MICHAEL'S JOURNEY

The big news today was the removal of the catheter. I wasn’t 100% sure it was going to be removed today but was elated that my Dr said it would be. Little did I really know how painful that procedure was going to be, however, quick it was. Short story it was quick and its out.:)

No pathology yet which I learned is slightly normal. Take your time, get it right. Based on the CT scan done several weeks ago and the previous exploratory procedure done, there were no surprises. He remains pretty steadfast on bladder removal and directing the urine flow to an opening on the side of my gut in which a urine pouch would be attached. It would be removable but I would have to deal with it for the rest of my life. No matter the pathology. mmmmm

Of course, that is the absolutely worst-case scenario and a route that I may have to take, but not after exhausting every conceivable option, wonder drug, super diet alternatives I can find. He wanted start me off with a couple small doses of chemotherapy to “loosen” up the cancer and make it easier to remove. I don’t think so. More than a few trusted folks, including my alternative doctor, have let me know that chemo is really not a good choice. 

There is the issue of the parasite attacking the ureter on my right side obstructing the kidney flow to the bladder. Blood work was done today to see if the labs continue to reflect any blocking. Another surgery to possibly attach a tube that would stick out behind my back so the kidney does not get backed up. It would be temporary pending the bladder removal at which time they would create two stints on the left and right ureters that would attach to the above-mentioned tube going to the outside of my bladder where the pouch would attach to.

For now, though, I have time to really look at alternatives and lead a pretty normal life. No pain or blood in the urine, no having to pee every hour and especially no paid just trying to rollover in the middle of the night while sleeping.

We spoke about the Deon Sanders surgery and he thought that was an option but that need would be discussed with my next surgeon who specializes in bladder surgery and was aware of PLD1 or Nivolumab (Opdivo) which has shown great tumor killing results and was referenced by a Jerry Jones statement which actually just came out today. Susan came with me today and has been an absolute rock and actually was the one to bring up Primes journey. The psychological support from her is immeasurable as well as all of yours. 

Next – Tomorrow morning I will return to my alternative Dr and grab a couple take home tests and let him know what happened today and then Tuesday AM meet up with my next surgeon to discuss the fun times he might be able to share about bladder removal.

More than likely returning to work on Monday and was given the ok to travel and possibly work out a bit.

Thanks for the compliments and do not hesitate to ask any questions, share web sites or links. Reading them all daily!

Till next time, cheers! and have a great weekend. -Mike

Friends and Family,

Thank you for interest and prayers as I go forward battling this parasite that has invaded me. I will be using this format as a form of communicating with all of you for updates and any news. I do not plan on keeping this or having to use it for any long period of time.

Just a quick recap.

Surgery to remove the tumors in my bladder went well on 8/15. Although I did not have any conversation post-surgery, my surgeon Dr John Tillett, who was somewhat pessimistic before surgery explained to Susan that he was in fact able to remove almost 75%-80% of the tumor. He did not want to press too much closer to the bladder wall as that would create a real problem. In previous CT scans there also was indication of the tumor in the kidney path which was reflecting blood labs that indicated high glucose and creatinine levels which would be indicators of diabetes. Scans of the kidneys (and all of my other internal organs) showed no signs of any problems. Dr Tillet indicated in his surgery notes that his plan after tumor removal was to add a tube to the kidney (stint) to clear the flow of the kidney in question to the bladder. He was not able to find the opening during surgery so that was not done.

I came out of surgery pretty well but after a little Oxycodone, Fentanyl, and Delanda I was moved to the wheelchair and hopped in Susans car and went home to her house only a 5-minute drive from Porter Hospital. However, the catheter was not removed and I still have it as I am writing this.

I have a surgical follow up appointment later this afternoon and should have that removed. There were high levels of blood and urine flowing through Saturday but as of Monday it’s been very clear and void of any signs of blood or clots. Urinating was painful initially but that is now somewhat manageable.

No pathology report I know of as of yet. Maybe today.

As some of you may know I am also working with Health First which is a functional and alternative medicine clinic which specializes in strengthening immune systems before and after treatments and I have started testing with Dr Singer and look forward to continuing that journey asap.

Thank you again all for your prayers and overall positive vibes, suggestions, websites, you tube videos etc. I read them all and have had great take aways from them. Feel free to continue to send them and ask any questions you may have. If there is any email addresses that want to be added to this, please let me know that as well.

Done 4 now! – Mike