A simple question, really.
Asked often, and with sincerity.
Often, we're not certain how much information a person wants to share, and to ask in this way gives the answerer the freedom to respond with "fine", or "let me tell you my story", or something in-between.
All things considered, we are good. Thanksgiving was peaceful and crazy. (If you know or are a part of my father's family, you know about the crazy part. Those Bolings. Gotta love 'em.)
We were able to spend time with Alan's family as well. We had a sweet time together, with plenty of love and laughter. (For those of you unaware, my husband passed away last February, and we're all navigating these holidays with some trepidation.)
Elves showed up and helped to assemble and decorate the Christmas tree, since lifting and stretching are activities that are prohibited.
Recovery continues without complications. We are so thankful, and have been enjoying time with friends, getting acquainted with Panera's holiday drinks and eats. Doctor visits are few and far-between.
Our insurance company has approved the further testing mentioned in our previous post. (more info, see HERE) We appreciate your prayers regarding the accuracy of the results, and wisdom regarding our decision.
We are so very appreciative of your support, and are aware that many of you, our family and friends, are experiencing exhausting challenges- physical, emotional, financial, etc. We pray that...
"...the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Pathology, Perspective, Progress
Another week has passed, with progress in recovery from the surgery of two weeks ago. We are very thankful for continued healing with no complications!
Remember when, back in your school days, you were assigned vocabulary words? Each Monday, you were assigned a new list to spell and use in a sentence. The goal was not only memorization--the Friday test revealed whether or not you understood the meaning of the words.
We met with our Oncologist this week, and have several new words. Our new vocab list includes words like hormone (estrogen) receptor positive, tamoxifen, cytoxa, and taxotere. We're learning to use these words in context, and our brains have been stretched.
That pesky spot of invasive cancer, measuring 1.2 centimeters, was removed during mastectomy two weeks ago. Though gone, it's certainly not forgotten. Because the tumor was hormone (estrogen) receptor positive, tamoxifen will be prescribed for a period of five years.
A little less certain at this point is whether or not chemotherapy will be prudent. An absence of family history of breast cancer, the presence of clear margins around the removed tumor, and clear sentinel nodes all point to a reduced risk of recurrence. Low probability of recurrence gives us the option of declining chemotherapy treatment. Assuming our insurance company approves further testing of the tumor, the results of the Oncotype DX test (genetic markers test) should give us further direction in our decision regarding additional treatment.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we are so very grateful for each of you that have come alongside us in this journey. We are blessed by your continued prayers and encouragement.
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 3-5
Remember when, back in your school days, you were assigned vocabulary words? Each Monday, you were assigned a new list to spell and use in a sentence. The goal was not only memorization--the Friday test revealed whether or not you understood the meaning of the words.
We met with our Oncologist this week, and have several new words. Our new vocab list includes words like hormone (estrogen) receptor positive, tamoxifen, cytoxa, and taxotere. We're learning to use these words in context, and our brains have been stretched.
That pesky spot of invasive cancer, measuring 1.2 centimeters, was removed during mastectomy two weeks ago. Though gone, it's certainly not forgotten. Because the tumor was hormone (estrogen) receptor positive, tamoxifen will be prescribed for a period of five years.
A little less certain at this point is whether or not chemotherapy will be prudent. An absence of family history of breast cancer, the presence of clear margins around the removed tumor, and clear sentinel nodes all point to a reduced risk of recurrence. Low probability of recurrence gives us the option of declining chemotherapy treatment. Assuming our insurance company approves further testing of the tumor, the results of the Oncotype DX test (genetic markers test) should give us further direction in our decision regarding additional treatment.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we are so very grateful for each of you that have come alongside us in this journey. We are blessed by your continued prayers and encouragement.
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 3-5
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Out of the Fog
It's been a week! Haven't updated the blog for fear that anything written would be senseless.
Follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon today was good, healing is going well. The nurse that removed those annoying drains is my hero.
I have been blessed by your notes, blessed by food (my fridge and freezer are overflowing), blessed with fresh flowers, and very blessed with quiet telephones. (Thankful that my recovery is post-election, those endless political calls made me want to permanently ditch my land line.)
Most especially, however, I have been tremendously blessed by your prayer support. We have peace. Peace for now, peace for later.
Initially, our diagnosis was DCIS (see first blog post), determined after biopsy. Additional testing was ordered (MRI) and confirmed that diagnosis. MRI results gave two more important bits of information: (1) the right breast was unaffected, and (2) there was an additional spot of concern in the affected breast.
Post-surgery pathology is giving us good news/bad news reports. The good news: lymph nodes are clear. The bad news: that additional spot of concern was an invasive cancer. The good news: that invasive cancer was removed, and with clear margins. The bad news: the previous existence of that invasive cancer means that further treatment will probably be necessary.
We'll see an oncologist next week to determine the next treatment steps, based on the full pathological report.
Prayer requests: continued healing without complications; rest; clear understanding of medical information; wisdom for oncologist for future treatment.
We've laughed this week too, but some things simply should not be shared on a blog...
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
Follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon today was good, healing is going well. The nurse that removed those annoying drains is my hero.
I have been blessed by your notes, blessed by food (my fridge and freezer are overflowing), blessed with fresh flowers, and very blessed with quiet telephones. (Thankful that my recovery is post-election, those endless political calls made me want to permanently ditch my land line.)
Most especially, however, I have been tremendously blessed by your prayer support. We have peace. Peace for now, peace for later.
Initially, our diagnosis was DCIS (see first blog post), determined after biopsy. Additional testing was ordered (MRI) and confirmed that diagnosis. MRI results gave two more important bits of information: (1) the right breast was unaffected, and (2) there was an additional spot of concern in the affected breast.
Post-surgery pathology is giving us good news/bad news reports. The good news: lymph nodes are clear. The bad news: that additional spot of concern was an invasive cancer. The good news: that invasive cancer was removed, and with clear margins. The bad news: the previous existence of that invasive cancer means that further treatment will probably be necessary.
We'll see an oncologist next week to determine the next treatment steps, based on the full pathological report.
Prayer requests: continued healing without complications; rest; clear understanding of medical information; wisdom for oncologist for future treatment.
We've laughed this week too, but some things simply should not be shared on a blog...
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Home.
Glad to be home. Have more mobility than expected. Being well cared for. : )
Remember Snow White's seven dwarfs? I've been Dopey, Sleepy, Grumpy. Forget about Bashful- not a chance with doctors and nurses poking, prodding, writing on parts you'd just as soon keep to yourself. But most certainly Happy to have the surgery behind me.
Tough road of healing ahead, we'll take it one day at a time.
Your prayers, notes, support, love...priceless.
Janet
Remember Snow White's seven dwarfs? I've been Dopey, Sleepy, Grumpy. Forget about Bashful- not a chance with doctors and nurses poking, prodding, writing on parts you'd just as soon keep to yourself. But most certainly Happy to have the surgery behind me.
Tough road of healing ahead, we'll take it one day at a time.
Your prayers, notes, support, love...priceless.
Janet
Friday, November 5, 2010
Lightly Salted
Hello! It's Alyson. Judy and Mom and I were sitting here chatting, and Dr. H came in to check up on Mom and tell her that she's looking great, healing nicely, and can go home today. Woohoo! (this was at 9:15, we were driving away by 10:15. Double woohoo!)
In the process of reviewing how Mom is doing, the doctor asked her to rate her pain on a scale of 1 to 10, using this picture that is posted on the wall above the bed:
I personally don't think that's a very helpful pain scale. My friend at Hyperbole and a Half blog created a much more helpful pain scale. Disclaimer: She does use a bit of salty language, but not every other word. More like lightly salted.
In the process of reviewing how Mom is doing, the doctor asked her to rate her pain on a scale of 1 to 10, using this picture that is posted on the wall above the bed:
I personally don't think that's a very helpful pain scale. My friend at Hyperbole and a Half blog created a much more helpful pain scale. Disclaimer: She does use a bit of salty language, but not every other word. More like lightly salted.
Shhhhh.....
Arriving in the early morning to give Alyson a chance to go home and get some sleep. Tiptoeing into Janet's room, it's all dark and they're both sound asleep. Carefully backing out and closing door. Find nice little coffee nook around the corner. Waiting.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Road to Recovery
Janet is resting in a quiet room. Pray for a peaceful and restful sleep tonight. A quiet day of rest tomorrow.
The eternal God is a dwelling place,
And underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is a dwelling place,
And underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
She's Done!
Dr H just called and said they're closing up. Everything went well and he'll be chatting with us soon. Thank you all for your prayers. We'll continue to keep you posted on Janet's progress!
1st Phase Complete!
Dr. F has completed the first phase of surgery. Everything is going well and the initial report from the sentinal node testing is negative. Dr. H is about 20 minutes into reconstruction.
Observations from the surgical waiting room: Yleta is getting a free consult from a wedding planner. : )
Observations from the surgical waiting room: Yleta is getting a free consult from a wedding planner. : )
Preheating the Patient
For those of you who haven't experienced surgery in a while, there is a nice little innovation in hospital apparel. This morning, Janet is being "prewarmed" for surgery. She is decked out in a "gown" that has velcro hooks for the convenience of the medical staff. It also has a flexible hose attached to it that blows heated or cooled air for the patient's comfort. Got a hot flash? Drill that sucker down to icy cold. Feeling a bit drafty? Set the dial for toast. Brilliant.
Nuclear Tracing and Other Bizarro Events
Just now, in the surgical center, a kind and knowledgeable nurse walked into Janet's room with a greenish metal box that looked like it came from WWII. It was marked "NUCLEAR." Yes it was. She explained that many people are allergic to dye that is commonly used in the sentinel node testing procedure. So, Janet will have a nuclear tracer injected and then the medical professionals will use a GEIGER COUNTER to locate the sentinel node. How cool!
We're Here
Janet is officially checked in. We've followed the yellow brick road to the surgical waiting center. It's FULL of people waiting. Apparently there are a LOT of surgeries today. We'll stay connected and give updates as the day progresses. Observations from the waiting room: the television is on, tuned in to CNN, and the president is talking. Interestingly, it seems that none of the 30 plus people are watching/listening.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ready or Not
Thursday is surgery day, and we find ourselves vacillating between "anxious to get it done and over with" and "what the heck are we about to do?!".
We're feeling very surrounded- emails, notes, prayers, phone calls, hugs. We may not be so anxious for hugs after Thursday. Perhaps a fist bump would be more in order for a few weeks.
We're praying for: wisdom for the two surgeons; smooth surgery with no complications; continued peace.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
We're feeling very surrounded- emails, notes, prayers, phone calls, hugs. We may not be so anxious for hugs after Thursday. Perhaps a fist bump would be more in order for a few weeks.
We're praying for: wisdom for the two surgeons; smooth surgery with no complications; continued peace.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
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