One sore throat and massive propofol hangover later and we have an update. The endoscopic ultrasound went rather well, all things considered. The stricture is too tight for the scope to have gotten all the way down in there without the risk of me being able to pay the flute with my esophagus. However, what they were able to image gave us a peek into the sordid world of Jeffrey and found that he is performing on stage three.
Yes, stage three. Now, while better than stage four, and believe me, I am SO damned grateful it isn't stage four, it means that the little turd has made a rather comfy cancer hammock in the wall of the esophagus and is growing into the muscle. So far, he has not had his sticky fingers in any other part of my body so I am calling that a definite win. It does mean that I need to book my ticket for the chemo/rad express departing in the foreseeable future - I hope first class is still available.
So, Wednesday, we meet with the A-Team over coffee at Northwestern Memorial, I have a wonderful PET scan to confirm that there is no spread and that the jerk is confined to quarters like they believe he is. Thursday, we meet the staff for the chemo/rad trip and find out when that starts, how long, how many times a week, etc. I am not looking forward to how much this will suck. I really don't want to be tired all the time and honestly, throwing up is at the top of my "Don't Wanna" list. I will be picking Maggie's beautiful brain to pieces for tips and tricks and whatnot. Thank goodness I have her.
Thank you to my mom and dad for spending most of their morning/afternoon counting ceiling tiles in the waiting room and being propositioned by volunteers with fig newtons and nutri-grain bars. I love you both and I was glad to see your faces today. I am so lucky to have such an amazing support system and I am also shamed sometimes at how much better most people I love are better at this than I am. But I will learn!
For now, I am going to do a little work, still a little tired from earlier but it keeps my mind occupied and I like that. Then, veg in front of the flickery box and just enjoy some time with my awesome family.
Love to all ~
Hi Sweetie. I am so sorry to hear this news but, like you, glad it isn't stage 4. I am so glad you have Maggie there to lean on, pick her brain and to just have some insight. She is a great person. Please know that we are all saying our prayers for you and the whole family. You are also on so many different prayer lists in so many different states that I am sure you will beat Jeffery at his own game. I love you and wish I could do something to help out. Take care love and give hugs to David and Claire.
ReplyDeleteAt his own game? No, no, no honey. We're planning to have her beat Jeffery with his own LEG. :D Hee hee hee . . . .
DeleteNear you is just where we wanna be! Your support team is large, growing, and very strong. We are here to love you, support you, and help you - and are available to be leaned upon. If you get tired - we are your strength. If you get discouraged - we'll lift you up. We'll help you carry this load, all the while with one arm around your pretty shoulders. There is no higher priority for your Daddy and me than to be here for YOU in whatever way you want or need. You are our darling girl and I will state again that Jeffrey is sooooo not welcome. We have begun the eviction process. Take note, Jeffrey and start packin' your frickin' bags! Mom
ReplyDelete"... play the flute with my esophagus". HA! You're funny. Plus you smell of vanilla.
ReplyDeleteStay positive and strong. Remember this is cureable. I have been stage 2b, and yes, stage 3, and I am still here and cured, you will be too. Let us all pamper you and do whatever you need. I love you and am here whenever you need me. Call me tomorrow so I can ease your mind after the docs tell you all this mumbo jumbo they have planned for you. Then I will explain it so you get it and are then you can prepare to 'getter done'
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today dearheart, and praying for you. Jeffery, you are not welcome, so get out and stay out!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and hating Jeffery more and more. I'm looking forward to seeing you on your 39th tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteLove you much..... Linda