August 23

The first chemo went off without a hitch.  Judy has a good appetite.  She went for a 20 minute walk and is feeling good so far.  After each chemo, she has a chemo pump that continues to inject for 48 hours.  Home Care nurses come by 2 days after treatment to unhook the chemo pump.  As usual, Judy is on a steroid to lesson the chance of nausea. 



Next treatment should be on September 6.

August 22

Judy had her port installed yesterday.  The port is a device that is inserted below the skin on her arm.  IV needles for taking blood samples and injecting chemo are given through the port.  The port has a long tube that follows the cardiac vein to her heart.  When she got up this morning, there was no pain remaining from the procedure to install the port.

Having a port allows Judy to shower without having to wrap her arm in saran wrap.

Chemo starts tomorrow at 8:15.

August 15

Today, we visited Dr. Ahmed, Judy's oncologist.  Nothing really earth shaking came out of this appointment.  Judy is on the same chemo cocktail that she was on after her first surgery four years ago.  The chemo is called Folfox.  The side effects are cold sensitivity, hypersensitivity in fingers/toes, and irritation to mucous membranes.  The chemo treatments are accompanied by another drug called Avastin.  Avastin starves cancer cells.

Dr. Ahmed will monitor Judy's progress closely.  A CT Scan will be conducted after the fourth chemo treatment to determine whether the tumors are growing or decreasing in size.  There will likely be 12 rounds of chemo spaced two weeks apart.  Of course, the treatments may be delayed by low white cell counts.

Judy is remaining positive and supports the approach her medical team has taken.

Next step: Port installed on August 21 and first chemo on August 23.

August 14

Judy gets her port inserted on August 21 and will begin chemo on August 23.  We met with the surgeon, Dr. Kanthan, today to discuss whether surgery is a good option now to deal with the tumor in Judy's pelvic area.  Dr. Kanthan recommended not pursuing surgery now because chemo would be delayed for at least 6 weeks.  If chemo begins now, the benefit will be: the lesions in the lungs and the tumor in the pelvic area will be attacked at the same time.  Furthermore, chemo may blast any malignant cells that are present in Judy's body. 
Judy continues to feel well.  We are off to the lake this weekend.  Judy has her 58th birthday on Friday, August 16.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and life-giving love. 

How is Judy doing?

Judy is doing well.  She is strong and full of resolve.  She gets her joy from being strong for others.  This is what helps her to cope.

The Diamond Story

July 24:  Judy's PET Scan reveals she may have cancer in her lungs.  July 29:  Haley loses the diamond from her wedding ring.  Let's just say the diamond was a lot of dough.  There was no insurance.  Haley called Judy for some advice and solace.  Why did this have to happen with all the angst we are feeling? July 2: Haley and Dustin decide to look for the diamond on the U of S campus because they have looked everywhere but the campus.  Against significant odds, Haley found the diamond. Miracles happen.  Now Judy is looking for a diamond. 

August 6

We just returned from the thoracic specialist about an hour ago.  This is what we learned:
1. There are two lesions on the lungs that are in all likelihood, malignant.
2. Surgery on the two lesions is not recommended.
3. The lesions are in the lower lobes of both lungs.  They are also deep in the lower lobes near major arteries.  To surgically remove the lesions, the lower lobes of both lungs would have to be removed and there is a strong possibility more lesions could occur.  Treatment will likely involve chemo to control the growth or even shrink the lesion.
4. Judy's next appointment is on August 14 when she will see the surgeon, Dr. Kanthan.  He will be in touch with the oncologist to determine whether the tumor in the pelvic area will be removed.

August 5, 2013

On July 17, Judy had a routine PET Scan at RUH.  On July 24, Judy met with her oncologist, Dr. Ahmed to hear the results of the PET Scan.  There were concerns with three areas where there seemed to be a high rate of metabolic activity, but the results were inconclusive so it seemed.  An appointment was made on July 31 for a biopsy on two areas at the bottom of the lungs; however, the radiologist and oncologist determined the lung biopsy was too risky.  The aforementioned doctors deferred to a thoracic specialist who Judy will meet tomorrow morning.  Another area of concern is behind the vagina, near the bladder and pelvic bone.  Judy was examined on August 1 by a gyno-oncologist.  Although no biopsy has been performed, the gyno-oncologist is quite sure the area of concern is cancer.  Needless to say, this has been a trying time for everyone.

The most positive reports came Friday when Judy met again with the oncologist.  He has been in consultation with the surgeon who completed the successful surgery that Judy had on July 27, 2012.  The surgeon is confident that the suspect growth near the vagina can be removed successfully.

I will keep readers of this blog informed as we find more information.  Right now, I am tired and ready for sleep so I will sign off for now.  Rest assured, I will explain the name of this blog in due time.