Baz's update (another one!)--colorectal

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Jamo - 30 Apr 2004 02:22 GMT

Hello all.
Yesterday we visited the onc for the first time. It turns out that Baz may
be T3, but we'll have to wait for post-surgery tests to confirm that. He
begins radiation and chemo next week. He'll have a port-o-cath with 5-FU for
the next few weeks. Although the surgeon keeps talking about an APR, the
oncologist seems to think it can be avoided. Must be some
miscommunication--but that will be clarified tomorrow. There is some good
news:
1) I got Baz an appointment at the closest NCI hospital. They can't see him
until the 13th, which is already _after_ he begins his treatment (his
surgeon told him that he has to decide on his course of treatment before it
starts, so I'm a little worried about this--but it's the quickest they could
get him in).
2) He's gained 1.5 pounds.
3) I asked the surgeon (whom we saw Monday)questions, among them those
suggested by J. This was when he said something about sexual dysfunction.
Although I'd feared his reaction, Baz was remarkably optimistic.
4) Baz has finally said something about his fears--not just the worries
about perm. colostomy, but about mortality. I'm relieved he is able to
discuss it (it's been eating him up, he says).
That's all. Thanks, all, for listening/reading.
Best wishes,
Morgs

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J - 08 May 2004 11:15 GMT

> Hello all.
> Yesterday we visited the onc for the first time. It turns out that Baz may
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> Best wishes,
> Morgs

Hi Morgs, I've been reading but I didn't know what an APR is and when I tried to
search it, Google gave me everything with April in it ! That's part of why I
didn't reply, but I've just found it "In cases where the rectal tumor is very
low and close to the anus, the sphincters are often removed with the tumor and
patients receive a permanent colostomy in a procedure called an abdominal
perineal resection (APR). "

I'm also lost on why the NCI appointment, but will have to trust that you know
what you are doing.
I'm glad that you and Baz have had some good discussions.
I think men sometimes want to keep it all in (be the "strong person") yet they
do need to get their thoughts and feelings off their chests and who better with
than their lifetime partner.

Hugs Morgs, I just saw your port-a-cath question. Hopefully someone will help
you out.
There may be a brochure with it and the nurses may be helpful in giving tips
too.
J

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Jamo - 08 May 2004 17:57 GMT

> > Hello all.
> > Yesterday we visited the onc for the first time. It turns out that Baz may
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
> patients receive a permanent colostomy in a procedure called an abdominal
> perineal resection (APR). "

Hi J.
Sorry you did all that Googling! I'd included some of the specifics on
previous messages, so I just got lazy.

With the APR Baz is risking the loss of his sphincter muscles and possible
nerve damage.

> I'm also lost on why the NCI appointment, but will have to trust that you know
> what you are doing.

Honestly? We don't know what we're doing. The surgeon suggested we have a
second opinion, so we're going for it. I'm also concerned about nerve-saving
surgery. This is why we're going to the NCI hospital. We feel a little
guilty because Baz's team is very, very good.

> I'm glad that you and Baz have had some good discussions.
> I think men sometimes want to keep it all in (be the "strong person") yet they
> do need to get their thoughts and feelings off their chests and who better with
> than their lifetime partner.

And who better to engage in little spats with :-). He's not comfortable,
he's not happy, so he's a little grouchy. Could be worse.

> Hugs Morgs, I just saw your port-a-cath question. Hopefully someone will help
> you out.
> There may be a brochure with it and the nurses may be helpful in giving tips
> too.
> J

Thanks J. I appreciate it.
Best,
Morgs

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