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.