Scott's Update

Early Nov. Scott was having some (he thought) stomach pain at night...Preventing sleep until 2 or so in the a.m.... He made a appointment with Dr. McCann (Hudson Clinic) on Nov. 30th 2004 - had blood work done - his lipase level was 160 - so Dr. ordered a sonogram 12/6 more blood work - low fat diet - 12/9 ordered a CT scan. That evening Dr. called and wanted him to see him in the a.m. (12/10) lipase level was +1500 - pain level basically the same as before now occasional back pain, and wanted to disuss result of CT scan. Scan showed possible mass in tail of the pancreas. Dr. McCann set him up with Dr. J.Shawn Mallory @ Hennepin Co. Medical Center in Minneapolis.

12/21/04 - @ HCMC to do a EUS. Dr. Mallory confirmed the mass - @ 4X2.5 cm - did a biopsy the area is inflamed and said he could not make a call re: status of mass. Set up appointment on Jan 3rd, 2005 to visit with Dr. Timothy Sielaff (@Abbott-Northwestern), he would give us the result of biopsy, and coarse the treatment, Dr. Mallory saying Sielaff is the best surgeon re: the pancreas in Minneapolis.

Jan. 3rd, 2005
The appointment went as we (sort of) expected...you always hope for the..."This has all been a mistake"...but no - Scott has pancreatic cancer he is scheduled for surgery on the 13th...this is good news though...some people don't even get a chance at surgery. He had a CT Scan today, we will hear results tomorrow - they are just checking it against the one he had on the 10th of December. So we are very thankful for the Doctor, he seems excellent...and very cautious. The details with the Scott's pancreas so far are this.

There is a tumor in the mid section closer to the tail end...the Dr. will remove the tumor and that 1/2 of the pancreas...remove the spleen for sure, than remove other organs as he sees fit basically - after surgery and some healing, Scott would have chemo or radiation or both....Scott does have a couple spots on his liver though that they are checking out...Hudson Clinic said they were benign. Dr. Sielaff ordered another CT Scan to take another look...we should get results today...if it seems as though the cancer has spread...there will be no surgery and chemo would begin with the surgery perhaps after chemo...so we want the surgery.

The scan looked basically the same Dr. Sielaff said....but he did order a MRI for Monday (1/10)@ Abbott. He will just take a look again for any sign of any spreading of the cancer...If all checks out OK -- surgery will still be on for the 13th @ 7:30 a.m. (Abbott-Northwestern - Piper Bldg.) We are to expect a 4 hr. surgery - 5 day hospital stay - follow up appt. with Dr Sielaff in 2 weeks - to schedule appointment with an oncologist for further treatment.

Going to relax for the weekend...the kids are coming over and hanging out with us...Toby too.

BIG game tomorrow....GO PACKERS!!!

Scott feels well and upbeat...he's skinny though, he has lost appox. 20 lbs.

More after the MRI results...guessing Tuesday the 11th.

Well the game didn't turn out the right way...Packers lost :-(
Steve P. came over to watch with Scott, they were both pretty calm though.
Linda, Kelsey, Claire and Melinda stopped by too.

Expect a quiet night tonight, going to Abbott tomorrow for the MRI.

Several phone calls, thanks again for all your support.

Roxane

We were @ Abbott today. MRI went fine. Scott was in about 45 minutes. He took a couple relaxing pills...He was mellow, and his technician was very nice he said. We expect a call from Dr. Sielaff tomorrow. Praying for no changes, and that the surgery will be a "go" for Thursday the 13th.

Will let you know when we know.

After we get our call from the Doctor we expect to tell Scott's Mom (Rose) about the upcoming surgery. As you may or may not know she has been diagnosed with alzheimers, she has been depressed and at times very confused, so we wanted to delay the news regarding Scott's health for as long as possible, this should be another tough call for Scott, thanks to Steve and Judy for relaying the initial news, Scott will follow up with a call to his Mom.

Thanks for all the nice replys re: this site.

Roxane

Hi Everyone - I enjoyed all the comments from near and far...keep them coming, and I will answer.

Thanks

Scott

We just received a call from Dr. Sielaff's nurse Marie she said, "Dr. Sielaff said he will see you at surgery" We don't have any more details regarding the MRI results than that, but assume that the Dr. didn't see anything to prevent a successful surgery. Scott feels he's in the best position he could be in, and we are very happy.

The plan...we arrive @ Abbott-Northwestern @ 5:30 a.m. - surgery @ 7:30 - could take around 4 hours or so.

Ben, Jen, Claire and Kyle will be with me, I will get news out as soon as we know some.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers you are sending our way.

Roxane

Well we made it to today...we plan to get a few things done around the house, and go to bed early. Scott had a restless night last night, he didn't get much sleep due to his mind working overtime, and pain in this stomach and back, the stomach pain could be from the pills he is taking, he's calling his nurse today to get some advise.

All is well though, Scott and I thank you all for the e-mails, comments, prayers, well wishes and phone calls.

I will be staying at the hospital Thursday night with Scott, and Friday & Saturday night Claire & I will be @ Ben & Jen's. I will return home Sunday night.

Expect a posting later on Thursday evening, unless we find internet access @ Abbott.

Here we go...........
Rox

Hi everyone- due to the weather being kind of a mess, rain...freezing rain...and a expected big temperature drop, we are heading over this afternoon, we will stay at the hotel site @ Abbott or we have a room on hold at the Days Inn about 4 miles from the hospital. The hospital rents the rooms first come first serve, so we have the back up plan the hospital suggested to us.

Scott wants everyone to well aware of the weather conditions, and if it isn't safe, he would rather know that you are safe and warm inside at home...because he said he will be :-)

More as we know it.

Roxane

Jen and I are on our way to Abbott in a couple minutes, I wanted to thank all of you for coming here and leaving such nice messages, my family appreciates them very much. We will try to get a mid day update on here if possible, but if not I'm sure my Claire or I can post something for my mom tonight.

Again, thanks for all of the support!
-Ben and Jen

Scott went in for surgery as expected today @ 7:30 a.m. - his first procedure was to be a scope, (just sort of a look around ) before the Dr. would begin removal of the tumor and affected pancreas but at 8:30 a.m. Dr. Sielaff called us in for a meeting. His first words were...THIS IS NOT BAD NEWS. It seems as though Dr. Sielaff felt that he could not remove the entire tumor at this time. The doctor suggests that we begin the chemo/radiation plan first, and then the surgery is to follow, in perhaps 3 months.

We are at home now; we were released from the hospital about 11:30 a.m.

Yes, we are somewhat disappointed but feel we are getting the best advice from Dr. Sielaff. Scott's recommended oncologist is from the U of MN - Dr. Greeno, the appointment is to be set up as soon as possible. I will update with more info re: this treatment plan when I know more information.


Sounds like it will be cold weather a few days around here...so I will sit Scott in the recliner and keep him nice and warm by the fire.

Rox

I guess I did have an email from my big brother to get "in" on the blog. Well, I just posted a comment about two minutes ago, so I am going to stick with that.

THANKS EVERYBODY! We love you all!

Hi Everybody,

Family and friends what else can a guy ask for, you never realize who's on your side until you turn around and check your back. I feel well protected from the rear and I am able to look straightforward into my future. My doctor's nurse Marie set me straight; this is not a set back, but a different and positive direction, more time involved, with the same ending, the demise of this cancer. Thanks for all the good thoughts from each and every one of you, it is great to have venue like this (Thanks Ben). Keep them coming, and I'll keep coming back at you with more updates.

Scott

We got our rest last night. So we are hanging out @ home today. Expecting some visitors and hoping for a call from Dr. Greeno's office with a appointment time.

Scott is having a good day with very little pain from the 3 pokes they put in his belly.

Will update when we have new info. Everyone have a good weekend, and stay warm if you are anywhere in the our area....brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Roxane

Hurray....we got a call from Dr. Greeno's office, he will help us through the treatment phase.
The appointment will be on Thursday, January 20th @ 10:00 a.m. - He will be seen @ Masonic Cancer Center, they are affilated with Fairview University Medical Center. I included links to our doctors, I thought you might want to see their faces, since I will refer to them often in my updates.

So we are looking forward to our next appointment and expect to relax and enjoy ourselves this weekend, INSIDE :-)

Rox


More information about Scott's doctors:
Dr. Sielaff
Dr. Greeno

Hello everyone : Scott had a kind of sleepness night, but about 5 a.m. sleep did come until around 10:30, so he feels pretty good today, he even gets to use the shower!!!! He's made a few return phone calls already. Steve & Judy and Susie are coming by for a visit later today, and he is expecting his Mom and Terry tomorrow.

I'm sure we will be watching football all weekend and staying by the fire, he has a puzzle going...he and Jen worked on and off on it all day yesterday, it's a tough one...so he could use some help :-)

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Roxane

Good morning everyone:

Scott is sleeping right now, another restless night, we are trying to figure out a plan to make him more comfortable, Thursday's visit will help out a lot in this area I feel.

Scott had a good day yesterday, phone calls visits, and e-mails. He watched a lot of football, still wishing it was Green Bay in the playoffs. Vikings play today...we are not sure...do we want them to win...make it to the Super Bowl then lose it all, or get it over with today???? Poor sports aren't we ;-) We will leave it up to Dante & Co.


Expecting Terry, Laurie and Rosie today, the kids are coming over too.

Colder than ever this a.m. -10 - Winter in Wisconsin - lovely time of year.

Roxie

Hi all!! I don't plan to do too much today, might go out for a drive later. I'm doing fine, it just tough to sleep at night, I have some aches and pains when I lay down, it is a common problem with this disease, so I'm sure my Doctor will have a few ideas for me on Thursday.

It is nice to see all the postings, some of you I have not heard from for a while, I was thinking that we pretty much have the whole USA covered from East to West. I hear that the Class of 69 is in the blog now also, hi all!!

Scott

Hi everyone:

Scott had another sleepness night, calling the Dr. today to get something to knock him out so he gets some rest. He has pain but worry is setting in also. I think things will be better once we get the new plan from Dr. Greeno, we see him Thursday. I was planing to go back to work for a few hours this week, but instead I will stay at home.

Again, he really loves seeing all your comments (as I do also) on the blog or email him, he checks often, for the next couple days I think he is going to have to rest more when he can, visits will be at a minimum. Keep the emails coming though, he will return your calls & e messages.

Scotts personal email address - scott@hedrington.com

Roxane

Hi Everyone -

This blog thing still amazes me, all of you who are writing me are forever etched into my brain, when I get by this cancer and get back on my feet you can all expect a personal pat on the back, and for all you railroaders donuts daily until I retire.

Having a bad night bolstered my determination to do whatever I have to, in order to get back what I have.

Thank you for your words and time, keep them coming, I'm listening.

My family has tightened up all around me, what a great group of people I'm related to.

More tomorrow,
Scott

Good morning everyone- A rather sleepless night for Scott again, but a lot less pain, we did get some new drugs prescribed so we are hoping once we get 24hrs. of them in him he will sleep better tonight.

Tomorrow is the BIG day, we see Dr. Greeno, we are to be there at 9:30 a.m., my sister Linda is coming along as another set of ears, and as our secretary, we appreciate that.

Scott has some calls to make today to the insurance company, and the railroad regarding his care and his work benefits.

Expect a late update tomorrow, but it should direct us on our way again for treatment, and a successful surgery to follow.

Thanks for all your support...we see the driveway fairy visited again this am. and got it all cleaned off...Thanks :-)
Roxane

Hi everyone!

I thought I would let you all know that my parents and my mom's sister, Linda, are on their way to the appointment with Dr. Greeno. They are equipped with questions, and hoping for a lot of answers. Send some good thoughts!

Love you all!

Hi all -

Well we are just settling down from our visit today with Dr. Greeno and his staff at Masonic Clinic, located on the University of Minnesota campus.

The treatment (beginning 1/31/05) is a 6 week plan of chemo/radiation. Treatment will be taking place on Mon thru Friday. After a 2 week recovery period, Scott is reevaluated for possible surgery.

Dr. Greeno has tripled his pain medications, Scott had another sleepless, painful night last night so we hope those days are coming to an end, the Dr. said he should be able to get him pain free with very little side effects.

Scott also got more good news that his diet can be changed to basically anything he can tolerate...just small portions frequently...calories are good!!! So he can add back some fats....he's hoping for cheese pizza with a mild sauce ;-) We will keep up with the protein shakes though.

So he's sitting back in the recliner right now, enjoying a movie, and hopefully soon will be catching a nap.

Thanks for all the prayers, thoughts and good wishes you are sending our way.

Love - Roxane & Scott

Good morning everyone:)

Scott had a much better nights sleep last night, he went to sleep (in his chair) around 9:30, I had to awake him @ 10 to give him a dose of pain med. (I know I felt bad too) Put him to bed and off to dreamland until about 2am, he sat up a short while, took a quick release pain med, and off to sleep again...then yes (again) I awoke him at 6am for another dose of medicine, he is still sitting up, dosing though, so I think a little breakfast soon then on with our day.

We are expecting a snow storm today...not really planning on heading out anyway.

I am thinking of heading back to work next week, I will work reduced hours, due to Scott's appointments, but the bank has been wonderful to us, so everyone out there...

Have $$$ to Save?? Need a Checking Account or Internet Banking? We have wonderful Loan Officers and Great Rates for your Personal, Mortgage, and Commerical Loans, and Great Customer Service...Please consider First National Bank-River Falls/Prescott, a friendly community bank. (How's that for a sales pitch co-workers, I want you all to stay busy ;-)

Scott will do a hello later today. Take care and have a good weekend everyone.

More as we know it.

Roxane

Hi everyone,
The treatment looks like a February 7, 2005 start, we needed to get our ducks lined up a little different. I talked to Dr. Greeno's nurse today and we need one more appointment to come together and we will have our plan A. I always work better when I have a plan, and working for the railroad I realize that we may have to move to a different plan and that is why there are 26 letters in the alphabet. Also, we noticed that we are to be at the clinic Monday-Friday for treatment of one sort or another, we just didn't read our original treatment plan correctly, the Tuesday and Thursdays will be quick appointments, but none the less a drive up and back from Minneapolis. We will be able to drive that with our eyes closed, like some of the drivers do already.

We started getting Net Flixs again, my first movie revue, Van Helsing - "what is this movie about", more revues later.

Snow warnings today, all our local weather people are so excited, do you think they lock these people up at night. My report would be short and sweet, if you work inside you may have a tough time getting there, if you work outside, your day is going be bad. Either way have as good a day as possible, end of report.

Keep the notes coming, I'm reading as fast as I can.
Scott

Scott had a rather restless night, he got some sleep but was unable to lay down, so he slept on the recliner most of the night. We was having such a great day yesterday, I'm thinking it was something he ate his pancreas had a hard time digesting, no more raw carrots I think?

We got a lot of snow out there today, it finally looks like winter, it is suppose to start to blow around now, so I'm thinking sleeping in a recliner might be the best place to be today.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
:-)
Roxane

Good morning - Scott had a good day yesterday, his brothers came over to visit for a few hours, that is a lot of Hedrington to take in all by myself here :-) It really made his day....is he getting tired of me?? After the guys left my sister (Linda) came over and we enjoyed dinner and a movie...I will let Scott comment on his movie choices this weekend in a later blog from him. His night went so - so. But he did get some addition sleep this a.m., in fact he just awoke about 11, he said I think I feel great!!

He will watch some football today I'm guessing and we are expecting Ben & Jen & Toby to come over for a visit from Jordan, Claire is heading this way back from her visit with Kyle this weekend, we will see her early afternoon.

Our niece Amber (Jim's & Kristi's daughter) called with good news....she and Ryan are expecting again, Abigail will have a new little brother or sister in late September.

Back to work for me tomorrow, so give Scott a call if you got some free time this week, we do have a appointment on the 26th early a.m for the placement of his chest pump for the chemo drugs, if we are lucky we will be able to see the radiologist also so they can mark the spots for treatment, otherwise that appointment is set for the 31st.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, we are both doing ok.

Roxane

Good Morning - Back to work for me today. Until the treatment starts I'm going to try to work my regular schedule, expect for appointments we have scheduled.

Scott had another so-so night, so he will try to get a few hours sleep this a.m. - he's just not comfortable in the bed for long, so the recliner had become his replacement.

Before I leave this a.m. I will turn down the phones, so don't be surprised if he does not answer. Scott will check the phone when he awakes, I'm hoping he sleeps until I come home for lunch.

Scott will blog later today...he still has to give those movie reviews ;-)

Roxane

Hi Everybody,

I got a call today to move up my radiology appointment from 1/31/05 to 1/25/05, tomorrow at 8:00 am.
Dr. Lee wants to first map me out, then have a consultation and then work in a CT scan, it should take all morning, and means getting up early to fight traffic.

It looks like a warmer day and we will probably get there way to early as usual, because that's the way I am, right Claire.

Movie Critic Corner
Van Helsing - No, could not follow story line (What story line)

Manchurian Candidate - Yes - Try to keep an eye out for everything unusual, then watch it again, you'll figure it out and then not believe yourself.

I-Robot - Yes - Special effects are the movie, story line is usual, good guy, bad guy, nice girl, action.

Next apointment is Wednesday at 7:00 am for the implanted port, things are moving along, more traffic to handle, getting closer to start day.

New messages are coming on line everyday, thanks for taking time to drop me a note, I will always appreciate them.

Scott

Hi Everyone: We got home about 1p.m. I got Scott all settled down and resting about 2. We have another appointment set up for Feb 4th @ 2pm. The appointment on the 4th is a "practice" run of the radiation treatment Scott will receive M-F for 6 weeks, which will begin "for sure" on the 7th.

The radiation consent form Scott had to sign was quite scary, they expect him to be a pretty sick guy because they have to do a larger area then usual, I guess his tumor is in a rather rare location.

So we have a great team of doctors to care for us. Dr. Chung Lee, Dr. Laura Wilson (resident), and Intern Marc Osburne. Dr. Lee said we will be like a family for these six weeks of treatment, so I thought you would all like to know our new family members names.

Tomorrow is another early am. visit. Up there about 7 a.m.; the drive was easy this a.m. we were about 45 min. early, but they were glad to see us since they were trying to squeeze us in between the set-up appointments.

Scott had another sleepless night but Dr. Lee prescribed a sleeping pill to try. Scott needs his rest and a lot of healthy food to eat, and calories, calories, calories the doc's said. Don't you wish someone would tell you that???

More as we know it.

Roxane

Hi all! I wanted to let you all know that my parents are at my dad's appointment now. Of course, they were there about 30-45 minutes early...why wouldn't they be? Right Dad? ;) Today they are going to put his port in. The port will save my dad from having to be poked everyday, so that is good. Otherwise, not much news to report, which is always good!

I want to thank everyone for their comments! We feel blessed as a family when we see how much support we have. Thank you. Everyone have a great day!

Hello - We are back from the U and Claire is correct, only a 1/2 hr. early this a.m.

Procedure went as planned, they took him in at around 8:15, we were back in his room @ 10:30, they let us leave just shortly after noon.

We stopped for his favorite meal....McD double cheese burger and even fries today and a Chocolate shake :-) Not too healthy, but he spoiled himself.

We spoke with our Nurse Judy today, she answered a few more questions regarding the treatment, and Scott signed the "official" documents today, and yes he is the one and only right now going throught this treatment phase @ Fairview-University.

We want to thank everyone for all the cards we have been receiving in the mail, I think everyday he receives another one. He also got more NetFlix's today....reviews should follow.

Scott SLEPT all night last night, only awoke to take some meds, and dropped right back off to dream land....luckily he did awake @ 5 a.m. guess who "set" the alarm clock...but did not turn it on???? Your right...

Roxane

Hi Everyone,

Not much to do today, no calls from the doctors offices, so that means nothing has changed and we are on target for our dry run on Friday the 4th of February.
Roxie went to work today and I puttered around the house doing things I put off before, nothing heavy duty.
The lunch yesterday was good but I still want to have my own Luigi's PMS calzone when I'm done with this. They say not to eat what you like during therapy, because you then dislike it, I'm saving a few things for later that I can only picture in my mind for now. As for fast food I'll save room for the "King", still the best diet coke in town.
We have three new movies, something to do this weekend.
It's great to hear from all of you, any and all comments are welcome, and taken to heart.
Have a great day,
Scott

Well I guess Scott was toooooooo busy today to write, so I will make this quick.

He had a so so night, but got a few extra hours sleep this a.m. When he called me (10:30) he said he had been awake for a while...but he sounded pretty sleepy yet to me.

He had a good day though, got the oil changed on the car, visited with the neighbors kids and Linda, and he and Claire ran a couple errands before she headed to Eau Claire to see Kyle. He chaueffred me to work, and took me up to Wendy's AND Wal-mart!!!

We are back home now and ready to put our feet up and watch a movie. Everyone have a good weekend!

Roxie

Not too much new to tell today, we got a dusting of snow last night. Temps about +28 right now, so a nice day today, not quite as good as Florida...right Rod??

Another up and down night for Scott, he's trying to hang in there until the treatment starts. His appetite is coming back though.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.

Roxane

Hi everyone - it is a no news Sunday.

Scott had one of his better nights last night, and a quite day. He went on a drive to McDonald's again, and had his wonderful lunch. He got several phone calls, and just sort of roamed around and house and outside for a while today, he is excellent at getting all the laundry done, and is now getting my clothes closet in proper order ;-)

My sister Julie came over to RF, so Linda, Claire, and myself hit the January Clearance Sales. We all really got some great deals.

Just going to put our feet up and turn on the TV.

A OK

Roxane & Scott

Hi Everybody,
It has been a differrent Monday, Roxie woke up with a hurting back, and Ben was sick last night. Roxie stayed home until 10:00 am and as far as I know Ben is still at home, I tried to influence Roxie to take it easy, but I'm not as good a nurse as she is, maybe I could go over and take care of Ben, that would probably drive him to work. Nothing else has changed, schedule is the same for me, were going out for lunch around 1:00 pm. It's always good to hear from everyone, thanks for taking the time.
Love,
Scott