Its hard to believe that we started on this journey only about 4 weeks ago. The path has led us to making what has been the largest decision of our lives. We have come to the conclusion that we want to use the St. Vincent's hospital network - Dr. Birhiray, medical oncologist, Dr. Liebross, radiologist, and Dr. Freeman as thoracic surgeon. All came highly recommended. Our final choice was between IU Medical and St. Vincents. It was a tough decision as you compared the national reputation of the teaching hospital against the reputable, regional, very "people oriented" hospital.
After making the decision, we thought, "whew, that's over. Now we can relax for a couple days"...I had plans of getting us plane tickets to get out of town for a couple day get-away to... forget it all. Well, life had other plans.
We met with the radiologist today for the initial consult The recommendation is 28 days of radiation encircled by chemo for a week on either side. This is no longer an academic exercise to be researched. Its now reality.
The meeting with this new doctor, of course, netted yet another infamous "Roger moment"...we were questioning the doctor about the radiation and if it had any toxicity for people around Roger, i.e. me. The radiologist responded no, but we should ask the oncologist about the chemo...there is a chance that the chemo drugs might be toxic for "intimate" relations ( um, me again). Mr. Suave Roger Wethington simply responded to the doctor, "Well, I guess that just means more sex with prostitutes". The doctor about fell off his chair with shock and then almost fell off his chair with laughter. Here we are at St. Vincents...a catholic affiliated hospital...and my hubby decides to offer up that he'll just have to have more sex with prostitutes. NIIIICCCCEEEEEE. Only Roger. At some point later in the conversation, when I had hoped we had recoved from this little "roger moment", Roger asked the doctor how he would compare IU and St. Vs. The doctor responded casually that Roger would have to go to IU for the prostitutes as the nuns at St Vs didn't really get into that. They both thought they were sooooooo funny. (This may be a longer process that originally expected.)
Roger has decided that he does NOT want the feeding tube initially recommended during radiation. If his esophagus swells and closes, then he will ask for the feeding tube. For now, he doesn't want it.
Today, was a very "real" day for us both. It left me speechless and feeling like my heart was being crushed as I realized there was no "ramping up"or getting ready or moving into this gradually. You're in. Period.
The new normal has started. Roger is tough. Roger is healthy. Roger will be fine....of course it will suck. He'll be incredibly uncomfortable, sick, not happy, etc. but he's tough, young, and healthy.
The schedule is: Monday: another meeting with the radiologist to "map the radiation field". Tuesday meeting with the thoracic surgeon. Wednesday outpatient procedure with the surgeon to implant a "port" through which Roger will receive chemo and other fluids as necessary. Thursday meeting with the oncologist to possibly start the chemo. Radiation will start the first of the following week. Roger should be done with the chemo/radiation by October. There will be 3 weeks "recovery" and then surgery. He will probably be in surgery towards the beginning or middle of November. Hopefully, he'll be feeling much much better by the start of 2010.
Keep sending all the positive thoughts and love. Feel free to call Roger. He is open to answering questions and doesn't want anyone to be afraid of asking him questions. Remember he feels fine and wants to continue to be treated as normal as possible. If you don't have his phone number, give me a call or send me an email and I'll forward his phone number separately.
I am thinking about pulling together a very VERY impromptu cookout - If i can get it all together quickly enough, I'll make calls and will send out emails. At the moment, I'm thinking Sunday evening...before the world completely changes. Will let you all know what I'm thinking. More tomorrow. We're both a little worn out. all our love, A&R
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