Wesley's Surveillance Thread

[amorgan74]

Scan from [email protected]!! day!

Pardon my expression guys but that's about the nicest way I know to describe our experience today with the CT machine. I noticed when Wesley went back this morning that it seemed to take longer than normal. No big deal, we were at the doctors office for about a hour and a half. When we left and stopped to eat he then told me that they had to do the scan twice. Apparently the machine stopped half way through the scan. The tech caught it so she started the scan over. He was then scanned again. After we left and ate he went home and I went back to work. By now about two hours have passed because we live one hour from the office and the phone rings , the machine quit a second time so he had to turn around drive another two hours round trip back to the office and have the scan done again. He has to get more dye to scan the pelvis and at this point I have gotten highly agitated for a second or two. Is it any wonder some of us can name several labels on several longneck bottles??? Friday is work day and Saturday will be cooler and grill night. I am not going to worry too much about what may come but this is hard enough to go through every single month without things like this happening. Holy Cow, to keep it clean, I wish there was an easier way to do this every month. I know all will be well but I really would like those results before next Thursday. April

[justinsmom]

April, Any news on the scan? Will be continuing to pray & think of Wesley & you.....so sorry about the machine....always something to make matters worse!!! Never pray for patience cuz that's when things really seem to test you!! Will check tomorrow to see if you have heard anything- God Bless-Lanette ><>

[Kman99]

April..

What Wesley and you had to go through just flat out sucked! And I'm sure it tested both of your patience levels. They BEST not charge you for 3 scans!!! Keep an eye on that. And most importantly, I hope the eventual outcome is positive. Let us know how about the results.

One thing I try to focus on in between tests...the waiting, the screw-ups, the waiting......is to remember that regardless of my test results, someone always has a worse situation. That, combined w/ a natural optimisitc personality, helps during those anxious moments.

[amorgan74]

Test Results

I will say for all of the flubs with this set of scans Wesley has an excellent doctor. All results were good and we have found out that the spots that he has have remained basically the same for almost twelve months. Throughout treatment I think Dr. Carr has been in touch with the staff at IU and he told us yesterday that he was very pleased with the response to chemo but would still keep us on the same follow up schedule until the next set of scans in August. If everything stayed the same then he would move us to the second year of surveillance. Yipee!!!! We were excited and it appears maybe everything has stabilized so we are both glad. Thanks to all of you who have checked in on us, I really appreciate it. April

[justinsmom]

April, so glad that after all you went through , esp. Wesley , that the scan turned out clear!!! God Bless- Lanette ><>

[amorgan74]

Yes, Ms. Lanette, me too. He went in for his monthly check up today and hopefully by the time we get to the next CT scan the doctor will go to the 2nd year schedule for follow up. It has been a prayer answered to get good visits. Thank you so much. April

[amorgan74]

This month's labs (#10) were good and the x-rays were clear so we are looking forward to the next couple of months to get into the second year of surveillance. April

[Mom]

Good news. I know getting that one year behind you is a good feeling. Time marches on.

[amorgan74]

Yes it does and I guess there will always be a part of me that is little apprehensive each time we go. Everything I had read says that getting through the first year without any more problems is good and that after the second the odds are rather minimal that the TC will come back. I know there is always an exception to the rule but I truly believe we're the rule this time not the exception. Thanks, April

[Kman99]

Love to see the continued good news about Wesley! Let's raise the glass and toast to a better 2nd year than 1st!

[amorgan74]

Follow Up Protocol and Venting

Amen to that one Brother!!!

I do have a question for all of you out here in your second year of surveillance after having BEP & Stage III with good risk. What are most of you doing for the 2nd year, protocol says CXRs and labs every four months? Since we have always had to go every month for CXRS and labs and every three months for scans I cannot imagine the doctor actually allowing him to go that long between visits. I am thinking 2 - 3 months at the most between the visits.

Wesley is also giving me a bit of trouble about his appointments. I told him I don't have the time or patience to hear a word from him about this and he could handle it all on his own if he wanted to. His job has rotated to night shift again and I count the days until they change again from the very first night. His shift changes once every one to two months and this one is the hardest for us. We'll get through okay though. Always do. Hope everyone is doing okay and for those of you on year 2 with Stage III follow up please let me know what your experience is. April

[amorgan74]

Year 2, Yippee!!

After seeing the doctor for the last 17 months every month most the time more than once we have finally been moved to year 2 protocol. Wesley will have xrays and labs every 2 mos and CTs every 4 mos. We were both relieved and glad to get this first year under our belts and although we're not rushing it we do hope it will seem to go by a little quicker! Just wanted to pass along the good news and hope everyone is doing well.

April

[huckchef]

thats great news to hear. stay positive and always be strong!
continued thoughts and prayers,
brian

[Fish]

That's great news. Having checkups every month has got to be draining, both physically and emotionally. At least now you get more of a break in between.

[amorgan74]

You're right Fish, It has now been since last April since we have had a vacation and I have a pretty good feeling I am going on a couple between now and the end of the year. We are trying to make plans right now but I am definitely feeling the wear and tear of the last almost year and a half and am due a break. April