[Ham-Computers] Re Medical Update

Duane Fischer, W8DBF [email protected]
Wed, 6 Aug 2003 10:36:16 -0400


	
For those who are interested - 	
	
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