It appears that I will heading back to Houston for the reversal of my illeostomy. I will have testing on Nov. 13th & surgery on Nov. 15th. They expect to keep me in the hosptial 3-5 days. I will post a short message while I am there.
LIVESTRONG
-darin
Summary update:
After returning from Houston (MD Anderson) I underwent an additional 7 chemo treatments with the last on Aug. 9th, 2007. I recently visited Houston and planned to have surgery to reverse the ostomy and a potential liver resection. My colon did not heal yet so I did not have major surgery. I did have a drain tube 'installed' Tuesday Sept. 18th to remove fluid from around my colon so it can heal. The liver surgery is also on hold as we now plan to simply go into a monitoring mode. I will return to Houston in mid-late October to see of my colon has healed properly and hopefully have the ostomy reversed.
I was "re-staged" while in Houston and I am cancer free. My blood counts were great and CT imaging was clean.
I apologize for not keeping this updated and hope to do a better job in the future.
Thank you to everyone for your concerns and continued support.
NBC News is doing a special series for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Darin was recently interviewed by Cynthia Newsome and his story will air on Wednesday, April 4 at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. (with the longer version appearing on the 10 p.m. news). The segment will also be posted online at www.NBCActionews.com on Thursday, April 5. I thought you all would like to tune in.
Darin is recovering nicely and we received great news from his surgeon regarding the pathology report. He expects to be discharged from the hospital soon and will stay in Houston a bit longer for a follow-up appointment. We hope he will be on a flight back to Kansas City by the end of the week. What a greeting he will get from Carter!
I can't say thank you enough for your prayers & support during this challenging time. So many of you have reached out to our family and it means more than you know. Thank you!
Love, Nicole
Darin is doing well and is in good spirits. He's walking around, getting his rest with some long naps, and progressing nicely following a major surgery. Today was a milestone day because he is eating chicken, mashed potatoes, and vanilla ice cream with whipped cream and caramel. (His sweet tooth is still working.) We don't know how long he will be in the hospital yet. His mom remains in Houston with him and calls me with updates while I hold down the fort in Kansas. Thanks again for all of your prayers & thoughts for healing... they're working. :-)
Love, Nicole
Darin was in great spirits yesterday. He welcomed his family as visitors and said his pain was a 3 on a 1-10 scale. I attribute that to great drugs and his young body. He was joking with the nurses and asking for his blackberry phone and power charger (imagine that so don't be surprised if you get an email from him). He will get up and walk around today. Also, the surgeon will be in this morning to see him. Everyone is excited to see him doing so well - what a champ after a major surgery. Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, and concern.
Love, Nicole
Darin is out of surgery and in recovery now. The surgery was a success. The area responded well to radiation and chemo treatments so when the doctor went in, the infected area was as hard as a rock with no visible tumor. The doctor was also going to look at the suspicious area on the liver but did not get the chance because it would have added 2-3 hours to his operation and it was tough to get to because of scarring from his motorcycle accident. The liver continues to be a concern. Darin and his doctors will have to make some decisions moving forward after evaluating the facts and outcome of the operation. It could mean another surgery in the coming weeks when they perform his reversal. For now, we will take this step as a success and are ready for the healing to begin for Darin.
I'm anxious to see him and may get the chance around 3:00 p.m. when he is moved to a room (no ICU). Thanks for all of your continued support and prayers. I know your thoughts are with us even if you're not in Houston.
Much love, Nicole
