Memorial Day...and Results (by Lainey)

Hi friends,

Chris has been doing great in the past few days.  He has gotten lots of rest and started to be much more active.  He is still uncomfortable, but his distaste of boredom is far greater than any physical pain he may be feeling.  We finished Season 2 of the Wire (such a good show) and we have taken Harry on a few long walks to break up the days.  A lot of our friends have come to visit us and/or have sent their love via care packages.  I can't tell you how much the love and support you all have sent to him has seriously improved his mood and outlook on the day.  Thank you!!

Last Thursday, we returned to Memorial Sloan-Kettering for the removal of the staples in his incision.  The incision is approximately 4 inches long and sits on his lower left abdomen.  The staples were pretty gnarly looking, but the removal was easy and painless for Chris.  Afterwards, he said that he could have 'just taken them out with pliers in the garage' and I am grateful that he did not have that epiphany before this appointment! Ha! 

We did not get any results on the biopsy or CT scan that day, unfortunately, but we were prepared for that.  I drove Chris to Cabela's (his toy store) in Pennsylvania after his appointment to cheer him up...and of course it worked!  The drive out was nice for both of us and he had a good time walking around his favorite store and picking up some goodies for when he can be back out in action.

When we got home, I got a nice surprise from Chrissy's friends Carlos and Theresa (aka Carl 'n Terry).  They sent me a pretty arrangement of flowers to thank me for taking good care of their buddy! So sweet. 

Also, Chris' parents came over with dinner and then Angie stopped by with a Blizzard for Chris so he pretty much had an awesome day!

Cancer Stinks...but good friends make it a lot easier!

I know Chrissy was bummed to be laid up for Memorial Day Weekend, but it is always great to get together with loved ones to remember our dear friend Nilton.  For those of you who don't know, Nilt was Chrissy's BFF since childhood and joined the Marine Corps with him right out of high school.  Nilt served two tours in Iraq while Chris served in Okinawa and they both spent the last two years with USMC in San Diego, California (where I met both of them).  Nilt may have lost his battle with Leukemia two years ago, but he will never be forgotten or missed in our household.  Every Memorial Day since he passed, we walk in the Union Township parade with his family and it is a great tradition to honor a beloved hero.  It was a hot day and I know Chris was sore, but there is no way in hell that he would miss that for the world.

Union Township Memorial Day Parade 2012

(see my boo hobbling over there on the right?) :)

Today, FINALLY, after days of agonizing wait, we heard from Dr. Sheinfeld on some results.  We found out that the biopsy showed the tumor was a 'seminoma' which indicates a slow growing mass.  This is good news, since the 'non-seminoma' tumors tend to grow and spread rather quickly.  The CT scan showed slight enlargement/abnormalities of some lymph nodes in his lower left abdomen but all other areas are clear in the scan.  Dr. S ordered another CT scan for Chrissy since the images that were sent over were grainy/lacking certain detail as we had this done at a different hospital before we transferred to MSK.  This will take place on June 14th, after we return from our trip to California.

Once Dr. S reviews the new CT scans, he will be able to determine the treatment plan for Chrissy.  This may entail some radiation therapy, but we will know more in a few weeks.  Yes, more waiting (argh!), but feeling very fortunate that there is not a widespread effect on his body.  Based on Chrissy's results, Dr. S has diagnosed him with Stage IIA testicular cancer.  All things considered, this is relatively good news and Chris is pleased with the results. 

We are both looking forward to coming back home to Northern California next week for my baby brother's high school graduation and my 30th birthday (eeeks).  I think the change of scenery and visit with our west coast loved ones will do us both a lot of good.  Looking forward to lots of hugs and lots of delicious Mexican food! ;) 

Love & Thanks,

Lainey