Tom the Sawyer needing prayers.

[doc henderson]

I will start by saying that he is not doing well after a surgery.  for those of you who know him, he has had a tough go for the past 15 years or so.  I have only known him for a few years on the forum, we were acquainted as we are both are from Kansas.  I met him and his devoted wife Jillane At @customsawyer get together pre covid.  We have shared a few PMs.  Please say a prayer as i share with you devastating condition.  

[doc henderson]

I feel honored that I was asked, but it is with a heavy heart, that I share these PMs.  i think it is the best way to fill you in.  he did not want sympathy if things went well, and did not want to burden his wife with this task if they did not.  they did not.  

 Tom the Sawyer

Re: Elm tree
« Sent to: doc henderson on: November 04, 2021, 02:53:14 PM »
« You have forwarded or responded to this message. »

Oh well, there'll usually be another one.

Not posted on the forum but I am also going to be out of milling for awhile.  Perhaps TMI, but with your knowledge it should be comprehensible.

15 years ago this week, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer which was surgically removed and I was left with a colostomy.  I went through the chemo/radiation routine and, after they determined that I was not a candidate for reconnection, life went on.  Sometime, years ago, I developed a parastomal hernia, which is why it looked like I was trying to steal some kid's volleyball.  Shortly after my initial surgery I developed a ventral (incisional) hernia (they had also taken my gallbladder at the same time), which was repaired.  

Radiation killed off a section of my small intestine and a re-section was done about 12 years ago, and they also fixed a mesh separation from the ventral hernia.  The bariatric surgeon was not eager to go back in to repair the parastomal hernia, but it has gotten worse.

Sometime in the spring this year I thought I had an UTI, based on cloudy urine.  I went to my PCP's PA and they agreed, put me on 7 days antibiotics.  Cloudy urine persisted, along with some urgency, so I went to a urologist who did another urine test, 10 days of a different antibiotic.  August 13th I went to the ED with extreme right flank pain, the same day the Urologist put me on a 14 day course of a stronger antibiotic.  I was passing a kidney stone, the pain from which subsided while I was in the ED but they decided to keep me because of the persistent UTI.  Over 3 days, and a couple of scans with and without contrast, they suspected that I had a fistula (rectal stump to bladder).  Apparently scar tissue, time, gravity, and irradiated tissues caught up with me. I also was diagnosed with bilateral hydro-nephrosis.

They scheduled me for a couple of tests, a camera into my bladder and a flexible sigmoidoscopy, both of which indicated there probably was a connection.  Inflammation of the bladder wall is apparently what is constricting my ureters.  So the plan is to go in for surgery with 3 surgeons (2 urology and 1 bariatric) and the robotic suite.  They will sever the connection, repair the bladder, insert two temporary stents in my ureters, repair/reduce/or remove the rectal stump, and repair the parastomal hernia.  

Apparently, it is considered complex but not critical surgery so they had to coordinate a full open date for each surgeon and the surgical suite.  My pre-surgical consultations were at the end of September and they put me on two strong antibiotics until surgery, the surgery is scheduled for November 18th.  They told me to expect to be in the hospital 2 or 3 nights, followed by having a catheter for 2 weeks and a total of 6-8 weeks of activity restrictions.  

I have been urging clients to get their logs milled, mostly small jobs where they had delivered logs and were waiting for better weather, or some other reason.  Most of those have been done.  I have referred all mobile job requests to an associate, former client who bought a swingblade mill.  Limiting jobs to no more than 3 or 4 hours since I get tired easily.  The waiting is the worse part, they told me surgery was probably necessary before I left the hospital in August, it'll be a total 90 days before it gets done.

Sorry if too much information but I wanted someone on the forum to know.  Looking forward to the next sawyers' gathering.  It isn't likely that I would make another trip to Jeff's pig roast but going to Jake's works well for us since we can combine that with a visit to Jillane's sister in NC.

Take care,
Tom 

(This was added to a PM regarding an elm near me for a lady that just wanted it to not go to waste.  BKH)

[doc henderson]

when i asked a few questions, he followed up with this PM.

Tom the Sawyer

Re: Elm tree
« Sent to: doc henderson on: November 24, 2021, 12:10:17 PM »
« You have forwarded or responded to this message. »

Doc,

Update - I went in for surgery last Thursday. A couple of hours in the surgeon came out and told my wife that it was looking good, the presence of a fistula between the rectal stump and the bladder has been confirmed and they were setting up for its removal.  About an hour later they found my wife and daughter in the cafeteria and took them to a private room.  They had unexpectedly found cancer in the fistula, most likely a colon cancer.  Although they removed the tumor, they were unable to get clear margins where it attached to the bladder and, had they gone further, they would not have been able to close the bladder.  They decided to close up and involve me in the decision process.

They sent me home Sunday, just before the Chiefs game, with a catheter, drainage bulb and a bunch of staples.  Absent any pre-surgical indications of a cancer potential, a primary concern was that cancer may have spread to other parts of my body and performing the more aggressive surgery would have been futile if it had spread.  If the cancer had spread, my only option would have been rounds of chemo in an attempt to slow it down.  They were quickly able to get approval for a PET scan (apparently Blue Medicare Advantage would not let them do it while I was in-patient) and I had that yesterday at noon.  By end of day my surgeon's office called to tell me that they had found no cancer anywhere else in my body.

The specialist bladder surgeon they had brought in to assist my urologist and bariatric surgeons, is a leader in something I think they called neobladder construction.  We are on the surgical path again, seeking approval for another surgery, hopefully quite soon since the less scar tissue they have to deal with the better.  This will be a more aggressive surgery than what was planned for last week.  

As I understand it, the course of treatment is to remove my bladder (which takes out the prostrate) and the rectal stump.  They will also be removing several pieces of mesh from previous surgeries and hernias.  He will create a new bladder pouch and attach the ureters.  Although he normally uses small intestine to create the pouch, he can also use a section of colon if the small intestine tissue doesn't appear useable due to the radiation 14 years ago.  That pouch will lead to a small stoma on the lower right side of my belly.  As part of the parastomal hernia repair, they'll probably relocate my existing colostomy and, if they use colon tissue for the pouch, it will likely move to my right side.  Instead of 6-10 weeks recovery time, I am looking at 3-6 months.  They also indicated that there is a range of potential complications.

I have a lot of confidence in my bariatric surgeon and he has been great about discussing the potentials and quality of life issues, he would come into my room and sit on the bed and inquire into deeper issues other than the normal 'rounds' topics.  He knows me to be a pragmatist and has been very helpful.  I have fully expected to hear, 'sorry there is nothing we can do', so I am encouraged by the things they can do, the skill sets and technologies.  I'm old enough to remember an adventure series from the 70s where the tag line was "we can rebuild him".    

Keeping my spirits up, thanks for listening.
Tom  

[doc henderson]

then a follow up.

Re: Elm tree
« Sent to: doc henderson on: November 25, 2021, 09:26:57 AM »
« You have forwarded or responded to this message. »

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, hope you were able to get the day off, or at least a portion of it.  In law enforcement, working holidays was a normal activity and ditto for Fire, EMS and ERs.

My apologies for the TMI, I try to share information based on ability to comprehend, my neighbor doesn't even know I was in the hospital.

I am on the Forum almost every day but I am not a daily contributor.  If you happen to notice that I have not contributed (or signed in) for a while, could you contact my wife, Jillane, to see what happened?  It isn't likely that she would think to, or figure out how to, post something on FF, but there are a number of friends on there that might care to know.

I am not a thoughts and prayers guy so I haven't posted anything about this on the Forum, I prefer facts and science-based evidence.  If Jillane confirms that I am no longer able to participate, I would appreciate it if you would let the Forum know.  

Thanks,
Tom   

[doc henderson]

then this:

Re: Elm tree
« Sent to: doc henderson on: November 26, 2021, 05:15:22 PM »
« You have forwarded or responded to this message. »

Jillane came in Wednesday and said, "who is Bryan Henderson?".  As soon as I started to tell her, she remembered, she was very appreciative of your text.  When I told her why I had messaged, you she commented, "I'd have never thought of how to contact them (FF)."  She is one of those people who generally won't answer the phone if she doesn't recognize the number - now she will know who it is.

The PET scan was noon on Tuesday, "no spread" results by 4pm.  Wednesday afternoon my surgeon's scheduling person called to tell me that they had the surgery approved (insurance) and I am scheduled for Thursday, 12/9/21 @ 0730 hrs., two weeks from yesterday.  

At this point there shouldn't be any special prep, maybe a colon-cleansing (I've done at least 8 of those in the past 15 years).  When you have a colostomy, it is a bit different than normal prep.  

The elements in this surgery are all things the various surgeons have done previously, perhaps hundreds of times.  I think the combination in a single patient, and my irradiated tissue, are what make it challenging and for an extended recovery time.  While discussing the recovery and potential for complications, nothing has ever been mentioned about non-survival.  It is just my practical nature that tries to consider the potentialities (I am 70 with a cancer/irradiation/chemo history).  My primary surgeon mentioned that being able to wrestle big logs at my age, would work in my favor (remaining active into retirement), although he also cautioned that I won't be able to continue doing that after the surgery.

I don't intend to post anything about the surgery beforehand but, if something very unexpected, were to happen and I was disabled or did not survive, then I would appreciate you contacting Jillane and posting it then.


Although I may be in-patient for a week or so, I fully intend to be on-line, if not commenting by 12/11 or 12, and all of this may have been moot.  [I may still have a folder on my computer of law enforcement alternative action plans that were never implemented 12+ years ago.]  

I really appreciate that you would consider accepting this request from me, hopefully you won't need to do anything.

Take care,
Tom

[doc henderson]

i hope this is making sense, it did not seem so big, until this evening.

Re: Elm tree
« Sent to: doc henderson on: December 07, 2021, 01:21:39 PM »

Thanks for checking in, I'm doing as well as could be expected, waiting until Thursday morning, check-in at 0530 hrs.  Not going out much, managing my leg bag, perhaps Taco Tuesday tonight.

Did my last milling job of the year last Saturday, 12/04, milled out some elm and walnut cookies; 24/4, 16/4, and 12/4, for one of my custom furniture guys. Custom Furniture KC ? Furniture with a Story 

[mike_belben]

Boy thats a lot of suffering.  Did he make it thru the final surgery?

[doc henderson]

I got the text Thursday that his surgery went well started at 9 am and ended at 6 pm, 6 units of blood.  in the ICU on a vent but doing well.  I got an update on Saturday while in Louisiana.  "still in ICU on a vent, in pain, on track and doing well".  Got this near the end of our scout meeting tonight.  " CT shows a massive stroke on the right, and a small one on the left".  "He is not in pain because brain is not functioning".  "He wont wake up but will squeeze hand".  "this was devastating, as the surgery was a complete success".  

I was not sure how to convey this info, but thought his words in private show what a proud and self sufficient man he is.  he did not want to burden his wife, or trouble other members for even a thought or prayer if not needed.  it is needed now, and I am trying to fulfil my duty to now share with all due respect.  We were talking about the unintended damage from covid with scouts.  I shared the text with them as it came in during the meeting.  We decided to share our closing with the Lords prayer and Taps in honor of Tom.  We hope he does well and recovers and survives, but it sounds tough.  his wife asked me to share this now so he can benefit from Our community request from God.  If nothing else, may he know we respect and admire him, and are hoping for the best what ever that may be.  

he was in Law enforcement prior to retiring into sawing.  he is an intelligent man happy to share with others. please join me in saying a prayer of hope and peace, and thinking of Tome the Sawyer and his family.  I looked at his pictures and it looks like he met many on the forum.  I may try to add links to those listed.  my goal was to get this on real time.  Thinking and praying for our friend Tom. 

[doc henderson]

Mike he is alive and in the ICU.  I did not ask a lot of detailed questions of his wife, but sense that it is bad.  I will update as we go.  his wife agreed we should ask for prayer at this time and I will update concerned and caring members as I get news.  



 

[mike_belben]

Thanks for that doc.  Prayers sent.

[Ianab]

Thanks for the updates Doc. Here's hoping he pulls through 

[beenthere]

More prayers for Tom

[Roxie]

Praying God's mercy for our friend and his family. 

[Walnut Beast]

I got the text Thursday that his surgery went well started at 9 am and ended at 6 pm, 6 units of blood.  in the ICU on a vent but doing well.  I got an update on Saturday while in Louisiana.  "still in ICU on a vent, in pain, on track and doing well".  Got this near the end of our scout meeting tonight.  " CT shows a massive stroke on the right, and a small one on the left".  "He is not in pain because brain is not functioning".  "He wont wake up but will squeeze hand".  "this was devastating, as the surgery was a complete success".  

I was not sure how to convey this info, but thought his words in private show what a proud and self sufficient man he is.  he did not want to burden his wife, or trouble other members for even a thought or prayer if not needed.  it is needed now, and I am trying to fulfil my duty to now share with all due respect.  We were talking about the unintended damage from covid with scouts.  I shared the text with them as it came in during the meeting.  We decided to share our closing with the Lords prayer and Taps in honor of Tom.  We hope he does well and recovers and survives, but it sounds tough.  his wife asked me to share this now so he can benefit from Our community request from God.  If nothing else, may he know we respect and admire him, and are hoping for the best what ever that may be.  

he was in Law enforcement prior to retiring into sawing.  he is an intelligent man happy to share with others. please join me in saying a prayer of hope and peace, and thinking of Tome the Sawyer and his family.  I looked at his pictures and it looks like he met many on the forum.  I may try to add links to those listed.  my goal was to get this on real time.  Thinking and praying for our friend Tom.

Well said Doc and thanks for sharing. Praying for him and his family. 

[barbender]

I'm sorry to hear that Tom is in a bad way. Prayers sent for him. Thanks Doc.

[Bruno of NH]

Prayers for Tom and his family 

[SwampDonkey]

Thanks for being Tom's voice through this rough time. I am hoping for the best for him and family. It sure has been a terrible ordeal for him. :'(

[thecfarm]

And he keeps a sawing!!!
That man has some strength.
I will be thinking of you through out the days ahead.

[customsawyer]

Prayers sent.

[WV Sawmiller]

   My hopes for speedy and complete recovery. I think it was Tom's idea to include a log scale on the back of my business card that I shamelessly copied and have used ever since I started my business. My very best to him and his family and friends.

[Cedarman]

Thank you Doc for the updates.
Prayers for you Tom.  Best wishes.  Prayers for strength for family and friends.

[Don P]

Probably so Howard, I have one of his too. Thanks for the update Doc.

[Sedgehammer]

First, prayers are needed. Prayer's sent for him, his family and friends

Not too much info. It ties everything together.  He's suffered a lot in life. Hopefully, he pulls through

He trusted the right man in bringing this. Thanks doc

[Peter Drouin]

I will ask the father to help tom too.

[Jeff]

God please watch over our Forestry Forum friend.