Bronchoscopy

Spoke to the thoracic surgeon yesterday afternoon about his interpretation of the bronchoscopy. He stated that the chemotherapy had definitely done some good. He was hopeful that there would not have to be a total left lung resection, but that he felt it was best that we planned for it just in case. He said that he just would not know until they were able to get in there and see what the margins looked like when they started cutting. Everything is on schedule for the 23rd. I have to do a few tests first. One test I have already done before, which is the breathing test which measures my lung function. The other test is done in radiology and entails a measurement of how much oxygen each lung is capable of providing for my body. The doctor said they have to do this test in anyone who is potentially losing a whole lung. Simply stated, they have to make sure my right lung has the ability to provide the oxygen my body needs to function. He said that he does not anticipate me having any problems given my age.

On another note, I saw my oncologist and they decided to take me off the blood thinners given that I was hemorrhaging from my nose. He said that hopefully the medicine had jump started my body's own anti-coagulant abilities and that the clot was hopefully dissipated. I can anectdotally tell that things have improved with my neck movement and there is no more pain. We will watch vigilantly for any signs of another clot. He also stated that there is a lower probability of the clot moving to my lungs given that it was above my shoulders. The medicine is out of your system almost immediately and I can tell a huge difference. I have had no nose bleeds since I discontinued the regimen. Hopefully it will be no worries once the port is removed. Although, given that I have experienced a blood clot will make the doctors decision to give me avastin after surgery more complicated. He said he would have to think about it and that he was going to be cautious. Honestly, I would rather take the chance of another blood clot and continue on the medicine that helped shrink my tumor in half. Cancer makes you crazy like that!

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing alright. It has really been hot around here and I am sure most of you all also are experiencing the summer weather where you are. Hope to talk with everyone soon,

Josh

PS. Jamarcus, if you are reading this it was good to hear from you. Thanks for the comment and the prayer. You should consider doing the Leadership College again. I am pretty sure we are going to have it. I hope to be back on my feet by that time so that I can participate. I kept my promise to you and came and watched you guys play Parker (at Parker) this past season. Unfortunately, their offense was a little too much for you guys. You played well, but my advice would be to establish your position underneath more aggressively. I am not saying play dirty, but be more forceful is standing your ground under the basket. Your tall enough to be getting some offensive rebounds and getting high percentage shots. Take care and keep up your hard work.

Okay...So About The Nosebleeds

Well, I originally posted that the nosebleeds were not to terribly bad to put up with. I would like to retract that posting and provide an update. They are pissing me off and becoming too frequent. I am having blood in my nose build up and cause extreme pressure in my left sinus. If I don't blow it out then it starts to gush out at about the point when the pressure is debilitating. Other times I don't get any pressure build up and my nose just starts pouring blood. I am averaging a nose bleed about every three hours now and they last anywhere from 3 minutes to 15 minutes. I have called my nurse this morning just to make sure that there is nothing serious going on. I really don't think I can put-up with this for six months....sigh.

Oh yeah, our fourth was a pity party. Kimberly was sick and I had nosebleeds. But, we managed to go pick up some bbq and enjoy a little bit of our nations birthday. Plus, the benefit was a success and we had a great time.

Josh