Weekend at Home

Paul and Steph came home for a quick weekend. At the end of their week at the Mayo Clinic, they have learned much, but they will return next week to learn more and find out the plan of attack.

What they learned:

• Paul's biopsies came back positive.
• He has a tumor on his lung and in his abdomen.
• Fluid builds up in his abdomen, which makes Paul uncomfortable. When it is drained, he feels much better.
• They are checking out this fluid as well, as it may have cancer cells.
• This is not an "exotic" type of cancer. They have seen this type of cancer before.
• Doctors do not know the "primary" source of the cancer.
• "Primary Source" is where the cancer started. It is important to know this, as this is how the doctors will determine what specialist Paul needs to go to and what "cocktail" of chemotherapy they will prescribe for Paul.
• The doctor suspects three primary sources: the lung, thyroid, or mesothelioma - cancer caused by asbestos (Paul worked in carpentry for several years). This is speculation - more to be determined next week.
• At this point, chemotherapy is the plan for combating the cancer.

What they like about the Mayo:

• Paul and Steph are very impressed with their doctor. They feel they are in excellent hands.
• The Mayo is very thorough and exhaustive in their testing. They will find out exactly what "Paul Hougen's" cancer is like. They are not going to generically treat the "cancer." They will find out as much as possible about Paul's cancer so they can effectively treat it with the right chemotherapy.

What's next:

• Paul has an appointment with his doctor Monday at the Mayo clinic.
• More pathology tests and other tests will point them in the right direction for treatment.

Thank you for keeping posted with Paul's progress. As we learn more, we will update this blog.

Thank you from all of Paul's extended family for your thoughts and prayers. We know there's a long road ahead, but the road is much more bearable with the support of wonderful friends and family.

Day Four - On the Road Home

Paul had his doctor appointment this afternoon, and they like Paul so much at Mayo, they want him back on Monday.

The doctors want more decisive information before they begin treatment, so Paul and Steph will have a quick trip home before they turn around and head back to Rochester. More testing and more results next week will help the doctors determine the origin.

Both really like the doctor.  He reminds Steph of the psychologist on the Geico commercials, Mr. Namby-Pamby land.  Same haircut and build.  Very smart and very straight forward - a little more tactful than the commercial, though.

Day Three at Mayo

Steph reports that Paul looks quite "fetching" in his blue gown and sneakers.  He spent quite a bit of time in that particular outfit today, as he had more tests and procedures.

Last week at Altru in Grand Forks, he had fluid drained from his abdomen which gave him a lot of relief.  They have continued to do that, and today they again drained fluid.  He feels very good after that procedure and gets a little boost in energy.

Paul and Steph had some free time, so they got out and about this afternoon and went to the movie RED starring the old guys.

Paul has an appointment with his doctor tomorrow morning.  No definite news to report at this time.  Hopefully all of this testing will point the doctors in the right direction!

Day Two at the Mayo

Paul had an ultrasound today and other tests and bloodwork.  They had to do a bit of waiting around today, and tomorrow they will start the day with more tests in the morning. Steph has been logging a few hours in various waiting rooms!

He has an appointment with his doctor on Thursday morning, so that is the earliest they will know anything conclusive.

Paul is a little tuckered out at the end of the day!  They are finding their way around Rochester. Their motel is not far from the clinic, and it also has a good restaurant.  They are comfortable there.

They continue to be very impressed with the level of care they are receiving at Mayo.  We are all so happy and relieved he's getting care there.

Day One at the Mayo

Day One at the Mayo left Paul and Steph both exhausted and impressed. 

Paul had a colonoscopy and various blood work completed.  Tuesday will bring some more tests.

Paul and Steph have like the doctors and staff they have worked with so far, and feel good to be in Rochester - it's the best place to be.

Thanks for keeping posted...

Here we go...

Erik set up this blog so we could all stay connected with Paul's progress. 

Hopefully this will be an easy way to keep informed.

You deserve the world's best medical care, Paul, and the Mayo is the place to be. You will be in good hands, and you, Steph, Emma, and Sarah will be in our hearts, on our minds, and in our prayers.

"Keep Calm and Carry On."  We all know the best way to keep calm is to vent every once in awhile with tears and a few good curse words.  Let us know how we can help with keeping, venting, and carrying on!