Thursday, November 1, 2012

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.



11 comments:

Kevin Minich said...

Let me know if you need anything at all. I love you Mom...
~Kev

Christie M said...

So sorry Elayne. Praying for your peace and comfort right now.

Emily Minich said...

Elayne, we will lift you and your family up in prayer. Sometimes there are no words to say, beyond God is good and does good, all the time. It isn't a platitude. When we were infertile for so long, and the when Ilse was in the hospital after birth, that was the only thing that kept me sane. It was a chant, I just said it to myself over and over and over until I believed it. My heart aches for you. Hugs.

Maryann said...

I am so sorry Elayne, will be praying for you and your family.

Retired Knitter said...

Life just seems so unfair at times. It is sometimes just hard to know what God has planned for us. But your statement "not ready to give up yet" is the bottom line of this whole post. We aren't giving up either.

Prayers.

Vicky said...

Faithfully following along and sending up prayers... its true, words fail oftentimes when we need them the most. But I am sending you as much love and positive energy and vibes as I can. You've done this so long and so well... I believe you can keep on keeping on :)

CLM said...

Elayne, I'm so sorry. I will also be lifting you, the family and your doctors in prayer. I know that God has a plan and that he will hold you in his arms and walk you through this. I'm not giving up and I know you won't. I love you girl!! Call me if ever you need an ear.

Stacy said...

Elayne we will be praying for you and your family. If you guys need anything at all please let us know. I have never met anyone as strong as you.

Kims4Him said...

Lifting you up in prayers~

o2bhiking said...

Elayne - I am very much saddened to learn this. I have been worried about you lately, and you and your ordeal have been on my mind. Stay strong. I cannot imagine having to face all of this again. Art

Carla Nute said...

Sending all our love to you and your family...

Carla

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