Thursday, February 12, 2009

What a week!

I'll start at the beginning...
Last Friday, the 6th of Feb., I had a colonoscopy done due to some problems I was having. Since everyone asks, I'll tell you the main problems I was having--blood and mucus in the stool. Sorry if you didn't want to know that, but so many people have asked. And if you have these problems you'll know not to wait and get it checked out ASAP!! Anyways, the doc found a tumor in my colon. He set me up for a CT scan that afternoon, and made an appt. with a surgeon for the following Thurs. (which was today).
On Tues. the doc called me and said the tumor is cancerous, but there were no other tumors on the scan.
Today I met the surgeon. He's a nice enough guy. The nurse said I'll be in good hands. She, Michelle, was REALLY nice, and spent alot of time with us, answering all our questions and going over everything with us. Rich went with me, of course. (He's been by my side through this all, and I know its hard on him too.) After spending alot of time with Michelle, I had to have some blood drawn (pre-op stuff), and got a chest x-ray.
The surgery will be done next Friday, the 2oth of February. Apparently there were a couple other "nodules" on the scan that I didn't know about. Well, one I did, and the doc thinks it might just be a fatty deposit, but the other one is near the tumor and the surgeon thinks it could be a lymph node. He'll find them both during the surgery and remove if necessary. The location of the tumor is in an "ok" place. Not the best, and not the worst. The surgeon (His name is Dr. Wolpert) thinks he'll be able to reconstruct everything, but there are no guarantees. He expects to remove about 12 inches of my colon.
I'll be in the hospital (Regions)5-7 days, and unable to work about 6 weeks(!). I'll have the results of the tests from the removed tissue and lymph nodes 2-3 days after surgery. That is when they'll have all the info they need to stage the cancer. From there we'll decide whether I need an oncologist, and whether I'll need chemo. Dr Wolpert said chemo is quite common for colon cancer. Some people even need radiation too.
I'm holding up ok. This has all happened so fast! Today was really tough. Surgery scares me. For you prayer warriors, I'm praying that the cancer hasn't spread, that the "nodule" is just some blip--or gone by the time he gets in there! And I really just need peace. My biggest fear, of course, is the colostomy. I don't want to live with one for the rest of my life!!
God is with me, and no matter what happens, remember He is good! ALL THE TIME!!
AMEN
Love ya all,
Tina

9 comments:

  1. Tina,
    Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rich and the girls during the duration of your surgery and recovery.
    Julie and Doug Thompson

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  2. I am so glad you are my sister-in-law. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Tim

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  3. Girl, Love you tons and know you will be fine.. I will be up to see you soon as possible.. Chin up.. Psalms 121... Big Hugs... Remember that house we are going to get beside each other when we are old and gray.... lol... Lorna

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  4. Tina,

    Thank you for doing this blog and sharing it with all of us at Golden Lake. We will all be thinking about you and you're right, it is so much better to post on a website than make 85 phone calls and repeat everything that many times. You are such a strong person. I know things will go well for you!

    Colleen Miller

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  5. Tina,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and Rich and the girls. Let me know if their is anything i can do. I wil be thinking about you.

    Stacy

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  6. Tina,

    You don't know me but I know your Hubby Rich pretty well through work. Your strong faith and wonderful family will help you through this. My wife and I will be praying for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.

    Love,

    Matt & Alona Rindal

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  7. Hello Tina,
    Your sister is one of my very best friends. Even though we've only met once I feel like I know you well through Dee. I'll be in prayer for you, Rich and your girls. Jesus will be holding your hand as you go through this. I envision one set of footprints on the path you are traveling - those of the Lord we serve carrying you. Hugs from a friend in Christ.

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  8. You are in my prayers and thoughts all the time! Please allow your friends and family take care of you for awhile! I am looking forward to having my work partner back and will keep in touch! Sandy

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