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A diagnosis

Let's start this post off by noting that there is quite the learning curve to medical whatevers. Each bodily system has its own world all to itself. Even the Venn Diagram for Cancer has a lot of differences that are specific to the type. Heck, I didn't even realize there were different medicines used for chemo until today. And not only that, neither of us have had cancer before so we aren't even sure how to navigate appointments yet. 

My point is that each case is going to be unique for a variety of reasons; positively or negatively.

So the official diagnosis is Stage 4 Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. It began in the esophagus and has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes; thus the stage 4. Good news is that it's not showing up in any major organs. However, it is in lymph nodes near the original spot in the esophagus and one other lymph node higher up near the trachea. Because of this, surgically removing it isn't a likely option. They are also concerned because the larger chunk of cancer is right next to his aorta. 

Sid is also a bit of a strange case. He's young and otherwise healthy. He also isn't doing anything that would normally be contributing risk factors: smoke, chew, vape, or even drink.

After meeting with his doctor they took a blood sample today to check for anything genetically. Depending on those results there is a chance for different treatment. In the next two weeks he will get that tracheal lymph node biopsied and a port placed. His doctor will also bring his case to a board of doctors that discuss each individual cancer case one at a time to determine treatment plans. Because Sid is young he will be an excellent candidate for any new options and trials. 

After the results come back from tests and a plan is hashed out he'll begin chemo. At this point it will be done every 2 weeks. After 2 months they will re-test/biopsy and adjust accordingly.

At this point we didn't want to know statistics. From what we discussed at the appointment those numbers would change anyway with the results of the genetic tests and biopsy. Maybe we'll ask for statistics then.

Our nurse will look at the schedule and let us know when those tests are available. Probably next week or early the following week. 

Overall it was tough and serious news. But it wasn't worst case scenario or without hope. As we continue forward I'd like to make a request. 

Please include the medical staff in your prayers. Yes, Sid will need health and the ability to withstand the grueling process of treatment. And I will need help keeping up with my responsibilities. But we aren't making the decisions on how to fight this. We are just doing what the professionals tell us to do. 

Pray for those people who will analyze things, make decisions, and administer those choices. Sid made it clear to the doctors of his belief in a Supreme Being and that we would collectively be praying for the doctors and nurses as much as us. We got the typical doctor answer of "Okay".

If you have any other questions I'm not sure we'd be able to answer them. Informational updates will be here. If it's not here we either don't know yet or I'm still putting a post together. 

Your prayers are working. We feel them keeping us going. 

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