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CaringBridge Feb. 12
Sid was headed to pick up his race packet for the Rock n Roll marathon when his doctor called with results of an ultrasound showing a mass on his pancreas and spots on his liver. After a LONG 10 days of tests and waiting it was confirmed: Stage IV pancreatic cancer. We feel fortunate to be surrounded by the love of family and friends, and in the care of excellent medical professionals as he begins this journey. We will use this website to post updates on Sid. Please write us a note in our guestbook. Your messages are an inspiration for us!
Laura Bacon September 22, 2013
 
Details of the beginning

Written February 6, 2012 6:30pm
 

Sid noticed a backache around Thanksgiving that he attributed to perhaps pulling a muscle when lifting weights. It didn’t go away despite icing and some physical therapy. After the holidays he noticed some pain in his belly. When he went in to his primary care physician they identified some arthritis in his back and thought that might have flared up with his increase in running. They hypothesized that the stomach pain could be an ulcer from the amount of  ibuprofen he was taking for his back pain and treated him for an ulcer. It was soon clear though that he was not getting any relief and his physician ordered an ultrasound, ironically on Friday January 13th. As Sid and Cathy were heading to the expo to pick up their race packets for the RocknRoll ½ marathon, his physician called with ultrasound results that showed a mass on his pancreas and some spots on his liver.  A CT scan the following Monday gave us some hope that the mass might not be malignant, however after several consultations a biopsy of the spots on the liver confirmed Stage IV pancreatic cancer.  

After a confirmed diagnosis on January 25th, Sid spent the next week at home with his family, working with doctors from Mayo Clinic to find the right mix of medicine to control the pain and increase his appetite.  On February 2nd, Sid met with doctors at the Piper Cancer Center to discuss treatment options.  The doctors recommended Sid check into the hospital so they can better manage pain and nausea to get him strong for treatment.  On February 3rd, an endoscopic procedure was performed, placing a stent in the valve between the stomach and duodenum.  This allows Sid to more easily maintain his nutrition.  As of February 6th, Sid is still under the terrific care of the experts at Mayo. 
Laura Bacon September 22, 2013
 
Monday - port placed for chemo

Written February 6, 2012 7:03pm
 

The Port Authority has spoken!  Bring in the ships.  Sid is out of the O.R. and back in his room.  He came out of general anesthesia well.  When he found out the rest of us had eaten In-N-Out Burgers for lunch, he said, "oh I could go for a burger and fries"!  So his appetite is looking good.  He of course needs to start slow with foods again, so he has had some ice chips and jello.
 

On the way down to the O.R. we were all riding in the elevator with two nurses.  One turned to the other and said, "oh, did you hear about the woman in New York?  The elevator door closed on her, and the sensors weren't working, and the elevator started to go up when she was still in the door, and she was killed."  Needless to say Laura, Cathy and I were laughing hysterically.  We hope the next generation of nurses take more courses in common sense.  
 

Sid will be staying one more night in the hospital.  He technically could be released tonight, but we all want to be cautious.  We are in the process of switching meds again.  This transition will be to the drug/drug form he will take at home.  
 

He will be going to Piper Cancer Center either tomorrow or Wednesday.  This will NOT be the start of chemo, but an initial visit for bloodwork and paperwork.  We'll keep everyone posted as things change.   

Laura Bacon September 22, 2013
 
Roller coaster

Written February 7, 2012 7:31pm
 

Sid said it best: "I wish this roller coaster ride wasn't so steep".  Today was a reminder that this journey will come with highs and lows.  Yesterday afternoon was so positive, but today was a return to more pain and nausea.  The silver lining is that he is home! 
 

He was discharged around 1:00pm from Mayo, and the four of us headed over to the Piper Cancer Center.  Dad powered through the pain and nausea to get the paperwork, bloodwork, and short exam out of the way.  He will start chemo on Thursday morning at 10am.  WOO-HOO!  The chemo cycle will have 3 consecutive Thursdays, followed by one Thursday off.  If the cancer is responding well, there can be up to 6 of these 28 day cycles.  Further treatment decisions will be made after that.  The doctors are optimistic that they can control some of those really unwanted side effects.  We would have liked to have controlled the pain and nausea more leading up to the chemo... but we are still optimistic.  
 

I drove home from Piper, going as slow and smooth as possible to keep Dad feeling okay.  As I turned off the car, Dad complimented how well I did.  I proceeded to leave the parking break off and let the car roll backward as Dad tried to exit the car.  I just want to make sure he is still working on his balance.  
 

The 72hr pain patch dose was increased upon discharge, as was the dose of the fast-acting "breakthrough" pain pill.  Mayo was great in setting us up for success as we left.  The drugs that we couldn't get upon checking out, Laura was able to track down (Laura drove to yet another hospital to clean out Walgreen's statewide supply of Lovenox blood thinner).   
 

It is hard to stay upbeat when such a good day is followed by a step back, but Dad leads the charge!  We are so so so happy to have him home.  The yard has lots of weeding he needs to catch up on, and someone needs to brew us coffee.

Laura Bacon September 22, 2013
 
Staying Positive

Written February 8, 2012 3:22pm
 

It sure is good to be home!  Dad is on the couch with his KU snuggie.  We've got the windows open, enjoying the fresh air and the view of the mountains.  We are anxiously awaiting our 3pm dose of Ellen (not prescribed by the doctors, but we take some liberties in our medications).  
 
The good news is that his pain is as well managed as it has been in weeks.  The increased dose in the pain patch seems to be doing its job!  The bad news is that the nausea is not well managed at the moment.  It has been a bit of a struggle to keep foods down, but Dad keeps plugging away as much as his body will let him.  
 
Dad still has the 10am appointment to start chemotherapy tomorrow.  Some patients experience relief from their symptoms, while other patients have a worsening of those symptoms.  We're hoping for the former, but prepared for the latter.  
 
The highlight of the day has been all the snail-mail and messages on CaringBridge.  We have been delighted with the outpouring of love and support.  Sid has his ipad by his side and checks the website periodically to read all the wonderful posts in the guestbook.  Keep the love coming!
Laura Bacon September 22, 2013
 
Take THAT, Cancer!

Written February 9, 2012 2:30pm
 

Who knew chemotherapy would come with a free lunch!?!  Dad woke up this morning feeling very similar to yesterday.  Fatigue and nausea are the symptoms we're trying to fight right now.  We're mindful that just a few days ago fighting pain was a huge obstacle too; we're grateful to be past the pain at the moment.  
 
The actual hour of chemotherapy was somewhat uneventful.  During the treatment, we met with the doctor, nurse practitioner, several registered nurses, and a myriad of other helpful faces at Piper Cancer Center.  Dad got more information on some of the potential side effects, as well as the treatment options to help control those side effects.  Understandably there is a lot of variability in what patients experience, but for the most part the side-effects won't hit "full-force" for a couple weeks.  One thing they prescribe is at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week.  Needless to say, Dad is chomping at the bit to get back to his exercise routine... even if it starts with some 30 minute walks.
 
Although the chemo drugs are done, we're sticking around Piper for another couple hours while Dad gets some extra fluids in his system.  Hopefully the fluids and extra anti-nausea drugs lead to a great afternoon.  We feel like Dad has very comprehensive care at Piper and the Piper team is very positive and optimistic.   

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