[Boatanchors] Re Medical Update

rbethman [email protected]
Wed, 06 Aug 2003 14:53:45 -0400


Duane,

    Hang in there and have faith.

    Why the first physician missed it will never be known.

    The important thing is to take care, get fixed, and do what they 
tell you.

    When you are ready, we will be there on the air with you.

    I'll even fire up that old AM "Beast" of mine to welcome you back.

                       Bob Bethman - N0DGN

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Duane Fischer, W8DBF wrote:

>	
>The results of the colonoscopy were a tumor in the upper colon. It is definitely
>cancerous. The bowel is obviously obstructed because of this tumor, perhaps a
>3/8 inch opening remains. This tumor has been there for at least eleven months,
>probably longer. Even though I told a doctor of a problem exactly where the
>tumor was found back in October of 2002, he elected to not pursue it. His
>assumption as to the cause of my symptoms was wrong. Had he pursued it then, the
>tumor would have been discovered and my chances for recovery greatly improved.
>As recently as thirteen days ago I once again pointed to the are and told the
>doctor I believed he needed to do a CT scan to see what was there. Again he
>dismissed it, stating he did not see how it could be related to an apparent loss
>of blood. Well, when he returns from vacation he is going to get the news - 		
>	
>Because of his oversight, and the potentially terminal nature of the situation,
>the specialists are moving with extreme rapidity. The odd part is, the doctor
>who errored is a teaching physician, a terrific person and a good doctor. Why he
>failed to realize what was going on puzzles all of us. But nonetheless, it
>happened. 
>	
>Surgery is scheduled for Friday August 15th at 11:45 AM EDT. They will be
>removing the tumor and doing a resection of the bowel. Until the surgeons
>actually see the tumor they will not know for sure how advanced it is or if it
>has spread beyond the colon. They are especially concerned because it is very
>close to the liver. All tests done to date do not indicate additional problems,
>but they are anything but conclusive.	
>	
>If all goes well, I should be hospitalized from three to five days. The probable
>release date would be Tuesday August 19th. 	
>	
>I am feeling fairly good for the time being. Hemoglobin is back in the normal
>range, but on the low end of normal. Nonetheless, a big improvement from the 6.8
>level prior to the transfusion. My energy is limited, but the terrible fatigue
>is gone. I keep trying to remain active each day, good for the body and the
>mind. 	
>	
>My thanks to the many who have sent me well wishes, called or stopped in. Your
>support, encouragement, sharing of personal experiences and prayers are the
>things miracles are often made of. Keep them coming! I plan to get through this,
>alive and functional. The hope is that it has not spread, it can all be removed,
>chemo or radiation will not be needed and that I will be off the air about a
>week. I am praying that hope becomes a reality.		
>	
>Duane Fischer, W8DBF	
>  
>