During a routine procedure in early December, a mass was found in Larry’s esophagus. After more tests, several doctor appointments and days of unbearable waiting, we got the final diagnosis on December 22. Larry has been diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer (T3N1M0 for those familiar with cancer terminology). The cancer is confined to the esophagus and local lymph nodes are involved.
The current plan of attack: 6 weeks of chemo / radiation treatment, 3-4 weeks of rest, then surgery to remove the affected portion of his esophagus. Chemo treatments are expected to start the first week of January and radiation the following week. Three drugs will be given for chemo – one will be a 24x7 drip via a pump carried around in a fanny pack. The other two will require weekly visits to Toledo Clinic. Radiation will be given Monday-Friday at Flower Hospital.
We don’t know yet where we will go for surgery, but plan to meet with surgeons at Cleveland Clinic, University of Michigan and Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, 1/4. Others will be scheduled soon.
We don’t know yet where we will go for surgery, but plan to meet with surgeons at Cleveland Clinic, University of Michigan and Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, 1/4. Others will be scheduled soon.
During the “chemo teach,” a nurse reviewed all the possible side effects. Yes, Larry will probably lose his hair. Good thing the boys got him a new Cowboys cap for Christmas! All side effects are temporary, so the hair will grow back.
This has all happened so fast - I don't think that it has fully hit us yet. We do know there will be many rough days ahead for Larry, so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Pat
We think of you all the time! Thanks for making this blog. Good luck with it all! Love ya, Diane
ReplyDeleteHolding you all ...including Larry's medical team, in our thoughts and prayers. This blog is a great connection for us. Take care...hope your visit goes well. Warmest regards...Kathy
ReplyDeleteThanks for setting up the blog to keep us informed. We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck on yout visit to Mayo this week. Sheila
ReplyDeleteWill definitely keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Just keep being Very positive, you will get through this!
ReplyDeleteKitty and Mike
We'll definitely keep Larry and all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Never lose hope or faith! The blog is a great idea to share and keep a record ofr the whole experience for you as well. Safe trip this week!
ReplyDeleteAmy and Greg
Thinking of you and your family everyday. You are a very special person and friend to me so let me know if I can be of any help. Your in my prayers every night and day. Take care.
ReplyDeleteTracey Britton
Thanks for starting this blog! I'm here when you need me and you will be in prayer from here on out.
ReplyDeleteThank you Larry and family for sharing. It is easy sharing good things with family and friends,probably not so easy to share something like this. It is appreciated. Where there is hope there is a chance! Self ful-filling prophecies come true 85% of the time! Larry we love you, and you are in our thoughts and prayers!! We will get through this!!! Dave and Carol
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