Notes on RD

Notes on RD...

RD went for his regular checkup last Friday, the 11th and this week the doc called to say that there was a 'shadow' on his left lung. Went for a CAT scan on Thursday and it showed a mass. Had a biopsy done today, Friday. We may find out something on Monday, if doc didn't get enough of the mass for a biopsy, then he will have a needle biopsy on Tuesday. Didn't want to go that route because RD is a medium risk of getting a hole in his lung, then he would have to stay in the hospital until the hole heals. RD doesn't seem to be upset but I know he has to be concerned. Sure hope we find out something on Monday.

Didn't get enough cells from the biopsy, will have a needle biopsy done on Tuesday.

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 20009 RD was admitted to the hospital because his lung collapsed during the biopsy. He is doing good, in some pain, but mostly sore. He has a chest tube and will have to stay until the hole heals in his lung. We may get the biopsy results tomorrow. December 22, 2004, he was admitted in outpatient for a heart cath. The degree and location of the blockages were such that the doc said that there was no way he could go home. He was admitted to the hospital. The doc's schedule was full for the 23rd so he had by-pass surgery on Christmas Eve, had some complications but he was discharged around 5:00 on New Year's night. It is hard to believe that he is here again on Dec. 22 for an outpatient test that has turned into a hospital admittance.

Dec. 23, 2009 We didn't get good news today. He has lung cancer. Don't know what direction we will be going...surgeon will be in to talk to us. Some of the options are: surgery to remove the cancer; surgery to remove the lung; radiation & chemo; the surgeon may want another opinion from a doc in Nashville. They aren't sure if he can tolerate surgery or if he can tolerate the surgery if he would be in worse shape than he is now. He gets out of breath just walking to the bathroom at home. He still has an air leak in his lung so we aren't going home for a few days, until the hole in his lung heals. Don't really know the type of cancer other than it is not 'small cell', we will know more about that later. The location of the mass is a big part of the problem as to have surgery or not. We may not know anything more for a few days.

Dec. 24 The docs have decided that surgery is not an option for RD. The tumor is too close to the main heart artery and the risk is high for a massive heartattack. He gets short of breath just walking across the floor so that played into the decision, too. As much trouble as he has now with breathing, because of emphysema, he doesn't need to have his lung removed. So he will be treated with radiation and chemo. This afternoon they did a MRI, CT and Bone Scan. The leak hasn't closed up in his lung yet but I'm hoping that we will go home as soon as it does.

Dec. 25 The doc just came in and told us that the tests from yesterday looked good, no apparent reason for concern. He still has the air leak in his lung, Doc increased the suction and told us that he wouldn't be here this weekend, another doc would check on RD and he would check back with us on Monday. Sooooo, looks like we won't go home until Monday at the earliest. RD is very tired today, he doesn't want any company he needs his rest. He remains in good spirits!! God gave us doctors and they are wonderful but we all know that God has the final say in this matter, so we are putting everything in God's hands, knowing that He always makes the right decision.

Dec. 27, 2009 There is not anything new today. The air leak is still there and he will have to stay 24 hours after it heals. He is feeling better, can move his left arm without pain so I hope that is a sign that he is healing. He is really wanting to go home, I know he will feel better once we get home to our own 'stuff'. I do have a special prayer request, please pray that he can tolerate the treatments and that they aren't too hard on him.


12-28-09, Monday No air leak this morning!! They clamped off the tube, will do another chest x-ray at 2:00. If his lung stays inflated, we may get to go home tomorrow!!
We won't go home today but probably tomorrow!! The radiation oncologist wants a scan before we can leave. He told us that the type of cancer RD has is the 'best' kind to have if you have cancer, doesn't spread as fast. There is a 25-30% chance of cure with radiation and chemo but in RD's case it is a 40-45% chance of cure because the tumor is small. ......Also, it was found in a routine checkup before he had any symptoms. The tumor is right against his heart so some of the heart may be damaged which means 6mos to a year down the road may require a balloon procedure

12-29-09 Tuesday...Going home today!! RD is in good spirits since he can go home.

12-30-09 Wednesday...Family Christmas....Had a great time and RD really enjoyed it.

12-31-09 Thursday...RD is still weak and he tires easily. Starts radiation on Monday.

01-01-2010 Friday...I woke up RD to start 2010 with a kiss and we agreed that we would do that again next year!!