Update And Prayer Request

Hello Everyone,

I have some exciting news. We are going back to UPMC from July 22-24 for an EUS and PET/CT. We will meet with Dr. Luketich on the 24th to get the test results and find out if surgery is an option for Daddy.

He has done very well over the last 3-4 weeks-he's beginning to act and look like a much lighter version of himself before diagnosis!  However, he is very anxious about the PET/CT. Not the results, but the procedure itself. He's never liked to be closed in but it was never an issue until EC. I'm not sure if its all the procedures that he's had done or if the anxiety is a side effect of chemo. Nevertheless, he's losing sleep over it even though he knows he is going to take medication to help him relax. They are putting him to sleep for the EUS; I wish they could just roll him on through the PET/CT before they wake him up!  :)

For me, I very much want to know how well he has responded to treatment but I am scared of what else they may find. I'm sure many people go through these same emotions when they are facing these types of tests as well.

If you could, would you please pray and send positive thoughts our way during the week of the 22nd? We would appreciate it so much. I have said this before, this board has been a wonderful source of information and help since dx. I can't thank you enough.

You are all in my prayers daily.

Love,

Chrysti

Hi Chrysti - My Dad also hated feeling closed in.  He didn't have to do any tests for follow up to chemo because the chemo killed him, which, in my Dad's case was, I believe, divine intervention.  It sounds like your Dad is responding well to treatment.  How wonderful!!!!  Having been a Daddy's girl, even at 47, I just wanted you to know that I will being praying for your Dad!  Please keep us posted on how things go.  I don't post too much now, but, I read the boards everyday to see how the wonderful warriors and their fabulous caretakers are doing.  Karen

I just went through my CT scan and have had MRI's for various problems and your Dad will get by with some meds to relax him.  I have been dealing with anxiety and phobias for over twenty two yrs. I have your Dad and you on my prayer list. I have connections.  Phil A.

Hi Chrysti, Always glad to see positive updates on your Dad. Will say extra prayers for you. I think the tests cause a lot of anxiety even before you factor in things like discomfort with being in an enclosed space for PET/CT. I guess a positive would be that they can do the PET and CT together now which means less radiation and less time going through the actual procedures since two have become one. Maybe he could focus on that thought instead of the anxiety. 2-3 weeks till tests is a lot of anxiety. Hope all is well with you, that you are getting a summer break, and enjoying the moment. Good luck with the tests. Suya

Peace life a river to you and your dad!  My mom is always relaxed about the procedures, it is waiting for the results that scares the socks off of us!  You will have my prayers and I'll light a candle for your dad.  I visit an on-line candle lighting website just about every day.  Here's the address in case you'd like to light one on your dad's behalf.

http://www.voicesbeyond.net/Virtual_Candle.html

How was your dad's cancer staged? 

 

Hi Chrysti,  I'll be praying too.  Glad you have some plan to follow and that the doctors are keeping you informed.  Your Dad is coping with a lot right now and it is common to be nervous and/or terrified.  I think we all have been that way on our EC journey.  Reassure him that the PET/CT scan is not like an MRI where they put the person inside of something.  He will lay on a flat moving table and just pass through the x-ray equipment.  It can be nerve-wracking at first, but if the hospital has good equipment, it will go quickly and I agree....now that they have combined the PET/CT scan into one it is so much better than the old way.  I had an MRI of my head and that was quite loud and noisy, but the PET/CT is relatively quiet and sometimes they play music.  God bless you both.  I pray that the results of the scan are very hopeful.  Miracles still happen.

Thank you so much for your response and prayers. I am going to check out that website too!

Daddy is stage III. Originally he was labeled as stage IV incorrectly. It was assumed that a mass in the rt lung was EC mets. It was later determined to be lung matter. What a blessing!

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers, and words of advice! I know you are tired of hearing me say how much this board means to me, but I just have to say it anyway! There is something about "talking" with people who are dealing with EC and all the issues and complications that come with it, that is comforting to me. No matter what the need of the caregiver or patient, you all are always there with encouragement and advice. Thank you.

I can't wait to read all your responses to my dad!

Thank you for explaining the differences between an MRI and PET/CT. After I read it I thought, "Why didn't I think of that?" All of  these tests and procedures sometimes run together after a while. I am sure that knowing what your shared will help to put his mind at ease. I am not going to wait until I see him to share this one. I am going to call him first thing tomorrow!

Hi Worried Sick,

I have thought about you a lot-particularly when my dad was going through and chemo and dealing with the side effects. It so gracious of you to continue to offer your support and advice to the members of this board. Thank you!