LivinginNH/ Cynthia

Hi Marie, thank you for
Hi Marie, thank you for thinking of us. It's been a really hard week. Unfortunately, things aren't going so well for my dear man. The stent went well, but a tumor higher up is now completely blocking his colon. We weren't told previously that there are now two large tumors. So, at this point, the only thing left is to do a colostomy. The problem is that since he's had so many operations, with the accompaning scar tissue, it is going to be a very dangerous operation. Therefore, the local surgeon is going to contact a surgeon in Boston at either Tufts Medical or Mass General since this operation is way above his skill level. But we're stuck between a rock and a hard place since he could die on the operating table or die from sepsis when the colon painfully explodes. Not great choices. I am quite afraid that he'll never be able to come home again. :'-(

And I'm feeling ok, still waiting for the pathology report, but to tell you the truth, I haven't even thought about it. Maybe no news is good news in this case.

All my best to everyone,
Cynthia

SharonVegas said:

Thanks for asking Marie and
Thanks for asking Marie and dearest Cynthia, my prayers to you and your Rick.
Bless you both,
SharonVegas

Cynthia
Have been thinking of you and rick and thank you for taking the time to update us. I am sorry to hear things are so difficult but it sounds like no one has given up yet and if he can get the right surgical treatment he could do well but it must be such a hard decision considering all the risks. It does sound like a specialist opinion may be helpful in making that decision so pleased to hear your team are confident enough to know when to ask for another opinion and get more experienced surgeons in.

I hope you are looking after yourself too

Steve

Cyn...
I hope you were able to get some rest...I could feel you jumping through the phone every time a text came through...each one seemed to scream even louder...

This is the part where things are the hardest...and the most helpless for folks standing by...

Wish I could be there with you...just to hug and comfort...

You know how I feel...

Standing with you in the eye of the hurricane:)

Love/Craig

Lovekitties said:

Dear Cynthia
Are these hospitals associated with Dana-Farber? I have heard good things about that particular comprehensive cancer center.

Praying that soon that rock and hard place disappear and become possibilities and hope.

Hugs to you both,

Marie who loves kitties

Hi, Dana Farber is where he
Hi,

Dana Farber is where he has been going for treatment options, but Mass. General is where people go for surgery. The D.F. Oncologist has given up, telling us that there's nothing left to offer us. So, at this point, the only reason for him getting a colostomy bag is because his colon will literally explode from accumulated waste not being able to pass through. The problem with this surgery is that he organs are so stuck together now, that it may be impossible to actually do the operation, so he may die on the table. As I said, he's between a rock and a hard place. :'-(

Cathleen Mary said:

Hi Cynthia,
I am sorry that

Hi Cynthia,

I am sorry that life is so difficult right now. I worked at Tufts for 21 years and I am treated at MGH. Both places are really good. My surgeon at MGH was Richard Hodin and I felt the care I received was fabulous. My needs were different than what you are facing; I just want you to know I have had good experiences in both places.
Blessings as you discern the next step.
Cathleen Mary

Cathleen Mary, thank you
Cathleen Mary, thank you for mentioning the MGH doctor. He was going to help us, but Rick's HIPEC called a couple of minutes later and told us that he would do the surgery. So, the current plan is that Tufts Medical will send an ambulance up tomorrow, and they'll do the colostomy on either Monday or Tuesday. It's going to be a very dangerous surgery at this point, but there's just no other option.

Take care,
Cyn

LivinginNH said:

Hi Marie, thank you for
Hi Marie, thank you for thinking of us. It's been a really hard week. Unfortunately, things aren't going so well for my dear man. The stent went well, but a tumor higher up is now completely blocking his colon. We weren't told previously that there are now two large tumors. So, at this point, the only thing left is to do a colostomy. The problem is that since he's had so many operations, with the accompaning scar tissue, it is going to be a very dangerous operation. Therefore, the local surgeon is going to contact a surgeon in Boston at either Tufts Medical or Mass General since this operation is way above his skill level. But we're stuck between a rock and a hard place since he could die on the operating table or die from sepsis when the colon painfully explodes. Not great choices. I am quite afraid that he'll never be able to come home again. :'-(

And I'm feeling ok, still waiting for the pathology report, but to tell you the truth, I haven't even thought about it. Maybe no news is good news in this case.

All my best to everyone,
Cynthia

Just want to add my support....
Hugs Cyn,
Tommycat

Lovekitties said:

Dear Cynthia
Prayers for Rick to come thru the surgery safely.

Love and hugs to you both,

Marie who loves kitties

Dear Cynthia,
I am so glad


Dear Cynthia,

I am so glad that you have a plan. This is certainly a difficult time. Know that you and Rick are in my heart and prayer. Take a deep breath...and one step at a time.

Hugs,
Cathleen Mary

LivinginNH said:

Hi Marie, thank you for
Hi Marie, thank you for thinking of us. It's been a really hard week. Unfortunately, things aren't going so well for my dear man. The stent went well, but a tumor higher up is now completely blocking his colon. We weren't told previously that there are now two large tumors. So, at this point, the only thing left is to do a colostomy. The problem is that since he's had so many operations, with the accompaning scar tissue, it is going to be a very dangerous operation. Therefore, the local surgeon is going to contact a surgeon in Boston at either Tufts Medical or Mass General since this operation is way above his skill level. But we're stuck between a rock and a hard place since he could die on the operating table or die from sepsis when the colon painfully explodes. Not great choices. I am quite afraid that he'll never be able to come home again. :'-(

And I'm feeling ok, still waiting for the pathology report, but to tell you the truth, I haven't even thought about it. Maybe no news is good news in this case.

All my best to everyone,
Cynthia

praying
praying for both of you.
hugs
judy

Cynthia
Cynthia,
I am holding you and Rick in my prayers.

Aloha,
Kathleen

LivinginNH said:

Hi Marie, thank you for
Hi Marie, thank you for thinking of us. It's been a really hard week. Unfortunately, things aren't going so well for my dear man. The stent went well, but a tumor higher up is now completely blocking his colon. We weren't told previously that there are now two large tumors. So, at this point, the only thing left is to do a colostomy. The problem is that since he's had so many operations, with the accompaning scar tissue, it is going to be a very dangerous operation. Therefore, the local surgeon is going to contact a surgeon in Boston at either Tufts Medical or Mass General since this operation is way above his skill level. But we're stuck between a rock and a hard place since he could die on the operating table or die from sepsis when the colon painfully explodes. Not great choices. I am quite afraid that he'll never be able to come home again. :'-(

And I'm feeling ok, still waiting for the pathology report, but to tell you the truth, I haven't even thought about it. Maybe no news is good news in this case.

All my best to everyone,
Cynthia

wow
so much going on for you and Rick right now.

Not sure how I could have missed it from your other posts, but I had been away for a bit and was "speed reading" to get caught up.

I hope and will pray for a successful colostomy and that Rick does in fact return home to you in better health!

best wishes and peace

Rick