karenulijohn

Let me start by saying that there were no new discoveries today, only confirmation of what we already knew.  We arrived at the surgery center this morning at around 8:30AM for Harvey’s 9:30AM appointment.  There was some traffic on the Capitol City Freeway, but we flew through most of the way.  We were happy to discover that the surgery center offered complimentary valet service which shortened our travel time considerably.

The check in was very efficient and Harvey was prepped and ready and wheeled into the theatre at approximately 10:40AM.   Just before he was wheeled away, we met with Dr. Dredar, who would perform the procedures.  He was very young looking and seemed almost shy but very businesslike.  We thought it was interesting that he directed most of his comments to me and only occasionally looked at Harvey.  I always get mad when that happens to me, but Harvey didn’t seem to mind, or care for that matter.   I watched the nurse wheel him down the long, empty hall, and I went to have a cup of tea.

While waiting in the main lounge of the building, I suddenly heard the sweet tones of the Moonlight Sonata being played on the piano.  I looked over the balcony and there, in the lobby, was a young Asian boy of approximately 14 or 15 playing a beautiful baby grand piano.  He went on to play a piece by Chopin and another that I didn’t recognize.  He was very good for one so young, and I was grateful for his music.  It truly calmed my spirit.  While I was ordering my tea, a nurse, dressed in street clothes, obviously an administrator of some kind, asked me how I was and if there was anything she could do to help me today.  I assured her that I was fine and that many people were praying for my husband and me.  Both Harvey and I are so struck by the kindness and caring that we have experienced during these trying times.

I returned to the waiting room about an hour later,  and was called into the recovery area soon after.  Harvey was wide awake and not nearly as groggy as the last time he had the endoscopy.  He insisted that they did not put him completely out, and that he was able to feel the scope down his throat.  He even recounted some of the comments the doctor made during the procedure.  When the doctor came to speak to us, Harvey repeated this, and Dr. Dredar explained that there is a fine line with sedation where, if they give too much, the patient can stop breathing.  Obviously, they did not want that to happen.  Harvey had not been in any pain, but more discomfort.  The nurse and I “clucked” over him so that he felt sufficiently mollified and comforted.

The EUS showed that the tumor is a T3 N2.  T3 indicates the cancer is growing into the outer layer of the esophagus (the adventitia).  N2 shows the cancer has spread to 3 to 6 nearby lymph nodes.  Because the doctor was unable to get the camera passed the obstructing tumor, he was not able to make a complete study.  With chemotherapy and radiation, he is hopeful that the tumor can be reduced in size by more than 50%.  Then, surgery.  If Harvey is not able to keep his weight and energy up during the treatment because of problems swallowing, Dr. Dredar suggested putting in a stent to open the esophagus.  Harvey liked that idea better than the feeding tube in the stomach.

Dr Dredar then asked Harvey if he had ever had severe ulcerative colitis.  I chimed in that “yes, it nearly killed him three years ago.”  When I explained further the details of the Yervoy (ipilimamub) study, he understood exactly what I was talking about.  So, that was what showed up on the PET scan that needed to be confirmed.  No signs of cancer in the colon.  Praise God.

On Monday morning (yesterday), we had a meeting with Harvey’s oncologist, Dr. Suhag, who is off on a ten day vacation to Peru.  In anticipation of this diagnosis, he has set up an appointment to begin chemotherapy on Friday, June 17th, this week.  A PICC line will be placed, as opposed to the dreaded Port, so that we don’t have any collapsing veins.  He will receive carboplatin and taxol once a week for seven doses.  This will be given concurrently with radiation treatments. Dr. Suhag has also prescribed, and we have picked up from the druggist, two drugs to counteract possible nausea.  He explained the possible side effects as follows: nausea (1% chance of vomiting), fatigue (80% right after treatment), low blood counts (weekly labs will be required), infection (1%), tingling of the nerves in the extremities, hair loss, and constipation.  Off all of these, Harvey is most concerned about the hair loss.  He said it has taken him so long to get as much as he has, he is loath to see it disappear.  I told him that, as it is our 50th year together, it is only fitting that he looks like he did when we met.  He was the original Kojak!

Thank you for following us on this journey and for your continued healing thoughts and prayers.