September 27, 2021
I guess you could say progress is being made, just at a snail’s pace. After the needle biopsy cancellation due to “too risky” on September 10th, we had a meeting with an ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist at the University of Iowa Hospital System on September 27th to determine the next step in the “needle biopsy odyssey.” We met for almost an hour as the doctor was able to bring up the actual images of the CT-scan and PET-scan on his computer screen and showed them to us. Then we moved into the interpretation of all this. He told us he has never seen a case like mine, and he writes articles in medical journals about this stuff.
The ENT decided to share my records and scans with interventional radiologists to try and figure out what to do moving forward and it would appear one of two options is on the table. One is to do an ultrasound needle biopsy where they literally go in and navigate through and around blood vessels to get a tissue sample from the tumor/lesion “hotspot.” The other option is to do an MRI which is non-invasive and can give them photos of the area in question without “going in.” After this procedure, in concert with the radiology team, they will come up with a diagnosis and plan. We believe the hope is to use a combination of radiation/chemotherapy to treat the problem, but it might be too close to the regimen for my base of tongue cancer eleven years ago to allow them to do this. Surgery is out of the question due to the location and the very real prospect that it could allow cancer cells to spread during the operation.
So here is what we are facing in layman’s terms. After the MRI, a plan will be developed. If they can’t go the radiation/chemo route, then we have a real challenge as options beyond that are severely limited. They would come up with “something,” but we sensed that would be more of a “delaying tactic” than anything else. Not the brightest of scenarios, however, our hope is that they can come up with a radiation/chemo plan. Who would ever have thought we would be “rooting” for another round of radiation/chemo?
September 28, 2021
Twenty-four hours later, our ENT specialist called to tell us that all the radiologists agreed that an MRI was the preferable option, and it has been scheduled for October 14th pending insurance approval. This waiting is agonizing for others but excruciating for us. This procedure will be done in Iowa City. Diane will also immediately search out a second opinion. We have been struggling to get a commitment from Mayo but that is due to a multitude of variables.
Gordy and the Fourth Quarter 
Our prayers are with you and Diane🙏🏻🙏🏻
You have been in our thoughts and prayers every single day! We understand how the waiting has to be horrible for both of you! Life is not always fair, as each and every one of us knows…but we must continue to believe that faith, hope and the mighty hand of God will get us through the difficult times. We continue to pray for answers and healing! Trudy and Allan
This is a positive step in attacking this condition. Your aggressive approach will be rewarding 🙏
Continued prayers
Excruciating, I know. Love and prayers surround you.
You both are fighters and I’m thankful you have such an amazing support system. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
I am heart broken with what you are having to do, but to a lot of people it is a blessing that you would share the battle and the emotions. You have always been an inspiration to many people including me and for that I am grateful for you being the leader and inspiration to many!
God bless, Big R
Sending love and prayers!
Prayers continue for you guys. We know you are taking all the right steps.
I don’t think you could have a bigger supporter in your life than Diane. What a blessing! Thinking of you both as you face this latest challenge. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome. You are an inspiration to many of us.
Gordy. The Grub has your back. Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead. God Speed pledge!!
My prayers continue for both of you.
May God give you strength and wisdom. Praying you are feeling the love, support, and prayers of so many.
A roller coaster ride is a very good way to describe your situation. You have always had a unique and meaningful way with your words. Thanks for keeping us all informed. Prayers to you. Keith and Linda
Gordy and Diane. I am just catching up and reading all of your recent blogs. This is heartbreaking news. I’m so sorry y’all are spending all of your energy on this fight. This is nobody’s plan for the fourth quarter, but if there’s a fight in anybody, my money’s on you.
Please know that we will be your prayer warriors from Texas. If there is more that we can do to add our support, we’d like to do that.
Thank you for keeping us informed. 🙏 💜
My prayers are with you and Diane.
Gordy and Diane, Sue’s and my prayers are with you in every step of your journey. Even through these challenges you continue to inspire so many.
“He told us he has never seen a case like mine, and he writes articles in medical journals about this stuff.”
Seems to fit the theme of this journey! Now praying they find the right course of treatment and the doctor is able to write an article for the medical journals about their outstanding successes with GT!! Maybe that’s God’s plan!
“Stay Fierce!” The motto of a friend who’s been fighting cancer for 5+ years and beating all medical odds.
We keep our prayers for you 2. Yitbos Rod and Mary
Gordy praying for you and we are with you and Diane!
A friend shared your blog.
In 2019 I was treated for tongue cancer. My ENT is Dr Eric Thorp at Loyola, a top rated Otolaryngologist in Cook County. He was referred to me by a physician he treated. An amazing man.
Prayers as you travel this journey.
Prayers for you both. My experience with Iowa City hospitals was fantastic. I had surgery there and was in the hospital for 2 days max compared to our hospital in the QC which said I would be in the hospital for a week, be on morphine and then go thru rehab. I Iowa City in and out in 2 days, no rehab. They are the best in my opinion. BTY that was 10 years ago.
Prayers for strength, comfort and peace for both you and Diane. You are loved by so many.
We continue to wish you & Diane the best. You’ve got the strength and prayers backing you up.
Thoughts and prayers with you both. ❤️
Prayers for you and Diane.
Gordy, the doc had never seen a case like yours before because he’s never met such a great unique person as you. You have a “ton” of support – thoughts, prayers and backing continue for you – and for both of you.
Daily prayers continue for you both. Patience during the “unknown time” is so difficult. Blessings to you both.❤️
You guys are in my thoughts always!! Love you both!!😘🤗
We are sending love and best wishes your way.
We are sending love and best wishes to you.
Hang on there, you two are in our prayers!
Worst roller coaster EVER!! Really? As if you haven’t been through enough? And that’s just the crap you’ve shared with us (if you are like Grif and I plenty of other “stuff” has happened) I do believe in God and I do believe He is here to help us but my goodness can He just cut you 2 a break?? Ok enough rambling. Love and hugs to you both!!💜💜
Gordy & Diane,
Until my great friend Kent told me to check out your blog, I had know idea of this reoccurrence. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.