Tumors

[Recluse]

Brief update for those who've been asking. . .

I've been either seeing a doctor or being scanned/probed/x-rayed or been in a hospital pretty much every day except for weekends for the past month. First concern was liver failing. Good news is that it appears we are getting that under control.

Bad news is in all the scans and blood work and exploratory stuff, some tumors have been found. The one that is of immediate concern is on an adrenal gland. The radiologist that discovered it blew it off and told me "Everyone gets those and you've probably had it growing on there for the past fifteen years."

Wrong.

I had my primary doc pull up all the scans and diagnostics that were done in March when I was in the hospital with the appendix and infection problems. Nothing, not a spot whatsoever on the adrenal glands. Now, six months later, I have an M-16 projectile sized tumor sitting on one of my adrenal glands. This got the oncologist's attention in a hurry. Grew too large too fast to "blow off" as he referred to how the initial radiologist briefed me.

This is now getting interesting. According to the cancer doc, these tumors are one of two kinds. One can be benign and be removed easily and safely and with no ill effects. Some, within that category, can even be left alone and cause no problems though you have to have them scanned and monitored on an annual basis.

The other kind isn't so nice and you're advised to make sure all your affairs and policies are in order.

Going back to the lab again in the morning for some specialized blood work and tests. Will monitor the levels/results through November. Am scheduled for a colonoscopy end of November. Latest CAT scan showed some growths along the way that ARE indicative of someone my age and with my health background. I asked the colon doc to go ahead and remove anything that isn't supposed to be there to have a gauge on any future little growths or polyps that may occur. But essentially, I want everything cleaned out because a few days later, I'll be back in the hospital for more tests and some major-league MRIs and scans all focused in on the adrenal gland.

Haven't cast, reloaded, shot, flown or done anything for better than a month now--have just felt like absolute hell from all the tests, chemicals, dyes, IVs, etc. The fatigue has been devastating. What stuff I could do in a few hours now takes a few days.

I may just end up saying to hell with all of the medical stuff and heading off to this accupuncturist I know. He's got to be close to being a hundred-years-old now, but still does his tai chi and kung fu and all his own cooking. He's the 23rd "healer" in his family's generational tree. He has the gift.

Anyhow, that's about it. Will let you know more as I know more.

[archmaker]

Thanks for the update, and will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts.

[theperfessor]

Oh s**t good buddy, hope you've got the benign type. Understand how fatiguing the medical processes can get. Don't give up any choices in your medical care, eastern or western style.

There isn't a man or woman on this forum that wouldn't take a bullet for you, myself included. Keep us up to date as you can. If you you could see all the prayer circles for you from space this planet would look like a hula hoop display.

[smokeywolf]

Hang in there Recluse. Seems like your having to run a medical gauntlet every week, but you do what must be done. Keep plugging away and let the girls spoil you.
Please keep the updates coming.
We're all rootin' for you.

smokeywolf

[waksupi]

I hope they get you patched up soon. I was once told if you want to live forever, get some disease, and let a doctor treat you. As long as there was still money left, you are going to live!

[sparky45]

Well if it's got to be a Tumor, I pray it's of the benign kind. As an ex-anesthesia provider these kinds of Tumors are usually of that ilk and present a good post treatment (be that surgery or other) outcome. The one I hated to see in the operating room was the Pheochromocytoma. Never once had a bad outcome for the patient, but I swear you couldn't get a #9 bird shot pellet past my sphincter until everything was ligated and the Tumor removed. Those Tumors can cause wild swings in BP and pulse, as well as the patients vital signs.
Seriously, you are in our prayers and please keep us informed.
Sparky45

[Goatwhiskers]

Still praying for you my friend. Sounds as tho they're going at you from both ends. What so-and-so thought up the term "golden years"? GW

[Recluse]

The one I hated to see in the operating room was the Pheochromocytoma. Never once had a bad outcome for the patient, but I swear you couldn't get a #9 bird shot pellet past my sphincter until everything was ligated and the Tumor removed. Those Tumors can cause wild swings in BP and pulse, as well as the patients vital signs.

Sparky45

And that is the one they are placing their bets on based upon the swings I've had in blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety attacks (not severe ones, but I never get anxious about anything), excessive sweating, headaches and increasing fatigue/listlesness.

The onco tells me they can get it out and gone, but that it's a "tricky, sneaky little bastard in the process."

We'll see what the (yet more) blood work reveals this week and next.

[tward]

Hope it is benign. You are in my prayers. Try and keep your spirits up, I know hospitals are awful places(I worked in them for 40 years). Do not discount whatever help eastern medicine can give you. Eastern and Western doctors look at the body in different ways and can complement each other. Tim. ( don't let the b******s get you down!)

[unclogum bill]

Sound like you Sir have the bases covered. For the rest of you I add this. Cancer has seen to much of my family, got my father, got my sister and even took my dog. Tried at my wife 17 years ago, managed to keep her. When that Doc tells you to wait and see, Tell him no. Get it checked now. My double cousin was to feeling poor and growth on liver was found, wait 6 months was suggested. He took a trip to the Mayo Clinic in AZ , Word class folks that do this every day there. Told him he was smart to come and had a team of 5 specialist check him over. He got lucky , nothing to worry about. Insurance took care of the bills, even had a case worker work him through it. That stuff comes quick , one day can make or break you. DON"T play a waiting game . Recluse, I wish you the best. Bill

[Lance Boyle]

I wish you the best of luck and will take this as a reminder to get another backside TV show done once I get resettled.

Prayers out for you Recluse.

[peterthevet]

Recluse and theperfessor both in hospital at the same time............what the hell is going on!!!!! Two of the finest members here (without a doubt) ill at the same time - you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Both of you keep your chins up, stand tall and keep walking forward..........there are a lot of people here supporting both of you. CT and MRI scans and that nasty contrast they inject into you aren't nice but sounds like both of you are in good hands.All the best from Australia, regards Peter

[WILCO]

Thanks for the update, and will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts.

Same here. Stay strong.

[fivegunner]

Prayers going out to you. God Bless

[firefly1957]

Prayers continuing for you and Theperfessor get well soon.

[John Allen]

Recluse, I am praying for you buddy. Good luck and God Bless.

[w5pv]

Praying for you and family for a compete and speedy recover

[jcwit]

Thinking of you guy & Praying for a full recovery.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Prayin' for ya.

[MtGun44]

Good luck with this. Hope it is the benign type.

Bill