best of the worst

So my parents saw the GI doctor this afternoon and had a nice long sit down with him about the results from the endoscope showing the tumor.

The following CT showed a mass on the outside of the esophageous that is close to his aorta. Since the endoscope couldn't reach it, the doctor couldn't say for sure, but he admitted this was more than likely cancer as well. But there weren't tumors in other organs that it could detect.

So the cancer has spread. The PET scan next Thursday will show for sure if it has spread to lymph nodes or organs in small amounts the CT couldn't show.

The GI doc wants to do an ultrasound probe to determine the mass for sure. But he can't do that, and recommended someone that hopefully the insurance will cover.

The histology showed the mass inside the esophageous was an adenocarcinoma.

Next Thursday is the first oncologist appointment. Chemo and radiation for sure. We'll go from there. There's a chance that the combination will get rid of the tumor.

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My dad is taking it in with a sense of humor. He asked to me to see if I can find a wig at the dollar store for when he loses his hair.

My mom can talk about it without getting too upset. I think the slightly optimistic outlook helps. It's funny how she's giving into all his requests. She actually asked me to run out of the way to get his dumplings (dad called off the dumpling run). So far, it's been pizza, burgers, and dogs (all things we normally don't eat).

I guess I'm still in shock. My dad has always been the rock of health that we grew up with.