From Philip

The following is from Philip. There have been changes to this. The doctor has discontinued the chemo pills due to side effects. They are now more concerned with the results from the genetics tests before deciding on another course of action.

Health Update: We have more info and treatments starting.

The good news is the MRI showed no signs of spreading to lymph nodes or other organs, however it has spread outside the muscle lining of the colon. It is considered stage 2 at this point in time. With that being the case, the surgeon and oncologist want me going through an estimated 6 months of chemotherapy and radiation to help shrink it and keep it from spreading before a surgery date is set.

They are also doing some genetics testing to make sure things will be ok for me. Currently they have prescribed me a pill form of chemotherapy. No radiation at this time until the genetics tests come back.

I want thank everyone for their support and care at this time. A very special thank you to my family for their help with all of this and to Mikala Nelson for being an outstanding partner and helping me deal with so much of this.

MRIs (Plural)

Yesterday's MRIs ended up being at 9:40 p.m. both with and without contrast. So Philip (and Mikala) ended up there for quite some time. However, they are done so when the oncologist schedules, she will have results. 

On that note, it's time I gave some credit where it's due. Philip has a girlfriend named Mikala. She is an absolute Godsend. I used to work with her dad and was shocked when Philip told me who she is. They have known each other for some time (over a year). 

Mikala used to work for a medical company and knows which offices in the valley have competent staff. She also calls ahead of time for his appointments to check that his test results were sent. Doesn't mean the staff won't change their story once we arrive. But it does mean she have a point of contact to go back to. So, shout out to Mikala. Thank you for everything!

Update

The appointment with the urologist yesterday gave us some new information. The next steps include an MRI and consultation with an oncologist. Depending on when she can fit us in, it may be a couple of weeks before we know any more. So nothing is really going to be happening for a couple of weeks. I will update again when more info is available. Hugs.

Round 3

So here we are again. Philip has colon cancer. I will try to keep this blog up to date for those who want more than just a short answer over the phone. So far...

• It does not look aggressive
• It is in the very early stages
• It is most definitely operable

He is trying to get an appointment with the surgeon to talk about when they'd like to do the surgery. It will most likely be in the next few weeks. We will be staying at home for the holidays due to this and LK's foot surgery. I'll post more information as I receive it myself. Hugs to all.

Never Have I Ever...

...Wanted to post another thing to this blog. But here we are. 

More to follow, when I'm sober.

Numb. And not the comfortable kind.

So, after three surgeries (yes, three) Gregory is now headed to 12 weeks of daily radiation (yes, daily). He has his spirits up so that's a good thing. Call if you need more info.

When It Rains...

OK, so, the week is over and I feel a little safer posting.
Sunday - Go to work to make up some hours for Monday.
Monday - Gregory's second surgery. Doc wants to see us Friday for results.
Tuesday - Short reprieve.
Wednesday - Out to the garage at 0430 to go to work. Pipe has burst and there is now a hole in my wall and the bottom of said wall is leaking water for about 10 feet across. Call plumber and leave for work. 
Plumber comes out after work - $1600. But they don't fix flooded walls. Call flood control guys. 
"~$6000 AND we have to get authorization from your insurance company." 
Insurance guy - "We'll get back to you in the next three working days." 
Me - "But that means leaving it for the weekend. We are having monsoons here. It's going to mold." 
Insurance and Flood guys - "Probably." 
Me - "Everyone out!" Call Friend Richard. 
Rich - "I'll be right there." Comes out immediately and drains the wall saving me from filing insurance claim. Fireman from next door brings fans. Boyfriend Steve pours me a drink and keeps it full.
Thursday - Sitting in office and the air conditioner starts making VERY bad noises. Call the plumbers back and ask for air guys. Can come out tomorrow.
Friday Morning - Head to doctor's office. 
Doc - "Oops, no results. Come back next week." Drive back home.
Friday Afternoon - Air guy comes out. "Um, that unit is bad and going out. Let me check the attic." Comes down from the attic with pictures. BAD pictures. Well, at least it's the same unit. 
Me - "What's it gonna cost?" 
Air guy Phil - "About $10K." 
Me - "And insurance won't cover that, will they." 
Air guy Phil - "Nope." 
Boyfriend Steve pours me a drink and keeps it full. Schedule crane and installation for Saturday.
Saturday Morning - head to work at 0450 to make up for upcoming Friday.
Saturday Afternoon - Crane and new A/C shows up. Takes all day but they are done around 1800. Boyfriend Steve brings dinner. I pour me a drink and keep it full.