This is a first attempt to let folks know what’s happening with Tim and me (Paul). Originally, this was just going to be a blog to update folks on my cancer. Now, it’s going to be a blog to update folks on both of our cancers. All this is pretty overwhelming for both of us, but I’m hoping this will make it easier to keep everyone updated. So, here goes… Some of the stuff about me is taken from various email correspondences I’ve had with family and friends. The stuff about Tim is pretty new.

PAUL: In late May, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma (“MM” for those in the know) is considered a blood cancer – specifically, cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. In May, I had a routine lab test that showed that I was anemic. One test led to another and another. Bone marrow biopsy, MRI, bone density scan, PET scan. When my partner Tim and I saw the oncologist to go over my test results, she gave us the news. Multiple Myeloma. The initial prognosis didn’t seem very hopeful. Eventually I’d likely have some significant symptoms including severe anemia and bone pain, and I’d be susceptible to infections, bone fractures, dissolving vertebrae and renal failure. There’s no cure, and I’d have to have several rounds of chemo, a bone marrow transplant or two, and at most 4-5 years to live. Since then I’ve had more tests to pin things down a bit more. This resulted in a better prognosis: maybe 10 years or more, but most likely the same symptoms and treatments – just stretched out over a longer time. My oncologist also reminded me that longevity is just a statistical average, and a few patients have been around for 20+years.

I’ve seen a couple experts for additional consultations. Right now, there are a couple choices to make. Since I’m still feeling ok and not experiencing any major symptoms, one expert advises waiting to start chemo until something more significant develops (likely over the next few months). The other expert at UCSF looked at my lab tests, and saw that my numbers are declining or rising (depending on which lab tests are being looked at). He felt that it would be better for me to start chemo soon rather than wait. His thinking is that I might be able to have better chance of holding off the more severe symptoms and maybe not need a bone marrow transplant for a long time if ever. Of course, this means that I risk side-effects of the chemo, but this might be better than the bad symptoms of the multiple myeloma. To be continued…

TIM: It’s hard to believe that our lives could go from bad to worse. Tim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a little over a week ago. He was having some indigestion discomfort and slight pain over the past couple months, but he’s used to that and figured it was just something to manage with proper meds and diet. He thought it might be something like gall stones, but I got concerned that it wasn’t getting better and urged him to get it checked out. It turned out to be a lot more serious. After various tests, they determined that the pancreatic tumor is inoperable because of the location and what it’s doing. Basically, it’s wrapped around a duct/valve that makes it nearly impossible to cut out the tumor. They also noticed a “spot” on his liver, which might indicate the cancer has metastasized.

Tim had a biopsy on Friday August 21. The pathology confirmed what we already knew. The tumor is malignant and wrapped around a pancreatic duct, and is considered inoperable. So, it’s not looking very hopeful. Heavy duty chemo is probably the only/next option. Tim had a PET scan today to see if they can tell the status of the liver spot. If the liver spot turns out not to be cancerous, then there is a possibility of surgery for the main pancreatic tumor. Otherwise, chemo is the only option. The surgery is very complicated and risky, so we’re not sure right now. We have a couple consultations planned to get a few more opinions, but they’re not yet scheduled.

All this seems like a bad dream we can’t wake up from. After 35 years together, we’re both trying to live life as normally as possible and enjoy the time we have together. We know we have a lot of support out there and offers of help are truly appreciated. But, right now we’re mostly in a state of numbness.