Saturday, July 3, 2021

The more things change …

 the more confusing they get.

The pathology reports on two biopsies, taken from Mike's esophagus on two different days by two different doctors, show two different kinds of cancer. They both are identified as squamous, but the more recent is squamous only. The earlier one is squamous + neuroendocrine/small cell + SCARY.

Not that squamous cell cancer isn't scary, but the chemo to treat it is different and much less toxic.

We now don't know if they are two different tumors. The first was described as very small (but not measured), while the second measured 3 cm. 

A scheduled visit to the oncologist, who consulted with the thoracic surgeon while we were at the clinic, concluded that pathology doesn't lie, and in order to be safe, they're recommending (and we're going with) scary cancer chemo treatment.

Followed by surgery to remove the esophagus. Which sounds even scarier.

Thank GOODNESS we have a couple months of chemo to contemplate having surgery to remove a vital piece of internal anatomy.

I can't keep doing WW during this. It's a daily surrender to my emotions and it just won't work. I'll do what I can to stay active and healthy, but tracking has been out the window and as much as I want to stick with it and succeed, I feel like it's an impossibility. My goal will be to not gain any more (I gained 25 during his last cancer experience two years ago, and have lost 10 of that … in two years).

Heading over to WW coach now to ask for an extension of my membership plan.

Sad.


2 comments:

Bethany said...

I just found my way here from Connect, and I will keep you in my prayers. You are dealing with a lot, and your focus belongs with your husband and with your own mental and spiritual health. You can focus on losing weight when this is all over. Your limited energy belongs elsewhere right now. I am glad you are staying in WW and on Connect, because we all care about you a lot!

Debbi said...

Thank you, Bethany. Your thoughtful comment and perspective is very much appreciated.

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