Sunday, March 24, 2013

Week of March 17th

This was a week of recovery for Nancy. The chemo and surgery are over and she has a few weeks to rest up before radiation begins.

She had the drainage tubes removed from the surgery on Tuesday of this week which makes her much more comfortable.

We have an appointment Thursday with the radiologist who will put markings on her where they will radiate. They do their best to keep the radiation away from the heart and lungs.

Part of the process is to be fitted for a mold for her to lay in so the radiation hits the exact areas the doctor wants to treat consistently over the five to six weeks. She will be radiated five days per week for this period.

The one open question is when she can start back on her eye medication. The doctors have to reach a consensus on the risks/rewards of the medication while she is being radiated.

Thanks to all for the prayers, food, gifts,cards and visits; they are all very much appreciated.

Bob

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Week of March 10th

This was the week after Nancy's surgery on March 7th. She felt remarkably well the days following the surgery but things were catching up to her this week as she began to experience a lot of discomfort as the week went on.

On Thursday 3/14 the surgeon called Nancy to discuss what she found and the results of the pathology report. There was no surprise that a lot of disease was on her left side however there was a surprise cancer was found in her right side lymph nodes. Obviously she was very disappointed to hear this news and the uncertainty of what this means.

On Friday 3/15 we met with the oncologist who reassured us things were going according to plan. The chemo was to to shrink the tumor to allow a successful surgery and both were accomplished. The fact cancer was found on the right side was a surprise. His comment was "Yes I wish the cancer wasn't on the right side, then again I wish you didn't have breast cancer at all".  The difference is now they will radiate both sides versus just the left side. He is very optimistic of a full recovery and that was comforting for us to hear.

The oncologist also started Nancy on a hormone treatment called Arimidex. Both he and the surgeon said breast cancer responds well to this treatment. The oncologist went on to say we are attacking the cancer three ways: chemotherapy, radiation and hormone treatments. The chemo attacks the cancer DNA, the radiation focuses on specific areas and the hormone treatment is an estrogen blocker keeping the cancer from multiplying.

She looks forward to next week when they will remove the drainage tubes and she can get back to wearing comfortable clothes. And.....her hair is starting to grow back! (Peach fuzz.....yea!)

It is a lot to take in but her spirits are good; down in the dumps Thursday but back on track Friday evening.

We have people from all over the world praying for her including all of the Dominican Friars and the prayers are being heard!

Thanks to everyone who has come to our aid; the food, cards, notes and especially all of the prayers.

Thank you,

Bob

Monday, March 11, 2013

Week of March 3rd

This was the week Nancy has been waiting for since October when she found out she had breast cancer....having the surgery done to remove it from her body.

The surgery, a bilateral mastectomy, went well. The surgeon said Nancy responded well to the chemo and the tumor had definitely shrunk. She also removed some lymph nodes. There will be a follow up meeting after pathology tests are performed on what the surgeon removed.

The surgery was done at Good Samaritan Hospital on Thursday March, 7th (her birthday). It was a long day as she had to be at the hospital to prep at 5:00 am for a 7:30 am surgery. The surgery took roughly two hours and another hour or two in recovery. She was only there overnight and discharged the following morning.

The doctor, nurses and staff were wonderful. Everyone took great care of Nancy. Nancy has a friend who works in the OR and she took extra care of her. Our daughter also has a friend on the floor where Nancy recovered. Nancy ended up with the best view in the hospital; a private corner room on the 15th floor. 

She feels remarkably well considering what she went though. Sunday she actually went to the store with her mom and we took a walk around the block; she has to be careful not to overdo it. She was allowed to remove the dressings and take a shower.

Next step is a follow up with the surgeon and also a meeting with the oncologist this Friday to discuss the pathology results. Radiation will start at the end of the month or early April.

Thanks again for all of the support and especially the prayers.

Bob

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Week of February 24th

This was a week of doctor appointments for Nancy; the radiologist on Tuesday, eye doctor on Wednesday and family doctor on Thursday.

Our meeting with the radiologist oncologist went well; Nancy really likes her. The doctor spent over an hour and a half with us outlining the game plan for her radiology treatments after the surgery. She described all of the procedures and length of treatments. The plan is five weeks, five days per week.

The eye doctor went well; her eye pressures are in good shape. Her blurry vision will likely continue until she can start back on her medication. Depending on the doctor's decision, she may have to wait until after radiation; roughly two months from now. The frustration is she cannot see well and therefore not drive.

There is a chance the doctor (radiologist) will allow the medication to be taken while radiation is given. If so she could start the medication shortly after the surgery. We won't know until after the surgery.
On the weekend several of our family went on a road trip to Napoleon to visit our son and his family. It was good for Nancy to get out and it was fun to visit with them. The grandchildren are growing fast and learning new things every day.

The big day is this Thursday; her surgery. This is phase two and Nancy is anxious to get it done. If they could have done it last week that would have been fine.

So, please keep the prayers coming as the Good Lord is listening. All is going well and according to plan.

 Thanks for all the kindness.

Bob