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We hope to keep you current on the family, our progress and changes in our lives. You can navigate to the various pages by selecting one just to the right. If you care to follow our updates, fill in and submit your email to the right.

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PROGRESS!!

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8 Sep 2012

Well now that we've met with the rest of the medical team we have a better idea of what lies ahead and the timeline. We met with the Radiologist and Oncologist in the past week. The Radiologist wanted to see more margin and recommended additional surgery. The Oncologist preferred to move forward with chemotherapy but promised he'd talk to the Radiologist and Surgeon. He has done that and now we are back for more surgery on 11 Sep 2012.

The surgery will give us more margin where the tumor was and will include new "hardware" with the installation of a "port" for administering drugs. Susan should start chemo in two weeks. That will cover the next 6 months and will be followed by 6 weeks of radiation.

10 Sep 2012

Susan had her second surgery today.  A port was installed and the former location of the tumor was reopened.  Additional tissue was removed from that area and will be analyzed for clear margins.  The objective is to get all the cells out surgically then finish remnants with radiation.  

The doctor gave her two thumbs up tonight and asked her if she wanted to go home.  We arrived home at 8:00 PM.

Since she'd not eaten or drank since 8:00 PM last night she scarfed down enjoyed her toast and peanut butter with a smile and a cold Sprite.  I told her I'd fix her soup or what ever she wanted but she opted for the toast so I was not being lazy - okay?

She'll sleep well tonight and has been instructed to take it easy for 48 hours.  According to Dr. Lohmuller, she'll likely be more sore after this than the last surgery.  She is to discontinue her exercises for the time being. 

The plan is still to be released in 2 weeks in order to start her chemo that week.  We'll keep you posted as we get into that.

Monday 9/24

The new colorful fabric look - such an improvement to the paper tops
Susan met with Dr. Lomuller on Monday 9/24.  He was quite pleased with her healing (his handy work of course too).  He said she’s ready to play volley ball if she chooses then asked her to reach for the ceiling.  She did and he said “I knew you’d be able to do that”. It was a compliment to her resolve, commitment and overall fitness. He indicated that will serve her well.

Are we ready for chemo?  “Yes, he said, get started on Tuesday”, which brings us to today.  He did share that in his experience the first and last sessions are the most “eventful”.
 
Kickoff at 9:45 on 9/25/2012

Tuesday 9/25/12


We arrived for Susan’s first chemo session today at 9:30 AM.  After a port cleansing and briefing they kicked on the pumps at 9:45 AM and the brew began to flow.  Susan went prepared with drinks, snacks, her phone, a magazine and iPad.  She was ready and settled in quickly.  The clinic is nice and the staff very compassionate, informative and helpful.  We had a private room today with a nice view of a wooded area in Bettendorf.


The nurse told Susan to pull back her shoulders, stick out her chest and take a deep breath when she inserted the needle into the port.  It was very difficult and traumatic – for me.  Susan said it was nothing.  What a woman!


Susan received a personal note yesterday from Paula Sands, a long time popular TV anchor and personality in the QCA.  Paula went through her battle in the past couple of years.  Susan read her note probably 5 times today during the session this morning.  It was a very nice message and so uplifting for Susan.  Thanks to Paula. You’re a gem!


After a few brew and bag changes we wrapped up just before Noon today.  We by chance ran into Dr. Sy on the way out and he happily engaged us.  Off the top of his head he mentioned some blood work questions that he’d had last week and all was good.  We were both impressed with how involved and engaged he is.  We are certain we have a great oncologist in addition to a top surgeon. They, combined with the Dr. Rajput our radiologist, will get Susan cured.  It was Dr. Rajput who raised questions about adequate margins that resulted in Susan’s second surgery. Thank you to Drs. Rajput and Sy for your thoroughness.   


After treatment we came home, had a light lunch and Susan decided to rest.  I left shortly after to get all of my hairs cut and when I came back she was sound asleep with the boys at her side.  They love it.

                                                                                                            
Still smiling at the end of 1st session


She’s been up a couple times and feels pretty good after her first treatment.  She smiles.  Now she’s up again and says she can’t sleep so that’s a good sign. They also told her she can eat whatever sounds good. “If you like ice cream, now’s your chance to splurge.”

So as of today we are 1 down and 15 to go.  Next up Betty's Wig shop this Thursday with our friend and neighbor Annie S. For those who are local you might recognize Annie as the person who drove Bill Wundrum and his wife to get their Havanese puppy named Molly. We've read so much about Molly in his daily Noospaper columns.  She is good at picking out hairy things, but I digress. 
Thanks again for your cards, notes, calls, thoughts and prayers.       





Thursday 9/27/2012

Our good friend and neighbor Annie took Susan to Betty's Wig shop in the East Village today.  Susan found 3 hot "dews" for her soon to be bare head.  The nurses tell her that, with the chemo she is receiving, hair loss occurs on day 17 after the first treatment.  So she is preparing now and will be picking up a few dew rags for around the house.  I'll admit I'm glad she didn't go too radical on the selection although several have said she be hot in punk pink.  Maybe another day. 





                                           

22 comments:

  1. Susan, take time to be the Queen. Let your man servant cater to you and enjoy some leisure even if it is a little painful. There will be plenty of time later for those fingers to climb the wall. I'll be thinking of you frequently in the next few months as you make you fight to victory. Nancy

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    1. Thanks for posting this. I am reminiscing thru the blog I had

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  2. Dearest Sister Susan, I completely agree with Nancy. Take advantage of that man servant!!! Just kidding Roger. Mom and I (and of course Susan)feel so blessed that YOU are that 2nd pair of eyes and ears at all those appointments. Have you told the docs yet who the project manager is on this journey to healing? Better let them know. My love and prayers are with you both each day of the weeks ahead.
    Blessings, Peg
    P.S. I can still call to just talk too right??

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  3. I love this website -- Thank you both for doing this! The pics are great. My thoughts and prayers continue!! Hugs & blessings, Denise

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  4. Just stopped by the site to check. Still thinking about you and wishing you all the best.

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  5. My dearest Mom. You are sincerely loved and missed. Know that you are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. You are always positive making light of any situation. - Brad

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  6. Roger and Susan as I read your update I cry with happiness Susan is doing so well I know the angels are by her side keeping her safe.

    Your Sarasota friend Maria

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  7. With your heart, zest and wonderful outlook, I know you'll be gone. And I know you have the love and support of so many. With Roger and "the boys"at your side, you'll even have some giggles along the way. You're iny prayers.

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  8. We really appreciate this website, and being able to keep updated on Susan's progress!! Sounds like treatment went well this week, and that is wonderful. Have fun picking out a wig, Susan! You have a big support system, and we feel strongly about your progress. You are both in our thoughts and prayers

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  9. My text yesterday mentioned something we probably don't see real often together, a smile and chemo. What a trooper Susan! Attitude goes a long long way in recovery and I think you've got it. Full recovery is in your future young lady! Continued thoughts & prayers for you both.

    Robin, Misty, Austin and Katie

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  10. Good morning Susan, Thanks for keeping us in the loop. We will miss you this year at Women of Faith, but our prayers will be with you. Janice

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  11. I too appreciate this wonderful web site to stay apprised of the journey. You, my dearest Susan, are an amazing, awesome woman! I so know the feeling of having 'the rock' by your side. God Bless you both!
    Love and hugs, Bec

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  12. You are in our daily thought. Keep the faith.

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  13. Susan,
    Your positive attitude and your faith will get you through this. You are in my prayers. I am certain that cancer picked the wrong person to mess with! You are a strong woman and I know this is a battle you will win.

    Jessica Strief

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  14. I think you'd look good in a nice Harley dew rag.............I'll work on that :-)

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  15. Susan, Hope you had a good time at Betty's wigs and that you got some different hairdo's to try out!!! Did you get a red one :) Can't wait to see pics of them. Please let me know when you'd like me to spend a chemo day with you - I'd love to see you!!! Hugs & Blessings, **Denise

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  16. Susan (and Roger) - sending you prayers today, and love, and strength! Susan, you are amazing and God has big plans for you. I'm praying for the strength to "run the race", and peace and comfort. Looking forward to the day when we can celebrate your victory - and thank the Lord for His presence in the process!

    Love, Rena and Neil

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  17. Susan, love the natural new hair. I've had several friends that have liberated by doing the shave. That too shall pass. Rock on. Love you both, John & Coni

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  18. Susan, you look FABULOUS!!!! Hope you feel as good as you look. Love the pic of Brad & Jaxson too. Keep up the good attitude. Thnx, Rog, for the wonderful updates. Love you both. John & Coni

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  19. Dear Aunt Susan and Roger (and Rocco and Riley)
    We miss you and think of you everyday. Wish I could be there with you during your brave battle. Please know that we are all cheering you on. Hang in there and FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!
    We Love You - Heather and Chris

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  20. Hopefully the 12 weeks will fly: end of chemo & winter!! Not a day goes by that you are both in our prayers. Thanks for the update. Hope the energy level starts to increase soon. Showed Jeff the website while he was here this weekend. Love you both, John & Coni

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  21. There must be provence at work. I had hoped to coordinate having Susan ride to Atlantic after her treatment that Fri. I came thru earlier than orginally expected so Susan couldn't join me. With the illness that happened, it was a blessing. I doubt that anyone would disagree that Mom,s funeral was uplifting and nothing short of a fabulous tribute to a remrkable lady. It is amazing the lives that she touched in positive ways.

    So glad you are both nearing the finish line of this challenge. Susan, you the "champ" too many of us. Can't wait to celebrate!! love to you both, John & Coni

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