Greetings from a hospital room in Austin, with a beautiful view of downtown the weekend that Formula One racing comes speeding through the Texas Capital.
I am here to try to iron out some digestive issues. It could be that my nemesis, damien, has decided to give me long-deserved attention. And, when he chooses to give me some attention, he can be a very focused little fellow.
I will try to spare you the gory details, but I have been losing a little weight here and there the past six months or so. When I started the cancer fight, I was a little hefty at 187 lbs. At the weigh-in when i came to the hospital, I loaded up that scale with a hearty 149 lb. girth.
I have a bile obstruction that is not uncommon to pancreatic cancer patients. I need to have a stent inserted to clear that pathway. After numerous CT scans and an MRI, my gastro guy is ready to do the work in the morning. He will insert a camera and take a look down my esophagus and into my digestive system. Once the stent is inserted, then my urine, which now looks like a bright California sunset (red not yellow) will return to normal. And, it will have a pathway as clear as our F1 racetrack.
And, having this procedure will give me additional choices for chemo,which appears to be a potential next step.
Stay tuned for further notice. I just remember that “with God all things are possible.”
By the way, here is a photo from the hospital room of that doctor who is assisting tomorrow and her meal prep. God bless you all and your prayers.
November 18, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Mr. Derek,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, this morning especially. You are an amazing fighter/father and have a very strong family standing by supporting you! I love reading your blog posts. Casey has been an amazing friend to me over the last 4 years and now it appears she is going to be a wonderful (slightly tipsy) surgeon! 😉 prayers for team dorick!
Love,
Lisa
November 18, 2012 at 9:08 AM
The meal prep in Patti’s hand looks like a Coors Light Tall Boy. You telling me that an Austin hospital doesn’t have Shiner Bock?
Keep fighting that Damien your way, Doo. We’re all in your corner!
November 18, 2012 at 9:46 AM
I noticed you were looking a bit trim. I thought you were just getting to your prime fighting weight and working out so you could tackle that bastard Damien at your ultimate best. If prayers, positive thoughts, good wishes, and love give any assistance in your fight (and I believe they do); then Damien will be down for the count, and soon!
We’re in your corner, “Sugar” Derek!
Lynne
November 18, 2012 at 4:46 PM
I add my prayers and good thoughts to those of your family and friends. I, too, believe that with God all things are possible.
Diane
November 18, 2012 at 9:48 PM
Get home as fast as one of those Formula 1 drivers. Hospitals don’t serve the best in Texas ales. Prayers and peace dear one.
sandi