Doctors have been investigating various symptoms Greg has been suffering for about 4 or 5 months now and have treated him for possible kidney failure and possible congestive heart failure but have not had any conclusive answers to the problems. Last week his chest cavity filled up with fluid almost immediately after being drained of fluid which inspired the doctor to order a CT scan on Greg's chest and abdominal cavities.
We received the results of that scan on Friday, September 26th, which showed that Greg has a tumor in his chest and abdominal cavities. One tumor, it's just really big (about 7" wide by 12" tall.) Each doctor said that they are positive it is cancerous and thus we have been hurriedly searching for information in order to make some educated decisions regarding treatment. After an emotional and prayerful weekend we determined that traditional medical treatment is the path we should take to address this issue.
On Monday, September 29th, we had the tumor biopsied via a needle insertion. The doctor took 6 samples which, for one reason or another, ALL came back inconclusive. We will go in for a surgical biopsy this Monday, October 6th, and hopefully have a more conclusive result from that.
The tumor is also obstructing the ureter which leads from his right kidney to his bladder and some damage has been done to that kidney already. We were in the hospital yesterday to have a stint placed in that ureter which will hopefully facilitate better drainage and allow us to save that kidney.
We met with the Oncologist yesterday, October 1st, and felt confident that there is a good likelihood that his condition will be very responsive to treatment because it has all the signs and visibly appears to be a lymphoma cancer (although we will not know for certain until the results of the second biopsy come back.)
The Oncologist also took a bone marrow sample in order to determine whether the cancer is at such an advanced stage that a transplant may be necessary. We will receive the final results of that test on Monday, October 6th. However, the doctor thinks, based on the blood test results, that it is unlikely that the cancer has spread to the bone. Thank goodness!
Once all the information is gathered and we have a conclusive answer as to exactly what type of cancer we are dealing with, we will start treatment...most likely chemotherapy. The doctor has said that the treatment process will begin either Wednesday, October 8th or Friday, October 10th.
So, now that business is out of the way, I will say that Greg and I are both doing very well. For a few days things were quite emotional and we both felt like we were walking around in a dream world. But now that it's all settled in and we have some answers and a plan of action we are actually really motivated and encouraged that we will come out of this all just fine.
Greg is recovering beautifully from the stint placement and enjoying a long, restful weekend before the surgical biopsy on Monday. There really have not been any undue or unforeseen complications and all of our doctors have been very professional and efficient, which we are grateful for.
We really appreciate all of your faith and prayers and friendships - that's the best thing anyone can do for us. We're sorry not to answer all the calls and e-mails; however, we do read them and listen to them all and are encouraged by them, so don't hesitate to send a message or post on this blog. It's just a little overwhelming dealing with it all over and over again, so please don't take it personally. We really do love you all :)
17 comments:
Thank you so much for creating this blog! I have been worrying and praying all week. I'm glad to hear that Greg is feeling a bit better. I love you both (well, all three) so much. Seth and I are both hopeful and prayerful on your behalf. I'm glad that you feel your doctors are helpful. Know that you are in our hearts.
WE are so glad to hear that things are falling into place and you can soon get started with healing!! You both are VERY strong people and I know you can get through this!
We think about you very often and pray for you!
WE love you guys.
Mike, Alli, Tyler, Zack and Kiersten Kingston
Thanks for posting this. You know how I love to be in the know!! We're praying for you and feeling very hopeful that all will be well. We all you all so much!
I left out the word love, but that's what I meant.
Greg and Leslie... Thank you SO much for updating us on the situation. You are such wonderful and strong people and we are confident that as you fight this trial, with the Lord's help you will kick some serious tumor butt! :) We are BEGGING you to let us help. ANYTHING... cleaning, shopping, dinners, babysitting, comic relief (brought to you by Rich)you name it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not hesitate to call..night or day. We love you guys! Hang in there. You got this!
Oh Leslie, How wonderful that you've up-dated us like this. WOW--What a Trial you've both been GOING THROUGH!! We sincerely appreciate knowing the details and our prayers are with you daily. Lots of Love to you, Your Aunt Karen in Idaho
p.s. On your 'family blog' I LOVE your appreciation of the Fall Colors. I, too, really, really love fall colors and recognize that the true beauty does NOT come through with photography!!
Greg,
Our prayers are with you. Thank you for this blog. We are glad you found out what was going on. Good luck next week with treatment.
Brad and Amy
You're in our prayers...wishing a speedy recovery.
My first comment was deleted. I echo everyone else's statements. I love you all with all my heart. It's so nice to read the comments and know that others love you as much as I do. I hope that being home together and watching conference will help you have some peace and comfort. I feel good about what is coming up for you. I totally understand your not wanting a lot of calls and this is such a great way to keep us "all" updated.
Love Aunt Phyllis
Greg,
We'll be keeping you in our prayers here in North Carolina. If you have medical questions or need other information, I'd be happy to answer what I can (though I'm not an oncologist) or talk to people here at Duke or at Harvard. Sounds like your doctors have done a good job so far.
Kate wot yuk, im anij ibbam.
Bar yokwe,
Dan Mudrick
We love you and are praying for you. Thanks for doing this blog.
Love-Nathan, Kristi, Hannah, Brad and Joshua
I have been thinking of you and praying for you all week. I hope the Conference messages this weekend were inspiring for you both. You are both amazing, keep your faith strong and stay positive! Love you very much.
Oh, Leslie. I have been thinking about you so much lately, and now I know why! You guys are so strong and so amazing, and I know you'll be OK. I know that you don't have conclusive details yet so it may not be applicable, but my dad has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and he's doing great with just an IV treatment - no chemo or radiation. This is his second type of cancer, but he beat the first! I will keep my fingers crossed and say my prayers that all will go well for you guys this week. Sending you lots of love.
I am so sorry to hear that news. That is a real whammie. I work ICU and see patients that go through these crazy things, but how different to have it be someone I know and care about. Leslie and Greg, we will keep you in our prayers. I am impressed by your positive attitude about it all. It's times like these when a testimony of the restored gospel seems to mean so much more.
Our thoughts and prayers are always with you. May the Lord keep you both strong. We love you and hope for a quick recovery, Greg.
Love,
Hal, Janis and Hailey
Hey Greg! I just got a voicemail from Brad that told me about this stuff and now this blog. What a shocker--I hope you get a handle on it real soon. This will be a great way to keep track of your progress and see how you are doing. Speaking of keeping track of you, I'm glad they found you at the hospital!! If you have to go in again, maybe you should suggest putting a GPS chip on your gurney! :) Anyway, take it easy--we will put your name on the temple list this morning.
Steve.
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