A place to keep my work.
that's what it feels like
Published on March 14, 2019 By Uvah In Life, the Universe and Everything

An update on me. Just got back from seeing my cancer doc. Mine is stage 3b adenocarcinoma. Non small cell lung cancer and I'm going to be treated systemically (I think that's what it's called) with Keytruda. My doctor says the markers needed are there, which is a good thing. However being that it is stage 3 it won't go away forever and I'll have to deal with it as is. I'm going to be getting a port installed (good choice of words?) beneath my right shoulder simply because it'll be easier than sticking a needle in my arm every time they need a sample or to inject medication. Hence my reference to Borg because I feel like one. My doctor also wants a CT scan to have a look inside mine head. Why I dunno because I told him there ain't much there, if anything, to see but he insisted. Fortunately my adopted daughter Jessie has taken control over the whole shebang because I doubt I'd be able to follow half of what all those doctors I've seen had to say. Tell you that girl is worth her weight in gold. She is so meticulous and keeps track of every little detail. So this is where I'm at. It remains to be seen how long it all lasts. But I are positive and don't intend to stress it, that will only make things worse. So first a pacemaker then a port. What could come next? Peanut gallery comments welcome.


Comments (Page 1)
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on Mar 14, 2019

Just do what you must Ross, and get as healthy as possible.

on Mar 14, 2019

Prayers your way, Ross.

 

on Mar 14, 2019

Sending prayers your way Ross, just follow docs orders, and it sounds like you're in good hands with your adopted daughter!   

on Mar 14, 2019

Glad your daughter is taking care of you, Ross.  Who can remember all the doctors say!  Always good to have another family member or friend with you.  In my prayers. 

on Mar 15, 2019

Do what the doctor says to to do. Sounds like you have a good doctor. Sounds like you have a wonderful daughter. May God Bless You. 

on Mar 15, 2019

From the peanut gallery:

You are Uvah of Borg.... next you'll be needing a prosthesis to replace your bargain basement bladder.

Seriously, here's hoping all goes well with your treatment and that it meets with success.

on Apr 02, 2019

Borg update:

Currently visiting the maintenance department at Borg Central (Chester County Hosp.) for a recurrence of the COPD restricting my breathing. Normally its handled easily at home but not this time. It had nothing to do with the pneumonia that got me here in the first place but with the emphysema associated with the COPD. I've already begun with the Keytruda treatments, having had my first last Thursday. My port was put in a week before the previous Monday. Tomorrow is the fourth and I'm scheduled for a follow up to the first treatment with blood work which will be done here. Next treatment is in two weeks. But what it all boiled down to was my not being able to sleep at night due to the congestion brought on by the COPD and what came with it. Before being taken to my room on Sunday night I had to undergo another CAT scan. That was a scary experience as lying flat on my back did not allow me to breathe at all and I had a panic attack. Yesterday morning an ultrasound was done and a small blood clot was found in the lower part of my left leg. I'm told it was not unexpected as the tumor likely brought that on, so no worries there as I'm being given a blood thinner to deal with it. So this is where I'm at presently. More later as I'm getting another breathing treatment now. 

on Apr 03, 2019

Today:

Another CAT scan. Compared with the one I got on Sunday was worse. The doctors believe the tumor is somehow affecting how my heart is working, that there may be a clot lurking somewhere. Not sure yet though. Going for a third bronchoscopy because some airways are blocked in both lungs and they want a clearer view of what's going on down there. Long term outlook......bleak. If I don't get aggressive with all this they say my only alternative would be a hospice and I ain't going that way. I fully intend to take to the next level and then some because ain't nothing gonna kick my ass that quick. Hell no!  

on Apr 03, 2019

Nah, I wouldn't want to go into a hospice, either.  Get the necessary treatment and hopefully it knocks your issues on the head so you can remain liviving independently.  

on Apr 03, 2019

starkers

remain liviving

I are gonna do mine best to continue liviving. Thanks Mark.       

on Apr 03, 2019

Get better Ross! That's an order!

on Apr 04, 2019

Aye sir.   

on Apr 04, 2019

How old are you, Ross?

on Apr 04, 2019

I'm 66 going on 102 it feels like at times. Today though I feel like a bit younger, a third bronchoscopy was canceled because one doctor doesn't believe it to be necessary at this time. Had an EKG yesterday and partial results, partial being relative, there has been no intrusion into my heart from the tumor and my heart is working as it should. That made my day. I've been taken off the antibiotics as no infection has been found. Doctor visits at least three times a day and I'm up on just about everything going on. Was seen yesterday by an occupational therapist who checked my coordination and said flat out, "You don't need me", with a smile. Next will be a physical therapist, breathing tests and whatnot. So I think I'm gonna be here for a while still. One good thing...three hots and a cot. Lol 

*and a few good lookin' nurses*    

on Apr 04, 2019

*and a few good lookin' nurses*   

Yay!  

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