Perc-o-prince update

[perc-o-prince]

and keep your online family posted on the progress & recovery

Hey there,

Well, here's the update. We went to Dana Farber this past Monday for Rich to see the Urologic Oncologist. She confirned that it was stage 2B, but there was an excellent cure rate with either readiation or chemo. She wanted Rich to see a rad tech she really likes, to see if she thought Rich was a viable candidate (this tech is very choosy about the testis cases she uses radiation on). The decision was to see the tech within 2 weeks and go from there.

Then, Rich noticed what he thought might be an enlarged lymph node at the base of his neck Tuesday night. Thought it might be a pulled muscle but called the oncologist the next morning to see if there might be an earlier appointment to see the rad tech (it had been scheduled for 4/17), and mentioned the gland. The oncologist wanted to see him again, Thursday or Monday. We went yesterday.

She confirmed that it is another tumor, and since it's not in the same region, he's now stage 3. However, there's very little difference in the cure rate, but radiation is out of the question. So, she wanted to know if Rich could start chemo Monday. He kind of quipped about being ready at 11am (an hour from when we were sitting there). She put things into action, and he starts this morning. It'll be 3 cycles (1 week on, 2 weeks off, three times) and he'll be having it done at Dana Farber.

So, that's it. We're hoping the anti-nausea drugs do their thing and make this as bearable as possible. The upside is that everyone at DF has been wonderful, and has gone above and beyond to make this as easy as possible.

Please continue to keep Rich in your thoughts and prayers!

Chuck

 

[hoover1060]

definately

my thoughts and prayers go with both Rich and yourself Chuck.
Keep us posted on how it all goes.
Thanks for the update!

 

[gyrafoam]

I hope Rich is surrounded by healing powers and his chemo-therapy is effective.
Wishing you both comfort and peace as you proceed with the process.

 

[toggleswitch]

Ditto the above.

 

[gadgetgary]

My thoughts and prayers

For a speedy recovery.

 

[JerseyMike]

Dear Rich,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Here's to a COMPLETE and speedy recovery.

Mike

 

[shawn]

Rich.

Thinking of you often and wishing you the best.

Shawn.

 

[rocky2]

Rich

Keeping you in my prayers and wishing you a speedy recovery. Chuck, hang in there and I know you've got some great friends here to help you both get through this.

 

[pdub]

So sorry to hear this and even though I have never met you I wish you the best toward a speedy and complete recovery.

Sending positive thoughts your way. -Patrick

 

[perc-o-prince]

Thank you all so much for your support!!!

As I write this I am sitting comfortably in a recliner, at Dana Farber, receiving my first chemo infusion. I can't begin to explain the fantastic treatment that I'm receiving from these folks. It makes my visits very tolerable.

The nurses tell me that I probably will not feel the effects of chemo for a few days so for now I'm feeling fine. My spirits are great due to a good prognosis as well as wonderful family and friends not to mention having the most important person(Chuck) next to me every step of the way.

Please, please, PLEASE...Guys...Make sure that you learn how to give yourself a testicular exam. When detected early testicular cancer is very easily cured. If left undetected then it can be more brutal to treat but still very curable. My oncologist feels that I have probably had this cancer for a year or two. This means much more aggressive and uncomfortable treatment. PLEASE learn from my experience
I will keep you all updated.

Hugs and good health to all of you!

Rich

 

[rp2813]

The son of our next door neighbor was diagnosed a few years ago and through chemo he beat this thing, and it included panceatic cancer which if I'm not mistaken is one of the more deadly forms. He's healthy and does all the yard work around the house and is an avid golfer in local tournaments. I wish you the same successful outcome!

 

[andyelectrolux]

Rich, I am thinking about you and Chuck right now and sending healing thoughts your way!

Your friend in Missouri
Andy

 

[andrewinorlando]

I wish you guys both all the best and a speedy recovery...

 

[davy1063]

I would like to offer an Orthodox prayer if I may....

Please feel free to delete this post if it offends anyone of any other faith.

Lord or God, you healed long-lasting and terrible diseases by your word alone; you who healed Peter's mother-in-law of her fever, Master, heal also Your servant Rich of the illness with which he is afflicted. You who chastise with pity, and heal according to Your goodness, and can put aside every sickness and disease, raise Rich up from his pain and suffering. Put the medicine of Your mercy on him, and grant him the complete healing and health. For You are the Physician of our souls and bodies, and to you we offer glory together with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen

 

[washabear]

Best wishes to Rich for a full recovery. On this road you have love, and that shall help you on to the best days ahead.

Take care.

 

[appnut]

Rich & Chuck, you're both in my prayers and thoughts. Bob

 

[washendry]

Hi Rich and Chuck,
My real job is a Paramedic, we do alot with Chemo pts as our hospital has an infusion center for chemo pts and we transport pts there from the main and outlying areas, Zolfran is a very good anti nausea drug, its something that can be given before during and after chemo, you can even give sub-q (just under the skin) with a very small needle, it has very few side effects and may help appetite, I wish you all the best, keep the appts and use every means at your disposal with in the facility, it all works together for a speedy recovery
Kim

 

[perc-o-prince]

Again, I can't say thank you enough.

Though the prognosis is very good it still is very scary. Walking into a cancer center was very hard for me and I found myself choking up every time I walked through the front door. I kept thinking " this can't be me". But it was/is and I am now starting to get used to it.

Having very strong faith in God and the influx of positive energy from my family, friends(you all included) as well as my own patients(I'm in the health care industry), who have shown great concern and offers of help, this made for a very good day for me. My thoughts on these situations are that if life gives you lemons you can either suck on sour juice or you can make delicious lemonaid. I LIKE LEMONAID!!

Davy1063...Thank you SO MUCH for the beautiful prayer. Prayers of any kind are always welcome

Please forgive spelling and gramaticle errors as the anti-nausea meds have my head spinning. I'm a bit groggy. I'm off to bed.

Peace to all,
Rich

 

[perc-o-prince]

Zolfran is a very good anti nausea drug, its something that

Hey Kim,

Thanks for the tips and bless you for the work that you do. I can't imagine my life without helping others.

Zolfran IS my first line of ant-emetic drugs and yes it does seem to be working great. I am currently on several different anti-emetics at the same time. Thank you for suggesting it.

Keep up your kind work ....now I'm realy off to bed <LOL>

Rich