Emotional roller coaster is slowing

Fortunately, biopsy results turned out good. The spots/growths/foreign objects/whatever-they-are in Dale's lungs are not cancerous at this time. Come back in three months, let's look at them again. Hopefully, they say, no growth or significant changes will happen. Okay. (What else can be said?)

Unfortunately, Dale found some tumors or more of the spots/growths/foreign objects/whatever-they-are in his arms and legs. Primary physician was very concerned and put him on antibiotics and to come back in a week.

Fortunately, Dale is feeling much better.

Unfortunately, our military insurance, is weakened by ObamaCare.

Fortunately, emotional roller coaster is slowing.

Down hill slope

We have no results of biopsies from four days ago. A weekend and federal holiday do not help the time tables for us in finding out the results. Dale complains of many aches in his joints and overall body, he has difficulty breathing, and his energy is getting lower.  Dale thought he might have a circulation problem because of his weakened limbs. When he was told there might be lung issues, it made sense to him in that the oxygen may not be getting to his limbs as it should. But that is still a guess. Dale has complained about his weakened and painful limbs and so far, physician have not paid particular attention to his concerns. He is discouraged and wants to know what is causing his quick demise. He describes feeling worse each day. I see that his skin color is pale, his breathing belabored, and his discouragement high. I am helpless in diagnosing what to do next or how to make him less discouraged.

Chills and fevers

Chills and slight fevers did not dominate the day, but did manifest themselves a few times last night and today. Weakness turned into restlessness so Dale walked around the house for some exercise for the day. Appetite was okay but turned into nausea (I don't think nausea was caused by my cooking). A nurse called checking on Dale's condition and confirmed all the symptoms he had which will probably continue at least one more day. Glad I can stay with him a few days as the weekend begins.

No other news or results on biopsy.

Scope and biopsy

Another day of testing. Pulmonary oncologist did a scope and found many lymphocytes for biopsy samples. Details of results will take a few days. I suspect early next week. During the procedure, Dale was supposed to be in the "twilight" stage of awareness, however, the nurse had to wake him up a few times. She seemed concerned when she told me. The recovery day has been iffy. Pain. Coughing. Pain. Coughing. Panic. Coughing. Pain. Coughing. Panic. He chilled and then heated up for moment, but is doing better now. I am apprehensive about the night time. Hopefully, he will rest well, which means I will too.

We both have been sustained by our good friends around us. Thank you.

Emotional exhaustion

We are both emotionally exhausted. Our minds are functioning at about 43% of our normal capacity. The stress of anticipation takes over thoughts. Reflections of chemotherapy, emergency room visits, blood & platelet transfusions, and injections float in our brains. This is not an easy ride. Do we have to do it again? Don't know.

The pulmonary oncologist will see Dale tomorrow. They work efficiently there so the results should be available in a day or two. More answers will be good.

We want to thank all of our friends we are connected with, known and unknown, thank you. Thank you for sustaining us.  Your care and prayers are felt.

Delayed doom

Minimal news to report, however, minimal is a good thing. We both anticipated doom and had feelings of "here we go again. We've done it before, we can do it again if we have to." A long ride on the emotional roller-coaster of medical treatments, trips to ER, needles, sickness, tubes and bags of chemo, blood tests, calling the nurses early every morning checking if he made it through the night, and so on.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma is not present. She curbed the doom, with blood results in great ranges and other indicator in check. Lymphocytes seem to be okay, although one is slightly enlarged but not alarming to doctor.

Dale's main oncologist is consulting with pulmonary oncologist for in depth analysis of the growth on the lung. Several scenarios were presented, but we don't have enough information to say what step is next.

Sleep well tonight.

Bucket list

Friday, we received the cancer message. Saturday, Dale was able to spend a wonderful day with his daughter and her family. Sunday, Dale spoke to many caring friends. Monday, coughing, body pains, fatigue, and signs of hopelessness. Tomorrow, first appointment with cancer doctors.

I received much needed caring support and prayers from "old" friends and new friends.

Bucket list of things to get done before.....being created.

The journey begins again

Dale made the 2 year mark last Sunday. But not really. It's back.  A lump was found in one lung that has more than doubled since July.  December 30, 2013, he had a CT scan. His primary care physician called Wednesday, January 8, 2014 to set up an appointment with him as soon as possible. Today Dale found that mantle cell lymphoma is back.

We anticipated this day to come for a few weeks. He "looks good" but is not well. He has really bad days and other days are okay. He paces himself and is able to do his tasks, but he tires quickly. We do not know what is next. Appointment was already scheduled for next week at Huntsman Cancer Hospital as the quarterly checkup. Now they will do more tests and let us know prognosis and treatment.

The journey begins.