the latest

Tomorrow Billy travels to Sloan Kettering with his brother Micheal. Having a "fresh" set of ears, and someone with more Knowledge of Nancy's illness should be of great benefit. He has an appointment for a pulmonary test (breathe in tube = test lungs) on Wednesday. Then the 21st is the first day of chemo. We tried today to have the chemo moved to this week. Unfortunately they need to wait for all of these test results before they can start the treatments. The need to move up was brought on by concerns from this weekend. He had troubling symptoms that weren't present before, along with an additional lump found on the other side of his body... Generally 1 lump is stage 1, more than one lump on the same side of the body is stage 2, lumps on both sides of the body moves you to stage 3... along with the additional pain and other symptoms, we would rather go sooner than later... ill post more on Wednesday after we hear what SK says..
thanks
w

log in name and password

We have found that many of you have a hard time leaving comments on the website. I have created a name and password you can use, you just need to make sure you sign your name after you post a comment, or all of the comments will be from me. Also, if you could leave your email addresses, Billy can write you back directly..
thanks
sign in name wendyrut@aol.com
password billyscott

this will save you all from having to register to leave a message.
thanks!

dr.'s update

We spent 5 hours today with the Oncologists at Hunterdon Medical Cancer Center. They were really good. They were very personalized, hands on and "to the point". We were only there for a consultation, but we were able to meet with both the oncologist, and the radiation oncologist. He went through another battery of tests, and have more scheduled for the days to come. It was to say the least, very mentally draining with a lot of information over load. Should he decide to stay at Hunterdon, his first Chemo treatment will be on the 21st. Next Tuesday we have a meeting with Sloan Kettering to see what path they would recommend, and to get a second opinion on his "slides".
Thoughts of Billy's sister Nancy weigh heavily on his mind and add a lot to his concern. But, his doctors and I are confident. They are projecting he will be taking chemo once every 2 weeks, for approximately 12 weeks. Then it is followed with 2 weeks of radiation every day. Then he is evaluated again...
as always, thank you for your prayers and support

treatment update

We have been in contact with Sloan Kettering. Unfortunately, due to stupid insurance regulations, Horizon Blue Cross of NJ isn't accepted at the NJ facility, only the hospital in New York. We have been assigned a doctor and are in the system awaiting contact for our initial consultation for treatment... Its been 2 days, so I will be calling later today to force an appointment...
On a side note, yesterday I contacted Hunterdon Medical Cancer center. So far this is where we have had everything taken care of. They are affiliated with FOX CHASE. (Sloan is ranked number 2 in the country, number 1 in the east... Fox Chase is number 11 in the country and number 5 in the east....) I was able to get a consultation with an oncologist scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday.. This will give us an idea of the course of treatment they suggest. We already know there wont be more surgeries, just chemo and radiation...

yes, we will still get a consultation with Sloan.... if I can ever get him an appointment...
thank you all for your help and well wishes so far, his spirits have been down of late...

I know everyone wants to offer support and just doesn't know how.. I did order 100 Live strong bracelets, in the color gray. They say "Scott 1" on them, as you know this is one of his team colors, and always his shirt number... they should be in tomorrow and I will get them out to you as soon as possible. I know this doesn't equal to "helping" but since there isn't anything anyone can do yet, at least we can show a unified support for him.
thanks again,
Wendy

My thoughts on cancer

I felt that I needed to shed some light on things that have happened so quickly. It's Sunday night and I realize that I am sick....and I'm angry about that. You see this is my life and I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful and good people. I've had friendships now that have lasted 40 years...and I'm only 47 so how lucky am I? The relationships I have are the foundation of my existance....translation meaning the people in my small world are everything to me and life means very little without all of you. That comes from my heart. Cancer now becomes a large part of my world and will dominate my routine and test my courage. It enters my world without invitation and thats unacceptable to me. I choose, It's the fundamental of my beliefs and now thats gone...maybe forever....and thats not acceptable for me.
So I have Hodgkins disease as so many others before me have had. Cancer doesn't scare me nor does the fight against the disease scare me. What does scare me is the thought of not being there for any of you that may need me spanning rom my family to my friends, to my ball teams to my dogs...not being able to work for my days pay.. being week....inept...useless...feeble...weak...these are my greatest fears. I'm a fighter and I have never had self doubt but cancer changes that for me...I'm fighting an opponent I can't see. You all should know I woke up today with the thought that I won't do the treatments..chemo and radiation, they're not for me. I watched my sister Nancy fight this disease for 2 years and fail...my father as well. But then I remember that you all count on me in some small way and you need me to be around as long as I can be...but please understand I don't want to be sickly, weak and bedridden so a compromise may be in order...so I will fight this fight for all of you..and we'll just see.. Please know that I am not scared of what lies ahead for me. I have had the pleasure of kindness, love and understanding from all of you and I take that with me everyday and I am greatful and do not take it for granted. I've done my best to return your love and trust in my own way. So tomorrow my fight begins and I will fight like hell...for all of you. Should I fail please know that I love you all..my family, friends and teamates who are like my brothers and mean so much to me....i've always" left it all out on the field" and this fight will be no different for me. I love you all and I'm greatful..Thankyou.

medical update

Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 2

The rest of his body was clear, it is only in his neck and around the heart. It was recommended that we being Chemo and Radiation immediately. It does have one of the better success rates. I will write more, when I know more..
thanks
w

Not too much to report. Billy was going in today for his cat scan. It is a 20 minute procedure and he got to drink a really yummy shake that tasted like chalk. He tried to feed it to the dogs, but they wanted nothing to do with it. He has been doing fine. He is very sore from Mondays surgery and learned really quick what his limitations are. (not that he listened). He did make it to watch his little league team play ball, but couldn't stay long. The other dad's sent him home. He has been pretty tired lately, but still has his usual "cheery disposition". He does read his messages, so thanks for all your well wishes.