As this year comes closer to an end, I look back at post excerpts from this past year –
Urologist, I need to see you! –
My new doctor’s visit was last week and for my urine sample; I provided a sample that was extremely yellowish brown with the largest blood clot I have seen. This scared me a little!
The visit with Dr. F. involved me discussing my symptoms and the result of a hospital visit involving a CT scan I had last month. He indicated I most likely have a tumor on my bladder and it would need to be surgically removed.
The cystoscopy took place yesterday and the results are I have bladder cancer.
Before I respond, let me update you on my condition. The bladder tumor was removed and Dr. F. indicated it looks superficial, meaning on the surface of the bladder.
Good News outweighs Bad News; for now –
The bad news is that the cancer can easily come back. Every 3 months for the next couple of years, I will be visiting the urologist and having a scope performed to search for cancer that may grow back.
The next appointment with Dr. F. –
In the past month I have experienced increased burning during urination and in my bladder. Yesterday I passed a blood clot. Does this indicate the cancer has returned?
Dr. F. indicated some cancer had returned and also I have quite a bit of scare tissue from my last surgery in February.
Across the room I was in, is a small enclave that has desks and computers. I could hear Dr. F’s. voice and I heard the words “Terry is in a pickle.”
I will be there soon, Pensacola –
At this point, I have no date for the next surgery. You know the one; where my bladder is removed. At this point in time, I am assuming I will be having a radical cystectomy.
The roadmap to remove cancer –
Dr. P. informed me that the cancer had spread into my abdominal lymph nodes.
Stage 4 –
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.
Chemotherapy will begin this Thursday and continue for the next 12 weeks. Today, I am having a ‘port’ inserted into my body.
These scans should help to determine if the nodules on my lungs are cancer or not. The nodules are small, therefore cannot be biopsied and these scans should help with this determination.
The immediate days following my 2nd chemo session were not too bad as I am handling the chemo better than expected and hope this trend continues. The nausea is kept to a minimum, basically non-existent; to a great relieve for me. I am fatigued the immediate days following my chemotherapy treatment requiring me to be less active than I would like to be.
This cancer is beating me down right now and is taking a once happy active person to someone who is unrecognizable to me.
Today I sit for hours taking in those around me. Today I sit for hours viewing those near to me. Today I sit for hours receiving chemotherapy amongst others; those around me.
As the weeks continue and I arrive closer to my end date with chemotherapy, I look ahead to unknowns that soon will reveal themselves to me. Uncertainties will soon be certainties. Questions will be replaced with answers.
Chemotherapy is kind to me in that I am not experiencing many other side-affects. But the tiredness, it is hitting me hard; very hard.
More than likely the imaging tests will involve another PET Scan to help determine the possible outcomes including complete removal of the cancer in my body, the partially removal of cancer or no effect at all.
Today I am receiving my last treatment of chemotherapy.
My CT Scan took place this past Tuesday and today I have an appointment with my Oncologist Dr. D. this morning to discuss the results. The most recent CT Scan will be compared to the previous imaging tests that took place prior to my chemotherapy treatment.
In today’s post –
Surgery to remove my bladder is a little more than 2 weeks away.
Good luck with your surgery. Stage 4 is treatable, because I’ve been there myself and know. My cancer returned 2 years ago after a 7 year remission. I had my third major operation in December 2014, and so far so good (papillary thyroid cancer stage 4 in 2005).
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Thank you Stevie for your positive and supportive comment – I appreciate it very much. I am glad you are doing well and wish you a healthy and happy 2017.
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Thanks, and hopefully 2017 will bring health and happiness to you too. Keep positive.
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Keeping good thoughts for your health to improve in 2017!
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Thank you Lorrie, I appreciate you very much. 🙂
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What a year! Sending warm, warm hugs to you. Happy New Year to you and Gary.
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Thank you Alexis for the warm hugs! Happy New to you as well. 🙂
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A challenging year Terry! You have come through so brave and full of inspiration. You are an amazing person xx
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Thank you Lynn, I have wonderful support here on WP, and you are one important person to me. 🙂
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Thanks dear you are too xx
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What a year! My goodness isn’t it a good thing you didn’t know what was ahead at the beginning? How strong, patient, determined, and brave that you were going to need to be. And yet now that you look back, wow, see how much you managed to fight through and how incredible you were! So, soldier on friend, you’ve got the next year and your up-coming surgery licked! Here’s to winning battles and all the best for 2017. 🙂
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Thank you Amanda, I have managed to deal with a great deal this year and am fortunate I have a great deal of support here. I appreciate you. 🙂
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This really has been quite a year my friend. Good thoughts and prayers for a fantastic 2017. Hugs x
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Thank you Lynne, I look forward to 2017 – I know it will be a good year. Hugs to you as well my good friend. 🙂
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Wishing such good luck to come your way! Sending warm hugs to you both! 🙂
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Thank you Laurel, I appreciate your thoughts and you stopping by each day! Gary says ‘Hi’. 🙂
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😘😘
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Nobody ever told me that a ‘road trip’ during retirement meant another doctor appointment!! Jeez!!

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LOL, thank you, I needed the laugh! 🙂
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Good luck, Terry 💜
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Thank you Chris – your support is always appreciated. 🙂
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Wow, Terry, 2016 has been a continuous roller-coaster ride for you. Hope the surgery allows you to ‘pull into the station’ and lead a more relaxed life.
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Thank you Peggy, I hope 2017 allows me to do so! Relaxed life is good! 🙂
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Wow that’s quite the road trip your body has taken you on! Sending continued prayers and blessings for a full recovery. xo
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Thank you Kathryn, I appreciate your prayers and blessings. Have a great weekend. 🙂
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Hi Terry, have a few problems with my computer, but i am here reading and watching your famous boogie, thank you for that ! You just keep that boogie up, lots of hugs from Spain thinking of you have a súper New Year you guys, and forward always forward >3 xx
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Thank you Brooke, your hugs were just received! I appreciate your support. 🙂
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Always my friend, always……..
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Terry, thinking of you as this year draws to an end – here is hoping 2017 brings less medical turmoil to you!
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Thank you Sarah, your positive thoughts are appreciated – though 2017 starts with a major surgery, I remain optimistic it will be a good year. Happy last day of 2016. 🙂
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Nice post
Great
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Thank you.
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We all wish you well, Terry
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Thank you Derrick.
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Wishing you a speedy recovery and a healthy 2017. You are an inspiration to us all.
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Thank you very much, a wonderful 2017 to you as well. 🙂
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🥂
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It has been a tough year for you, my friend. I wish you a much better 2017 and hoping for a successful surgery. K x
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Thanks dear, the year has been rough and I am hoping for a better 2017. I hope you also have a wonderful 2017. 🙂
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Wishing you an abundance of blessings in 2017…my it be filled with all things good! Happy New Year!
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Thank you Carol, my hope is your 2017 is filled with wonder, joy and happiness. 🙂
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