The News: From Kelli

 

Well, I think I may be taking the news a bit harder than Ray; I'm not sure why.  We talked with Johns Hopkins this morning, and were very impressed with Chief of Staff, Dr. Schoenberg.  He was kind, thorough, clear and helpful.  We thought, at first and prior to reviewing any lab work or CT scans that we'd brought, that Ray might be able to have a partial bladder removal, which would only be a couple of days in the hospital.  We were overjoyed and indulgent in our excitement for about 30 - 45 minutes, before the doctor returned after viewing Ray internally, and telling us, it wasn't an option.  

We explained that Ray's tumor is larger than would have been able to be removed that way -- and it's not exactly in the right part of the bladder as he'd hoped.  We're not sure why the tumor is larger.  Had it grown since UVA?  We don't know.

The doctor then explained that Ray would need the intense massive surgery.  With such a surgery, he'd be 85% likely cured.  With adding chemotherapy before surgery, we'd be able to add an additional 5% -- as documented in medical studies.

What this means is that Ray will begin chemo ASAP.  We've called the local oncologist and they are wanting a referral, so it may be a couple of days before our first appointment (grrr...).  Ray will take chemo once a week for about 3 - 4 months.  Just as a point of honesty, chemo scares me to death.  There are a hundred horrible side effects, and I'm already trying to research ways to anticipate problems and then fend off any issues that arise.  Any chemo advice would be greatly appreciated.  I about began a return to panic attacks when I saw on the list of side effects: death.  Generally, I'm wanting to joke to keep things light as I post, but I'm deeply terrified.

Okay, back to the timeline.

So Ray will do chemo for 3 - 4 months, then contact Johns Hopkins.  At that point, they will do a quick re-examination, and then schedule him for surgery -- the same surgery of removing his bladder, prostate, a lymph nodes, then removing part of the intestine and creating a "neo-bladder."  

There are timeline consequences that have Ray and I unsure of the future as well.  This will put Ray's surgery in the summer, months past his general deadline for deciding whether or not to retire.  It would put his recovery time heading into the beginning of the school year, which means he may miss the beginning, which is an important part in setting the tone for the year with students.  Selfishly, it means that the children will not be in school and will be requiring more attention and diversions, while school routine would have allowed me to have more chunks of time to nurse Ray and offer TLC.  

Ray seems to be taking this all fairly well.  He may want to post more when he gets home from Matt's basketball practice.  I don't know if there's anything I'm forgetting.

Thanks for all your prayers today.