on August 29th, 2017 by Rebeccca
We were fortunate to have three friends sit in with us during our session with the oncologist. One of them took notes for us. Here is a part of what she noted:
“Dr. Ahmed explained that it was almost impossible for them to tell what the primary source of the cancer was. When they did the CT scan the second time with contrast they could see the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. They think that the cancer originated from the liver. Two kinds of liver cancer either liver or bile ducts. Gastroscopy showed no cancer in the stomach.
Galen has stage 4 bile duct cancer that has spread into the peritoneum. Dr. Ahmed explained with much compassion that this is not a curable situation. Sometimes chemo is used to control pain but with the type of cancer Galen has this is not an option even at a very lose dose. Dr. Ahmed said that the goal is to maintain a good level of pain control and quality of life. He spoke about maintaining a positive attitude and living in the moment. Dr. Ahmed also recommended Galen trying alternative therapies, one being medical marijuana and gave Galen a prescription.
After the appointment with Dr. Ahmed, Jacqueline Hollicky, a counsellor, came into the meeting and gave more information about staying positive, not giving up and most importantly listening to your heart in all matters. She said that she was available Mondays and Tuesday for info, support and to call anytime at all. She was amazing.”
So the prognosis wasn’t that different, but the way we felt coming out was. They emphasized that they can only guess at the outcome as every individual is unique and that we should live day to day and remain positive. Miracles do happen.
This afternoon we met with the palliative care nurse again. She suggested that the pain Galen was experiencing may be from switching over to oral medication instead of IV. His gut may not be absorbing anything. She is arranging for him to transfer to St.Paul’s Palliative Care Short-term facility. We hope that happens in the next couple of days.
Galen is finally sleeping now – 8:00 PM. I hope the pain will leave him alone and that he can have a good night.
Sorry this post isn’t very creative! I’m tired and ready to have a glass of wine on Donna’s deck.
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Galen
16 Responses to “The Second Opinion”
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August 29th, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Praying for the meds to control the pain. So sorry that the news was not better. Will try to visit on our next trip to the city. Let us know which hospital he is in.
August 29th, 2017 at 8:29 pm
Devastating news for sure but I guess we always have to be receptive to miracles even if it is just a miracle of the soul.Peace be with you.
August 29th, 2017 at 8:33 pm
Ahhh Becky. Great big hugs to you and gehlen. We will continue to keep the two of you in our prayers. May the lord give you peace strength and love as he wraps his arms around the two of you in this very painful and sad time. May you continue to make memories together as you spend these days together
Big hugs
Rocky and barb
August 29th, 2017 at 8:36 pm
I am glad that you have a good support team and can surround yourselves with friends. I hope that you can figure out how to take care of yourself, Becky. Know that you are greatly loved.
August 29th, 2017 at 9:58 pm
So sorry to hear this news. We will be thinking of you and say a prayer
Bob and Sally
August 30th, 2017 at 6:54 am
I am glad you had a more positive second meeting. Miracles do happen and that is why I am here today. Doctors do not know the absolute outcome for every patient. They only know the odds. I have so many thoughts and emotions I would like to share from my experience that might be helpful to Galen. I found meditation was by far the best was to cope with my pain post op. I know some Oncology departments are now encouraging this for pain relief. I would love to visit if I could be of assistance. Sending you love and prayers.
August 30th, 2017 at 8:19 am
I too hope the meds work to give Galen and restful night, and that wine on the deck helps you to find some peace tonight as well.
August 30th, 2017 at 10:46 am
Thinking about you and Galen – a lot. Never know about that medical marijuana. It’s can be pretty magical and may well prove itself once again. Love to you both…
August 30th, 2017 at 11:58 am
I have no adequate words. Galen and I had such a good visit last week and I do what to come by again but I will wait until you are settled in St. Paul’s Hopsital. Please know that I am thinking of you both each day.
August 30th, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Isn’t it wonderful how many medical people there are who show such care and compassion! There isn’t much I can say that would change anything, but I hope you know that George and I think about you and Galen and hope with you for that miracle. Love and hugs!
August 30th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Hugs to both of you..
August 30th, 2017 at 3:56 pm
So sorry there was not better news from Dr Ahmed. We wish we could be there to somehow share your grief. May the good advice of keeping positive and hopeful and the possibility of marijuana easing the pain for Galen, help you both get through. You are never far from our thoughts
August 30th, 2017 at 4:49 pm
Have been thinking of you two non stop since we received your sad news. Can only imagine how very hard this is for both of you. Last time I visited with Galen he was so good. It’s hard to believe life can change SO much in such a very short time. We hope Galen’s pain will be better controlled and pray for a miracle – they do happen. Glad to hear he is planning his next project. Love & hugs to you both.
August 30th, 2017 at 5:01 pm
We are praying for you. God’s blessings upon you both – we will be in town late next week – let us know where you are -
August 30th, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Thank you so much for writing this – it really helps us feel part of your situation. It seems only right that the priority is for comfort and pain relief so you two can get something special and positive together each and every day. Love to you both xx John and Pat
August 31st, 2017 at 7:37 am
Thanks for a wonderful visit yesterday. As always, time with you is a gift. I noted Galen’s goal was a walk in the sun each day and hope you had achieved it when I went searching for you. Take care. See you soon.