Things have been a bit crazy around here(as I'm sure they are for just about everyone right now), so unfortunately blogging has been put on the back burner. Sorry for those of you who have been patiently waiting for Brian's update. As far as the pathology report goes, the margins were about as good as they could be, I suppose. They took a wide margin from the bone where the tumor was connected, so those margins look pretty good, but as they really didn't have much room to take from the surrounding tissues they were only able to take a "marginal margin" elsewhere. Meaning that they took as little tissue as possible around the tumor where it wasn't connected to bone. It was a grade one cancer, which is the lowest grade, so the chances of it spreading are minimal, however, all of his tumors have been grade one and have all spread or come back, so routine MRI's and CT scans are still crucial. The doctor is not confident that they won't return, but if they do come back, he will only remove the tumor from now on instead of taking much of a margin. Being in such a critical area, he doesn't want to further damage any organs or tissues.
He started physical therapy last week to try to regain the strength in his right quad. They had to work around several nerves and the one that talks to his quad isn't functioning properly. Three of the four quad muscles in his right leg aren't working. His surgeon couldn't really guess either way if it would come back, but we are hopeful and his physical therapist is positive. He is using crutches or at least his "putter cane" because his knee will occasionally give out, and we learned the hard way that if it gives out, there's not enough functioning muscle to keep him from falling hard.
He is very fortunate that his left leg is doing so well. All of his doctors thought his left leg would give him considerable trouble, but he says it really is about as good as it was before the surgery. This has been a huge blessing, because I'm not sure how he would get around if he didn't have the one good leg.
He's been in a considerable amount of pain since PT, but hopefully that is a good sign. He does at least have meds to dull the pain. He still can't use his abdominal muscles and isn't allowed to lift anything more than a gallon of milk for at least another couple weeks.
He's back to work fortunately. It's uncomfortable and when he comes home he heads straight for the bed to try and recoup for the next day. We are grateful that he is at least able to work though. He's quite the trooper and I'm not so sure if it were me if I would be quite as pleasant to be around. He does a good job of keeping the complaints to a minimum.
Sorry for those of you who got way more information than you wanted, but this serves as a good journal entry for me.
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4 comments:
Brian- Hope things continue to look up for you. You are in our prayers for a full recovery and please let us know if you need anything. We want to come and visit when you are feeling up to it!
I think you are such an example of positive thinking and always seeing the bright side of life. You never complain either Emily! This has been as hard on you as it has on Brian. He is going through the physical pain and you are dealing with all the other stresses and pains of being a mother, wife and support system. My heart is with you and your cute family. I pray you will continue to have strength to make it through the daily challenges of life.
I love you both so much. Brian I am so sorry you have to go through this pain and suffering. I am so proud of you and your good attitude. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could do something to speed up your recovery. Patience is not always easy for me. I like things to happen NOW. I love you, Mom
I am impressed with both of you - how well you handle it all and your positive attitude! Tell Brian we said good luck with the recovery and we hope you guys have a very Merry Christmas!!
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