Terrified after recent diagnosis

**Margaret** · 01-07-09, 01:21 PM

Cheryl, I know you are nervous...I don't think anyone here that has been through the RPLND was not nervous. You are just being a good momma. He will be okay, there is a lot on his side and a cure is waiting for him.

Best of luck

**dadmo** · 01-07-09, 02:00 PM

Cheryl:
Our hearts will be with you in Indy. It's a tough path with the promise of a cure right infront of you.

**Smartie** · 01-07-09, 02:17 PM

We'll all be thinking of you and Steve next Tuesday, Cheryl. Sending you every good wish.

**MRMRSU** · 01-07-09, 09:47 PM

Cheryl dear...Steve's finish line is just around the bend. He will get through the RPLND as so many guys have successfully. With a beautiful family like Steve has (including a loving mom like you) he has nothing to be nervous about. Much love and we'll be with you to root him on.

**Russell's Mom** · 01-08-09, 12:03 PM

Hi Cheryl, Have not posted for a bit, but certainly thinking of you. I absolutely understand the nurse/mother mode. Difficult and helpful at the same time. Be sure to honor both sides. For me, if I get to nursy, the mother part gets neglegted. To mothery and (poor Russell) less secure about what I do know that is helpful. None the less, together it is a good combination, not easy, but good. The surgery was difficult for me to face also. Russell did fine even with a few complications. Of course never wishing it...it did feel good to know that we were continuing on with getting the disease out. With my comfort of walking the halls as a nurse , I spent a little time on the unit where Russell would be before he got there, talked with a few people...that helped...they were of course very nice. I spent some time with other patients family members who were confused...helped with some basics. A small group of people came by the waiting area and played gentle music. all the goodness will still be with you...take care, Sharon

**mikes mom** · 01-08-09, 01:43 PM

Hi Cheryl,
I too understand everything you are feeling right now aas a nurse and mother. . The nurse in me did not want Mike to have such a major surgery. I was literally "worried sick". Thinking about the procedure, anesthesia, possible complications, recovery...it was so worrisome. Mike on the other hand did not know exaclty what he was in for and was more relaxed along with my husband.
Our meeting with Dr. Foster the day before relaxed me a little. He was so knowledgeable, informative and confident. I had a list of questions for him and he had answered all but 1 prior to my asking. Just like Dr. Einhorn. I was suprised he was not going to put an NG tube in. He did however have a foley which Mike obsesed about until they took it out. Everythine he woke form his drug stupor he asked when it was coming out. Like 50 First Dates. It was a very long night.
The morning of surgey, I would have run away with my son if it were at all possible. As soon as we got back into the surgical area, the nurses were on the spot. One by one they came in and did their thing. They were great. They figured out early on that Mike get's through with his humor and they responded by dishing it back and that put him at ease. They gave me a sense that they were prepared and organized for what had to be accomplished. One after another they assured me that Mike was in Excellent hands with Dr. Foster. They spoke of patients that come from "all over" even other Countries for his expertise with this procedure. The resident said," We are both here for the same reason....I to learn from the best and you to have the best". He said Dr. Foster does very few procedures but is GREAT at one, this one. He said he works MAGIC in there. And is very punctual. They even took him back a few min early.
We were kept infored in the waiting room by the circulating nurse. The surgery was completed sooner than expected and all went well. The after care was very good. Of course there are some nurses better than others but overall the care was Very Good.
The only unfortunate complication Mike had was the wound dehisence when the staples were removed. Could have been a seroma or just that the staples came out too early @ 2 weeks. I felt they should have been left a little longer and that is why I had the Urologist remove them here instead of me. He did not apply the steri-strips after removal. Might not have helped anyway. The open wound was large but not down to the fascia. It took about a month to close with good daily wound care with Aquacel.
So, I 'M sorry for the long-winded post. All in all it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. If you ask Mike, the open wound was worse. It really creeped him out. Steve will do good. He is in the Best of hands and that is what you need to keep in mind.
Please feel free to PM me if you would like to ask any further questions.
Try to rest and relax. Steve will need you rested. Keep us posted. I will be keeping Steve in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie

**Another Mom** · 01-08-09, 05:50 PM

Debbie,
How long did Mike's surgery last? I hate seeing Steve go through this again. He already has the huge incision from his surgery in September when they removed the original mass. Just seems unfair to have to open that large incision again. At least his frame of mind is good. Much better than mine.
We'll have a lot of people up there. My parents, Steve's in-laws, his wife and son and my husband. His youngest sister is in college about an hour from Indy so she plans to visit in the evening.
Thanks to everyone for your encrouagement and kind words. It makes me feel better.

Cheryl

**mikes mom** · 01-08-09, 08:02 PM

Cheryl,
Mike's surgery was about 2 hrs. It was uncomplicated. He had not had chemo. Dr. Foster did say that the surgery can be somewhat more difficult after chemo.
Really, Steve is in the hands of an excellent surgeon who does more complicated RPLND's than uncomplicated ones.
Don't forget to ask for a private room when he checks in. It was only my husband and I but we never left him alone and it would have been difficult to stay with him in a ward. We have a large extended family here in Raleigh but it was just the 3 of us in Indy. We stayed at the hotel accross the street to make it easier for us. It really worked out well. One night Mike would stay the night and the next night I would. If we stayed the night we slept during the day. Mikes room did not hav a recliner. Crazy!!! There was an attached sitting room with a pull out sofa but I was afraid I would not hear him if he needed me. We really missed our younger son the rest of our family and their support That is great that there will be so many of you for support.
Steve will be fine. This TC is quite the MONSTER but he is on the way to TC free! Stay Strong and Positive.
Let me know if there is anything else I can tell you or if I'm saying too much. I deal better with more info but some people don't and I don't always consider that. So...sorry if I have overwhelmed you.
Get some rest and try to relax a little.
Debbie

**Another Mom** · 01-08-09, 09:08 PM

Debbie,
Don't worry about overwhelming me. The more info I have, the better I feel. I'm almost obsessive about knowing all I can. I hope we don't have problems getting a private room. That will cause a lot of unnecessary stress! Thanks so much for your kindness. It means a lot to me.

Cheryl

**mikes mom** · 01-09-09, 07:32 AM

Cheryl,
That is exactly how I function. Knowledge gives me a feeling of a litttle control. What a joke, right?
We forgot to ask about the private room when we checked in. We asked the Circulating nurse and she asked Dr. Foster to order it. One nurse told us that the MD had to order the private room, determining it medically necessary. I never received any further explaination but we were thankful for the private.
Debbie

**dadmo** · 01-09-09, 07:59 AM

My son had his RPLND post chemo, 9 hours later he was cancer free.

**CharlieFL** · 01-09-09, 05:28 PM

Cheryl, continued prayers for Steve during this new hurdle, which HE WILL OVERCOME. Prayers for a successful RPLND on Tuesday. God Bless.....

**Another Mom** · 01-09-09, 07:29 PM

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and prayers. I might be home worrying but Steve is out at a basketball game of the school where he teaches. He took his wife and little Kramer out for the evening. Not sure if he's really so laid back about this or if he's just tryiing to keep busy. I admire his attitude so much. I don't mind being the one to worry as long as he seems to be ok. Thank you again to everyone for helping me through this. I'll be sure to let everyone know how Steve is if I have time to get to my computer next week. I'm hoping I can get access at our hotel. Have a great weekend everyone.

Cheryl

**dadmo** · 01-09-09, 08:01 PM

Next time we chat Steve will be cancer free.

**MRMRSU** · 01-09-09, 08:44 PM

Have yourself a good weekend Cheryl! Glad Steve is keeping himself busy and a positive attitude is exactly what he needs. He will get through this!

**Mrs Moggi** · 01-10-09, 09:57 AM

Will be thinking of you next week!

**mahalomom** · 01-11-09, 04:48 PM

Cheryl,
Steve will be in my prayers, especially on Tuesday. I will pray for you and your family to steady the nerves and trust that Steve will be fine. He is in great hands w/Doc Foster and IUPY.
Lots of momma hugs,
Mary Ann

**Another Mom** · 01-11-09, 07:52 PM

Steve is doing well tonight. He's more obsessed with who is riding in which cars than he is about his surgery. He's called me three times today to discuss who is driving and who will be staying all week versus who's coming back in a day or two. I guess this is keeping him occupied and keeps him from worrying about the surgery. I, on the other hand have been making myself crazy with worry. I'm just ready for it to be over with now. I have to work tomorrow but that will be a complete waste of time. There's no way I will be a productive person! We're heading to Indy after work. Steve wants to take Kramer to the pool at the hotel and enjoy some "Daddy time" before surgery. Thanks as usual to all of you for your very kind words and encrouragement. It means so very much to me.

Cheryl

**TheTippingPoint** · 01-12-09, 12:30 PM

Cheryl,

Hope all goes well. Steve has an amazing support system to get him through this.

**Rollwithit** · 01-12-09, 03:30 PM

Cheryl,
We'll be praying for all of you this week and especially tomorrow. Please update when you can.

**Karen** · 01-12-09, 04:32 PM

Cheryl,
The mom gene is never supressed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for a very uneventful surgery, quick recovery and good news on the path. Then youcan get on with being a mom with the run-of-ther mill kid worries!

**dadmo** · 01-12-09, 07:13 PM

Cheryl:
Tomorrow at this time your son will be cancer free.

**Another Mom** · 01-12-09, 09:09 PM

We're in ithe hotel in Indy. Steve is calm as can be. He's been in the pool with Kramer. That little boy just loves the water. He put his whole face in a couple of times. Steve wanted to be able to swim with him before the surgery. We've got 4 rooms full of people here...........plenty of emotional support. Thanks for your continued support to all of us. I'll update whenever I manage to get back to the room. Not sure if I'll be spending the night with Steve or if his Dad will stay so that I can be rested for the day shift. I guess it will just depend on how he's doing. Take care everyone!

**Scott** · 01-12-09, 09:14 PM

I have every confidence tomorrow will go perfectly!

**mikes mom** · 01-13-09, 06:45 AM

Keeping Steve in thoughts and prayers today. He is in good hands. Keep the Faith. He will be out of surgery soon. He is a tough guy and he'll be OK.
Debbie

**dadmo** · 01-13-09, 06:56 AM

We are all with you today.

**mahalomom** · 01-13-09, 06:33 PM

Sent my prayers this morning. Continually thinking about Steve and you and family.
Hugs,
Mary Ann

**MRMRSU** · 01-13-09, 06:40 PM

Hope today went smoothly for Steve. Thinking of you and the family. Stay strong.

**Russell's Mom** · 01-13-09, 07:08 PM

Thinking of you, Sharon

**Another Mom** · 01-13-09, 09:23 PM

Hello everyone. It's over. Surgery started at 7:45 this morning and Steve was sent to recovery around 12:30. Dr. Foster said it was more lengthy than he expected due to adhesions and scar tissue. He also said he had to "split" one of Steve's renal arteries because part of the tumor had grown through it. Of course, I had other questions but was so distracted by what he was telling us that I didn't manage to ask. I'm worried about this tumor through the artery. Was it a new tumor or something left from the previous surgery. They had already told us that nothing was showing on the scans.
He said his renal function could suffer slightly but didn't really expect a problem. Seems Steve has more renal arteries than he should have. We were told this when he was diagnosed also. Foster said he'd make rounds in the afternoon so I will have my questions ready for him. I just got back to the hotel with my husband and the rest of the family. Steve's father is staying with him tonight. He was given a nerve block at the end of surgery so he's feeling decent, sleeping unless we wake him for vitals. In fact, when he came down the hallway from the recovery room, he was pumping his fists in the air. He was so relieved that it was over. He didn't get to his room until after 4pm so we had a long wait before we could see him. Please keep him in your prayers. I going to bed soon to try to get some much needed rest. Foster expects the path reports on Thursday if we're lucky but he said we should have them for sure by Friday. Thanks to all of you for the kind words you sent to us today. It was very touching to read them when I returned tonight. Goodnight all.

Cheryl

**dadmo** · 01-13-09, 09:35 PM

The worst is over. I know you won't sleep right for a few days but rest well when you can. Steve will be fine.

**Already Bald** · 01-13-09, 09:40 PM

Hi Cheryl,
So glad the procedure is over, and Steve made it out of recovery okay.
You are in one of the best places for this- can't believe the pathology will be ready so quickly!
As you take care of Steve, please remember to take care of yourself too.
Best,
Joe

**Fed** · 01-13-09, 10:20 PM

You guys are over this big hump, and Steve's fist-pumping is the perfect attitude to have. Get some well-deserved rest

,

Fed

**mikes mom** · 01-14-09, 07:32 AM

Cheryl,
Thanks for the update! So glad tohear the surgery went well. I know you are releived!!! Hope you slept well last night.
Dr. Foster is very generous with the pain meds and the nurses are good about keeping up with them.
I know what you mean about the questions. I was so nervous when he spoke with us after surgery I just ried to process what he was saying. The next day I had a long list of questions. He is good about answering them.
I'll be praying for an uncomplicated recovery.
Debbie

**Margaret** · 01-14-09, 07:44 AM

Glad the worst is behind you. Prayers for fast healing

**Another Mom** · 01-14-09, 08:56 AM

Getting ready to return to the hospital. I think I passed out from exhaustion last night. It shocked me that I slept as well as I did. Talked to Steve's Dad this morning and his NG tube has been removed ---he hates that thing. They're about to get him up so I'm heading over there now. I'll update if I come back tonight. Thanks again for the never ending kind words and support. It means so much.

Cheryl

**Rollwithit** · 01-14-09, 02:17 PM

We are so glad that Steve is doing so well after the surgery. We pray his road to recovery will be a quick one. Looks like we will be traveling the same road in the near future. Take care of Steve and yourself. --Bryan and Karen

**Russell's Mom** · 01-14-09, 09:08 PM

It makes me think that he is in good hands....your instincts trusting. Nice!!! take care, Sharon

**Another Mom** · 01-14-09, 09:17 PM

We just returned from the hospital. Steve got up for the first time and walked all the way to the end of the hallway. I think he was showing off! Seriously, he did so well. He gets out of bed as if he didn't have that huge incision in his abdomen. Oh, to be so young and strong.
Dr. Foster is hopeful that the pathology report could be ready tomorrow. I'm anxious yet afraid to hear what it says. I'm worried about the tumor that had grown through his renal artery. What is it? It's still there after the chemo so does that mean it was teratoma? There's always something to worry about, isn't there?
Karen, Steve had asked about Bryan today. I'll pass on your latest news. I'm sure you don't want to see him have sugery but it will be ok. It's no picnic but it really isn't as bad as Steve's first surgery.
I'm going to get some rest so we can go back in the morning. Steve's Dad is doing the night shift this week. Thanks again for all the support you've all offered. It means so much to us.
Cheryl

**mikes mom** · 01-15-09, 07:22 AM

Cheryl,
What a strong son you have. I can't believe he walked all that way so soon. It is so nice to hear he is doing well.
Stay positive about that path report, although we never stop worrying!
Glad you are getting some sleep.
Debbie

**dadmo** · 01-15-09, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by Another Mom

I think he was showing off!

Good for him

and great for you.

**Rollwithit** · 01-15-09, 09:07 AM

We'll be praying for good news today. Keep us updated as often as possible. Tell Steve hello and we are praying for his quick recovery and for his family's strength. Looks like all of these prayers are being answered.

I'll PM you when we find out the details of Bryan's surgery.

**Russell's Mom** · 01-15-09, 01:26 PM

Great news! They had to leave all of the residual masses in Russell's lungs because the Blleomycin toxicity created too high of a risk for the thoracotomy . Those masses have all decreased in size. No pathology was done...had to do the waiting game. Hopefully fpr Steve with pathology of the area and close watching, it will reveal old scar, healing to follow. take care, Sharon

**dmann999** · 01-15-09, 01:42 PM

Way to go Steve. We are all wishing you a speedy recovery

I can only imagine how you must feel. Let us know when the path report comes back, but I am sure it will be positive. Hugs and strength, Dawn

**Smartie** · 01-15-09, 01:54 PM

It's great to hear about Steve's speedy recovery. Best of luck for the path results.

**Another Mom** · 01-15-09, 02:49 PM

We're a the hospital. Foster says path not back yet but he feels very optimistic that we will find necrotic tissue or teratoma. Feels Steve is well on his way to recovery. Steve has been up a few times today. Catheter is out, on PO meds and is scheduled to go home tomorrow. Little Kramer leaves today so Steve's wife can work tomorrow. Great progress so far. Keep the good wishes coming Steve's way!

Cheryl