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06/22/2007: "Do or Die"

Yesterday I was sprung from the hospital, blood clot and all. I am self administering an injection that is a blood thinner to help clear that up. This morning the arm swelling has gone down so I don’t look like one of the Fantastic 4 in the middle of transformation. Great to be home even if I am attached to an oxygen generator and a trailing tube that I get to drag around the house. A collection of bottles allow some mobility letting me space-walk beyond my base.

Wednesday, I got the straight talk from my ex-oncologist. He has access privileges to the hospital and has continued to follow my case. After looking at the daily blood work, x-rays and various other results that are coming in, here is his advice.

As we know, my lungs were pretty tumor saturated going into surgery. My surgeon assured me that his readings and tests showed they were capable of handling the operation. However, it appears that the procedure’s anesthesia, intubation, and other stresses on the lungs were too much. The tumors being colon cancer are very vascular and began to bleed out and fill what space was left within the lungs. So I had a soupy mess that was suffocating me.

The oncologist feels that if I don’t start chemo as soon as possible, then I have a week to a few months to live. If chemo goes well and slows down the tumor growth, then I could have up to another year or so.

Naturally, next steps are to consult with my current oncologist (appt today at 2pm) to see what our chemo choices look like. I am apprehensive about the sickness that chemo brings but when you come that close to dying its all relative. Oh yah, my neck is healing well.

Replies: 10 Comments

on Monday, June 25th, Mary and Dave said

Can you sense all of us thinking about you, Jeanette and the kids? You are in our thoughts and prayers all the day. Thanks for this blog....for keeping all of us so close...chemo...hmmmm...
so here you go again but with something new, right? There are many forms of chemo. We wait to hear and continue to send our love to you all. M and D

on Monday, June 25th, Leslie Fisher said

Doug!

Hello from NECC. Mike B and I have been spending our time together here talking about you. Ears burning? You are in my thoughts. Great to hear you are home with the family and thank you for keeping your billions of friends posted.

on Monday, June 25th, The Buich Family said

We are thinking and praying for you non-stop, Doug. We are hoping for the best and know we are always just across the street if you ever are in need of anything.
All our love,
The Buichs

on Saturday, June 23rd, woody and ingrid said

Hey Bud! We're with you, heart and soul. And, with Jeannette and Nick and Alex...
Our love and prayers,

Ingrid and Woody

on Friday, June 22nd, Cindy said

Hey Dog-glad you're home. Always better to be in your own bed. Putting thoughts in to words is beyond possible. Only, I'm praying for you, and your family. I'm very saddened for what you all are going through. Would be so nice to wake up and it was all a nightmare. Wish i could make that happen.
Love
Cindy

on Friday, June 22nd, michelle said

Hey Doug,
I keep coming back to your blog to say something, but I'm not finding words. I'm happy you're home with your family, I think of you often and am continuing to send positive thoughts your way. Your strength and courage (and that of your family) are unmatched.

on Friday, June 22nd, tracy Levie(Wedemyer) said

Hey Doug,
I'm so glad you are home with your family. Now is the time for you and your loved ones to be together. I was so sad to read Jeanettes entry. You and your family have been through so much these last few
months. What an amazing partner you have. I was happy to hear that you guys were escaping for a few days to the Sonoma Inn and spa. What a well deserved and needed get away for the two of you. I hope your doctors appointment goes well and you are able to start the chemo quickly. As always my prayers are with you and your family. If I can do anything to help Jeanette and you family I would be happy to do whatever you guys need. I agree with the other comment you guys are an incredible team. Much luck!!
Tracy

on Friday, June 22nd, Kelly said

Hey, Rock, glad you're home with your family. They're probably the best medicine for your spirits! Chemo ... you gotta do what you gotta do. I'm almost through reading your entire blog and I know how you feel about it. I'm anxious to hear what your doc says.

I'm so glad Grace met you and someday I want her to get to know you better. You and your family made quite an impression on her and I know you're all in her thoughts and prayers (mine, too). You're the best. Keep on keeping on!

on Friday, June 22nd, Mia said

Oh Rock, sometimes you could do without the straight talk, huh? Hopefully the chemo will be bearable as the alternative is not. I'm glad you're home and out of the hospital. Please let me know if you need anything. I'd be more than happy to come down and help with the kids.

You're in my thoughts daily. Much love.

on Friday, June 22nd, Kris Heydon said

Glad to hear that you are home. I've never met Jeanette, but she seems so strong and supportive. You two make a great team.