On Thursday morning at 5 a.m., Jill and I rolled out of our driveway. I was in the passenger seat, like a reluctant Miss Daisy, heading for the Hughston Hospital for the second biopsy of my L-2 vertebral body in 8 days. This one was quite a bit more difficult than the first.
I managed to get through the day at the office on Friday although there has been a significant amount of pain and discomfort. My good friend, Dr. Mike Gorum, told us that he presented the pathologists with a significant amount of tissue and even a chunk of bone (damn, that hurts!) for review. He said we’d be hearing something from Dr. Pippas early in the week. I’m sure Dr. Gorum has seen plenty of cancer in his career as a neurosurgeon and I’m sure he knows what it looks like. This has been difficult to get a definitive pathology result. Dr. Gorum told us going into the first biopsy that the worst thing that could happen in a situation like this is to get an inconclusive pathology report.
When that happened the first time, here’s what we didn’t know: Is it cancer? What kind of cancer? Or, is it some other kind of benign tumor in my spine? We couldn’t fire off up to Emory to begin a game plan for radiation therapy on a spot we couldn’t identify, so Thursday we went at it again to try to find out what is going on.
I’ve held off until now to write about this, hoping I might hear something by the end of the day on Friday. I’m certainly not discouraged about this. But, I’m also not jumping up and down about the possibilities that this is not cancer and could be something much less scary. I’m just waiting.
I know that with Dr. Pippas knowing Jill and I are locked and loaded to get me whatever treatment I need, he will let us know the results of the path report as soon as possible. We’re settling in to watch some football today. I’m propped up on a pillow and walking like Marshall Dillon’s sidekick, Chester.
By the way, today is my father’s 80th birthday and also the day I was scheduled to have left town on a kayak headed for the Gulf of Mexico. It is a good thing that the trip didn’t attract enough fools like me to make it a go. Instead, we wait and hope for some good news.
Once again, I want to thank everyone who has said a prayer for us, posted notes on either this blog or on facebook or sent cards of encouragement. Jill and I are thankful for our incredible support network.
Melanie says
Thinking about y’all and happy day to your dad!!
Angela White says
Praying every night that it isn’t cancer. You are called out by name in my prayer journal. God hears!! Enjoy the game. GO VOLS…(sorry) LOL
Margie Ivey says
Thanks for posting! I was waiting to hear. Take it easy, rest and enjoy the games. Happy Birthday to that young looking John!
Thoughts and prayers continue.
Allen O'Shields says
Though very difficult, try to keep life as a focus and not it’s limitations.
The Dman says
Special prayers for you my brother!
Ann Blondheim says
Thanks for the update. I am waiting with you and Jill.
Judy says
Back in town and will be asking for an update on you first thing in the morning.