Photo: Ewan Nicholson
Had my endoscopy yesterday and am not sure how I feel about the outcome.
Seems the Dr was happy to see that there was no blockage between the stomach and the duodenum. And I guess I should be happy about that too. But. Why. The. Abdominal Pain!?!
Here are some theories to look further into:
Since I have been on a five week break the tumour in that location could have grown and now be interacting with a nerve bundle.
Pancreatic duct is getting blocked - that is a guess as we can no longer get to it due to the existing tumour.
My gut health has been affected by chemo therapies, antibiotics and other medications.
Slow moving bowel? Irritable bowel?
Had many conversations with many Drs. Over last few days and am conferring with Oncologist tomorrow to bring him up to speed on all my discussions and possible challenges and solutions.
Today I restarted on Cabozantinib as it seems it was doing an admirable job, albeit challenging in many ways. Tomorrow I confirm some of the GI dept suggestions with Oncology dept.
I am forever dodging and weaving between classrooms, but if you ain’t then yer eventually gonna get hit by some bully. At least that’s my attitude after spending about five hours today reviewing past audio recordings of meeting with Drs. in combination with today’s dialogue post endoscopy.
Again, if you find yourself in my position or are caring for someone with cancer make sure one of you gets a hands on degree in medicine. I keep finding that I am the information and sometime the ideation transfer system between specialities. My limited memory, voice notes, and a true desire to understand coupled with Tracey’s medical knowledge, tenacity and informational management have been critical in so many situations.
This present challenge may be the biggest stumper of them all as it’s presently not confirmed if it’s mechanical or biological.
More schooling is required.
I’m carrying Tracey’s books cause she’s mad I dipped her hair in the inkwell.