Diagnosis

April 12

Today I spent almost 4 hours in the doctors office while he talked on the phone with several specialists regarding Marilyn's case. Only a preliminary diagnosis has been reached - This is a very rare form of cancer called adenosquamous carcinoma. It is uncertain where this originated in her body and no treatment can be started until this can be determined. What we do know is that a large piece of her pelvic bone has been totally obliterated and a fast growing tumor is invading this area of her body. Marilyn is in constant pain and can only cope by injecting regular doses of morphine. She is unable to move even a few inches under her own power. She desperately needs to build her strength by standing and walking again. She has asked me to help her do this tomorrow.

April 13
Marilyn looked forward all day to having her hair washed and getting a sponge bath. Although getting cleaned up was a great feeling for her it wore her out and took all of her energy, the plan to try to stand up beside the bed had to be scrapped and postponed to Friday. This however is essential as the doctor explained to us today that this rare form of cancer has a source somewhere else in her body and in order to perform many of the required tests, she must get mobile. On Monday doctors have scheduled a colonoscopy to begin the search for this illusive source of her tumor. This will be the first of many grueling tests that require her to be able to have some degree of mobility. Marilyn has the motivation to move, now she needs the strength to stand and endure the pain.

Our meeting with the bone specialist today revealed some important facts and gave us answers to many questions.
1. This cancer should not be operated on
2. This cancer is quite sensitive to radiation (to begin ASAP)
3. Positive response (shrinking) of this tumor should bring relief from pain.
4. Marilyn’s body is already fighting this cancer (new bone has grown around some of the tumor attempting to contain it) radiation will turn more of the mass into bone
5. Even though extra bone is a good sign – too much of it can cause mechanical problems in Marilyn’s body
6. The destroyed bone can restore itself under optimal conditions
7. There is no certainty in the future. Marilyn is beginning a fight for her life

Marilyn will most likely be moving to the Tom Baker Cancer Center soon and be placed under the care of a new team of Doctors and nurses. I am thanking God for answers and healing my strep throat condition. Sleep is difficult leaving me in an exhausted state most of the time. As soon as she is able to move about on her own, Marilyn will come home and continue her treatments as an out patient.