It is amazing to me how one day you can be on top of the world and the next day you are in the doldrums. Cancer has that effect on you and certainly has on me. In this week’s blog I want to share my cancer story with you.
For a number of years my PSA level had been running high. I did not worry about it because there were no other problems. In 2018 I developed a nodule in my prostate. My doctor became worried that it was cancer. We discussed the situation at length, and we decided that I should see a urologist. He suggested a local urologist whom I went to see. He also believed that I had prostate cancer. Let me mention at this point how important it is to have faith in your doctors. I am sure that the doctor was qualified, but our personalities did not click. Emilie and I discussed it at length and decided to call my heart specialists at the University of Chicago Medical Center and have him suggest a urologist there.
I began seeing Dr. Gregory P. Zagaja, one of the top urologists in the United States. He was relatively certain that I had prostate cancer but needed to do a biopsy on the nodule to confirm that it was cancer one way or another. They took twelve tissue samples and every one of them tested positive for cancer.
In January of 2019 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. At that time, I was aware that I likely had cancer, since all of the doctors I had seen said I had cancer. Regardless of what you know or think, when the doctor looks you in the eye and says “Carl, you have cancer” it is like someone hitting you in the jaw. Believe me, everything in the world runs through your brain. “Am I going to die?” is near the top of the list. Then comes “can they cure the cancer?” and “what happens to my family, employees, etc. if they cannot.” And frankly it is uncomfortable to think of all these things. And it changes your life.
In the same doctor’s visit we needed to discuss what the treatment was going to be. I had decided months before that if it was cancer, I wanted my prostate removed. After a long discussion with Dr. Zagaja, he agreed, and I was scheduled for the operation in March.
Removal of the prostate affects a male’s ability to urinate which is known as incontinence. I was told that in about six months I should be near normal. At the end of a year, I was going through Depends and pads at a large rate. I was changing my pads six to seven times per day. The doctor had me taking physical therapy, which I did 68 times. It did not help me a bit, so the doctors decided that I needed to have another operation to install a urinary control device. This procedure did make a significant difference in my life, and this point I figured I was in decent shape and life would go on with a good degree of normalcy.
In September of 2021 I went back to the hospital in Chicago for my normal six-month heart checkup. They did the normal CT scan checking my lower aorta. I met with my doctor to discuss the results. The CT scan film was sent to my other doctors, which is normal, for their records.
My local doctor called one day and said he had been reviewing the film from my CT scan and he had bad news. “You have cancer in two to three locations,” he said. I could not believe it…not again.
This time I was diagnosed with a rare form of fast-growing, soft tissue cancer. It is called Leiomyosarcoma and only 1% of the people get the cancer I have.
No one is quite sure how you get this cancer. It is a very fast-growing cancer, as I said earlier, and mine happens to be in a lesion on my liver and in my lymph nodes in my abdomen. After a biopsy of the lesion on my liver, they were able to determine the type of cancer and what stage it was. Unfortunately, mine is stage 4.
They are unable to give me any chemo treatments because of my heart issues and weak kidneys. For the past three and a half weeks I have been on a treatment program using a drug called Nexavar. It is used to treat kidney and liver cancer. It is a chemotherapeutic medication. I take four pills per day: two in the morning and two in the evening.
This drug does have side effects, but fortunately I have not had too many. I have lost my voice, I cannot eat much and when I do, it makes me fill up very quickly and my stomach begins to hurt. I have lost 20-plus pounds so far. The doctors are concerned about the weight loss as it effects your treatment.
The doctors say that surgery is out of the question, thus I will be on the Nexavar to try and stabilize the cancer. The only choice I have is stabilization as the cancer cannot be cured. If they cannot stabilize the cancer with the medication, there are a couple other drugs they can switch me to. If those do not work, they tell me I have three to six months to live. If they can get it stabilized, they say I will have three to five years to live.
Now I will have a CT scan every three months to see what condition my cancer is in. Is it grown or stable? My next scan is in about a month to check and see how the new treatment is working.
Now I am like my 12-year-old grandson, Adler Bear Carris, who has inoperable brain and spinal cancer. Adler was diagnosed at age 4. His cancer is currently stable. He is off chemo, but he has a lot of ongoing pain that he suffers through daily.
Neither Adler nor I’s war with cancer is even close to over. But both of us get up every morning, ready to fight it.
Cancer has a significant impact on your life. It makes you step back and reflect on yourself and all of your family. You truly become a different person after you face cancer. Fuck cancer.
As always, I appreciate your support of our wine blog and encourage you to share it with family and friends. If you care to share your comments on this blog posting or other topics, please do so in the comments section below.
Until next week,
Cheers
Mark your calendars for these upcoming wine events at LEX 530 in 2022!
Get ready for the next wine dinner at LEX 530! We hope you will be able to join us on Friday, February 4, 2022. The reception starts at 6 pm. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm.
THE COURSES:
Hors D’oeuvre Reception: A showcase of three small bites — each masterfully created by our talented LEX 530 Chefs. Paired with a variety of wines.
2nd Course: Golden Beet & Berry Salad. Roasted golden beets, berries, Marcona almonds, honey goat cheese, herb vinaigrette. Paired with the 2020 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc.
3rd Course: Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Hearty mushroom cream soup spiced with Hungarian paprika. Paired with the 2016 Ventisquero Grey Pinot Noir.
4th Course: Beef Wellington. Roasted beef tenderloin coated with mushroom Duxelle and prosciutto, wrapped in puff pastry. Paired with the 2015 Red Mare Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
5th Course: Chai Tea Panna Cotta. Silky smooth custard spiced with chai tea and cardamom. Paired with the 2020 Frost Bitten Ice Riesling.
Tickets are $100.00 (tax not included) each. We ask that you purchase your ticket by noon on Friday, January 28th.
And Mark Your Calendars For The Rest of the Year:
Friday, February 25 – Wine Talk & Taste
Wednesday, March 16 – Wine Dinner
Friday, March 25 – Wine Talk & Taste
Friday, April 8 – Wine Dinner
Friday, April 22 – Wine Talk & Taste
Friday, May 13 – Wine Dinner
Friday, May 27 – Wine Talk & Taste
Friday, June 10 – Wine Dinner
Friday, June 24 – Wine Talk & Taste
Friday, July 8 – Wine Dinner
Friday, July 29 – Wine Talk & Taste
Friday, August 12 – Wine Dinner
Friday, August 26 – Wine Talk & Taste
Friday, September 9 – Wine Dinner
Friday, September 16 – Wine Talk & Taste
Tuesday, October 11 – Wine Dinner (Oktoberfest)
Friday, October 28 – Wine Talk & Taste
Friday, November 4 – Wine Dinner
Friday, November 18 – Wine Talk & Taste
Carl, I am so sorry to hear your news and cancer fight. It is simply awful in every way. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
Sheila, Thank you for your support. My family and I appreciate it.
Cheers.
Carl – I also sorry to hear this. Your family has endured so much
Prayers to all of your family
Hi Carl,
First, thank you being brave enough to be this vulnerable in sharing about your health. I’ll keep you and Adler in my prayers as you move through your fights. God bless you both.
Have you ever heard of Joe Dispenza? He’s written a few books, the latest is titled “Becoming Supernatural”. Through his research, and process with positive intentions, elevated emotions, and meditation there have been numerous people who have overcome various health conditions, including stage 4 cancer. I know this is unusual, and in no way am I suggesting that you and Adler should stop your treatment, but with your conditions I thought anything that may help is worth sharing.
Blessings,
Dan
Hi Dan. So nice to hear from you, it has been a while since your Ruth’s Chris days. Thank you for sharing the information on Joe Dispenza’s book and your prayers and support. You and your family are special people and I appreciate your friendship.
Cheers
Carl,
I am very saddened to read this blog and hear about your cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have asked my Rabbi to say a special prayer for you and Adler at this week’s Sabbath service.
Stay strong.
Steve Podolsky
Steve, Thank you for your note and support. You are a good friend and I appreciate your support.
All the best
Dear Carl,
I am so terribly sorry to hear this news of cancer. I will be praying hard for both you and your grandson, that you would feel God’s Presence and peace that passes all understanding as you fight this battle.
I echo the sentiment… Stay strong!!!
Hello Amie. Thank you so much for your very kind note. I appreciate your support and prayers for both Adler and I. He and I will continue to fight has hard as we can.
All the best
Carl,
Thank you for sharing this. It must have been difficult to put into words. I really appreciate the openness of this.
I’m glad you are staying strong and positive. My thoughts are with you.
Bruce
Bruce, Thank you for your kind note. You are a great friend and I appreciate your support and prayers. I will be fighting this as hard as I can.
Cheers
Carl,
Very sad to hear about your cancer…and your grandson’s, too. How awful…cannot even imagine. I admire your will to fight and wish you the best. You will be in my prayers.
Hello Jeff. Thank you for your note, I appreciate it greatly. Thank you for your support.
All the best
Carl,
I am so sorry to hear about this! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Adler and
Emilie. Laura and I will keep you in our prayers! Keep fighting my friend!
Steve
Steve. Great to hear from you. Thanks for your kind note and I appreciate your support pal. Let’s drink some wine soon.
All the best to you and Laura.
Carl
Carl,
Hearing the news of your current situation saddens us. We send you love and strength with hope that the medication you are currently taking will stabilize your situation. The fact that you and Adler are both dealing with cancer at the same time is both tragic and beautiful. Your family has so much to deal with just with Adler’s struggles not to add the risk of losing their loving patriarch. We all know how much you care about Adler, your family and your community. Please keep us up to speed with progress on your health and let us know if there are any ways we can help.
Hi Maura. Thanks for reaching out to me with such a kind note. I hope you and Roy are doing fine. My cancer was a big surprise. I am prepared to fight it as hard as I can. Thank you for your support. I hope to get to Napa sometime soon. I think it’s my turn to buy dinner.
All the best,
Carl
Dear Mr. Tiedemann,
You are the best person I ever met. I have no idea why God chooses to do this to good people like you. I want you to know that you made a significant impact on Aditi and my life and we are forever grateful to you for it.
Adler and you are always in our prayers. Please stay strong like you are. We miss you.
Regards,
Saurabh
Hello Saurabh. It is so nice to hear from you. I know I owe you a phone call, things have been a little busy around here. Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot to me. Also thank you for your prayers and support.
All the best
Carl
Carl-
I am so sorry to hear of your fight against this cancer. And it breaks my heart that your grandson is fighting it as well. My prayers are with you and your entire family. Be strong….You can beat it.
David J Zimmer
David, how nice to hear from you. It has been a while. Thank you for your support and prayers. Adler and I are going to give it hell for sure.
All the best, friend
Carl
Carl:
We were blessed to share breakfast with you the end of October, (Herb, Brandon, Chad and me.) Fun visit.
You were kind to provide a tour of your new event center, wine collection, and offices. Impressive.
First, you have a life well lived!! People who love and appreciate you! Family who recognize your value…Not the least of which is your grandson, Alder, who has his own wine vintage because of you.
Carl, Thank You…In the Tiedemann Spirit…God Bless.
Ray
Yes, I remember. I enjoyed having all of you come to Elkhart and spend some time with me. Thank you for your kind note I really appreciate it. I plan on continuing to fight this cancer as hard as I can.
Cheers friend.
I have seen you once a year at Herb’s for so long. You always look and act so healthy. Your blog and battle with cancer was not expected.
God be with you during this terrible time.
Stuart, what a pleasure to hear from you. I was trying to figure out how to get to Herbs hunt this year to see everyone. I am sorry he had to cancel. Maybe the country will be out of this mess with Covid and we can all get together next year.
Thanks for your support
Hi Carl:
Thanks for sharing your story so honestly. I am praying a novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients for you and Adler. His feast day is tomorrow, Jan. 20. You are a wonderful man. It has been a joy and a blessing to be part of your project team as the civil engineer. You and your beautiful family will be in my prayers. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.
May God bless you and comfort you in this time of trial.
Best wishes, Debra Hughes
Hello Debra. Thank you for your wonderful note and prayers. I appreciate it very much. I know that prayers work so I will take all that I can. Thank you for your offer of assistance, I certainly will call on you if I need something.
Blessings my dear friend.
Carl
I finally am getting around to looking at e-mail. I am so sorry I didn’t read this sooner. Adler and you and your families deserve so much more than what has befallen you. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
And I am so very impressed at your attitude and will to keep fighting.
I am not as brave as either of you or Emilie and Elizabeth.
Hi Donna. Than you for the note. Right now I am pushing ahead and doing as all my doctors are telling me to do. Some days are better than others. I am doing good, they say.
All the best