Because Dave has felt well since his last checkup, we were confident we would get good news, but once Dave starts drinking his contrast and gets an IV in his arm, our anxiety rises.
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| The IV is in. |
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
01-10-17 ANOTHER GOOD REPORT!
Looking back, I see I didn't post at all in 2016. Remember this, no news is good news! Dave had good news all last year, and 2017 is starting off the same way. Bottom line, there is no evidence of disease, and the few lesions/nodules/cysts found in his lung, liver and kidney have been stable for 3 years with the assumption they are not malignant. We know they are stable because Dave had blood work, a full-body CT scan and a brain MRI yesterday. Today we saw his surgeon (who told Dave several times how good he looks) and his melanoma specialist. Both doctors agreed Dave should stay on his regular schedule of getting checkups every 4 months with oncologists, and every 6 months with his dermatologist. He will see his Savannah oncologist in 4 months, then come back to MD Anderson in another 4 months. At his next appointment in Houston he will get not only the usual blood work, CT scan and MRI, he will also get an ultrasound of the area where he had his last lymph node removed (under his collar bone). This was the area where melanoma cells had traveled, and the surgeon wants a more thorough look.
Because Dave has felt well since his last checkup, we were confident we would get good news, but once Dave starts drinking his contrast and gets an IV in his arm, our anxiety rises.
Thank you everyone for your concern, good wishes and prayers. It helps. It sustains us. Now I want to enjoy my birthday party, and later, be like Quincy.
Because Dave has felt well since his last checkup, we were confident we would get good news, but once Dave starts drinking his contrast and gets an IV in his arm, our anxiety rises.
Monday, March 2, 2015
FEB. 16-17, 2015 - GREAT CHECKUP AT MD ANDERSON
My apologies - once again - for being so late with this update on the blog. We told many people (thanks to their constant concern) the results of our trip to Houston right away so writing the update kept falling lower on my priority list. Finally, here it is - All is well; Dave has no signs of melanoma, seminoma, or any other types of cancer!
He has been on a 3-month checkup schedule, seeing his Savannah oncologist every 6 months, and seeing his MD Anderson doctors every 6 months, overlapping so he gets checked every 3 months. With his clean scans this time, he was told he can stretch it out to every 4 months, and in another year, every 6 months.
We drove to Houston on a Thursday and Friday (the 13th) so Dave would have the weekend to visit with his nephew JB, who works during the week as does his wife Becky. Of course we wanted to see Bobbie and Jeff, but since they’ve joined the ranks of the retired, we don’t have to work around weekends any longer to see them. Dave’s appointments were the following Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 16 & 17.
It’s a 16 hour drive to Houston; we generally drive about 11-12 hours on the first day and 4-5 hours on the second. We arrived at Jon’s in the early afternoon on Friday. Jon, always a gracious host, had made a taco soup and bought black bean tamales, and invited Bobbie and Jeff, JB and Becky, and their children, Bennett and Zoe to come for dinner. It’s always a thrill to arrive; Jon and David are so welcoming, our guest room is comfy, and Jon and David love to entertain. We had such fun catching up with everyone.
Saturday, Dave went to a ranch to go shooting with all the Howells, while Jon drove me all over Houston helping with decisions about the renovation of our hall bath. We ordered a console to use as a vanity, we looked at tile and brought back samples, we stopped at Circa to look at lighting, and finally, a plumbing supply store to consider faucets and fixtures. Oh, we also stopped at Jon’s office to meet with a client, and, as David had asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and I asked for a pillow for my bed, I checked out fabric.
Saturday was Valentine’s Day, and we were feted by a little dinner party Jon and David hosted, cooked by Chef Nico. What a way to end the day!
Sunday was very low key. Dave slept until 9 AM - unheard of. Later, Dave and Jon put together a new grill, then the three of us walked to Whole Foods for steaks and Brussels sprouts. We caught up with a couple episodes of Downton Abbey - and had a nice dinner for the four of us. As an aside, we ended up cooking the steaks with a sous vide, my second experience with one, my first was when Nico used one for the pork the night before. It’s a really interesting concept in cooking.
Since Dave’s appointments weren’t until the afternoon on Monday, Jon and I went to the Decorative Arts Center in the morning to look at wallpaper. Unfortunately, the wholesaler he wanted to show me wasn’t open. Later, we met Dave, Bobbie, Jeff and JB for lunch at Escalantes, then Dave and I went to MD Anderson.
His schedule had been changed since the last time he checked it, from labs at 3:15 and MRI at 4, to MRI at 4 and a CT scan at 9! We did not know this. Unfortunately, when he was called back at 3 (we were early), I assumed he was going back to have some blood taken, and didn’t go with him. As it turned out, they gave him the CT contrast, which he drank, then had the scan. Finally at 5 PM, when Dave hadn’t returned, I asked at the desk what was going on and they told me he finished his CT scan and was getting ready for his MRI. Although I told the desk person he was not supposed to have a CT scan, it was too late, they were just following orders, blah blah blah. Dave finally reappeared at 6:30. (Fortunately they were able to give him an earlier slot for the CT scan. Or maybe if it had still been at 9, we could have cancelled it. If if if…)
I don’t know when the change in orders occurred, or why. I suspect that because Dave was seeing a new melanoma specialist, (his previous one retired) she or some procedure dictated a CT scan. Everyone later agreed it was not necessary since he had had one just a few months ago after his seminoma surgery. But it was too late by then.
It was a frustrating day, but things definitely perked up when I found a new bed pillow waiting for me. David had it made in one day! I’m such a lucky girl.
The next morning we saw Dave’s surgeon, Dr. Ross, and he was quite satisfied with Dave’s progress. He told us the MRI and CT scans were clean, insofar as the only spots they saw were the same as what was seen previously; they did not look cancerous and there had been no change in them. Then we saw Dave’s new specialist, Dr. Rodabe Amaria. We didn’t see her until an hour after our scheduled appointment, the first time things didn’t run like clockwork at MDA. We didn’t get to spend much time with her, as she was in a hurry, but she did confirm that Dave should not be getting more than two CT scans a year. She also noted it was highly unusual for a melanoma patient, especially of Dave’s age, to get seminoma, and upon reading that, she was quite suspicious that it may in fact have been metastatic melanoma. However, she said Dave’s Savannah oncologist had run all the tests she would have requested, so she was surprised, but satisfied it was not more melanoma. Now, where were his lab results? We explained he had originally been scheduled for blood work but somehow that had been changed and none was taken yesterday. She sent us to the lab. That took another hour. We had hoped to leave MD Anderson by 11 at the latest, but it was about 1 pm before we started on our trip home.
All in all, it was a great visit with great news. We were fortunate to have clear weather, no traffic slowdowns for accidents or construction, and we were home the next day safe and sound.
Today Dave had a checkup with Dr. Cheng, his urologist. Dr. Cheng gave Dave a clean bill of health, but did take blood samples to check for markers for any more testicular cancer. We expect nothing will be found!
He has been on a 3-month checkup schedule, seeing his Savannah oncologist every 6 months, and seeing his MD Anderson doctors every 6 months, overlapping so he gets checked every 3 months. With his clean scans this time, he was told he can stretch it out to every 4 months, and in another year, every 6 months.
We drove to Houston on a Thursday and Friday (the 13th) so Dave would have the weekend to visit with his nephew JB, who works during the week as does his wife Becky. Of course we wanted to see Bobbie and Jeff, but since they’ve joined the ranks of the retired, we don’t have to work around weekends any longer to see them. Dave’s appointments were the following Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 16 & 17.
It’s a 16 hour drive to Houston; we generally drive about 11-12 hours on the first day and 4-5 hours on the second. We arrived at Jon’s in the early afternoon on Friday. Jon, always a gracious host, had made a taco soup and bought black bean tamales, and invited Bobbie and Jeff, JB and Becky, and their children, Bennett and Zoe to come for dinner. It’s always a thrill to arrive; Jon and David are so welcoming, our guest room is comfy, and Jon and David love to entertain. We had such fun catching up with everyone.
 |
| The hosts with the mosts - and Nico |
 |
| Happy Valentine's Day! |
Sunday was very low key. Dave slept until 9 AM - unheard of. Later, Dave and Jon put together a new grill, then the three of us walked to Whole Foods for steaks and Brussels sprouts. We caught up with a couple episodes of Downton Abbey - and had a nice dinner for the four of us. As an aside, we ended up cooking the steaks with a sous vide, my second experience with one, my first was when Nico used one for the pork the night before. It’s a really interesting concept in cooking.
Since Dave’s appointments weren’t until the afternoon on Monday, Jon and I went to the Decorative Arts Center in the morning to look at wallpaper. Unfortunately, the wholesaler he wanted to show me wasn’t open. Later, we met Dave, Bobbie, Jeff and JB for lunch at Escalantes, then Dave and I went to MD Anderson.
 |
| Nice grill, guys |
I don’t know when the change in orders occurred, or why. I suspect that because Dave was seeing a new melanoma specialist, (his previous one retired) she or some procedure dictated a CT scan. Everyone later agreed it was not necessary since he had had one just a few months ago after his seminoma surgery. But it was too late by then.
 |
| My new peacock feather pillow! |
The next morning we saw Dave’s surgeon, Dr. Ross, and he was quite satisfied with Dave’s progress. He told us the MRI and CT scans were clean, insofar as the only spots they saw were the same as what was seen previously; they did not look cancerous and there had been no change in them. Then we saw Dave’s new specialist, Dr. Rodabe Amaria. We didn’t see her until an hour after our scheduled appointment, the first time things didn’t run like clockwork at MDA. We didn’t get to spend much time with her, as she was in a hurry, but she did confirm that Dave should not be getting more than two CT scans a year. She also noted it was highly unusual for a melanoma patient, especially of Dave’s age, to get seminoma, and upon reading that, she was quite suspicious that it may in fact have been metastatic melanoma. However, she said Dave’s Savannah oncologist had run all the tests she would have requested, so she was surprised, but satisfied it was not more melanoma. Now, where were his lab results? We explained he had originally been scheduled for blood work but somehow that had been changed and none was taken yesterday. She sent us to the lab. That took another hour. We had hoped to leave MD Anderson by 11 at the latest, but it was about 1 pm before we started on our trip home.
All in all, it was a great visit with great news. We were fortunate to have clear weather, no traffic slowdowns for accidents or construction, and we were home the next day safe and sound.
Today Dave had a checkup with Dr. Cheng, his urologist. Dr. Cheng gave Dave a clean bill of health, but did take blood samples to check for markers for any more testicular cancer. We expect nothing will be found!
Saturday, December 6, 2014
DEC. 2nd ONCOLOGIST VISIT
Forgive me, family and friends for my very late post about our visit to Dave's oncologist,
Dr. S, last Tuesday Dec. 2nd. Since you've waited so long, I'll give you the good news before I get into a few details. Dr. S. is not recommending any treatment for Dave's diagnosis of Stage I testicular seminoma.
A little background -- seminoma is found in only about one-third of all testicular cancers, and rarely found in men over 35. There is a type of testicular cancer that is found in older men, but that is not what Dave had. He had the young man's cancer (fist pump from Mr. Howell).
His testicle (but not scrotum) was removed and the 3 cm. tumor - almost 1.5 inches - was intact and no cancer cells were found in the rest of the testicle or in the spermatic cord. In other words, he had clean margins.
The treatments available are radiation and chemotherapy. Because testicular seminoma is nearly 100% curable by surgery and Dave had clean margins, Dr. S. felt there was no need for radiation, and was absolutely opposed to the chemo prescribed for seminoma. This type of chemotherapy inhibits your immune system, whereas the 6 months of chemo Dave had for melanoma was meant to greatly boost his immune system. None of us want to undo whatever good was done with Dave's 6 months of tough interferon treatment.
Dave's next visit to MD Anderson is in mid-February. Dr. S. said he would like to hear what the Houston doctors have to say, as in all his years of practicing oncology, he has never had, or heard about a case where a melanoma patient develops seminoma. Knowing this occurrence had to be very rare, he requested additional tests run on the tumor to make double and triple sure this was not metastatic melanoma. His final declaration to us was, "This was bizarre."
Dave has healed amazingly quickly. Both Dr. S. and Dave's urologist were impressed at how well he is feeling and how well his incision healed. And in case curious minds want to know, all his parts are working just fine, thank you.
And yes, Dave did dance, all night long, at Libbie's wedding. We really put the thanks in Thanksgiving this year!
Dr. S, last Tuesday Dec. 2nd. Since you've waited so long, I'll give you the good news before I get into a few details. Dr. S. is not recommending any treatment for Dave's diagnosis of Stage I testicular seminoma.
A little background -- seminoma is found in only about one-third of all testicular cancers, and rarely found in men over 35. There is a type of testicular cancer that is found in older men, but that is not what Dave had. He had the young man's cancer (fist pump from Mr. Howell).
His testicle (but not scrotum) was removed and the 3 cm. tumor - almost 1.5 inches - was intact and no cancer cells were found in the rest of the testicle or in the spermatic cord. In other words, he had clean margins.
The treatments available are radiation and chemotherapy. Because testicular seminoma is nearly 100% curable by surgery and Dave had clean margins, Dr. S. felt there was no need for radiation, and was absolutely opposed to the chemo prescribed for seminoma. This type of chemotherapy inhibits your immune system, whereas the 6 months of chemo Dave had for melanoma was meant to greatly boost his immune system. None of us want to undo whatever good was done with Dave's 6 months of tough interferon treatment.
Dave's next visit to MD Anderson is in mid-February. Dr. S. said he would like to hear what the Houston doctors have to say, as in all his years of practicing oncology, he has never had, or heard about a case where a melanoma patient develops seminoma. Knowing this occurrence had to be very rare, he requested additional tests run on the tumor to make double and triple sure this was not metastatic melanoma. His final declaration to us was, "This was bizarre."
Dave has healed amazingly quickly. Both Dr. S. and Dave's urologist were impressed at how well he is feeling and how well his incision healed. And in case curious minds want to know, all his parts are working just fine, thank you.
And yes, Dave did dance, all night long, at Libbie's wedding. We really put the thanks in Thanksgiving this year!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
POST OP DAY 8 - NOT MELANOMA!
HUGE sighs of relief are coming from the Howell Household. The urologist called today to tell Dave his tumor was indeed cancerous, but it was not melanoma. It is seminoma. I know nothing else, other than what I've googled. I was at a meeting when Dave got the call, so I didn't get to hear any details. I am a little confused, as I thought seminoma was one of the cancers the blood test would have identified. I'm sure I just didn't understand, but this was a surprise. A good surprise.
Dave's next appointment is with his oncologist Dec. 2nd where we will hear the treatment options - or maybe there will be no treatment necessary. I'm tired and don't want to pass on any incorrect information or assumptions, so I'll stop here for now. We are so thankful.
Dave's next appointment is with his oncologist Dec. 2nd where we will hear the treatment options - or maybe there will be no treatment necessary. I'm tired and don't want to pass on any incorrect information or assumptions, so I'll stop here for now. We are so thankful.
Monday, November 17, 2014
AND STILL NO PATH REPORT
You read that correctly folks, no report yet on what Dave's mass was! He had an appointment with his urologist this morning and we were told the lab was 'ordering a stain.' I asked if that meant his cells (on the slides) were something other than routine, something unusual. I thought all they had to do was look at them under a microscope and we would know what they are. The doctor said, "This whole adventure has been unusual," without really saying yes or no.
My interpretation of what he told us was that the lab was out of a particular stain (like Ritz dye) they needed to further examine Dave's cells, and they had to order some from the stain store. Don't laugh too hard, those of you who know better. What he meant was 'a stain' is a very ordinary type of procedure, and the lab was ordering that procedure. Oh. (And I think that's right - if I understood Molly correctly.)
So we are not to read anything into the fact that a stain was ordered, or that it has taken so long. Both Dave's urologist and oncologist were dismayed at the delay. AND SO ARE WE.
The urologist removed the staples from Dave's incision, which has left him with discomfort this evening. The doctor said the incision is healing well, at least it looks great.
A special thanks to Paul today, for being Dave's chauffeur and spirit lifter. I went with Dave to the urologist, but then I went to a makeup clay class, to my podiatrist, and shopping for shoes I can wear to Libbie's wedding, and a wrap for my sleeveless dress. The countdown is on to the wedding weekend, and there are too many places I need to be, all at the same time. So thank you Paul for helping Dave take care of Sandy while I did my To Do List.
Tonight we celebrate - unfortunately not the results of a lab report - but with some of our great friends here in The Landings. I'm going to dinner with The Belles to celebrate Allison and Fran's birthdays, and Allison's husband Bob is picking up Dave for their own dinner out. What in the world would we do without our fabulous friends???
My interpretation of what he told us was that the lab was out of a particular stain (like Ritz dye) they needed to further examine Dave's cells, and they had to order some from the stain store. Don't laugh too hard, those of you who know better. What he meant was 'a stain' is a very ordinary type of procedure, and the lab was ordering that procedure. Oh. (And I think that's right - if I understood Molly correctly.)
So we are not to read anything into the fact that a stain was ordered, or that it has taken so long. Both Dave's urologist and oncologist were dismayed at the delay. AND SO ARE WE.
The urologist removed the staples from Dave's incision, which has left him with discomfort this evening. The doctor said the incision is healing well, at least it looks great.
A special thanks to Paul today, for being Dave's chauffeur and spirit lifter. I went with Dave to the urologist, but then I went to a makeup clay class, to my podiatrist, and shopping for shoes I can wear to Libbie's wedding, and a wrap for my sleeveless dress. The countdown is on to the wedding weekend, and there are too many places I need to be, all at the same time. So thank you Paul for helping Dave take care of Sandy while I did my To Do List.
Tonight we celebrate - unfortunately not the results of a lab report - but with some of our great friends here in The Landings. I'm going to dinner with The Belles to celebrate Allison and Fran's birthdays, and Allison's husband Bob is picking up Dave for their own dinner out. What in the world would we do without our fabulous friends???
Saturday, November 15, 2014
STILL NO PATH REPORT
It's Post Op day 5. The work week has come and gone, and we did not get the results of the pathology done on Dave's mass. Just thought I'd let you know so you don't think we're celebrating or bemoaning the results without you. Dave has an appointment with his urologist who performed the orchiectomy (otherwise known as the nutcracker) Monday morning. In the meantime, I say no news is good news.
Dave turned a corner yesterday. I was at a class Friday AM and he forgot to take his pain pill, which I didn't know. He took a nap in the afternoon and got up an hour after his next scheduled pill and when I reminded him he was overdue, he decided he didn't need it. He felt since he skipped the 10 AM pill and felt okay, he would forgo the 4 PM pill as well. He hasn't had one since.
Of course he is nursing his incision site but he's much better at remembering to protect it when he moves by being very careful about how he moves. I'm glad he has been taking afternoon naps, as that seems to give him relief.
He's getting cabin fever. It spiked at 150ยบ yesterday. He needs a hobby or project to keep him busy that doesn't require a lot of movement. He's bored with television, and solitaire so I gave him a stack of his unread books. I wish I could get him to learn to knit, or work on my To Do List.
I've missed (and will miss) some of my clay classes due to all these doctor appointments. I need to go to Michael's this morning to get a tool to use on my project at home. I dread going on a Saturday as the shopping season has begun, but here's an idea for Dave.
Dave turned a corner yesterday. I was at a class Friday AM and he forgot to take his pain pill, which I didn't know. He took a nap in the afternoon and got up an hour after his next scheduled pill and when I reminded him he was overdue, he decided he didn't need it. He felt since he skipped the 10 AM pill and felt okay, he would forgo the 4 PM pill as well. He hasn't had one since.
Of course he is nursing his incision site but he's much better at remembering to protect it when he moves by being very careful about how he moves. I'm glad he has been taking afternoon naps, as that seems to give him relief.
He's getting cabin fever. It spiked at 150ยบ yesterday. He needs a hobby or project to keep him busy that doesn't require a lot of movement. He's bored with television, and solitaire so I gave him a stack of his unread books. I wish I could get him to learn to knit, or work on my To Do List.
I've missed (and will miss) some of my clay classes due to all these doctor appointments. I need to go to Michael's this morning to get a tool to use on my project at home. I dread going on a Saturday as the shopping season has begun, but here's an idea for Dave.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
ONCOLOGIST VISIT; NO PATH RESULTS YET
This morning was the first day Dave wasn't watching the clock for his pain pill, and in fact I had to remind him to take it. As soon as he swallowed it, he said he could tell he was due as the incision area was starting to throb. It's not good to let the pain get ahead of you.
We had a late morning appointment with his oncologist. Dr. S. had not received the pathology results, so he called Dave's urologist to see if it had become available. It had not. He examined Dave's incision and said considering Dave had this surgery just three days ago, both he and the incision look remarkably healthy. We discussed options for treatment if the mass turns out to be melanoma, and set up another appointment for early December for further discussion. In the meantime, Dave and I will be looking into the use of Yervoy (ipilimumab), as that may well be the recommendation.
Yesterday Dave had an appointment with his dermatologist, and she found nothing on his skin to warrant further examination.
Now to the fun part -- what made us laugh today? A LOT? Kim Kardashian's nude photos and the flurry of photoshop activity that it started.
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