A Tentative Date - Today is July 29 - 2013

We just called the hospital booking dept. and were quite surprised that their tentative date for Ivan's surgery is Aug 21.  (the date could change and of course we hope for sooner) We asked if it would be faster using a hospital in the city. The reply was  "unlikely". 

We will receive a phone call today confirming the Aug 21 surgery date ( with a small possibility it could be sooner).  We are both disappointed, but at least getting a known date means we can get on with planning our lives.

 Ivan continues to feel fine, he is enjoying harvesting his peas and beans and is enjoying summer but
anxious to get the surgery over with!!!

And Still Waiting........

Hello Folks,

Ivan saw his doctor yesterday and is pleased he can remove the catheter Friday morning so he can get back to his swimming routine. Dr. Wildgrube called Dr. Goddard's office (the surgeon). We have only one surgeon locally and only one operating room.

Ivan was told it is in the hospital's hands, and they will call him as soon as they can fit him in.  My guess is (hopefully) it will be next week. They just need to call us a day before so he doesn't eat supper or breakfast.

Ivan is not in any pain and is reasonably active. We harvested lots of beans and peas for supper.

He seems more relaxed about the wait than I am. I was hoping he would be on the recovery path by now but "to accept what is" seems to be the best approach and it is great that the procedure will be done locally and is free!!!

Still Waiting - July 24/ 2013

Hello Family and Friends,

Just wanted to let you know we are still waiting for Ivan to be scheduled for surgery. If it isn't this week, they did assure us it would be next week. I will keep everyone posted.

Ivan remains positive, and in pleasant humour.

But we are both a tad impatient!!!!

Love to all,

Evi and Ivan

Visit to see Dr. Sara Wadge, our local internal medicine specialist - Thursday July 18- 2013

We just saw Dr Sara Wadge, our internal medicine specialist. She hopes to schedule Ivan’s mastectomy next week at our local hospital if the anesthetist agrees. She plans to fast track the process and the follow up with a visit to the oncologist in Vancouver. She also wants a CT scan Ivan's liver done a.s.a.p. Ivan feels he is in good hands. (so do I, she is terrific)

Dr. Wadge acknowledged that Ivan is rather exceptional for his age. She commented on his resilience following his very difficult quadruple bypass (8 years ago). She also felt that his swimming routine 3 X a week makes him a great candidate. (Ivan has been swimming regularly for over 10 years)

He is now resting and recuperating after a long hospital day, a late ferry home, and a morning specialist visit. 

We just ate fresh tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and lots more from his garden!

Life is one day at a time and so far we are doing well.

I thank everyone for the caring emails and hope to post more details next week.

Evi

Wed. July 17 - 2013

We spent a very long day at Lion's Gate catching the last ferry home. Ivan's urological procedure went well, an epidural was used which is always better than total anesthetic. 
Steve kindly assisted us with support, driving and good cheer and we are now home, tired but able to attend a meeting with Dr. Wadge (our local internal medicine specialist) tomorrow morning. So one procedure is done and we will rest up and hope to see what the coming agenda is for the next.

Buenas Noches!

Ivan's current medical journey July 11/2013

July 11, 2013

I decided to use the blog to let folks know how Ivan is doing. He was diagnosed with breast cancer last week following a mysterious lump, and other symptoms.  This is such a rare cancer in men we didn’t expect the outcome to be positive.

 Once again we are on a medical journey and the best plan is to keep family and friends informed via this blog. 

Since Ivan just got diagnosed with breast cancer this week we really have no idea if we are dealing with something fairly serious, or something that can be removed with surgery and follow up treatment. It will take time to get all the answers.

Ivan has a urological appointment at Lions Gate Hospital next Wed. to remove a stricture near his bladder so that he can be catheterized. This surgery was not urgent until now, as it is a pre-requisite to the cancer surgery which will be done locally and very soon.

We intend to keep life as normal as possible under the circumstances; I have a lot of experience as advocate as we have traveled the medical road many times during our 21 years.

I thank our family and loving friends for their support, love and care as we once again embark on a journey with so many possible twists and turns.  As time goes by it will be less possible for me to reply to many emails but feel free to send thoughts, ideas and love to Ivan.

eviblueth@gmail.com

We both are feeling optimistic and positive and will take one day at a time.

Much love Evi and Ivan