Golf Tournament

Btrcup

Hi to all my Semi-Colon Friends,
For those who may not have read an earlier post, Scott works for the Hunt Valley Golf Club here in MD. Yesterday, they held a golf tournament in his honor to raise money to help with his alternative treatments. Well I am proud to say it was a huge success!! There were over 200 people in attendance, approx. 1/2 of them were golfers. We had a pretty decent day (a bit windy for golf), but all in all everyone had a great time. I am still in awe of the outpouring of love from everyone. People we don't even know were sponsoring holes and donating items for the silent auction. It was a very moving experience for us both. But there is some bad news to share.

Scott had been complaining of pain all week last week. I wanted to take him to the ER, but he refused (I know he was holding out for the tournament). On Sat. morning he said he couldn't take the pain any longer. I brought him to the ER and they admitted him. The CT scan showed several obstructions in the bowel/colon (believed to be tumors). We met with a surgical oncologist who we were referred to last month for a 2nd opinion. He was very frank in his discussions with us. He said he would like to try laproscopic surgery to determine exactly what's going on. He wants to take a piece of the tumor and test it against the chemo to see if it responds. If it does, he would like to start more chemo. If not, then we know we have tried everyting within our power. He told us that Scott will die from this cancer, but he will do everything in his power to see that he is comfortable. Scott is showing signs of deterioration. He has lost more weight, he is having trouble with keeping his food down and his belly looks more distended every day. We have both accepted this. There is so much we need to do and we have spoken very openly with each other on the phone the other night (this may sound cold to some, but we have 2 small children and conversations are very difficult). We have a meeting with the surgical oncologist on Friday to discuss our options. He wants to review the previous scans from Feb. 2005 and compare them to the recent scans on this past weekend.

So anyway, on Monday morning I took the kids to school, went home and had a small breakfast, some coffee and then picked Scott up from the hospital. We stopped home for Scott to take a shower and off to the golf club. I was so worried about Scott, but he was, as always, the trooper, smiling and shaking hands with all 200 people. I know he was hurting, but by the end of the night, he seemed content. We were both exhausted by the time we got home (around 10pm), but it was a nice feeling.

Well I think I've rambled enough (plus I'm at work and spending way too much time here). I am so tired today the computer is wavering! Prayers to all.

Linda (Baltimore)

alihamilton

Linda, what a difficult time for you and Scott. I wish the news were better but do not give up. It is particularly hard as you have small children to consider. My heart goes out to you both.

Love, Ali

scouty

Linda,

I don't know what to say other then you are so strong and such a loving wife and friend to Scott. He knows he is lucky to have you in his corner. I will continue to pray for you both every minute of every day. Don't give up honey. Feel the warmth of yesterday especially when times get tough.

Love always,
Lisa P.

jsabol

Linda,
What remarkable people you and Scott must be. The outpouring of love from friends and strangers is testimony to that.
Sending you continuing prayers on the road you walk together, Judy

themis01

Linda,
I hope the tumor samples do respond to the chemo and things become much more positive than they are now.
Erika

Kanort

Dear Linda,

Reading your post makes me so sad. I am so sorry that Scott is not doing well. I pray that if the obstructions turn out to be tumors, they will respond to chemo. It sounds as though there is still hope. Thanks for sharing with us and please remember that you, Scott, and your family are in our hearts and our prayers.

Love,

Kay

2bhealed

Hi Linda,

How wonderful that the tournament was such a success. I think that feeling of love and support will be something to draw from in the days ahead.

When my sister was distended like that she would go to the clinic and have them drain the fluid. Not sure if that's what Scott is dealing with but just a thought.

The strength in your "voice" in your email is incredible. You may not feel it but your strength is inspiring. Thank you for coming here and sharing yourself and Scott.

I hope you take some trips in that sports car of his!

((((((linda))))))))

peace, emily

rejoyous

Dear Linda,

Thank you for taking the time to write to us semi-colons, particularly in the midst of such an exhausting and emotionally draining week. It was great to hear of the strong community support for you and Scott in the golf tournament, and I'm very glad Scott could be there for it, despite his pain.

Every time I read a posting from a caregiver I want to give a shout of gratitude to you all for making this difficult journey with us. Scott is lucky--we are all lucky--to have you by our side.

Please let us know what happens next with the chemo tests you described. I didn't know they could do that testing on a piece of the tumor--do they do that in the lab? Amazing. Anyway, I wish you both the best with this struggle. Your strength and your love are great tools.