We Met One of Mayo's Best Plumbers Today

We met a fantastic Urologist today.  She took the time we needed, answered our questions and helped us make what I believe is a great decision about what to do next.

Ginny has not slept for more than 2 hours in one sitting for almost a year. Her urinary system is a mess.  She currently has a nephrostomy tube and drainage system.  They put a new on in on Tuesday. These are exchanged every 10 weeks.  

For those of you who are curious...

This first pic is what Gin currently has.  A nephrostomy tube that drains her right kidney.

This next pic is what we are going to try next.  A nephroureterostomy catheter.  This is a longer catheter that enters the kidney and travels all the way to the bladder.  The idea is that this will draw all of her urine out via her nephew bag and take the pressure off the bladder.  So instead of waiting 10 weeks, Gin is scheduled to go back October 31st to have the longer tubing placed.  This is contingent on the team being able to get through the ureter.  This area is impacted by the tumor and is where Gin had stents placed in the past.  So fingers crossed.

Gin is also being treated for a fluid build up in her lungs.  I truly believe that once these items are taken care of that she will feel better and she will stabilize.  

Kir

No More Magic Potions

Over the past 8 years there have been many ups and downs. Cancer has been a constant companion, the trois in the ménage à trois, the third wheel in our marriage.

I have known for 8 years that one day we would walk into Mayo Clinic to visit with our outstanding team and be told that they have nothing more to offer. On Tuesday the oncology wizards revealed that they had nothing more, no more tricks, no more magic potions.

Our beloved Dr. Weroha did, as is his duty, share two experimental and out of the box options that were not really appropriate given Ginny's circumstances.

This is where I tell you that she is NOT DYING NOW! She is very concerned that people will read this and think it is over. It is not over yet. She has simply decided to "let nature take its course".

So, our oncologist moves from team lead to a team member and our charming and exceptional palliative team doctor (Dr. Kelly Christensen) will take the lead. We like her very much.

The focus is keeping Ginny rocking and rolling as long as she is able. We are making plans for a very Merry Christmas and I will be planting tulip bulbs in the next couple of weeks with the expectation that she will enjoy them in bloom in May. We will meet with her urology team to see about better managing her urinary system challenges. In addition, the CT scan revealed fluid build up in her lungs which is being treated with antibiotics. Getting a handle on this should help her energy and endurance during each day. The truth is that I think she is going to feel a whole lot better and have more energy once we get some of these things under control.

This is where I tell you that we do not need tuna noodle hot-dish   We are so grateful for the LOVE and support and are committed to asking for help when we are in need...pinky swear.

Over the past week I have been reminded of our trip to Peru 4 years ago.  Each morning my Facebook account has presented photo memories of the trip, much to my delight.  This picture is one of my favorites. Look at my beautiful, adventurous, and confident wife.

The adventure continues. I am looking forward to many morning coffee dates filled with reminiscing and laughter. I am looking forward to time with the people we love. I am looking forward to publishing her latest book.  And, as has been true since this love story began, I am committed to running side by side to the finish line.  

This is where I tell you that these have been hard days for my wyf and her wyf. It is hard to turn this corner.  I hate it. My eyes are sore and my heart hurts a whole lot, as it should.

I don't quite know how to express my heart...so I will let this little guy do it for me...

I will post again once we know more.  In the meantime, pray for my sweet Gin.

Love,

Kir