More of my test results are back now and here’s what the doctor told me yesterday:
1. My lower body scan was clean showing no signs of cancer or tumors.
2. The clean scan lowers my chances of having lung cancer to about “10 percent or less,” to quote him. “Cancer may still come back to bite you in your ass, but I think it’s very unlikely,” he said.
3. The scan revealed inflammations on my major organs.
4. The inflammations lead him to believe I am suffering from an autoimmune disease (such as lupus) that is attacking the major organs of my body.
5. He consulted with a rheumatologist who looked over my results and told my doctor that what was happening to me was “very serious” and could kill me in “six months to a year if I didn’t get it taken care as soon as possible.” (Like I would ignore the coughing of blood. Doctors are weird sometimes.)
6. I see a rheumatologist next Friday morning in Oklahoma City. And we will go from there. Probably more tests, but I’m hopeful we finally start treating whatever this is.
Overall this is encouraging news. I’m pleased that cancer is mostly off the table and wish someone would remove it completely. I’m not so pleased that I have some sort of serious autoimmune disorder, but I knew the doctors would find something. After all, I’m coughing blood each morning. That’s not normal.
Many autoimmune disorders are very treatable. I’m believing and praying mine will turn out to be so. I will let you know more when I know more.
I feel okay. I’m tired a lot, but that’s more of a sleep problem than anything else, I think. My appetite is good -- too good. Still battling the black dog, but I think that goes with everything else that’s going on.
And that’s the news such as it is. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts, and I will do the same for you. Talk to you later.
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13 comments:
Yay!!! on the not-cancer.
Booooo! on the autoimmune.
Glad it's looking to be something treatable, though.
And what's up with that darn dog? Haven't you found a permanent home for him yet? ;-)
Stephen, I had no idea you were dealing with such serious health issues! God bless you, sir, and keep us all posted. My uncle, my mother's youngest brother, dealt for years with the effects of lupus, complications from which eventually led to his death in 2002.
On a brighter note, I know my mother would love - LOVE - your books, so when I get a chance I am going to order them, one at a time, and have them mailed to her; she loves murder mysteries.
Pretty much what Kirsten said. I wish I could stop worrying about you, though!
I have a friend, to whom I loaned my copies of your books, who went into Barnes & Noble the other night trying to find your books so she could buy them. She's not a computer-y person, so it kind of went over her head that you're only available online at the moment. Oh well, she'll be ordering soon. :)
You know what? I'm taking this all as good news. No, I know autoimmune issues are not terrific, but there is hope!
And BTW, I must be very empathic (or is it pathetic?). I had my own blood-coughing-up issue this morning which reminded me to pray for you before I left to work. Mine, however, were the result of a nosebleed that started last night and restarted this morning. I wish yours was as simple an issue.
YEAH!
I'm happy for you. :)
I live with an autoimmune disease. I battle it every day and some days are worse than others. But, it is treatable. None can be cured, but they can slow it down. That works for me... I hope and Pray it works for you too.
Your feeling tired may also be your body working too hard to deal with the imflammation. A lovely sympton of an AI disorder. Once the imflammation is under control, it helps that feeling too.
Great news! lets go fix you now :)I want you around a lot longer then that.
Roen
Good news, all in all!
You are never far from my thoughts and prayers, Stephen.
(((hugs))
No, Kirsten, no one's adopted him yet. I think they don't want him any more than I do!
Geoffrey, I appreciate the support. And when you get the books for your mom, let me know and I'll mail her or you a couple of bookmarks to go with them!
FF, B&N is supposed to be able to special order them, but maybe not. Anyway, when she has them ordered, let her know she can get bookmarks from me!
Trixie, I appreciate your support, and I'm believing that God hasn't finished his healing of me.
Thanks, Michelle. We need to get you on Facebook so you can chat with us!
Roen, I intend to fix it as soon as I can. I'm hoping that soon we will start treatments instead of just tests.
ER, I think so, and I appreciate your support and prayers.
Thank you, Rain. I know you've been going through some hard times, and you're in my prayers daily. Love ya!
Not great news, but better news than you might have gotten. I hope they discover a reasonable treatment regimen for you and that you'll be feeling better than your old self in no time.
Ok...Ok...I am now on Facebook. Now what do I do? I'm lost in here...
Jean, I hope so, too. I have too much to do be slowed down like this. :)
Michelle, accept my friend request in Facebook and then I can suggest other friends to you!
anyone notice bolgs getting further and further apart? I remember getting blogs once a day..sigh
Roen
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