Tuesday, February 17, 2015
About six to eight months ago I started having chronic stomach pain, ranging from mild pain most days to intense, severe pain other days. Over the course of months, the severe episodes became more frequent, often debilitating to the point of being stuck in bed with pain, weakness, and fatigue for a couple of days each time.
Long story short, after a couple of doctor visits, blood tests, and ultrasound a colonoscopy and endoscopy (I will write more on this experience in the next blog) was ordered, and performed today, The results indicated a large mass, believed to be cancer, almost entirely blocking or closing off my Transverse Colon (less than a centimeter opening in the lumen). Wow...not quite the news I was hoping for and since I've had a mixed bag of emotions.
My wife, Kelly, asked, "A mixed bag of emotions, what could possibly be good about this?" My response was that despite the mixed emotions such as fear, nervousness, anxiety, etc. I also knew that I was not one to back down and I felt strong enough to beat this. I further explained that our education, career experiences, current doctors, and our network of integrative, complimentary and alternative doctors and healers provided more peace of mind that we could and would find a way to win the battle.
So, today is the beginning of the battle. Tomorrow morning I go for blood work to determine if the cancer has spread, along with a CAT Scan. Next Wednesday, February 25th I meet with surgical oncologist, Dr. Matthew Holtzman at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to go over the surgical procedure. We were hoping to get in sooner and get the surgery done asap because my ability to get food through a hole in my colon the size of a pencil tip is becoming more and more difficult. Unfortunately Dr. Holtzman is not in this week, and because my gastroenterologist recommends him as the best, I'm willing to wait, even if it means primarily eating a soft and liquid diet.
Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
Thanks for reading and following my blog. Tomorrow, I'll walk you through what it's like to have a colonoscopy and endoscopy.
Rize 2 Battle is my personal blog to document my journey in fighting colon cancer. My hope is that whether you are battling cancer as well, or battling some other fight in life that you will find my blog informational, educational, inspirational, and motivation enough to Rize 2 Battle in your own life.
Sounds like you got a great medical team, looking forward to your next entry.
ReplyDeleteMatt Holtzman is an incredible physician with awesome staff. I worked for him. They are THE best of the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessika for the added peace of mind. Not that anyone wants to see a surgeon, but the hard part is waiting to get started. I go see Dr. Holtzman next Wednesday, in which I was told I was lucky because most people wait several weeks to see him.
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