Aspiring to Glide

Setup 2 weeks (M-F) worth of radiation treatments (10 treatments total) Doctor is hopeful pain will reduce after 2 or 3 treatments (could be 2-4 weeks though) Kill cancer cells in pelvic bone lesion and hopefully healthy bone will grow back in Still waiting on results from NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) testing to finalize chemo formula

Right arm lymph node biopsy performed on Monday produced qualifying samples for NGS testing (Next-Generation Sequencing) to hopefully determine source of cancer.  Testing should take about a week to complete.  Based on results, chemo treatment plans will be finalized (weather known source of cancer or unknown). 

 This week: Inside of stomach, small intestines and esophagus checked and no tumors found Further blood tests done and results are all normal (like all other blood tests to date) Radiation scheduled for end of December Biopsy on right arm lymph node scheduled for Monday morning Oncologist is putting together proposed chemo therapy formula (could change based on further test results) Have regained about 5 pounds for the 15 pounds lost the past few months (this is good news) Handicap permit received Search for source of primary cancer continues... Where I am at: It has been great to begin training for my new position with UnitedHealth Group as a manager of software engineering.  It has been over 3 months since being a part of a work team and am anxious to get my team together and begin making positive changes for the health of those serving in the military.  This is truly my dream job and am so excited to get going full speed! Meanwhile, tt has been tough but necessary to p...

 Let the games begin... Since last post, I have had a PET scan and urology appointment.  Nothing additional found except can rule out bladder cancer and prostate cancer.  Search for source cancer continues... Next steps this week: Radiation to begin on lesion in pelvic bone (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bone-cancer/treating/radiation.html) Ear/Nose/Throat  (ENT) appointment to check for stomach or throat cancer Biopsy for swollen lymph node in right arm pit to confirm cancer More blood tests Meet with oncologist to review additional steps Where I am at: Down and frustrated over not being able to find the source cancer. Walking out after urology appointment was definitely my lowest point emotionally.  So tired of all the tests and being poked & prodded; realize all needed to determine source but so tiring and invasive.  Don't know what I would do without Nichelle being with me to keep me looking forward and up.  Also, talks and texts from friends h...

 Living in new reality... As we continue with tests, as well as internal speculation between Nichelle and I, it hit me yesterday that reality is setting in...living in the reality where the term "cancer" is a norm.  It is just a given.  Went to Nuclear Medicine Dept (yes, that is the name and just learned about it a few weeks ago) yesterday for my PET Scan and they now recognize me, almost expecting them to shout, "BRYCE!!!" when I walk in (80's Cheers/Norm reference).  What hit me yesterday was that now in discussions about tests, the terminology is no longer "if cancer" but rather "your cancer."  Tough to hear but it is a reality now along with "stage 4" added in for added scare.  What is inspiring to hear are stories acquittances share of people they know (present tense) that have (present tense, again) Stage 4 and have had it for 12 years (huge thanks to my barber, Spencer, for lifting my spirits the other day with this!); have ...

 Details...to date (12/4) Symptoms have stabilized and most pain controlled so doctor wants to find source of cancer to better target with treatment.  If unable to determine source cancer then treatment will be done with certain formula of chemo. Tests to date: Multiple MRIs (lower back/pelvic/neck) Bone Scan CT/CAT Scan Many blood tests (all bloods tests come back as normal results) Biopsy of pelvic bone (several 18 gauge samples removed on Black Friday) Findings determined on 12/2: Lesion in pelvic bone: found to be metastatic cancer and to be treated with radiation at appropriate time Swollen lymph node in right armpit: found to be metastatic cancer and treatment to be determined Cancer cells found in bone from biopsy were found to be dying off so could not determine source but still determined to be cancer. Source cancer: UNKNOWN Summary: Since metastasized in more than 1 area of body, advanced cancer-likely Stage 4.  Port for chemo and any other IV or blood samples w...

  Day One ( December 2nd, 2021) ~ Diagnosis: Metastatic Carcinoma Cancer Better-half and I met with doctor and I was diagnosed with Metastatic Carcinoma cancer.   More testing next week to determine source of metastasis' so categorized as "Unknown" for now.  Per Doc, likely advanced and likely Stage 4 but further testing will confirm.   Symptoms are controlled so this allows time (maybe a couple of weeks) to test further.   Chemo will be part of treatment and radiation also. December 14th is next big date to meet with doctor to review additional test results and have a treatment plan proposed. What does "Metastatic" mean?  cancer.org   Overall day's feeling: Continue to literally limp along but so thankful for my much better-half for her being next to me every step of the way, reminding me of better days ahead and putting up with me.  Also appreciate my friends for listening and just being there.  Hanging in there and continue to dream and as...