Alas, some tough news that will demand most all of my time for immediate future

Dear Afibber Friends,

In light of the many requests I receive for advice and assistance with AFIB issues, and my duties in putting out the AFIB Report and website management, a sudden development in my, and my dear wife Magdalena's, life that came out of the blue this past Sunday evening when we received diagnosis of her having kidney cancer has shot her health and well being to the very top of my concerns and 'to do' list.

As such, I wanted to let you all know that Jackie and George, as always, will hold down the fort here with their typical excellent hands and compassionate hearts, along with the invaluable help and contributions of all you other cherished regulars here on this wonderful forum. At least while I have to step back for some time to help my wife address and manage this very serious issue and all that this might entail.

She had an MRI in mid-Nov to look for what we thought was typical sciatic-like pain on her left lower back that had not fully responded and had gradually gotten worse over the last year and a half in spite of some temporary benefits from various conservative therapies. So when I first received the MRI report in the mail this past Sunday night, it was a good punch in the stomach when I read: "left renal inferior pole mass suspicious for renal cell carcinoma' and thus immediately my entire focus shifted in a heart beat. She has had follow up ultrasounds and contrast CT scans this week that have confirmed the diagnosis of the left renal carcinoma, yet with some additional concerns uncovered that might possibly be benign but definitely need further exploration to rule out for sure any other malignancy with one cyst-like issue that will have to come out regardless.

Nevertheless, my number one job now has suddenly shifted to ramping up to speed on renal and possible uterine surgery methods and in finding for her the very best urological and OB/gyn surgeon(s) I can find ASAP .. preferably in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area which is two hours drive only from Sedona, but, of course, we are willing to go where-ever the very best care can be found.

Not knowing for sure how long this will take until things stabilize enough for me to resume my full duties here and with the newsletter, will just have to take it a day, week and month at a time here, knowing that I'll be back in the saddle here as soon as things settle down enough to allow me to refocus somewhat back on AFIB and other areas of life.

I will, of course, drop in whenever I can for any comments I might share, but I really have to turn all my efforts and any skills I have accrued over my own lengthy lifetime of medical adventures towards the best possible treatment and outcome for my sweet wife, who is far and away the best thing that has ever happened to me.

No doubt, all will hum along fine here on the website in any event, and while I've done a rough draft finishing around 75% of the Dec/Jan issue of The AFIB Report at this point, our illustrious and wonderfully retired founder, Hans, has very kindly offered to take this issue from here and polish off the last few pages. So please be patient if there is a week or two delay in getting out this issue, I hope all you subscribers will understand.

Carry on, and wishing everyone a happy holidays and lots of NSR as always! Until later ...

Be well,
Shannon

a photo of Magdalena .... Magdalena



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/08/2014 11:12AM by Shannon.

Shannon,

So sorry to read your post. Best wishes to you and Magdalena. She has the best advocate in the world in you, and your focus shift to renal cell carcinoma will serve her well. Please know that we all appreciate how much time you spend assisting all of us, and hopefully there is somebody equally dedicated on the renal cell carcinoma forums who can help you both with support and advice for the best possible care.

Doreen

Dear Shannon,

So sorry to read your news. My best wishes for a quick and successful outcome. I'm sure we'll all be thinking good thoughts about you and your wife.

Nick

Shannon,

I and my family are pulling for a speedy recovery for your wife at this difficult time. She already has much aligned towards a favorable outcome with you at her side.

Larry

Life sometimes becomes a mountain to climb, sounds like you have climbed many, I wish all the best for your wife, your place is with her, we will miss you but we understand and will survive.

Liz



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/05/2014 04:43PM by Elizabeth.

Shannon - As I said to you when we spoke, devote all your time and energy to Magdalena and take care of yourself as well. Don't worry about the forum.

Special thoughts, prayers and wishes well to you both... in abundance.

Hugs,
Jackie

Shannon,
I respect you so much. My prayers are with your wife and you. If I can do anything please do not hesitate to let me know.

Dear Shannon,

Very sorry to hear about the condition of your dear wife. My best wishes for her cure and i am confident your caring and love will help her overcome this serious problem.

Ben

Best wishes to you and your wife Shannon. Sending positive vibes, I hope you find a way forward. X

Shannon,

Special prayers and warm wishes for Magdalena and you as you go through this journey together.

Betty

Shannon,

Our best to you and Magdalena. She could not have a better advocate than you to help navigate the system to get the best care. You will both be in our thoughts & prayers.

George

Stay well Shannon,so that you can be there and be the voice for your Wife, making sure they do everything possible, for the best outcome . Sending out Positive thoughts to Magdelena .

Well Wishes

Dear Shannon and Magdalena ...

My gratitude goes out to you both and beyond ... not only Shannon, for the amazing support you've provided to hundreds of us, but to you, Magdalena, for the behind-the-scenes support that is a given for the work Shannon has done here, not to mention your own work, whatever it is. I will hold your healing in my heart, and see you generating strength and wellness as you go through this process. I know from standing alongside a husband who turned a melanoma prognosis of "6 weeks to six months" to live, into nearly 8 years of strong, inspiring health and inspiration to many. His oncologist, a miracle-worker in his own right, had newly-diagnosed patients call my husband for the grounding and calm he provided them in dealing with their new seeming "reality". The more we expect and make room for miracles, the more miracles abound! May you both walk in wisdom.

Beams of healing being sent to M from FL, Shannon.

Thinking and praying for you both.

/L

Just a quick check in before closing eyes after another very long day to send our heartfelt thanks from Magdalena and I for all the kind thoughts of support and well wishes.

She is very touched by the expressions of you all and it really did give her a good shot in the arm. She has been a real trooper from day one as it is.

Take care all and many thanks again ... Cheers!

Shannon and Magdalena



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/06/2014 01:55AM by Shannon.

Strength and courage, dear people.

PeggyM

Shannon,
Please accept my best wishes for Magdalena in her healing journey. Your incisive intellect and compassionate heart will help enormously going forward in finding the best doctors and treatments for your loving wife.

Shannon,

As with the others I wish you and your wife the best going forward. Magdalena is fortunate to have you in her corner. I too have recently had a family member dx with kidney cancer. About six weeks ago my sister had the effected kidney removed. She is almost back to her normal onry self now. I will pray that this is resolved quickly for you with absolutely possive results!

Prayers

Craig

Shannon,
Thinking a.out you and your wife. I'm sure you will have all possible information to guide you in your decisions regarding treatment.
Best wishes,
David Price

Shannon: Your investigative, research and logical thinking processes, talents and skills will certainly continue to serve you well in developing the best options for Magdalena's treatment, then helping her choose the most appropriate for her.

Your priorities at this time are certainly approriate.

Be sure to spend some time taking care of yourself. You have to be in good shape yourself in order to be there for her throughout these upcoming processes.

You have a lot of friends on this Board who will respond to any help request you post.

Gordon

Shannon, I would like to thank you for the concern and care you have shown me. Thank you for taking the time to help in times of need. Now your precious wife needs your full attention. She is certainly fortunate to have you as her advocate. We can all say that from personal experience. Know that I am praying for you both as you pursue her care. The best to you both. Sincerely , Lynda

Dear Shannon,

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Magdelena, and, of course, your energies most definitely belong with her and with taking good care of yourself as well. As others have noted, it would be hard to imagine her having a better advocate in dealing with the health care system. Your generosity and support for all of us on this list remains priceless.

I hold the very best thoughts for you both as you address this challenge.

Sincerely,

Rob

Shannon, best wishes for a speedy recovery for your wife Magdalena. We will miss your input. We are lucky to have Jackie and George as backups.

Jim

Dear Shannon,
Sorry to hear about your wife's health issues. Magdalena is fortunate to have you to find the best care and path forward for her. Your priorities at this time are certainly appropriate. Be sure to spend some time taking care of yourself as well, in order to be able to provide for her.
I heard very good reviews for the UCSF and Stanford University schools of medicine, as a starting point.

I also take this opportunity to thank you again for all the help that you provided me and everybody else during the years, and wish your wife a speedy resolution of the problems and quick recovery.

Sincerely,

Peter

I'm so sorry to read about the unexpected news, Shannon. You and your wife will be in my thoughts and prayers. No one could have a better health advocate than you, but be sure to take care of yourself as well.

Louise

Dear Shannon,

Thoughts and prayers to you and your wife Magdalena during this difficult time.
Best wishes for a quick recovery, and a successful outcome.

Lou

Dear Shannon and Magdelena,

I was sorry to hear this news. I'm wishing you both well and look forward to hearing a positive prognosis.

Marg

Magdalena, We all know Shannon would not be able to do what he does here without your support. The Dickson team has touched the lives of dozens of Af suffers and their families. We will now return all of the favors with prayers and well wishes for your recovery. There is no one I'd rather have at my side than Shannon if I were to do battle with any health condition. You will be in my family's prayers. Dennis and Debra Connolly



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/07/2014 07:15AM by Shannon.

Shannon,

I am sorry to hear of such difficult news. I wish you the best and will be thinking of you both.

billk

Shannon,

Prayers for your wife and for you.

Thank you for all that you do.

Maryann

Shannon, thank you for all of your advice, hoping for a quick recovery for your wife.

Tom

I hope that you will consider a Mexican visit, as some doctors/clinics there have gained a reputation of actually curing cancer instead of the unhappy "treatment" imposed on people north of the border.

There is at least one in Tijuana.

Many thanks once again for all the well wishes for Magdalena and myself. Ive had a two requests for a photo of Magdalena and so have posted a recent one on my little Google+ 'afibbers.org' site that I use just for posting such photos and videos of interest to us afibbers until I have a chance to fully revamp the website, hopefully during he coming new year, to be able to host videos, photos and more dynamic content more easily.

This link will take you to a photo from last fall of Magdalena in beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.

Magdalena Dickson

We have an appointment with two specialist kidney cancer surgeons next week and are looking forward to getting this initial phase, and all that it entails, behind us as soon we can.

Be well all,
Shannon



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2014 01:08AM by Shannon.

I don't post often here, but follow the forum often. Let me join a host of others in wishing the very best for the two of you. At my age, many of our friends, including us, are facing tough circumstances;, but it's even tougher to see younger people like you in such a situation. May you find others with a great knowledge of your wife's cancer who can strengthen and encourage you as you have so many others. God bless!

Shannon,

I'm so sorry to hear this. Will join the others in sending prayers and positive thoughts for a quick and full recovery for Magdalena.

Cathy

Dear Shannon,

Such sad news and after such a difficult year. I have two friends who experienced kidney cancer issues this year and both have come through to the other side with promising prognoses so far. My thoughts will be with you both. You certainly deserve the best possible outcome.

Judianne

Shannon, Thanks for sharing. Best wishes for you both.

Hi Shannon,
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Best wishes and prayers go out to you both. Thank you for all you do.

Duke

Shannon - So sorry to hear this news. You surely have had more than your share of medical challenges and 'bumps in the road" over the years, Thankfully you got your own Afib challenges under control now and that is behind you, so you can focus on taking care of Magdalena. I can certainly empathize with you in this situation, but am hopeful that she will do well in the long run - especially with you by her side. You have been a tremendous support for so many of us as we try to work our way through the Afib quagmire. No doubt you will find a great doctor and the best treatments for your wife, as you do that so well. We will all be anxious to hear how she - and you - are doing. Please keep us posted when you can.

Many blessings to you and Magdalena ~ Barb

Cancer has impacted me and my family in many ways. It is difficult to know how you will react when you or a member of your family hears the words "you have cancer". Regardless, I am a firm believer that having the right mental attitude is key to winning the battle.

Even with the small amount of interaction I have had with you.........confident that will be true with your family.


Steve

Love and Prayers to you and your wife Shannon!

John

Shannon,
God Bless your beautiful wife my dear friend! Anything you need just call!

Magdalena you got one amazing man you married who has helped God knows how many of us.
I know that he will guide you to the best care and put you in the hands of Angels.
What he's done for me during my times of hopelessness and despair is priceless!


Godspeed Recovery,

McHale

ggheld Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Your investigative, research and logical
> thinking processes, talents and skills will
> certainly continue to serve you well in developing
> the best options for Magdalena's treatment, then
> helping her choose the most appropriate for her.
> Gordon

Gordon summed up what I was going to say perfectly so I thought I would just quote him. I don't know you that well as I only had the opportunity to spend a few hours with you at the recent Afib Summit in Chicago but in that brief time I could tell you were an extremely bright and talented individual. I honestly thought you were a doctor you were so darn smart!

Your wife is very fortunate to have you in her corner. I have no doubt you'll direct the same energy, talents, and skills you have beating afib to her successful treatment.

I wish you both the very best during these trying times. Godspeed.

Travis Van Slooten

Just a quick drop in an hello to all and continued heartfelt thanks for the kind words for Magdalena and I.

We are in the process of making our way to Houston Texas, where I spent most of my youth from age 2 until graduation from high school after my family moved there from Charlotte North Carolina where I was born.

Hi All,

With some great good fortune and the key help of some of my friends highly place in the medical pantheon, we have an appointment with renowned kidney cancer surgeon and urological oncologist Dr Christopher Wood at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Tx this coming Wednesday morning, bright and early!

Definitely we feel blessed that we were able to have such good luck to find, and hook up with, such an experienced doc so expeditiously who focuses almost entirely on Kidney cancer at one of the very top research centers on kidney cancer in the US there at MD Anderson. Dr Wood is also a prominent appointed member of the Kidney Cancer Taskforce at the National Cancer Institute and is very involved in cutting edge research on just kidney cancer and improving outcomes for patients. Like that well known EP up the road about 3 hours drive in Austin, Dr Wood combines an avid devotion to research with a very busy clinical surgical practice there at MD Anderson in Houston.

We will fly to Houston on Monday and will be there this initial phase one around 5 days to meet the whole ten person team for Magdalena, starting with Dr Wood. Once he sorts out what all we are dealing with and lays down the plan, then any further scans, tests and possible biopsies will be done in the following few very long and busy days. We then will meet with Dr Wood again to get his recommended battle plan and set a date for the soonest possible time to come back for the procedures required to get her as free of cancer as possible. And then start the recovery and ongoing life-long vigilance to hopefully prevent any recurrence for a very very long time.

Once Dr Wood knows the urgency, or whether perhaps we have a couple more weeks before the process must start in earnest if the whole affair remains well contained in just the left kidney ... at least in terms of cancer which is so often a good deal more urgent to deal with than many medical issues at first. Then, the date will be set accordingly for return to Houston from a week , two weeks or maybe even three weeks ahead to fit with his schedule as well.

Dr Wood, too, is an expert in minimally invasive laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, in which with modest to smaller size tumors they can very often spare most of the kidney and maintain good organ function after removing the tumor, and with no reduction at all in terms of effectiveness and long term survival in most cases.

That, too, can also help lessen the recovery period which can be a rather tough and drawn out process after a full on open incision radical nephrectomy taking up to 6 weeks some times are longer to really get back going. The big thing with kidney cancer, I am learning, is not only to get a good clean result with the initial surgery, but assuming it has not metastasized and spread, it is of paramount importance to establish a long term relationship with a very experienced oncologist who really stays current with the latest developments in renal cancer treatment and does scans frequently during frequent bi annual follow ups after even more the first couple years with the oncologist to give every possible chance of discovering any recurrence after surgery while it is still tiny and way before it can become symptomatic.

Recurrent kidney cancer usually shows up outside the kidney, such as in the chest or lymph nodes and is pretty resistant to most chemo, as it is. Until recently, it was more or less a death sentence when it came back after an initially successful first surgery, but in recent years, advances with immuno-therapy and approval of several new drugs have given some targeted therapies keying just on renal cell carcinoma with greater extension of life in many cases now for those with more advanced metastatic disease.

I am still quite hopeful that we may have caught this early enough to get a very good outcome, and we wont have to wait too much longer to learn more about where we really do stand.

Thanks again for all the great support and best wishes you all! Magdalena is just bowled over by the all the kind words from so many of our friends here she is just getting to know.

Take care and will keep you all posted when I can as we roll along on this unexpected journey.

Shannon

Thanks Shannon for this detailed report.
So glad Magdalena is in the care of the best possible specialist; that must be very comforting. We'll all be praying, watching and waiting for your next detailed report.

Love, peace and many blessings to you both,
Jackie

Sending Love and regards

Mark

Shannon so sorry to hear about this new challenge. Our prayers are with you.
Ron

Shannon:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Magdalena. I fell and injured my spine and ribs in May. The pictures, on being examined by "experts", all came back with a "differential diagnoses" suggestion or three. Five sets of pictures and fifteen sets of opinions. So we pursued the metastatic cancer route with an oncologist; the whole nine yards from MRI through spinal bone marrow biopsy. In the end they could find nothing to support their diagnoses but want me again in three months to see if there are any "changes". To heck with that... we found the very best neurosurgeon/oncologist we could find and are pursuing this much more aggressively despite being in Ontario, where public health care reigns supreme. I will have another MRI with contrast in a couple of weeks and then we take it from there. Thus far, despite the pictures that show that I "MAY" have an issue, they have found nothing to discuss. I hope that it turns out the same for you folks. Nontheless, it is quite understandable that 110% of your attention be devoted to aggressively pursuing this and Magdalena can have no finer advocate than yourself. Sleepless nights are a given but maintain your strength for the advocacy and beating the doctors and such over the head for 'full speed ahead' diagnosis and intervention..... when the chips settle, we pray it is nothing or at least manageable. We are by your sides..... Godspeed.
Murray L

Murray L

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Tikosyn uptake Dec 2011 500ug b.i.d. NSR since!
Herein lies opinion, not professional advice, which all are well advised to seek.

Just seeing this now! Wishing the best for you and yours. Take care and we'll be thinking about you!