Let me get right to the chase. The PET-scan was administered on September 1st; the process took roughly two hours most of which found me either sitting quietly in a chair while the radioactive fluid travelled through my body or in the PET tube. The actual scan took about 30 minutes.
September 2nd: Back to Iowa for our appointment to discuss the results of the scan. Dr. Henrich, Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor, has 25 years of experience and is person who got me through the base of tongue cancer episode over 11 years ago. He entered the examining room. Diane and I were expecting to discuss when I could have a swallowing video test with the hope that someday I could say good-bye to PEG. That was not to happen. He began, “Well, the results are not what I expected.” Diane’s and my eyes met above our masks as we knew this was not going to be good. It wasn’t.
The PET scan revealed a “hot spot” on my C3 vertebrae. The report states, “There appears to be bony destruction and an underlying soft tissue mass extending into the adjacent paraspinal musculature. Findings are indicative of local metastatic disease.” We asked Dr. Henrich what does this mean? He told us it could be an infection, inflammation, or cancer but he has already conferred with an oncologist. Next step? A CT guided needle biopsy has been scheduled for September 10th. This will determine the future course of action. None of this is good news, but we will have to wait until the results are in before we can do anything else. Now we wait. This is excruciating for the action-oriented Taylors who like to have a plan today—not at some underdetermined date in the future.
Obviously, PEG is a part of our lives for the time being. The swallow test is postponed. We are exhausted, sad, mad, frustrated, numb, and shocked.
My mind is racing. Could I actually be having another round of radiation and chemotherapy? Will I again be fastened down to a table with a plastic mask covering my face? Daily trips to Iowa? Tell me this isn’t again in store for us, but I fear it just might be. Diane and I are working mightily to not develop or “let in” a “why me?” mentality. We are trying not to project on what may happen after the needle biopsy; however, that is very difficult for us.
The Taylors have been blessed in so many ways, one of which is the friendships shared over the past 60 years. More than ever family and friends are what matter to us.
In March 2010 Diane started our first blog to keep people abreast of my base of tongue cancer battle and now eleven years later, damn it, we are doing it again. In January 2019, I never thought for a moment when we started up writing again that it would end up being anything like this. It was supposed to be about personal observations and how we boomers deal with life in the fourth quarter of a changing world. And now this–simply astounding and frankly unbelievable. We remain hopeful.
Gordy and the Fourth Quarter 
So sorry you are facing more testing. Thoughts and prayers are with you both🙏
As always ❤️Love and 🙏 pray for “The Taylors”
Hang tough Gordy my prayers are with you every day.
Gordy and Diane,
Thinking of you with much love.
Thanks for this update, Gordy and Diane. I admire your focus on taking action and controlling what you may. Take care
Very sorry to hear this. Praying for direction for those involved in decisions and most of all praying for continued strength for you both.
Keep you close in thoughts and prayers. Stay strong!!
Sending heartfelt thoughts for strength and healing for both of you. “You’ve got this”
This is not the news we all want for the very special Taylors. Will make a call “upstairs” tonight to help get this straightened out. We love you guys! ❤️❤️❤️
Hang in there Gordy. Sending prayers. Stay strong. You’re a Leatherneck!
I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying for you both. Be strong and have faith.
You are both in my prayers.
Oh, Gordy and Diane! How I wish we all could just take on our collective shoulders your many burdens. This all seems so unfair. I cannot even say wonderful churchy things at this point. Just know your many friends love you both and are grateful to have had you both in our lives.
On Sun, Sep 5, 2021, 5:02 PM Gordy and the Fourth Quarter wrote:
> dmtgat posted: ” March 2021 Let me get right to the chase. The PET-scan > was administered on September 1st; the process took roughly two hours most > of which found me either sitting quietly in a chair while the radioactive > fluid travelled through my body. ” >
My thoughts and prayers are with you.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hi Gordy
it is Bill Pranger (Bills’son)
First, your blogs are amazing and inspirational. please them up
i remember walking on the beach in Ft Myers with you and Diane, my Dad, and my wife (Vi) and I. It always meant so much to my dad that you would take the time and effort to see my parents whenever you went to FL. Thanks so much for that! I could never explain how much that meant to him.
we have been keeping my mom informed about your situation,. she reminded us all about the time Gregory came and lived with us in Pittsburgh . i dont remember too much but she said Greg and i shared bunk beds and i am sure we loved it.
Take good care of yourself, the Prangers are thinking and praying for you
❤️ Love and 🙏 Prayers “The Taylor’s
Sent from my iPhone
>
You are now added to my Prayer list!!! ❤️❤️ My Friend!!
I’m so sad to hear about this. You will be in my prayers that the tests just shows an infection. I’m going to put my email address in for the 3rd time, but this still doesn’t go to my email.
I am so sorry that you are going through this! 😔 Thinking of both of you and hoping for the best! 🙏
So very sorry to hear this. Prayers for the simplest and most treatable finding and for great peace as you wait.
One of your best😇 Emotions are raw, but hopeful🍀
Luv ya Big Guy
Sent from my iPhone
>
You both remain in our prayers daily.
Gordy and Diane……..praying for you!! We are here for you!
Praying for you both–waiting is so hard. Take care.
Let’s see what Friday brings. If anyone has the ability to get through another obstacle it is Gordy & Diane Taylor. Power Couple that never gives up on anything. Remain Hopeful. Remain Optimistic. Regardless of what the game plan is you’ll have your family and friends behind you a thousand percent. Love, Gordon III
Remembering reading your insights in our alumni newspaper and thinking about all you’ve shared over the years. Though your current situation is not a happy one, I am grateful you continue to share so others may read and lift you up in their prayers and continue the chain you started.
Hello Gordy & Diane, Thoughts are with both of you. Just remember the little girl who wanted a pony! A story you told to a Rotary Meeting years ago. You and Diane are definitely the Power Couple. Praying you receive a positive plan.
My heart is aching for you Gordy and Diane. I have been praying for you daily and that will continue. I hope the next news you receive is good news and that it is a building block for more good news after that. Thank you so much for keeping us in the loop. You have so many family and friends pulling for you with their prayers and thoughts. It is going to get better and I’m confident there is plenty of time left on the clock for you in this fourth quarter.
Ed Gvazdinskas
Gordy & Diane, I’m so sorry to read this and learn about the latest health problem. I wish you both the best and wish there was more I could do. Hang in there and we’ll all keep thinking positive thoughts.
My prayers are with you both. Stay strong with positive thoughts. As a stage 4 cancer survivor myself, I know exactly what you are going through. Hoping you get a proactive battle plan and better new very soon!
They say “laughter is the best medicine” and… this is where I come in.
When you feel up for visitors, I would love to come visit.
Hey Gordy. Thank you for the update and will be hopefully and praying for you Friday.
Diane & Gordy—I’m shaking my head. Son of gun!!! Well you have a great medical team, great family and friends and you have each other—Lots of “powder” for this next leg of the journey. Sending all good thoughts and earnest prayers your way.
So sorry to see what you might be facing…again. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay positive and strong. God is good! 🙏❤️
Uncle Gordy, this just breaks my heart! 💔 I’m so very sorry that this is happening to you! Please know that I love you and your in my thoughts!!
Uncle Gordy, this just breaks my heart!! 💔 I’m so very sorry that you are having to go through this! Just know that I love you and your continued to be in my thoughts!
😘🤗
Like you, Gordy, I was hoping for better news. I can’t imagine what you and Diane are going through. It’s easy for me to say “Hang in there!”, but I hope you do. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love you both.
You have so many praying for you and hoping for the very best for you.
Gordy, I am praying for you.
Love you guys, Praying for you.
Stay strong, Taylors. Gordy, I always thought of you as someone who would find a way to come out on top. This is just another tennis match and it’s your serve. Ace it.
Sucks
Very sorry to hear the latest update. Discouraging when you don’t get the type of news you have been praying for. If you need to make trips to Iowa City I can drive you part of the time to give Diane a break.
You all remain in our prayers.
Hang in there my friend. We will continue to pray and thank of you often.
Mike & I will be praying for your quick recovery! 🙏
Gordy and Diane,
You remain in our prayers and think you could go on tour with your skill of writing and insight to life since 2019! Hugs to you both ❤️🙏
G & D,
We continue to pray for you.
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