Thursday, July 28, 2016

Update

I spent a good bit of the day today at M. D. Anderson.   My doctor is Eleni Efstathiou, MD, who is, according to the nurse, a "super doctor."  She was very upbeat and optimistic, but I still have to go through a lot more testing.  She believes I have a treatable form of prostate cancer, but that's yet to be determined.  If I do, it's odd because some of the indicators don't point to that.  Let's hope she's right.

Thanks again for all your good wishes.  They've really helped me get through the days.  I'm not posting much, but I'm still reading.  Love to you all.

47 comments:

Rick Ollerman said...

Let's hope she's right, indeed....

Todd Mason said...

We're certainly going to look forward to any posts you close to make...and may all the news be at least this kind of good news going forward. Or, at least, not Too much worse than "the VBKs have knocked over more stuff"...

Unknown said...

Prayers!

Jonathan said...

Fingers crossed!

Richard said...

Bless you Bill

sandra seamans said...

Fingers and toes crossed for more good news.

Craig Zablo said...

Good news. Let's keep the good vibes going!

Jeff Meyerson said...

That would definitely be a positive thing, especially considering alternatives.

Glad - very glad - to hear she is "upbeat" about the possibility.

Keep on trucking. We are with you always.

Jeff Meyerson said...

Half full glass here. Let's go with treatable. You hang in there friend.

Love and hope, Jackie

Jerry House said...

You can't keep a good geezer down. Keep on fighting, Bill!

Unknown said...

I certainly like treatable. Your doctor appears to know her stuff. Prayers continue.

mikeg said...

Happy Birthday to you!

J. Kingston Pierce said...

I shall remain cautiously optimistic on the outside ... but thrilled for your chances on the inside. A welcome bit of hopeful news!

Richard Moore said...

Gosh, Bill, I like the way this is trending. I know a lot about prostate cancer having had it since 1999. I guess I've gotten used to it or it to me but, heck, I know they can do things to treat it and certainly back it off a bit. There are lots of new therapies coming on board.

Hang in there my friend!! You've got a lot of friends and that certainly includes Becky and me.

Richard and Becky

Max Allan Collins said...

I have my own unexpected doctor's appointment tomorrow. I'll show you my good wishes if you show me yours.

Unknown said...

You got 'em.

Harry Shannon said...

Happy Birthday, my friend. Get well soon, and post more photos of the VBK

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, and Please get well, All The Best of wishes

Anonymous said...

Keep keeping us updated. Really appreciated. Trying not worry constantly. Having minimal success. Hoping for the best.

Stilwell

Kat Tromp said...

Good thoughts and prayers for you, Bill. I hope that your specialist is on the right track. My husband is having surgery for the same thing in two weeks; his doctor makes it sound more like a "cancer of inconvenience" than anything else.
Thank you for taking time out to keep us updated. I know you have plenty on your plate right now.

Matthew said...

I will be praying for you!

upnorthwriter said...

Sending warm thoughts to you, and prayers for strength and hope. I really believe you can beat this. You were a miracle for the VBKs, and now it's time for you to pick up your own miracle. I'll keep reminding God that He owes you one--or three. --Janet S.

Greg Daniel said...

Bill, I'm going to slide your latest post to the "Good News" side of the ledger and I hope I can keep pushing that direction from now on. If Super Doctor says she thinks it's treatable/beatable, who are we mere mortals to argue? Good thoughts and lots of prayers still heading your way.

Rick said...

I'm glad your specialist is upbeat and optimistic. We all need to be. Continued good wishes to you from L.A.

(Rick Libott)

Unknown said...

Treatable is welcome news, Bill. Go get 'em!

Steph said...

I'm very pleased to hear there is optimism from your super doctor. That's much better news. From reading the other comments before mine, I take it today is your birthday? Happy Birthday Bill--and many, many, more to come.

Rick said...

It's still your birthday on the West Coast.
Happy Birthday, Bill. And many more, I hope and pray.

Cap'n Bob said...

Great to hear the positive news. I said happy birthday on Facebook--possibly twice--and I'll add it again here. Happy Birthday. Belated as of 3 minutes ago.

Lisa said...

Prayers and Happy Birthday! I really hope the new doctor is right. Hoping and praying.

Prashant C. Trikannad said...

Bill, I hope all your indicators point to a cure and a complete recovery. Best wishes to you.

Dan said...

High hopes now. Thanks for the update!

Jeff Meyerson said...

Darn. I knew your birthday was July. Sorry I missed saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY on time.

I will stay off your lawn!

Charles Gramlich said...

Sounds like mostly upbeat news. that is good to hear.

Charles Hornaday said...

I hope she's right! Good luck!

Mike Stamm said...

God, I hope she's right. I may not comment all the time, but I'm checking your blog every day and keeping my fingers crossed (which makes typing a problem, so let's get this resolved for the good ASAP).

Anonymous said...

Keep the good news coming! I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well, friend-whom-I've-never-met.

Ken said...

Positive vibes to you Bill!

CNM said...

Good luck. It's a heckuva note when we're at the age where: "It's prostate cancer" is the good news. I wish you all the best. Hope you get some better news soon. I'd love to give Father Time a great big wedgie for what he pulls on us all.

Howard said...

Wow, she looks like one very smart woman. Two degrees! Do you have to call her "Doctor Doctor?"

You seem to be a little more upbeat, now. I'm glad for that. Hope is good. We're all pulling for you, Bill!

piggie zee said...

Hoping the news stays as good as the possibilities and that the VBKs learn to take proper care of you...

Tom Mason said...

Best of luck, Bill!

Glen Davis said...

That's good news. Hope the news and the prognosis stays positive.

Mathew Paust said...

Keep the good news coming, Bill!

Nathan Collins said...

You're in our thoughts, Bill. Here's hoping for more good news soon!

Sean Kelly said...

Keeping you in my thoughts from Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

Thomas Miller said...

Bill, I'm going to be praying for your recovery and good health. Your books and your blog and your funny, nostalgic stories at conventions have given me much enjoyment.

By the way, I live in Houston and would be glad to assist with rides, etc. if you need anything. If I do this right, there should be a link to my Facebook page below, where I can be contacted.

Unknown said...

Thanks. I'll try to get in touch if
I need help.