Yes, that’s right…CANCER. The diagnosis didn’t come easy – it started with a search for why was I anemic. That progressed to a colonoscopy (9/29/25) that found a blockage, which led to a scheduled surgery (10/15/25) that got canceled (at 7:30 am) because the surgeon saw more on the CT scan than they thought was wrong. That led to referral to UC Davis and an Ileostomy (12/3/25) and now chemo. This all in less than 6 months. For 2 of those 6 months, I was on a liquid diet.
I’m thankful for doctors who have found something that could kill me before the nasty deed is done – and this is the third time it has happened. You can contact me for the full stories, just believe with me that God is watching out for me, and still has something for me to do.
We’re thankful for our sons, Kevin Suttle and Timothy Suttle for making sure I can get to surgeries and other appointments in Fairfield and Sacramento, and help take care of their mom Laurie Suttle. Thankful too for their families and employers sharing them with us.
In the midst of all this, a substitute “supplement” caused my kidney to crash and my potassium to go through the roof. Fortunately I had blood work done on a Friday for the Oncologist, and was able to take a copy of the report on a Saturday (1/24/26) to Urgent Care, who recommended that I get to ER by car or by the ambulance across the street. Net result, 3 days in NorthBay in Fairfield to get my body back to somewhat normal.
Chemo has now started. For me it comes in two phases – oral and IV. I am on a 2 weeks on, 1 week off of oral, and on the 22nd day of the cycle I’ll be getting an infusion. Just to make sure I’m ready, they installed my “port” on Monday (2/23/26). Still a little tender in my upper chest, but it is better than it was Monday night.
Thankful that now that I am 3-1/2 days into my first round of chemo, there have been no side effects. This is going to go on for at least 3 months. The goal is to reduce the size of “the mass” and for me to get my strength back. Then…
More surgery is coming as they will look at all kinds of scans and determine exactly what is affected and what they need to remove.
It’s fun trying to remember the names of all the doctors I have to communicate with in two different medical systems (look for a blurb in my blog). The current count is up to 10.
Thank you for your prayers for us, and continue to pray, because He IS listening.
More to come as the days progress…