Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Final Report - Poorly Differentiated Sarcoma

The pathology report came back as a "poorly differentiated" Sarcoma. The cancer has spread to three places: a tumor in my left leg roughly the size of a ballpark hotdog, scattered lesions along the posterior lumbar spine concentrated around L5 and the edges of the sacrum, and a small marble sized mass in the lung. Of these three locations, the lesions along the spine seem to be of greatest concern as they are putting pressure on the nerves in my spinal canal and causing the leg pain. The marble in the lung appears to be an easy resection provided that there are not smaller marbles that didn't show through in the scan. Finally, with regards to the tumor in the leg, the hope is that the chemo / radiation will shrink the size of the tumor and allow for an easy removal of the soft tissue without interfering too much with the structures or veins in the leg.

So we don't really know what type of cancer I have which makes the treatment take more of a shotgun approach compared to the preferred sniper approach. I'm pretty numbed by all the news as it all seems so unbelievable. I had a little personal win and pushed back my chemo start date to next Tuesday which gives me one last weekend before I turn into a chemo science experiment.

31 comments:

  1. Love you red snapper (and tuna fish)!

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  2. love you champ, you have an army of supporters behind you.

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  3. We love you Jeff!
    We expect you, Autumn and Benson to come visit when you're feeling better!
    xox Your Sarasota Fan Club

    ps. Love the blog -- great idea! Now we can follow your progress without being a pain :)
    Our thoughts and prayers are with y'all!
    pps. I was "glow girl" for a while last year, it's not fun, but you are going to be fine -- this family is tough! Stay strong! xox

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  4. We're so glad you are in a town full of amazing docs and gas stations that sell burritos. It's a super combo and will make all the difference. We'll see you soon.

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  5. Jeff, thank you so much for including me. My thoughts are with you as I admire the bravery and good humor with which you have encountered this hurdle. We're with you bud!

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  6. Stay strong, Jeff. We're all pulling for you here in San Diego and know you're going to beat this. Sending you loads and loads of positive energy!

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  7. Jeff, We're thinking about you all the time. You're going to pull through this.
    Sarah, David, Gloria & Ken Price

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  8. Jeff, You are amazing for having such strength and humor. Thank you so much for including me and your friends and community in your fight. I'm thinking of you, and sending love and healthy energy to you, and blessings to you and your family.

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  9. Jeff- I love you. Alice loves you. Turk loves you. Batman loves you. So let's all of us make a big circle of lovey love and sing songs and stuff.

    We're thinking of you and calling you tomorrow to sing you songs. We cannot be stopped.

    Brad, Alice, Turk and Nosh (batman)

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  10. Thanks for keeping us in the loop! I know you'll beat this! You have a great network of people who love and care about you and will help you stay positive as you move through this process. - Lisa & Paul

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  11. Jeff
    Thanks for keeping your peers at Integra Spine aware of what is going on. We are praying for you and your family. Getting your email last night really got me thinking, so I decided to quit smoking and chewing today. That being said, the next time you see me and I still am doing the above, feel free to put the smack down on me...a bat or 2x4 should probably do the trick. Take care bro.
    Bret Hartzell

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  12. Jeff,
    I appreciate the update as well... As you said people knew you were out but not why... Lot's of questions and very few answers... When ever you hear something like this about someone you know it makes you re-evaluate things in our lives. My families thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Stay strong
    Nick kriska
    P.S. I'll help you swing the stick if you need to take Bret up on his request

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  13. Jeff,

    Melissa and I were both a bit saddened to hear the news but then realized that you are such a strong person you'll surely beat the big "C".

    If there is anything you need let us know :-) especially if you need Stoli to drive you crazy and give you a welcome and cheerful break! If you ever need us to dog sit let us know!

    We are both thinking about you!

    Ricky, Melissa & Stoli

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  14. Jeff,
    Lane and I are thinking of you...if anyone in the world can beat this, it's you. We miss you and will be checking back often.

    Love,
    Sara and Lane

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  15. Hey Guy,

    Just wanted to say I'm rooting for ya too. Soon you'll be back on track and I'll make my way to Boston so we can steal some golf carts.

    You'll beat this, I know it.

    Hugs buddy,

    Tisser

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  16. Jeff,

    Thanks for including me on the updates. It was a shock opening up that email last night. Sending lots of positive energy and thoughts your way. I feel strongly that you're gonna beat this and have a chance to beat Oskow in future RAGBRAI's.

    Justin

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  17. Jeff,

    As it has been said- you have the best team surrounding you. You will beat this in no time. Kate and I are thinking of you and the whole family. We are sending good vibes your way. Please let us know if you need anything at all.

    Take Care,

    Derek

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  18. Guyer, you are the man! If anyone can kick cancer's ass you can. When you're back up and running again we're going to throw a GUYERAPALOOZA frozen yogurt party out here in San Diego. Nothing but positive energy and love from the West Coast buddy.

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  19. Jeff- We are rooting for you here in NY. Thanks for making this blog so we can stay in the loop!

    -bree and barbara

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  20. Jeff,

    Siler forwarded this over and it hit me pretty hard. After reading through your blog it's obvious that you have a great attitude and support structure.

    You'll beat this. Take care man,

    Matt Smith

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  21. Jeff, you are so brave and I so admire your courage. I know that your attitude towards this disease will provide you with the resources you need to get healthy. Life plays funny tricks on us but I know you'll survive and thrive. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and give my love to your mom, dad and sisters.

    Barbara P.

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  22. Jerrfreeeey,
    We love you and are thinking about you! You are so strong and positive. Si puedes! Please let us know if there is anything that we can do. Should we FEDEX some mexican food??

    Much love from Eddy and Karen

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  23. JEFFREY!

    MUCH LOVE FROM THE D.C. HOOD. WE'LL GET THIS SHIZZLE LOCKED UP AND OFF THE STREETS SO THAT YOU CAN GET BACK TO BIZNASS!!!

    XOXOXOXOOX PRILS

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  24. Jeff...

    Been thinking about you all week and following along as closely as I could through my mom. I love the blog idea. Sounds like such a great way to put your thoughts out there and give all of us a way to show our support without bugging you too much.

    Anyway, keep you head up. This tumor's ass can be kicked. You're such a strong guy and just want you to know that you've got me and my whole fam in your corner :)

    Isi

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  25. You are going to have a serious weight advantage on me for the next RAGBRAI. Keep fighting the good fight, and thank you for keeping us updated.

    I am confident that you have the best resources around you, and that you are going to be great. I'm thinking about you bro - and will call soon.

    Rev Kev

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  26. Hurry up and get well, and then you, Autie, Benson, and Hemo need to move back to San Diego. The sunny weather will be great for you. Miss you both...xoxo.

    Lory

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  27. JEFF YOU LOOK GREAT AND YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!!!!!!!!! iF YOU CAN'T SLEEP CALL AND WILL TRADE WAR STORIES. WE ARE PLANE RIDE OR CALL AWAY IF YOU NEED US!! KEEP THE FAITH BECAUSE WE ARE KEEPING IT FOR YOU!!!!!!!!! love us peggy bill and adam

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  28. When I first found out I had anal cancer, the doctors all mentioned Farrah Fawcett. I said "But she's dead." I was pretty terrified. With the support of my husband, John, my kids and my friends, I went through chemo/rad believing I would beat it. I just found out that I did! Jeffrey, you will beat it too --you are young and so many people are rooting for you and loving you. And prayers work! I'm sending my love to you. XXX Cousin Sandy Fulgoney from Delaware

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  29. Jeff, I know it's been a long time, but I just wanted to let you know you're in my thoughts and prayers. I know you can beat this! I will be checking back here frequently to see how you are doing. CT

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  30. Jeffy, is that a scan of your brain and eyeballs? So cool if so! Can't wait to watch the slideshow of your scans when I come see you. Samantha and Jessie say "We love our Uncle Jeffy!" Love, KBG

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  31. Jeff,
    I'm thinking about you and your family and sending love and positive vibes your way - Your courage and bravery is remarkable.

    Hang in there, and I will be checking in often.

    Sheri

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