I learned two things yesterday about the 6 cm by 5 cm mass pulled ftom my chest Monday:
First that it likely is a rare form of tumor called spindle-cell carcinoma and that it most likely has all been removed from my body. It is so rare, in fact, that it stealthily hid in my body past two PET scans designed to detect fast growing tumors like this.
Second, that it was likely not the cause of those faux heart attacks -- or fart attacks as I like to jest. Rather they are likely caused by something diagnosed by Dr. Lee Zehngrbot -- my oncologist -- more than a year ago: cardiac arterial spasms.
Apparently they really were not being taken seriously until I had two of them in the hospital, one Monday on the operating table that freaked out thoracic surgeon Dr. Joe Boyer.
He called in my new favorite cardiologist, Dr. Cal Weaver.
So now I am in the cardiac ICU for a day so they can stabalize my blood pressure and figure out what is going on with my heart.
As for the tumor, the pathology tests should be in later today.
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13 comments:
Hey Keith,
I've been lurking around your blog since I saw you posting the address on Twitter. I used to work on the Comm Desk at the Sentinel.
I'm sure that this was not the news that you wanted, but hang in there! Stay positive and it will help you beat this. Lots of people are rooting for you, and thanks to the blog, you may not even know how many!
Keith, my man, you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.
You're upbeat attitude -- which, by the way, long preceded this battle -- is an inspiration to us all.
So kick that cancer's ass and get back to the newsroom where we need ya.
-- Scott
Keith, you are in every thought I have. I hope that the docs can get you fixed up and that you have a speedy recovery. You are inspiration and nothing is the same without you.
Thank you for all that you are.
Nick Masuda
Hey Keith...Hang in there. As Col. Weed said, "You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din."
Keith, I wish you weren't going through this. There's no other way to put it: cancer sucks. Yet you're making it impossible for it to bring you down, control your life, or forget that you're very much alive. Get back here soon.
Jeannette
Keith, I'm praying for you. I can't wait until you return to the newsroom. We miss you. I pray for a speedy recovery. Take care.
Eloisa
Hey Keith, thinking of you from Connecticut. Kick that tumor's ass man.
I found your blog and started to read it after I was diagnosed with EC myself last year (was operated in July). I hope very much for you that you will win, Keith. You are strong and remember, that you are of great help to all, who go the same road. Because if you can pull through, I believe we all have chance!
Hey Keith:
Praying for you man. Keep the faith and the upbeat spirit.
You are a Survivor... You can beat this... It is not bigger than hope... It is not bigger than faith... It is not bigger than courage... It is not bigger than love... It is not bigger than you... Everything you need to win this battle and any more that may lie ahead... You have inside of you... You are bigger than this, you can beat it.. Because you are a Survivor..
Wishing you a speedy recovery!!
Hang in, big guy. You sound like you're of sound mind and in sound hands. Call when you can.
Keith;
Been thinking about you a lot in the last several days. I'd like to echo what the guys have said - kick that cancer's butt and get back to work! I know the newsroom needs you. It sounds like you have a great team of doctors and your attitude is phenomenal. Wishing you the best as you continue to recover.
Julie Northlake
Keith, I'm sending you love and healing thoughts. Show that tumor what a tough cookie you are! Don't back down, fight hard. We love you and need you!
Sarah Langbein
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