Stage 4

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In my post ‘The roadmap to remove cancer‘, I wrote the following –

Dr. P. desires a roadmap before we can proceed with making a decision for the immediate future selection.  This roadmap starts with a chest, abdominal and pelvic CT Scan with contrast; then will be followed by a surgical procedure.  The CT Scan took place this past Wednesday and the surgical procedure should take place next week.  I have an appointment with Dr. P. this morning to discuss the results of the CT Scan.

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In today’s post, I write the following –

Last Friday I met with urologist Dr. P. at which time he inserted a scope within me to view my bladder and the cancer that is growing within it.  After the procedure we discussed the results of my CT Scan performed earlier in the week.  Dr. P. informed me that the cancer had spread into my abdominal lymph nodes.  There are also multiple lung nodules that need to be further investigated.  Dr. P. recommends I be referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy prior to my next surgery.  The success rate of stopping the cancer from spreading by having the chemotherapy before the surgery is quite high.  Dr. P. also is recommending I have a PET Scan to help identify the lung nodules.

I currently am seeing Dr. P. at the Naval Air Station Pensacola hospital.  The PET Scan and the Oncologist I will see will be located at a hospital outside the naval base.  The PET Scan is not performed at the naval base hospital as well as oncology services.  Dr. P. is associated with this outside hospital as well and this will be where my future surgery will take place.

Yesterday, I met with my new oncologist Dr. D. and we discussed my health history and the current condition regarding my cancer.  Upon reviewing my recent CT scan and the related information from Dr. P., she indicated to me my cancer is stage 4.

Google Results –

Patients with stage IV bladder cancer have cancer that has extended through the bladder wall and invaded the pelvic and/or abdominal wall and/or has lymph node involvement and/or spread to distant sites. Stage IV bladder cancer is also referred to as “metastatic” bladder cancer.

Thursday of next week I will begin chemotherapy for my cancer that will last for 12 weeks.  Depending on the results of the chemotherapy will depend on what will take place next with regards to my treatment.

In order to avoid making this a long drawn out post full of details about the possibilities of outcomes regarding my treatment; I will plan to write another post next week about what those possibilities are.

The next 12 weeks will involve some powerful drugs being injected into my body to fight cancer.

I will have tough days ahead of me.

I will have days I will be very tired.

And I will have days I will be very inspired.

For this post I end with this quote –

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Image Provided by: wishesmessages.com

64 thoughts on “Stage 4”

    • No need to be sad Lynne, I am fine with the news and will deal with this the best I can. It will not let it get to me – I will be fine and all will be good – I promise. Thank you very much for the hugs and support – you are a wonderful friend I have here on WP. Happy Weekend. 🙂

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  3. Yes you will get through this…you are strong and are not going to let this get you down!!! I am so happy that you have a wonderful team of MD’s on your case….it sounds like they are on track and doing what needs to be done….yes you will be tired, and yes you will have some tough days ahead….one day at a time my friend…keep smiling, let the tears flow if needed, its very healing to accept the here and now and act on your feelings!! know that you have friends and family here always….Your in my thoughts daily!!!! and I send you nothing but love and energy!!!! XXXXXkat

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  4. Your spirit is light and your words and posts inspire me – when you’re feeling down, tired, and at war with your body, you need only pause and take a moment to read any of the comments posted daily by fellow bloggers – your cheering squad is big and you’re loved my friend! Happy Weekend!

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    • Thank you Molli for your comment, this is one of those days I needed feedback. And you are correct, I do have a big cheering squad for which I am truly grateful for. I appreciate you very much and hope you have a happy weekend as well. 🙂

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  5. Hi there spearfruit! Hang in there! God has us all covered in his masterplan. Faith is our spiritual empowerment (as the mustard seed parable). Always ask your guardian angel to be at your side. AOC sends big healing hugs to you!!! 🙂

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  6. I find myself at a loss of knowing what to say. I hope the love and many friendships of others will somehow make this trial easier, and know that my vision for you is cruising around north America blogging from all over about the food, the music, and the good times – laughing until your ribs hurt, and sunrises from Prince Rupert,BC to Pensacola FL. First the tunnel, but blue skies ahead, God bless you.

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    • Thank you David – and I feel confident your vision for me will be a reality! I appreciate your words, your comment and your support. Thank you my friend, I hope your weekend is happy! 🙂

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  7. Mindset (in so many instances) changes the days you have. From reading your honest and revealing posts, your mindset is in a good place most of the time. The comments from your readers and friends reveal compassionate hugs from all over the world that should sustain you throughout your treatments. Please add my virtual hug to that pile-o-hugs!

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    • Thank you Joyce and yes my mindset is in a good place. I am sure though I will have my moments that I am weak, but I do have plenty of support – one of them being you. Happy day my friend, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment today. 🙂

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  9. Oh, Terry – this is not the news any of us wanted. I can see by your comments that you have a great attitude toward it.You have people cheering for you all over the world and sending good thoughts, prayers and vibes your way – and some from up here in Wisconsin as well!

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    • Thank you Sarah, I appreciate you and others who are here to support me. This was not the course I thought I would be taking months ago, but it is reality and I will do my best! Thanks for your comment, I truly appreciate you taking the time for me. Happy Saturday! 🙂

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  10. Oh Terry, I am sad to hear this! Sad because like you said, there will be tough days ahead. It sounds like you have a good doctor. You are a fighter! I am without the right words… we are here for you Terry!

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    • Thank you for taking the time to read and comment – I truly appreciate it. Yours and others support and friendship mean a great deal to me. Thank you again, hope you have a happy day. 🙂

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  12. Terry, it takes courage to share this and face it. Yet you are not alone.
    My husband Don has stage 4 skin cancer with tumors in the lungs that are currently being treated by chemotherapy. We have gotten into a routine of expected bad days and better days in between. We have all the meds needed to help with the side affects. We have a team of wonderful people around us supporting Don all the way with his physical, emotional and mental well being.
    It’s a tough journey … But there is hope and good outcomes are possible.
    3 months ago we couldn’t plan ahead, it felt like life was on hold and possibly ending. Things have now turned around. The treatment is working better than expected!!
    Wishing you all the best in the coming weeks! ((Hugs))

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    • Val, thank you for bringing a smile to my face. I have no experience with chemotherapy, therefore only know what to expect from other’s who have gone through it and what I read. I smile not because Don and I are dealing with this, but because you indicate things have now turned around. I am glad you and Don are finding the treatment is working and this gives me something to look forward to. I will keep you and Don in my thoughts and appreciate you taking time for me today. Happy day my friend! 🙂

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  15. Dear Terry ,
    Didn’t want to not offer my support or tell you how sorry I am that you have to go through all this . But I really don’t know what to tell you that would begin to alleviate your situation or bring you some comfort .
    I’ve been and will have to remain off the grid for awhile more , so it will probably be more than a week before I can read you or comment again but I’ll be thinking of you and sending you healing thoughts and strength 🙂
    ❤

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  16. I have to admit that this news comes as a shock to me, Terry, but I won´t go further into that. Just want you to know that I believe in your strength and will to overcome this and that the chemotherapy will help you!!! I might not be online everyday from now on, as I´m starting on a new job tomorrow but I will think of you every day and send you positive, healing thoughts and strength! I so wish I could do more, my friend, I really do … 😦 Hugs&Kisses xxxxxx

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    • Sarah, your positive healing thoughts are enough – you are one true friend. I appreciate you very much. The journey in the next 12 weeks may be difficult at times, but I will get through them with the help from you and others here that are very nice to me. Congrats on the new job – and have a happy week ahead. 🙂

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      • Oh, Terry! Thank you sooooo much for saying this, you don´t know how much that means to me – you are such a wonderful person and I also appreciate you very, very much indeed, my friend! 🙂 I wish I could be there for you, bring you some of my home-baked cakes and pies and distract you from that therapy you are going to have, I really do! And I think, everyone else here does feel exactly the same… I often think that words are not enough, but in this case they simply have to be which kind of frustrates me… Looking forward to hear from you and hope the sun still shines in Pensacola! 🙂 xxxxx

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        • Aww, the home-baked cakes and pies would be wonderful! Maybe some day I will make my way over to your part of the world and have a piece (or two) with you. The sun is shining brightly here in Pensacola and the beach is beautiful. Thanks dear for your support and the words are greatly appreciate, believe me they help. Happy day! 🙂

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          • Or I might come over to your part of the world and bake them there 😉 my Plan c is still to have my own little Cafe and I can just as well open it there 😉 Unbelievably the sun has come out here too and I’m making the most of it after Work 🙂 Have a lovely & happy day dear Terry!!! 🙂

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  17. Terry, for some reason I am not surprised at the findings on the scan – I think you guessed some of it from your level of pain. You have written your daily post through some very bad days but it will be okay to have a break when you are feeling yucky with the chemotherapy. Try not to resist their advice to take painkillers or other medication they suggest. Your body needs some succor, as well as your soul. Much love K.

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    • Thank you K, I appreciate you and your friendship and know I have many friends here on WP. I started taking much stronger painkillers yesterday and other meds to help me deal with what it taking place. Starting next week there will be more meds added. I plan to post everyday, and will take it a day at a time depending on how I feel. Thanks for your support. 🙂

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  20. I refuse to like this post because I’m mad as h*l about this news.
    I have no doubt that you are much stronger than this cancer and even on the darkest and toughest days of your treatment ahead you will triumph. However, I’m just angry at the injustice of it. That’s allowed. It’s called caring.
    So yes, you are in great hands medically wise, trust in that. Post when inspired and don’t worry for a minute when you’re tired.
    And at any time that you’re feeling a bit down or in pain come and read all of the caring and supportive comments from all of us and think about how we are all sending our best and strongest positive and healing messages.

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    • Thank you Kathryn, I appreciate your support as I go through this. I will remain positive and I know I have many wonderful friends here on WP that will help me along the way. Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have a great day. 🙂

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