Where we are....

I guess it's time to get this post out as much as I don't want to write it anymore than you want to read it.

Our visit with Dr.A following my labs, PET scan and chest xray confirmed our worst fears. The cancer has spread throughout in many lymph nodes, two spots on  my liver and the pleural effusion is already back, which also has cancer in the fluid.

Before Dr. A received my PET scan results he felt we could try some more oral treatments, after he read the results, which he received while we were with him, he said that option is off the table, I will need chemotherapy now.

Please understand, my doctor and nurses are fully behind any choices we make, whether they agree or not, they will support us. I asked about not doing chemo, he told us what it would be like and how quickly it would spread. At this point, we are looking at chemo again...with great regret. I was never sure what I would do if I had to face chemo again, but I am just not ready to stop fighting.

The pleural effusion ( fluid on the lung) was drained for the second time on Monday, it very quickly came back, just a few days and I could feel it. I have a cough, I guess from the pressure on my lung and pain in my chest. Dr. A said I now need surgery to stop the PE. That is the first and next step. He said it needs to be done "this week" and I will be in the hospital for 3-4 days with tubes that will drain the fluid. They will remove the tubes before I come home. This should prevent the fluid from building back up. While in surgery the plan is to put another port in for the chemo. This makes me nauseated just thinking about it.

Chris and I drove home stunned...I guess we knew this was always a possibility, just not now. I don't think we even spoke much the whole way home. Our family will need all your prayers, encouragement and positive words at this time.