My Battle with Merkel Cell Cancer

evealed Staph Aureus, but not the antibiotic resistant type. My port had to be removed
and I went on vein destroying IV nutrition. Every venipuncture was agony.
I had blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, drugs to encourage WBC production, labs,
regular blood sugar measurements with oversized lancets, insulin.
After 2 weeks I was ready to go home, but my esophageal stent had been removed and I
could not swallow. The day after discharge, I was back for a PEG tube and stent
replacement.
I was home again, relatively comfortable for about 2 weeks when my heart rate went up
to 180. No chest pain or other symptoms. In Dr Flam's office, he diagnosed atrial
fibrillation and converted me to sinus rhythm with drugs.
Today, I saw Dr. Dale Merrill, an old colleague and cardiologist who confirmed I am on
the right track.
Biopsies of my esophagus showed Merkel Cell cancer, but the repeat biopsy at the time
of insertion of the smaller recent stent showed a lattice of connective tissue without living
Merkel cells. Dr Lewis thinks it is an optimistic sigh that the Topotican worked. Dr Flam
thinks it is an artifact of crushed cells.
Probably I will have a follow-up PET scan in the next 2 weeks to learn more.
So, after lying in my hospital bed conjuring up methods to hasten my demise, I now have
room for optimism.
Tonight, I plan to briefly appear at the Lady Antebellum concert at the Save Mart Center.
I hope to be alive to celebrate 50 years of marriage to Judy, who has been a rock in
support of me.
Posted by David Shuster at 04:15PM (-07:00)
Status Quo except increasing right sided pain
Monday, April 09, 2012
Here is the latest update of my physical and mental status.
I am awake and oriented, relatively alert although with decreased ability to concentrate.
Last Friday night, we had a miniature Seder with Gary, Dana, Eva, Sara and Bel. A very
much abbreviated service in which the Four Questions were asked and the Afikomen was
hidden was followed by a great dinner, of which I was only able to partake of a small
amount. The highlight was gifts given to the girls for returning the Afikomen.
Judy worked very hard to make this a success.
We went to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra on Tuesday at the SaveMart Center and I
was able to stay for much of the show. Brian was in town for a follow-up visit with his
Doctor so we got an extra ticket for him. It was a great show.
I have been able to climb the stairs with some difficulty and to take showers in our upstair
shower, much better than sponge baths in the downstairs bathroom. I was also able to lie
down in our bed, a pleasure very much missed in the past few months.
We have had a few close friends come for brief visits.
My heart rate is generally well controlled in the mid 80's by Amiodarone, 200 mg bid. I am
also taking Prilosec, 200 mg BID as well as medication to shrink my prostate to combat
occasional urgency incontinence, a sleep aide, and pain medication. Aleve twice daily
seemed to work well, but I have been having worsening right sided upper back pain and
right rib pain for which I have just resumed taking hydrocodone. I seem to be improved
this morning. My shortness of breath also seems improved.
I fear this pain is due to bone metastases, and will have a PET scan next week to shed
some light on this problem and determine the extent of disease.
My Battle with Merkel Cell Cancer
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