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• 2004-2007 Medical Reports for MusicMan

2004-2007 Medical Reports for MusicMan

• 11-16-2007
THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the prayers!!! MusicMan got a Good Report!
There is nothing suspicious on the lungs and it looks as if the chemotherapy treatments were effective in getting the rest of that cancer. He will now be able to undergo surgery for the kidney cancer as long as the heart doctor gives his okay as well.

• 11-13-2007
MusicMan had a catscan recently and sees the cancer doctor, 11-16, to learn if the chemotherapy treatments had any effect on the lung cancer. He also was contacted by the kidney specialist that the tumor on his kidney has grown bigger and the tumor needs removed via a laparoscopic procedure. This will be done after we get the go-ahead from the cancer doctor and from the heart doctor. So many things that they have to double check before surgery. No date has been set yet.

• 10-22-2007
The Cat scan, with dye, is rescheduled to take place mid-November. The cancer doctor will then be able to tell us, after the scan results, if the chemotherapy treatments had any effect on the cancer.

• 10-02-2007
The port was removed. MusicMan is doing good and is ready to celebrate his birthday.

• 09-26-2007
MusicMan feels better most days. Surgery to remove the port will be Friday, 09-28. Radiation will not be done.

• 09-10-2007
The LAST chemo treatment is over!! After all the chemo treatments MusicMan has lost 40 pounds. He has a LOW appetite, is weak and feeling poorly. The doctor will monitor MusicMan and have tests done to find where we stand now with the cancer. The port will stay in for now.

• 09-03-2007
MusicMan has been weak and has the common symptoms of being a chemo patient. The next, and LAST, chemotherapy will be 09/07. They want to give him a boost treatment this last time which means stronger dosage. According to the doctor he can expect to be more ill from it. Testing will be done afterwards at a later date.

• 08-17-2007
MusicMan had the third chemotherapy treatment. They used the port this time which made things much easier and smoother. He's feeling good and can eat without being sick. Let's hope and pray that he continues to feel this good. The hospital showed me how to "Flush out the port" so I can do it for him everyday.

• 08-15-2007
MusicMan's medications have been adjusted to help his blood pressure and heart.

• 08-14-2007
MusicMan had TWO ports inserted. One on the right side of his neck and one on his upper right chest. He was awake during the procedure and it was painful. The reason they put in two ports was because his creatin level is high and one can be used for kidney dialysis if necessary or radiation. He has to have both ports flushed out Tuesday, 08-14, as infection can set in easily so it has to be checked often. MusicMan has no immune system during the chemo treatments. The ports will be left in a minimum of two months before being removed. His blood pressure, which has been running on the low side for the past week, was 80 over 60.

• 08-13-2007
MusicMan is having a port put in his neck Monday 08-13 because he's so dehydrated that they can't draw his blood now. They've been having a terrible time with it. The port can also be used to administer the chemo. He's gets his third chemo treatment later this week.

• 08-09-2007
MusicMan has been doing a little better but he's weak due to his low blood pressure readings. He has a check-up at cancer care on 08-10 Friday.

• 08-05-2007
MusicMan had the second 2nd chemotherapy treatment and it knocked him for a loop. He was very dehydrated. At this time he has lost all of his hair. He's feeling better now with new meds, though weak, and he has lost some weight.

• 07-27-2007
MusicMan has underwent more test and is ready for the 2nd chemotherapy treatment on 07/27.

• 07-19-2007
MusicMan feels better though he has trouble taking in enough oxygen and has some discomfort sometimes. He has lost all of his hair. The hospital mistakenly ran the wrong blood test and it had to be redone today. They will recheck it again on 07-26. The cancer doctor said we'll wait until 07-27 to do the next chemo treatment so he can become stronger possibly.

• 07-10-2007
The new medicine (and prayers) did help Musicman and he will continue to take it. He is doing somewhat better today and he ate small helpings with no problems.

• 07-09-2007
MusicMan is in excruciating pain in the legs and arms due to side effects of the chemo. He is not able to keep food down either. He cannot be left alone at this time. The doctor called in another pain medicine for him. We may have to go see the cancer doctor tomorrow.

• 07-07-2007
The first round of chemo began at 8AM and lasted until 3:30PM. So far he only feels tired and weak but in good spirits.

• 07-06-2007
It's proven that the uninsured are diagnosed more often with advanced cancer (than those with the beginning stages of cancer). MusicMan starts chemotherapy tomorrow, 07-07-07. Each session will take 7 to 8 hours at least. He had a prescription filled in case of any illness during the treatments. There's many possible side effects and he will likely lose his hair but it should regrow later. We hope and pray that this is the only side effect and that it can get the rest of the cancer.

• 06-21-2007
The cancer doctor wants to wait another week at least before beginning MusicMan on chemotherapy as all the test results, that he took the past week, are not in yet. Also it will give MusicMan more time to get stronger and to get over the latest virus. The doctor said that there is only a 5% chance for the treatments to be effective or helpful but he would encourage MusicMan to give it a try. He said that he can stop the treatments anytime though if he chooses to. MusicMan returns on July 5th to set up the chemo treatment plans which last for 12 weeks.

• 06-16-2007
MusicMan has completed nuclear tests and had Pet scans this past week. His immune system is low and he's developed a viral infection which he's on meds for. They won't begin the chemo treatments until he is better.

• 05-22-2007
The lung doctor gave MusicMan an exam, told him to try to take short walks 3X's a week and he can begin driving again if he feels like it. They set up more tests in June.

• 05-17-2007
MusicMan seen the cancer doctor today. They said that he needs time to recover from the lung surgery and pain yet before anything else can be done. He's to have bloodwork and nuclear testing done on
06-13 and 14. He sees the cancer doctor again on 06-21 to set up chemotherapy treatments.

MusicMan still has trouble sleeping due to his lung capacity and breathing good. He sleeps better elevated some. He continues his breathing treatments. He still has a lot of pain and limited mobility range.
The dressing was removed over the port area, on his right side, but it began bleeding alittle so it had to be recovered. He sees the lung surgeon again on 05-22 for a follow-up report.

• 05-11-2007
The dressing on the port (on MusicMan's right side) was redressed with a temporary dressing. This stays on for 24 hours. He has lost 22lbs but is bloated from the cancer and fluid retention. He does not sleep good due to the pain and breathing problems even though he has meds for both.

• 05-10-2007
The chest x-ray was done on the 9th and looked okay. Beautiful cards and flowers have been sent to MusicMan and are still arriving. This is so thoughtful and uplifting for him.

MusicMan's Aunt Janie from Kansas http://www.janehurt.com and Aunt Dona came by to see him today which was a nice surprise. He is doing good considering everything.

• 05-08-2007
The pathology report shows that there were two different and separate cancers near each other in the lower right lung. This is very rare and the surgeon said he's never seen a case like it before. There is still some cancer present. MusicMan has Stage Three cancer. The lung surgeon said. "What we need now is a MIRACLE from God. We know he can work miracles."

They removed the port on his right side and he was sent home. Home health care was canceled. He continues taking the pain meds and will do the breathing treatments at home too. MusicMan will see the cancer doctor for follow-up's and treatments and the lung surgeon as well. The hospital will do a chest x-ray on 05-09.

• 05-07-2007
MusicMan had a slight set back. On the 5th his right arm swelled up a lot because of an injection that accidently went through a main artery. It wasn't done intentionally and we don't fault the nurse. They did an ultrasound to look for blood clotting and he has to have blood thinner injections in his abdomenom once every twelve hours. He also has developed a touch of pneunomia and is getting antibiotic injections. His blood pressure went up and they adjusted the meds to bring it down. He has had the epidural, catheter and oxygen removed (in that order). They will remove the port (2 drain tubes) from his right side on 05-07. MusicMan is into his third day of taking short assisted walks. He can get out of bed alone though he can't go far without help due to the port tubes. Walking makes his chest hurt more since the epidural was removed but he has to build up using his lungs again now. He gets pain meds for this.

• 05-03-2007
MusicMan's 4 hour surgery was May 1 and went well. The doctor removed the entire lower lobe of the right lung and 20% of the right lung to get the cancerous tumor and a round calcificated mass which is the (non-cancerous) Histoplasmosis. They did have to break one rib. He has an epidural and a port plus he's hooked up to many contraptions. He's in the Cardio-Vascular Intensive Care wing and getting excellent care.
He said that he wouldn't wish this pain an anyone! The first day he rated his pain at #20. May 2nd he rated it at #9, May 3 he rated it at #5. So each day is better. It's difficult to take any deep breaths. He talks raspy since and we hope that improves. The first two days he had ice chips only. Today was the first day that he ate anything at all (even if it was all liquids). He had coffee, Jello and water. They are now getting him up to sit in a recliner twice a day. Today is also the first time that they are allowing MusicMan to have visitors as long as visitors restricts the visit as it wears him out.

• 04-24-2007
Lung surgery is scheduled for May 1, 2007 at 8 AM. We check into the hospital at 6 AM though. They will remove the lower lobe of the right lung and whatever else is necessary. The operation will take awhile and it will be late afternoon before he is taken to his room. Length of stay is expected to be 7 to 10 days.

• 04-19-2007
Heart catheterization and angiography was done early Thursday. MusicMan has 90% plus blockage but the heart surgeon wants to treat this with meds now and possibly do a coated stint later on after all invasive surgeries have been completed. At this time MusicMan is at home resting per doctors orders. We were given the okay for him to have the lung surgery (after he's been off his blood thinners for a week).

• 04-16-2007
The lung surgery is a GO if the heart surgeon okays it to be done.

• 04-10-2007
We wasn't able to see the lung doctor today as he was out again. They gave us a copy of the PET Scan findings. The doctor called us later to discuss his diagnosis. The tumor on the right lower lung is cancer and it can grow fast if not tended to. They want to confer with the heart doctor though as the heart may not withstand surgery without taking care of the heart issue first.

MusicMan has an appointment to meet with his heart doctor next Monday (04-16) to decide what course is best at this time.

• 04-02-2007
The doctor's office called to cancel and reschedule MusicMan's appointment until next week (04-10) since the lung doctor was called out of state on an emergency.

• 03-29-2007
MusicMan sees the doctor on 04-03 for results of the PET scan and the PFT test.
More news to be posted as we find out.

• 03-27-2007
A PET scan for MusicMan will be ran on this date. It will show any cancer present at all.

• 03-20-2007
After reading the heart specialist report and upon these findings the lung doctor has decided to wait to do any surgery until after the heart is dealt with.

• 03-15-2007
MusicMan seen the kidney doctor today. He said that the kidney tumor has not grown anymore and can be removed by laser at a later date. He said the kidney can wait until the heart and lung are taken care of.

• 03-06-2007
The right lung has a small tumor that is definitely cancer. MusicMan meets with the lung specialist on 03/20 to discuss the right lung surgery.

• 03-01-2007
First let us thank everyone for all of the well-wishes and prayers. The biopsy (of the tumor in the right lung) went well with no problems. MusicMan was awake during the procedure and they took several samples.

• 02-22-2007
In the past week MusicMan had the MRI, CAT SCAN, BONE SCAN and two blood test. He's also consulted with a heart specialist and the cancer doctor. The heart doctor wants to do a heart catheterization and then if possible put in a non-coated stint. He will call when he finishes looking at all the prior test results. The cancer doctor told us there is NO cancer in the bone yet. There is a new tumor in the right lung. He will do a biopsy on this March 1, 2007. He said that we are also looking at removal of the right kidney in the future. They will be consulting with the other doctors about the kidney.

• 02-06-2007
MusicMan saw Dr Guaglianone from the CCTC and he wants to check several things.
On 02-15 MusicMan will undergo an:
•MRI
•CAT SCAN (FAST - no food until afterwards)
•BONE SCAN

We return to Dr Guaglianone on 02-20 for the full results.

• 01-30-2007
Painted Pony went to the doctor for a bad cold and the doctor also talked to MusicMan concerning the ultrasound results...

'The left kidney measures 14 cm in length. A large cyst measures 5.3 x 4.4 x 5.7 cm. (A smaller cyst shows also.) There is a heterogenous structure extending off the inferior portion of the left kidney which appears larger compared to the previous and is renal cell carcinoma.' MusicMan will see the doctor on 02/02/07 to make plans to be treated at the (local) Cancer Care Treatment Center now. We ask for your continued prayers.

• 01-26-2007
Ultrasound was done on kidneys.

MusicMan is not going to pursue treatment at Barnes for several reasons. He confers with doctors again on Feb. 2nd.

• 01-03-2007
A visit to the physician to discuss options available. MusicMan has CCHF
(Chronic Congestive Heart Failure).
The doctor will call us in a week to let us know what arrangements can be made as to sending him to a specialist in St. Louis at Barnes Hospital Academic Program. MusicMan isn't sure if he wants to take this option or not.

"I say God will heal me even if he has to take me off this earth to do it.
I believe there are no unhealed souls in heaven."
MusicMan10-05-2006
MUSICMAN had a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
He was so happy to celebrate this special day and being with us still.

• 07-07-2006
Nothing different to report. MusicMan still has the bad chest pains. He's hooked on watching MONK, the comedy series about a detective, on television. It's either Monk, House or the Westerns channel.
(I told you he was smart)!

• 05-23-2006
Medical reports from lab work came back very good. MusicMan's triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar are well within range. No danger there. The doctor said that he should continue to do whatever it is that he's been doing because it has helped.

Of course the cancer and the heart problems are still present with no changes. MusicMan has chest pains every night and sporadic tingling in hands and feet.

• 04-26-2006
It's been 4 months since MusicMan's heart attack.

• 04-11-2006
To date there's been no doctors appointments to keep. The doctors and specialists know that his condition is very serious but due to money issues they are afraid of not getting fees for services since there's no insurance. They did order another ultrasound (to make comparisons to older ones) but no appointment has been made for it either.

It doesn't seem to do any good to have test run if the doctors won't deal with, or treat, MusicMan's medical needs anymore now.

MusicMan still has chest pains every night as soon as he removes his heart patch (which can only be worn for 12 hours daily). He has complete numbness in his left hand all the time.

• 03-03-2006
When MusicMan showed up for his appointment with the heart specialist the doctor was surprised to see him. We've been told that there's no doctor or surgeon willing to risk a chance on doing treatment or surgery since there's no medical coverage for MusicMan.

• 02-08-2006
MusicMan had two MRI's, one with Contrast and one without. He sees the GP and the kidney doctor later.

• 01-03-2006
MusicMan wears the heart patch 12 hours a day and removes it about 10 PM. As soon as he takes it off he has immediate chest pains which is scary. He watches Roy Rogers movies. Sometimes he attends church services and also enjoys going to the local grocery store to socialize as he sees several church people there that he knows. He does the dishes since I told him that it would help his heart. He knows better but he's humoring me. MusicMan has been very upbeat.

• 12-21-2005
MusicMan has been doing okay, eating right and taking it easy. The doctor treated him for an inner ear infection.

• 12-16-2005
The news isn't good. Dr. Roy said that, as much as he regrets having to tell us this, there is nothing more that can be done. With the kidney problem compounding the major heart damage issues Dr. Roy would not have chanced doing the bypass because it would've been too risky.
This case upset Dr. Roy so much that it kept him up the night of 12-09-05. We discussed other treatment possibilities and avenues because in this day and age it seems as if something could be done. He would like to set up an appointment for MusicMan to see another heart specialist in Springfield, IL, eight weeks from now, for another medical opinion. He told us that it may turn out to be a wild goose chase. Dr. Roy was very caring and thorough.

MusicMan's creatin level is still 1.6 and his blood sugar and blood pressure readings were normal. Pravachol was added to MusicMan's existing meds and he will continue to use the NTG patch everyday. The ACETYLCYSTEINE was stopped. MusicMan was told not to do anything physically stressful at all and even walking should be very limited. He should apply for S.S. Disability and Medicare now too (which will be done ASAP) and Dr. Roy will supply any information needed. A Follow-Up with Dr. Roy was scheduled for March 2006.

PROGNOSIS:
MusicMan can have a massive heart attack at anytime. Dr. Roy would not speculate furthur.

• 12-09-2005
Heart catherization shows 85% to 99% blockage on both sides of the heart and aorta. Stints or a bypass is not possible or helpful at this time. Meds were given to combat any kidney problems beforehand. His kidneys did okay with a creatin level of 1.6. MusicMan will wear a NTG patch everyday plus take Plavix and ACETYLCYSTEINE with his other medications. The ACETYLCYSTEINE is too flush any remaining dye completely from the kidneys. The doctor doesn't want him to drive for awhile and no exertion. MusicMan was released from the hospital after they flushed the dye out of his kidneys. He goes back to the heart doctor on 12-15-2005. We have many questions.

• 12-06-2005
Major blockage to heart. A coronary angiogram and heart catheter is scheduled for December 09,2005. During this procedure they will decide which to follow with, a stint or a bypass. The heart doctor said that MusicMan is a prime candidate for a bypass but we won't be sure until they get a closer look. If it is needed it will be done at this time. They told him to plan on being admitted at the (Decatur Memorial)hospital too.

MusicMan ask if this could wait to be done until after the 20th since his wife would be out of town. He was told that it can NOT wait. He could have another heart attack anytime. The doctor told us that MusicMan is NOT to exert himself at all, not to walk to the barn in the cold and not even yell at anyone as it would be hard on the heart and raise the blood pressure.

With the kidney problem on top of this there's a good chance that his kidneys will shut down because they are using the same dye that caused it to happen before. If that does happen they will put him on dialysis.

Due to all of the chores and circumstances we are in the process of finding a home for our beloved horses. As much as it breaks our hearts we have to do what is sensible.

Just today MusicMan received Cowboy print pajamas from Sherry, his sister-in-law, and will take them with him to wear at the hospital.
PLEASE keep MusicMan in your prayers this week.

• 12-01-2005
The Nuclear cardiology stress test including a rest scan completed. Results and prognosis Tuesday, 12-06.

• 11-29-2005
Heart test shows blockage. The heart specialist told us that MusicMan had a heart attack recently and we were only aware of some angina spells.

Stress test (with isotope) today was stopped within 3 minutes due to chest pains and shortness of breath. Given Nitroglycerin. Blood Pressure up 220/110. The medical staff had me stay with MusicMan to help calm him (instead of having me stay in the waiting room). The doctor told us to challenge ourselves in expectations and to ask God for healing as well. MusicMan will take time off work to rest per doctors orders.

• 11-07-2005
No progress to report about the MRI. The doctor wants another test done in January 2006.

• 10-25-2005
A Check Up with local doctor on the 25th. Due to chest pains MusicMan now uses Nitroglycerin with further testing scheduled.

• 10-10-2005
MRI with Contrast at Springfield, IL hospital lasted two hours. The medical team will call soon with the prognosis and/or to set up another appointment to discuss this.

• 09-27-2005
New MRI ordered by the doctors in Springfield, IL so they can do a comparison. This will be done October 10 (five days after MusicMan's birthday).

• 09-15-2005
The doctor gave us HOPE today! He wants to obtain all of the test, reports and biopsy's from former physicians and the hospital before he gives us a prognosis report. He did confirm that the kidneys won't ever return to normal and will never do better than 30 to 35 percent. The doctor will go over everything and confer with his associate over the next two weeks. As he sees it for the tumors in the kidneys - he thinks it's very possible to freeze them without doing invasive surgery that could endanger either kidney. Freezing them is safer. We will return for the findings after the two week time period to learn more.

• 09-07-2005
Blood test for lab work and the renal panel done. Results to be faxed to Springfield, IL physician.

• 08-25-2005
The GP referred MusicMan to see a specialist at the University of Illinois (and Hospital) in Springfield on 09/14/05.

• 07-26-2005
New test reveal that the tumors in the kidneys have enlarged. We are following up on this and having more test done. The GP personally requested for the kidney doctor to evaluate/treat MusicMan's tumors again and an appointment was denied. His kidneys are still at 35% now and won't ever improve. He stays positive through it all.
Like he always says;
"Everyday above ground is a GOOD day!" MusicMan

• 04-08-2005
Doctor said they will WATCH the tumors (on the lungs) for now. No plans to do anything and would not give him a referral to see a specialist yet.

• 04-01-2005
Scans reveal 3 tumors on his lungs.
No action planned until he confers with doctors again on 04-08-2005. He's had bronchitis Ap 3- Ap 8 and continuing.

• 03-10-2005
Test show he is TYPE 2 DIABETIC. Has extreme leg and foot pains all of the time.

• 02-05-2005
Kidney test reveal they are operating at 35% which is good in MusicMan's case. His kidneys are tested twice monthly.

• 01-04-2005
There is NO cancer!
The doctors won't say that it's a miracle. Obviously there was incorrect reports given to us from one doctor involved whom we'll no longer see. MusicMan wil be tested again in six months to watch the tumors for growth.
They did tell us that since his kidneys don't operate properly that to do anything drastic (even a biopsy) would jeopardize him.
The doctor has also said that we should seek another medical opinion.

---

• 12-29-2004
According to the test results there's no prognosis confirmation from the doctors. They will only say that they're NOT sure if this
is cancer and will test MusicMan again in six months. We at least have a ray of HOPE now!
Medical mistakes were made and we have an appointment, to discuss this situation, with the M.D. on January 4, 2005.

• 12-24-2004
Inconclusive reports! Doctors can't seem to agree. We have test reports in hand that states this is cancer. Now to find out the true medical report and see what to do about the kidneys not operating correctly. The medical offices are closed for the Christmas holiday so we have to wait until Monday, December 27 or 28 for further news from the doctors.

• 12-22-2004
The MRI results are complete and the kidney doctor has a different view than those of the uroligist and the radiologist.
They still haven't given MusicMan a referral to see a cancer specialist yet. They prescribed pain medication.
We have several medical questions at this time. We don't want to just dull his pain... the tumors need removed.

• 12-17-2004
MusicMan went for an MRI at the hospital. This MRI will be compared to the one done in June - 2004. There's one difference, today's MRI was done without Contrast and there is a reason for that. The test results won't be available for at least another week.

• 12-13-2004
MusicMan was prepped for the biopsy Monday when the hospital radiologist questioned the reasons for doing it and he advised against it. Much to our relief the biopsy was canceled. They will do an MRI on December 17th and compare it to one done this past Summer.

• 12-09-2004
At the insistence of the local doctors a second Biopsy scheduled for 10 AM Monday, December 13.
(Not our idea).

• 12-06-2004
Surgery is On-Hold due to financial hardship and uncooperative physicians. We are researching our options.

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