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Posted 3/11/2016 6:37 AM (GMT 0)
Gary got the results from CAT scan and I honestly don't know if it's good news, as good as can be expected or really bad news.
First (and I know this is good) the bone and lymph node involvement is unchanged from September, 2015, and the liver lesions are smaller and less numerous. However, there is now suspected omental metastases. He also had the ascite fluid diagnosed with NO met cells present.
The MO drained a liter of fluid from his abdomen (that should help!) and that also appeared clear once again. I think that fluid will be tested again for mets, but the last draw was only a week ago and all that the MO was able to take out that time was enough for diagnostic before Gary passed out cold from the procedure. It took some encouragement to get him to have the paracentesis performed today, but the MO had him lying down, plus he took some meds to help him relax. (Gary, not the MO ;) ) No problem!
Gary still has edema in his leg and foot, but that, as well as the ascites, seem to be the result of lymph involvement.
His PSA has risen to 1316. (Ouch!) Next tx will be novantrone and dexamethasone.
I know I've never seen anyone post about a omental mets, but perhaps TA or someone can give me some insight.
Thanks!
Beth for Gary
Posted 3/11/2016 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
Well...let's focus on the positive... the involvement is unchanged and the liver is smaller which i know was your biggest concern, the liver. Glad he was able to get the fluid drained.

I hope the new tx can bring the psa back down...i have nothing to add on the omental....

You guys are in my continued thoughts and prayers!!
Keep fighting!!

Jordan
Posted 3/11/2016 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
I need to learn from you. You are always so positive and I admire your strength. I am praying for you and Gary. You are traveling a challenging journey with so much courage and I have gained so much knowledge from you. I am sending thoughts of healing and comfort to both of you.
Posted 3/11/2016 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
I can relate, from my own close involvement in my wife's advanced cancer case, with the struggles one has keeping up with the nomenclature...new terms seem to emerge at every turn.

good luck
Posted 3/11/2016 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, Beth - I had to look up the word. But it's great that he got fully drained without incident - he should be feeling a lot better after that.
Posted 3/11/2016 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Jordan and teamchris for your continued prayers and encouragement! My HW family means so much to me.
@ Tall Allen. Thank you for responding. I can't find anything on the web except for mets that are also present in ascite fluid. We'll see what diagnostic of last draw shows.
My thought is that any tx that helps the lymph involvement will also help omental mets if it is a product of lymph deposit. Does that make sense?
Beth
Posted 3/11/2016 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
A definition of the omentum can be found at /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_omentum
Posted 3/12/2016 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Celebrate Life (Beth & Gary) ~

I'm thinking of you both --- I think of you each day --- I'm thankful for your posts --- you're staying connected here --- we're right here with you, every step of the way.

I see some small blessings in the news from your latest tests --- some good news on the bones, the lymph nodes, and the liver. I'm thankful for that good news.

Stay connected with your family, friends, and faith --- stay in close consultation with Gary's doctors and medical team --- you've both been veterans on the battlefield, for sure --- you've served as an inspiration to so many with your courage and willingness to share your story. You've given us insight into various treatments and the sequencing of treatments, over time. Sharing your story with other travelers along this road is what it's all about ... and meanwhile, I just want you to know we all are here to walk alongside you ... to help carry the battle flags ... to be mindful of the setbacks and successes ... and to be in this fight ... united ... and TOGETHER !

When I was first diagnosed ... I remember one nurse who seemed to have tremendous compassion, tremendous insight ... I will never forget her saying, "You're fairly young to be here ... we don't always see fellows your age with this so often ... I've met a lot of patients ... I need to share something with you, since you are just getting started on your 'journey' ... no matter what, no matter what it takes ... hang on to HOPE ... hold on to HOPE ... and do whatever it takes to keep HOPE alive within you."

I've reflected on that many times since then ... her words were wise, her word were true ... I've shared that message with other "Battle Brothers" that I've met along the way ... ironically, some of my best friends now also diagnosed ... now in the same boat with me. ... and each one of us holding onto HOPE for our fellow brothers and friends who are traveling this road TOGETHER.

So --- in the midst of the battle, I want to send you some encouragement ... some support ... and just a heartfelt message about the power of HOPE and the impact it can have on each day.

Sent with friendship and unwavering support to you both,
"Iowa State Cyclone"
Posted 3/12/2016 6:22 AM (GMT 0)
"Faith, hope and love. And the greatest of those is LOVE"

Love you brother Cyclone, and all the other brothers and sisters going through this along side of us. Heeding your words and not giving up.
Thank you kindly for the encouragement.
Beth n Gary
Posted 3/13/2016 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Beth - You truly do live 1 Corintians 13 every single day and your posts reflect it. You have such tremendous patience and kindness. You set an example that I envy and try to emulate It is an honor to serve on the "caregivers" battlefield with you.

You and Gary are in my prayers. His treatments and procedures sound so trying. You are both so brave.

Hugs,
Suz
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