Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Pards, I'm one of those who absolutely abhors asking others for help. But this is one of those times when I have to swallow my silly pride. Back in January, I went through a small bout of stomach sickness, and spent a portion of the evening retching. After it was all passed, I remember telling Catherine that it felt like I strained something during one of the retching episodes. After that, every time I ate and swallowed, I had the sensation that the food got stuck in my esophagus. It finally got annoying enough that I went to my GP last week, and he referred me to a GI specialist. The endoscopy was this past Tuesday. He found an ulcer near the bottom of my esophagus (I halfway expected that, as I have had a running battle with reflux for a while), but they also found a polyp. It was removed for a biopsy. I just got the biopsy results, and they are not good, I'm afraid. He said that it is cancer, and it is pretty aggressive. I am scheduled for a cat-scan tomorrow afternoon, and another endoscopy with an ultrasound on Monday 4/22 to see if it has indeed spread, and how much and where. As I said, I do not like asking others for help sometimes, but to say I'm a little frightened right now is an understatement. So I'm asking for your prayers that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, will see fit to heal me from this affliction. I also ask for prayers for my dear wife Catherine. As most of you know, she is partially disabled, and I'm concerned for her well-being should this ultimately go bad for me. Please pray that she will find peace and comfort through this, and that if it is indeed worst case, that God will send someone our way to look after her. Thank you all for your friendship and love, and have a good weekend. UPDATE #1 GI doctor's office called this afternoon with some good news. The CT scan apparently shows that the cancer is still isolated in my esophagus, and has not spread at all to other areas. I'm not out of the woods yet, but the light at the end of the tunnel just got a whole lot brighter. I go see the oncologist tomorrow afternoon, and my follow up endoscopy and ultrasound is Wednesday morning. This news is as good as could have been right now, and I'll definitely take it! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. God bless. UPDATE #2 I received even more great news today. I had an appointment with the oncologist today, and he confirmed the CT scan findings; the cancer has not spread, and is still totally contained. So I am scheduled to begin the first of three chemo treatments on May 8th. After the third chemo treatment, they will perform surgery to remove the cancerous portion of my esophagus, then rejoin the remaining portions back together. After I recover from the surgery, barring any other incidents, I will be cancer-free after that. Now try and tell me we don't serve an awesome God! :D :D Again, thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. You are all the best friends anyone could ask for. UPDATE #3 So here is the updated schedule: 3 chemo treatments over a 9 week period, starting May 8. This will push the surgery to sometime in July. Surgery after that, then 3 more chemo treatments over the same time period. Then I will be done. Thanks again for all your prayers, pard. Have a good one. UPDATE #4 Well, I knew there would a speed bump somewhere within all of this, and it looks like I just found it. I had my first appointment with the surgeon, and to say that they are going lay me open like a Christmas turkey is an understatement. After the first 3 rounds of chemo, the plan is to remove the lower portion of my esophagus, but they also have to remove the upper portion of my stomach. the cancer has not spread to the stomach, but the partial removal is mandated due to the location of the tumor. There is a high element of risk associated with the surgery; the average survival rate is not much above 50%. It was kind of a downer, but I just have to keep my faith that God will take care of this. Again, thank you all for your friendship and prayers. UPDATE #5, 5-6-12 Tomorrow is put-in-the-chemo-port day. Have to be there at 9 am for prep, then they install the port (outpatient surgery). On Tuesday 5-8-12 I go back to the oncologist for more blood work, and at that time, I should find out when they will start the chemo. Keep your fingers crossed, pards. Now the journey begins. UPDATE #6, 5-8-12 I start chemo on Thursday 5-10-12. I also found out something a little disconcerting today. It seems that the ultrasound 2 weeks ago showed that there ARE some stray cancer cells in the lymph node tissue immediately around the affected area. The tumor is still contained, but it was on the verge of starting to spread. Now the decision to do chemo before and after the surgery makes a little more sense. (the GI doctor that performed the ultrasound never told me that day, I never got to speak with him). Anyways, my oncologist still says that I should make a complete recovery, it's just gonna take until November before I'm finished with all of it. Thanks again for all your well wishes and prayers. In accordance with some of your wishes, I will post updates as much as I can. UPDATE #7, 5-12-12 Got through the first chemo treatment. Two worst things so far: After they administered the first of three chemos, they gave me two bags of saline, then gave me a shot of Lasix (a diuretic) at the beginning of the second chemo. Naturally, I had to go about 6 times within the next 30 minutes. The first 4 times I had to go, it felt like someone had kicked me in the lower back. I have not felt that much pain since the heart attack 3 years ago. Later that night, I spent some time camped out on the "throne" at home. Interestingly enough, no nausea yet (I'm still waiting on the other shoe to drop, though). This chemo pump is a real pain. I have felt tired more than anything else. They also said that the medicines can make me feel flush, and my face has felt warm all day. I am on the pump until 5-31. Then they take it off for three weeks, then we start over for 6 more weeks. Then we do this one more time before the surgery, which will probably be done sometime in September, I'm guessing. UPDATE #8, 5-17-12 Made it through the first week with this pump. Still no nausea, just feel tired all the time. Doctor said that my blood count is still good for now (that will eventually change). All in all, still hanging in there. UPDATE #9, 5-24-12 Went in today to get the chemo pump refilled, and the doctors decided on a change of plans. I have gotten a couple of bad sores on my mouth (a common side effect with this particular chemo), so he decided to take the pump off a week early. I get a week's break, then Round 2 will start NEXT week, not on June 21st as originally thought. I now have no idea now when the surgery will be. That, and I was really hoping to get one more monthly match squeezed in next weekend. Oh well... I still have had no nausea, no hair loss (although it might be a bit early for that). UPDATE 10, 5-31-12 Second round of chemo was today, so I have the pump back on for three weeks. The hair is really starting to fall out now, think I'll temporarily change my alias to either Chromedome or Cueball McCord . Catherine said I should just go by Patches. Still no nausea, thank God. I just feel very fatigued all the time,, just like the first round. The long range plan now is, they will do the surgery sometime late August or first part of September. Again, thank you all for your prayers. I'll post more updates as I get them, per your requests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oklahomabound Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 MMM - prayers are up for you and your wife and those that will be tending to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perro Del Diablo Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Prayer is on its way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev Willy Dunkum, SASS # 61027 Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 You've got prayers from this corner pard. Asking for help from your cowboy friends is the right thing to do. Prayers are going for your wife Catherine as well. Rev Willy Dunkum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kajun Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Prayers up for you and Catherine. God is still in the miracle business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Dave Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Prayers up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit Bull Tex Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Prayers up from Texas for your healing. This Cancer can be beat with the help of God and all of the cowboys and cowgirls.I am believing god for a great healing for you.Prayers up for your family for comfort and for the doctors that will be helping with the treatments. God will have his hands on you and on the doctors,we ask this in Jesus's name.Amen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Matt, you and your missus are definitely on my prayer list... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clay Mosby Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Eat Coast Filly and I add our prayers for healing, peace of spirit, and strength for you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocWard Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I'll have you in my thoughts and meditations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 My prayers for you and your family, Matt. Cancer is an awful disease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calico Mary Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Matt, my son was seriously injured in a car crash last year, but thanks to lots of prayers from a great bunch of cowboys and cowgirls, he made a complete recovery. My husband and I will add our prayers to the ones already posted that the same thing will happen to you. May the good Lord's love and strength be with both you and Catherine in the coming months. May He also guide your doctors and nurses in providing you the best possible care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Rusty Bore SASS#22739 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers sent for you and Catherine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chili Pepper Kid, SASS #60463 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badlands Bob #61228 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers up for a full recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowhouse Sam # 25171 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers up Matt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom, SASS #54973 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 My thoughts are with you and your family...fight to stay positive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneaky Gun Runner SASS 79775 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Praying right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers up for you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trigger Mike Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 prayers made that God will bless and help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Complicated Lady Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I'm praying that God will heal you and bless you with many more days with your wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bama Red Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Matt, prayers going up for you and Catherine. May your treatment be sure and painless and may your recovery be full, speedy and encompass all aspects of this terrible disease. God Bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Steel Duke Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Matt, praying for a complete healing and comfort from God almighty! BSD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy Old Man Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers up for you, Matt & Catherine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Dan Troop 70448 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers are up. MT and BlueJeans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman T. Range, SASS #44722 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers on the way. Roman T. Range Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sas Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Pards, I'm one of those who absolutely abhors asking others for help. But this is one of those times when I have to swallow my silly pride. Back in January, I went through a small bout of stomach sickness, and spent a portion of the evening retching. After it was all passed, I remember telling Catherine that it felt like I strained something during one of the retching episodes. After that, every time I ate and swallowed, I had the sensation that the food got stuck in my esophagus. It finally got annoying enough that I went to my GP last week, and he referred me to a GI specialist. The endoscopy was this past Tuesday. He found an ulcer near the bottom of my esophagus (I halfway expected that, as I have had a running battle with reflux for a while), but they also found a polyp. It was removed for a biopsy. I just got the biopsy results, and they are not good, I'm afraid. He said that it is cancer, and it is pretty aggressive. I am scheduled for a cat-scan tomorrow afternoon, and another endoscopy with an ultrasound on Monday 4/22 to see if it has indeed spread, and how much and where. As I said, I do not like asking others for help sometimes, but to say I'm a little frightened right now is an understatement. So I'm asking for your prayers that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, will see fit to heal me from this affliction. I also ask for prayers for my dear wife Catherine. As most of you know, she is partially disabled, and I'm concerned for her well-being should this ultimately go bad for me. Please pray that she will find peace and comfort through this, and that if it is indeed worst case, that God will send someone our way to look after her. Thank you all for your friendship and love, and have a good weekend. Prayers sent and you and yours have been added to our prayer list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Happy to send my prayers along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Fernando Slim, SASS #20521 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Prayers on the way. And Matt my friend, never hesitate to ask for help. SFS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paladin Gun For Hire Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 There is always room on my prayer list, you are there along with your wife. May peace and understanding be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheyenne Culpepper 32827 Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 LORD GOD, hear our cries o LORD, please o please dear LORD touch this pard with the hand of the Great Physician, I would that you would make this cancer disappear and that he would be make hole. Lord please send the Comforter for his dear wife and all those around them. I ask that your will be done in his life, but LORD I plead that he be made whole again. LORD I plead these things in Jesus' precious name, amen and amen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackwater 53393 Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 May the Lord show you and Catherine his infinite grace in your time of need. The prayers of my family go out for you and yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Business Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 Matt, You have my prayers and faith that you will get through this and fully recover. Don't hesitate to ask your friends for help, and those of us near you especially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swifty Morgan Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 MMM, We'll keep you in thought and prayers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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