wasn't any other nodules or signs of cancer except fo that spot.
Tomorrow I see the surgeon who will discuss my options. I might also have to have some more radiation or even chemo.
So just don't know how long this will be or when I will be on line again after this weekend.
I keep trying to get better!
I have some things I want to do with my life!

Dennis A. Lederle
Live Love and Perspire!

[Grok]

I am so sorry.

[crfriend]

Blast it, Dennis -- and after the good news with the other one. Keep your head up; we're all pulling for you.

[Big and Bashful]

Good luck! I hope they are right and that it is the only growth and small at that. Hopefully you will be back after a minor and an uneventful op. See you soon.

[DALederle]

Today my pulmonologist gave the okay for the surgery! One down and two to go! Need to see my cardiologist and internist next for pre-surgery clearence! So it won't happen next week, like I thought.
But last night I met with the surgeon and he explained what needed to be done. Basically I have no real choice but get this surgery (all my other doctors agreee, so far) because if I don't the cancer will grow and spread in my esophagus. Which means that, after a while, I wouldn't be able to eat. I'd be in pain long before that. But the operation is going to be a little more serious then what I hoped for. No "band-aid" surgery here. With my COPD it is a good chance that I'd be on a ventilator for a while. How long they can't say now, of course.
So this is far more serious then I thought it was at first.
But, as I said, the option of doing nothing at this stage is no option at all. I can get it out now and that should avoid kemo or more radiation.
Drat it all, anyway!

Dennis A. Lederle
Live Long and Perspire!

[Kirbstone]

Dennis,
We're gunning for you all the way. I'm sorry it's so serious. The great thing is that is spite of all this you can get on the ol' forum and keep us all up to date.

You've got guts and spirit to put us all to shame.

All the very best,

Tom K.

[sapphire]

Dennis,
Best Wishes in fighting this latest scourge. Hang in there and I hope we hear from you soon.
Diana

[ethelthefrog]

Stay with it dude. We're rooting for you.

Paul.

[Since1982]

Good luck Dennis. I hope it magically goes away. My Uncle's did back in 1965 and it never returned. He passed away in 2004 at 94 just from normal old age causes. I hope you have the same luck as he did.

[DALederle]

For weeks now. almost a month, I've been going around to different doctors getting check-ups and pre surgical clearences. Finally got the last one, last week, and now the surgeon informs me that my date for surgery is 9/16. Almost a month away!
Here I thought there was a hurry over this and get it done!
That's why I wrote my first post. And now it's not going to happen for a month.
One doctor is on vacation (can't fault him for that) and the surgery has to be schedule with another surgeon to assist. So between that and the schedule at the hospital it wil be on Friday, Sept. 16 at 8 a.m.
And they gave me a list of "prep" stuff I need to do too! Bummer!
Clear liquid diet for two days ahead of time. Bowel movement stuff. Heavens to Betsy, it's bad enough having surgery but I have to prep for it too!
Better then the option, I guess! This will be a long wait!

(30)
Dennis A. Lederle