Oct. 2014: Summer's Gone; Fall is Here!

I've been thinking of writing this blog post since the end of August!  I realize I've lost most of my readers by now, but I would still like to share the "after cancer" life.  Many who stop by here have cancer, and I feel it might be helpful for them to know what life might be like after treatment is over. Also, it's important to me to let others, who haven't experienced cancer, know what life can be like.
How many of you thought that if you get cancer, and it hasn't spread, that you go through some treatments that make you sick and lose your hair, and then when you are finished you go on your merry way--never to think about cancer again? Show of hands?? Mine is raised too!  I think I probably realized that life might be a little different for a survivor--you know, they stop and smell the roses more, that type of thing.  Let me share a bit with you what life is really like.
FOLFOX is the standard chemo regimen for colorectal cancer.  It does a great job of killing cancer cells.  It also kills good things--like nerves, hair follicles, toenails, the skin on the hands and feet, etc.  I've heard of people losing their hearing and having heart attacks from it.  If you've ever had FOLFOX, you will probably have some sort of after effects from it.  4.5 years after finishing, I still have burning, numbness, and tingling in my hands and feet.  I also had AC+T chemo for breast cancer.  I completely lost my hair (which is still thinner now than before), and the Taxol made my neuropathy worse.  It's another nasty combo that can also cause heart trouble.
Then there is the colon surgery.  If you are fortunate enough to have a tumor that is high in the colon, you may not have as many issues as a person with a low tumor.  But it is still a major surgery, and your colon will work differently, and there is always the risk of strictures and blockages caused by scar tissue. People with low tumors (like mine) have all sorts of changes in their bowels.  Some days they can hardly leave the bathroom, and then, without warning they can be constipated for for several days. Some can't work because the issues are so bad.  Some who had a temporary stoma, that was reversed and their colon was reconnected, have asked to go back to a bag because having to constantly "go" is ruining their life.  Breast cancer surgery can cause "frozen shoulder" which can last for years, and some people never regain full use of their arm/s.  Some surgeries move muscle around and then those people need physical therapy, and, again, they may never be able to get back to where they were before surgery.  If lymph nodes are removed that person will always be at risk for lymphedema--which is swelling in the arm.  They may need special massages, phys. therapy, and wear special sleeves.  Once it starts, it never goes away. Oh, and it's usually not just one surgery for breast cancer, but many, over the course of many years. Did you expect your co-worker who had breast surgery to come back to work and be able to lift and carry and do everything they did before?  Well, they may need to do things differently, and may be gone a lot for therapies and surgeries--be kind to them!  And pray it never happens to you!
Some people who have cancer also have to have radiation.  I had it for both my colorectal cancer, and my breast cancer.  For some, this is the worst of all.  There are lots of internal organs that also get blasted, esp. when the cancer is in the stomach or pelvic area.  There are too many problems that can happen to even list here.  Some are scar tissue build-up, colon and bladder scar tissue and bleeding, skin that never heals or is always easily irritated, weakening of structures that can lead to fistulas, hernias, and ruptures, and on and on.  Other than tightening of the skin on my chest and armpit, I have not had too many side effects of the rads I had for breast cancer.  It most likely caused some scarring on my heart and lungs, but hopefully I will never notice that.  It also increased my risk for skin cancer and lung cancer--it is radiation after all! Both chemo and rads increase risk for cancer in the future.
Ok, those are only some things that can happen to colorectal and breast cancer survivors--there are many other types of cancer, each with their own set of problems. If you read all that, I want to thank you. You are a person who cares about others and wants to be aware of what people with cancer go through.  Expecting your friend, co-worker, or loved one to be back to "normal" after their cancer is gone is not helpful.  Ask them how they are doing, what side effects they still have, what help they may still need. I have a friend that just finished a long and difficult treatment for stage 4 colorectal cancer, and she is getting a break, but no one knows for how long.  Her family has been pressuring her to go back to work, and they don't want to hear about any of her problems--she was even told she was making stuff up while she was still getting chemo!! I can't imagine!  I'm sooooo very thankful for my family.  They know I still have some difficult days, and sometimes I need to miss an event (which when I do I usually end up in tears because I'm sad and frustrated I have to stay home!).  Thankfully, those days are getting fewer.  5.5 years out from my colon resection things are still slowly improving.  I'm STILL learning what I can and can't eat, although sometimes there is just no rhyme or reason to it!  Overall, I am doing better, and even my fatigue is better and I'm not completely exhausted every day after work.  
Today is a "bad tummy" day, which causes me a lot of pain (you know, all those radiated areas!), and I came home from work and took a pain pill. (Which is why I have time to sit and write this--I can't do much else right now!) I hurt so bad that I wasn't going to suffer one more minute! Taking a pain pill is very rare--I took a 1/2 a pill about 2-3 weeks ago, and before that it had been about 6 weeks since I needed one.  I had another surgery on my backside in Aug, and will need another one soon.  Repairing things "back there" is tricky.  One wrong cut could leave me needing diapers or a colostomy (bag) for the rest of my life. Also, radiated skin doesn't heal very well, so I could end up with a gaping wound that takes months and months to heal.  
I had acupuncture this summer for neuropathy, and it helped a bit, but I think I'll save that for another post.  I also need to tell you about my trip to Florida with my "Pearls" (breast cancer sisters!)!  There are some blessings that came out of my cancer journey, and they are a huge blessing to me!
So, that gives me a few reasons to update again soon!  If anyone with cancer comes across this blog, and wants to talk more, my e-mail address is nuttyoaks at gmail dot com.  I have some great resources I can share with you, and am always willing to share my experiences and help you through your treatment!
God bless you all!  Look for another update soon!
Tina

March 2013 Update

Hello there!
It's almost the end of March and we still have LOTS of snow!  Our temps are running about 10 degrees below normal, but at least the sun has been out the last few days, and the snow is slowly melting.  Easter is this coming Sunday already!  We will be having everyone over to our house for a buffet lunch.  My house will be FULL.  May have to come up with a different plan next year, as there just isn't enough room in my house for our growing families!
I have been spending a lot of my online time on some private Facebook groups for those affected by colon cancer.  If you know anyone with ANY type of colon/rectal/anal issue (including crohn's, IBS, colitis, cancer), tell them to search FB for COLONTOWN.  This is the main group, and from there you can join the different 'neighborhoods' that are more specific to your particular issue, including a group for caretakers.  It's all private, so talk about colons, rectums, and bodily functions are the norm there!  It's a blessing for me to FINALLY connect with others who understand what I'm going through.  We all help each other and share ideas on what works and what doesn't.  I've gotten some good advice there for my on-going issues, and things have improved for me.  I'm still hoping to improve things more, but at least my problems are better than they were.
Being in this community makes me aware, once again, of the many, many people with colorectal cancer.  There are those on there that are newly diagnosed, and they will finish chemo and have a good prognosis, like me.  Then there are those that are stage 4, and will be on chemo, off and on, for the rest of their lives. And, lately, there seems to be many (WAY TOO MANY) who are dying from this horrible disease.  Almost daily there are posts that someone passed away. Sometimes this gets into my head a bit, and I start to worry more about a recurrence.  I start to think in terms of when, not if.  Thankfully, God knows those troubling thoughts I am having, and He reminds me to put my focus on HIM.  I don't need to fear ANYTHING.  That is such a freeing thought!  Whether I am sick, healthy, rich, poor, dying--none of it matters.  God has given me eternal life, and He is with me every moment of every day.  Nothing is too big for Him.  What a relief to know He has my back! Whew!
Soon I'll get a break from Dr. appointments and tests (I hope!).  I had to have another minor surgery on my bum, and the worst part was the 9 pokes it took to get my IV started!  Over 2 weeks later I can still see the bruise on the back of my hand!  The surgery went well though, and I had very little pain after.  I had a DEXA bone density scan last week, and hope to get the results of that soon.  That is an easy scan--no IVs or anything!  Chemo can damage/weaken the bones, and so can menopause (which started early for me because of chemo/radiation), so we are just checking to see if my bones are still strong.  I have a post-op appt. this week, then a port flush appt. next week.  Then I really should make an eye dr. appt. and dentist appt.  Sheesh!  It's always something~I've already met my deductible for the year, and it's only March!
Well, that's my March update.  All the kids and grandkids are doing well!  My oldest and her husband will soon be licensed to do foster care, so we are all excited about that.  I hope I have enough energy to help her out! Thankfully summer is only a few months away and I'll be off work for a bit. :)
God bless each one of you!
Tina

Four Years!

February 6th was the 4 year anniversary of my tumor being found during a colonoscopy.  I was having some symptoms that my primary Dr.(pcp) and gastro Dr. both thought were irritable bowel or colitis.  Thankfully, before my pcp looked further into my symptoms, she wanted me to have a colonoscopy, and then we'd know more what we were dealing with.  We were ALL surprised when the tumor was found. The gastro doc doing the procedure saw it right away (I was given some good drugs, but was fully awake) and said "See that? That shouldn't be there".  After the exam the doc came in and told us he was sure it was cancer, although we needed to wait for the pathology report for the 'official' word. I am so grateful Rich was with me!  We just held each other when the Dr. left.  Then he came back, and told me he had set up a CT scan for me that afternoon.  Things moved really fast!  I remember the nurse giving me a hug when she walked us out and telling me I was going to be ok.  That was so sweet, and yet scared me because I didn't really realize the gravity of the situation yet.  Thanks to my 'happy drugs', I wasn't too upset yet--I told Rich in the truck after to stop looking so gloomy!  Poor guy, he just found out his wife had cancer!  I'm sure he was overwhelmed! (I don't think I'll ever know how hard all of this was on him, as he did a good job of keeping it from me.  He was an EXCELLENT caregiver, and I'll always be grateful for that!)
Like I said, things moved quickly.  My CT scan didn't show any other areas of cancer (except a possible lymph node).  My gastro doc also contacted a surgeon, and an appt. to see him was scheduled, then my pre-op, then the surgery on Feb. 20th, just 2 weeks later.  During surgery, 18" of my colon was removed and I was able to be reconnected.  I came close to needing a colostomy, but am thankful I didn't!  It was a tough surgery, and I was in the hospital 8 days.  2 of 20 lymph nodes had cancer, and I was stage 3b.
My wonderful oncologist told me this type of cancer could be CURED.  Because of my young age (44),  I was given everything they could possibly throw at me!  None of my chemos were reduced, even with bad side effects.  Once he even let me get chemo when my counts were really low--the nurse had to go ask him if the orders were correct!  But he knew my counts always bounced back quickly when I had a neupogen shot, so he wasn't worried! I think it made a difference that my onc knew me well enough to know that I really wanted to complete all the treatments.  If I had said it was too hard and I wanted to back off a bit he probably would have, as I think he would have respected my wishes.  Same thing with radiation.  That was even more difficult, and I was told I didn't need to finish, but it was important to me to finish those last 3, and I did!  Although, I have to say, I never realized all the side effects I would have to live with!
Sometimes I have a hard time remembering how awful it all was, and other times I remember too well! I get frustrated dealing with painful side effects, but mostly, I am just so glad to be living life, cancer free.  I am enjoying my children and grandchildren.  My girls are such a blessing to me!  They really stepped up and did everything they could to help me get through those tough days of cancer treatment. I'm sure it was hard to watch their mom get cancer TWICE.  They are amazing young women!
Enough reminiscing...my 6 month CT scans are coming up next Monday, Feb. 18th.  I'll also get my labs done that day too.  Then the following week I see my oncologist and have a mammogram.  This coming Thurs. (the 14th) I'll see my colorectal surgeon about the fistula, and I'm thinking I'll have to have surgery on that soon. That is a side effect from surgery and radiation.  :(   
1 more year and I'll hit that 5 year mark!  I'm going to ask Dr. J about being 'cured'; if that still fits my case or not.  I don't remember if the breast cancer will ever be considered cured--maybe because I was  only stage 2b, I can be cured of that too.  I'm not sure--I hope I remember to ask! April 1st will be 3 years from the breast cancer diagnosis.
Life goes on, and God is good! :)
Love,
Tina

Fun Facts

Hello again!
When I saw my oncologist the other day, he gave me a printout of my pathology report, and my surgeon's report.
The surgery report was weird to read. I found out all these things they did to me while I was out. Kinda creepy. Like how they "copiously irrigated" my abdomen. And things they did to my ureter (which connects to the kidney) to make sure there was no damage to it. Not to mention how they check for leaks after sewing my colon back together. Like I said, weird!
The patholgy report told me that my tumor was about the size of a golf ball, maybe a little bigger. (4.5cm). And it sounds like about 18 inches of my colon was taken, instead of the 12" I thought.
Dr. J also had me get some blood tests while I was there. I found out my hemoglobin is down to 10.9, and my red blood cell count is a little low too. Also, sodium and potassium are within normal range, but at the low end of normal. I think my blood being low is contributing to my tiredness, because I feel tired ALL day long. Yet I don't sleep as well as I think I should.
I forced myself away from the computer awhile ago and got my bathroom and kitchen floors clean. It felt good to get something accomplished, and move a little. I took Sadie out and discovered its too cold for a walk; maybe this afternoon. At least I got some exercise mopping!
I saw the urologist yesterday, and my bladder is doing much better. Not quite back to normal, but hopefully it will be soon. He said if radiation casuses a lot of irritation to my bladder I should call the clinic because there is something they can give me to soothe it. He said they have a few tricks up their sleeve to help get thru radiation.
Well, its time for lunch. I'm going to try to eat more fruits and veggies and other good stuff to boost my immune system and get my blood levels up. I already took my vitamin. I need to do what I can now so I can make it thru chemo!
Have a great day everyone! Thanks for keeping in touch--I love my e-mails!
Tina

A Dr. Appt and an Old Friend

Today I had my post-op appt. I think it will be my last appt. with Dr. Wolpert, my surgeon. We mostly talked about bowel and bladder issues. :P He said it could take 6 months or longer for my digestive system to get back to "normal" (or my new normal). But, of course, chemo could mess up everything as well. Dr. Wolpert thinks the oncologist might want to radiate the area where the tumor was. He also said that sometimes radiation in that area can mess up the bladder. GREAT! Just what I need, more bladder trouble. Mine still isn't back to normal. I will see the urologist the day after the oncologist, so I'll be sure to ask him about it, if radiation is something the oncologist even thinks is necessary. Dr. Wolpert also said, again, that there is alot they can do for colon cancer (unlike some other cancers), and we don't know if it spread beyond those 2 lymph nodes. He also said something about have a clear margin around the tumor, meaning, I think, that he got any cancerous tissue that may have been around it.
After we left I realized I didn't ask Dr. Wolpert about when I can go back to work, and if its ok if I drive. I called the clinic when I got home and Jean, a nurse, called me back. I can go back to work 6 weeks after my sugery, which is Friday April 3rd. I was thinking I can go back on the 2nd so I would work 2 days, then have the weekend. The following week is just 4 days. That way I can sort of ease back into it. (Of course this all depends on chemo). As for driving, I can drive as soon as I stop taking narcotics (Percocet), and am sure I feel up to it. If I were to get pulled over, while still taking pain meds, I could get a DUI! So as much as I'd like to be able to drive myself places, I'm not ready to give up my morning Percocet. I always start the day sore and achy, and it really helps me get moving!
This afternoon Rich and I went to Famous Dave's in Forest Lake to meet my friend Diane (the one who gave me the super-soft robe!). I haven't seen her in a couple of years. It was so nice to visit with her and meet her new hubby--who I liked very much! I hope I don't have to wait another couple of years to see her! They might eventually move to Florida--so I guess I'll just have to take some trips down there! She made me a big stained glass suncatcher--its beautiful! If anyone would like a suncatcher, or even stepping stones, she does beautiful work! I'll post a pic here eventually.
So, that was my busy day. My incision is healing well, except for 2 little spots that got infected, but the surgeon didn't seem concerned at all about them. He just said to cover them with gauze to keep them clean and dry. Yesterday I did some dusting, which involved a lot of reaching and some bending. After a while I noticed my tummy was hurting and I knew it was time to sit for awhile. I think as long as I listen to my body, I'll be fine. Hopefully the weather will get warmer, and I can get out more for walks.
Rich went back to work this week, except for the 2 days I had appts. Alyssa has been around alot, and keeps an eye on me (even tho I don't need that anymore!). I started reading "The Shack", (from Sandy) and can only read it if I have Kleenex nearby! After that I'll read the book that Bonnie and Karen gave me (the 1st of the Mitford series--I think Alyssa stole it from me!).
Alyssa has been wanting Godfather's Pizza for awhile, maybe we'll try that tomorrow for lunch!
That's all for this update! I hope to hear from some of you! I enjoy reading your e-mails!
Love and blessings to you all!
Tina
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1Peter1:6-7

I'm Free!

Hey all,
Well, yesterday I went to the urologist and had the catheter removed. I am SOOOO happy to be rid of that thing. I did have to come home with a "do-it-yourself" kit, but everything seems to be working well enough without it. I cried when I was at the clinic cuz things weren't working like they were supposed to. Rich keeps telling me its just a minor thing and nothing to be upset about, but for whatever reason, I hated having a catheter. Now I can tell that there is some nerve damage because "going" isn't that easy, but its getting better each day. And I know Rich is right--in the big picture, its really a minor thing to be so worried about.
Today I've had more pain at the incision. Yesterday we found a little split between 2 of the staples that had bled a little, so I called the clinic to see if I should put something on it. They said just a bandaid, and keep an eye on it for infection, but it should be fine. I suppose that part will leave a worse scar, not that I'm that worried about what my stomach looks like. My bikini modeling days are over :-) (there is a pic of part of my incision on my facebook) Anyways, I've been taking more pain meds because of the incision pain, and then I ended up with an upset stomach for awhile, I think because of the meds.
Rich went to work today for a little while(got his review--good job Hon! I'm proud of you!!), and he had Rachel come over to "babysit" me. I didn't think I needed anyone, but I am glad she was here. We went for a walk down to the end of the street and it felt so good to be outside. Later in the afternoon Diane from church stopped by to bring 2 dinners (ate the chicken and stuffing tonight-yum!). She visited for a little bit and prayed for me. Knowing that my stomach wasn't feeling too good and it was keeping me from napping, she prayed that I would feel better and be able to nap. Well, after she left I got comfy on the couch and zonked right out! Thank you Jesus!
On a sad note, Alyssa's fiance, Jaren, left tonight for Fort Lewis, WA, and then in 2 months will go to Iraq. He won't be back until next Feb. or March. She is a very brave, strong girl, and we are very proud of her for standing by her man! And we are very proud of him for serving his country. We will do our best to keep her busy, and when he comes back we'll be having a wedding!! Please say a prayer for them too.
I hope the weather continues to be nice and the roads somewhat clear so I can keep going for little walks. And, I hope everyone from work enjoys Spring Break! I'm hoping next week to get out for lunch and maybe a little mall walking. Alyssa and I are going to plan some dinners and use Rich as our guinea pig for some new recipes. :-)
Take care!
Tina

Only a Few

Hi All!
Today felt like it was a busy day. Maybe that's because I never got around to taking a nap!
I made an appt. to have my staples removed, expecting it to be Wed. or Thurs., but the appt. person said I could come in this afternoon. So we went down to the HealthPartners Specialty center to see my surgeon's nurse, Michelle. Nicest nurse ever! I saw her at my pre-op appt., and she spent alot of time with us explaining everything. Well, today was too soon to get all my staples removed, but she removed a few. Stupid things hurt! I guess it wasn't so bad considering all I've been thru the previous week, but I was hoping it wouldn't hurt. I have to go back on Monday. In the meantime she's going to gather some info from others in the clinic about the oncologist they scheduled me to see. She'll let me know what she finds out on Monday. She knows I want someone who really knows his stuff and is keeping up on all the latest treatments. There were some other things she's finding out for me too, and she made sure I had all my appts. made before I left.
I see Dr. Wolpert(surgeon) on Thurs. March 12th for my post-op, and an oncologist on Tues., March 17th at the Regions Cancer Care Center. Anyone know anything about that place? I'm hoping that because its a teaching hospital they'll be up to date on the latest research and treatments.
I still have yet to hear back from the urologist about having the Foley cath removed...but don't really want to talk about that :-P.
Thank you Heidi for the YUMMY dinner! Rich was pretty hungry, and ate half of it by himself! It was Taco pie--I've never had it, but have a recipe I planned on making sometime. Tomorrow Rachel and Ken are making homemade Chicken Noodle soup--can't wait!
I'm feeling pretty good. I started the day unloading the dishwasher and wiping down counters--now don't think I shouldn't be doing that--its good for me to be up and moving around! I won't do anything I shouldn't! But after all the time spent at the clinic I was pretty exhausted. I just couldn't seem to settle down enough for a nap tho. Oh well, I can go to bed early (after 24 is over!)
For those of you who want to leave me messages, but don't want to post here, you can e-mail me at nuttyoaks@gmail.com. If you know my work e-mail, you can use that too, because I check that here at home.
I got even more cards in the mail today, and some more flowers from a wonderful neighbor! Each card or gift is a real treat--thank you all.
Love and Blessings!
Tina

Home at last!

We finally got home today around 4:15. We set Tina up on the couch where she has been resting well. It was starting to seem like I was living at the hospital! It is so great to have her home - and Sadie was very happy to have Momma home. We had to keep her from jumping up on her! Alyssa made Tina some white rice - thank you Alyssa! Rachel called a while ago to check up on her momma. Shonna is home now to say hi to "momma bear" for a few minutes before she is off on another adventure!

Pathology update

Hey everyone! Its actually Tina writing this time!
I wanted to let everyone know the results of the pathology tests, at least as much as I know. The surgeon took 21 lymph nodes total, and of those, only 2 had cancer cells. I consider that to be good news. As far as anyone knows, we may have gotten all the cancer. The problem, of course, is that there is no way to know for sure. Therefore, I'll probably have to have chemo. The only other thing I found out was that my tumor was "moderately differentiated", which apparently means it was not an aggressive tumor.
My surgeon said he will set up an appt. with an oncologist after my post-op appt., which should be 1-2 weeks after I'm released from the hospital. So, I won't actually know what the plan of attack is for a few weeks yet. I just need time to heal and thats all my surgeon wants me to think about for now. I was even told not to diet or place any restrictions on what I eat. Just listen to my body and eat whatever I think it needs. The only thing I need to make sure I get enough of is protein, because it will help my body heal faster. Too bad chips don't help the body heal faster!
I can eat anything I want, as of today, but am still sticking to soft-solids. I still have some nausea after eating because my "plumbing" is not all working quite as it should be, but its getting there. I'm getting 3 small meals and 3 snacks today.
I might be able to come home tomorrow, if my nausea goes away. They took me off the big drugs today and changed me to Percoset. I was very nervous to be disconnected from my pain killer, but the percoset works fine! I definitely can tell when its time for my next dose tho!
I have no more IVs at all now. I didn't know what to do with my hands when I went for my first walk without my "Sammy" pole. (I had to name it--we had a pretty intimate relationship!) Now on to a more "delicate" subject: Wed. they took my catheter (Foley) out, but had to put it back in. I was SOOOO disappointed!! It was depressing. But a urologist stopped by and explained that it is common to have this problem with the type of surgery I had. I'll have to bring it home with me, and then go to the clinic sometime next week to have it removed again. I write about this personal stuff in case there is someone else out there going thru the same thing I am, and maybe they'll feel little better knowing they are not alone. If any of you have had experiences with caths at home, be sure to let me know!
I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments, emails and cards. Thanks so much!!!
Love and blessings!
Tina

Quick Update

Hello everyone,
Mom is doing pretty well. They are going to try and start doing meds in pill form today - this needs to happen before mom can come home, and she's been nauseated lately so they haven't done it yet. Hopefully it will work just fine today!
Yesterday was a little boring for mom since all her visitors stayed home due to the weather. But she said it was ok since she wasn't feeling all that great. I talked to her this morning and she sounded great - you wouldn't even know she was in the hospital from the way she sounds!
Mom might be able to come home on Sunday, which would be wonderful. I will post another update when there is more news.

Rachel

Best dinner ever!

Mom is looking like her old self! Grandma, Lys, Jaren, and I visited her this afternoon (along with Dad of course!). Mom went for a walk with Sammy (the IV pole!) and was visited by a therapy dog, Sasha. Her room looks beautiful with all the flowers and cards that were sent - thanks everyone!

The best part was when the surgeon said Mom could start having liquids! She had some apple juice and then for supper, some beef broth, which she said was the best dinner ever! She couldn't believe how good it was, she even made Dad taste it! hehe.

All in all, it was a pretty good day. Mom should be able to come by the end of the week, but she still has a few weeks of recovery to go.

~*Rachel*~

Tina's Monday Update

Monday 23rd February
Typed by Rich as told by Tina!
Today has been a much better day! I finally got some actual sleep last night. I was able to wash my hair finally – yea !!! About 1:30 I walked down to the family visiting area where Rich, Rachel, Shonna and Heidi T. were waiting. We all visited there for awhile. Then I walked one time around the nurse’s station. About 4:00 I went for another walk around the nurse’s station and down the hall a short way and back around the station again!

I want to thank everyone for the prayers, thoughts, cards and flowers. I am still waiting for the plumbing to start so I can have something more than ice chips. I am finally starting to feel hungry! Rich is still here and we are waiting for Chuck to start at 7:00.
Love ya all
Tina

Sunday 22 February
Busy day today for Tina! I went to 2nd service today because the congregation prayed over Jaren since he is deploying soon and I wanted to be there for that. I got to the hospital about 12:30. Craig, Mary, and Donna were already here for a good visit. Then Jaren and Alyssa showed up! Shortly after Craig and Mary left, Terri, Aileen, Kelly, and Emma came up to visit. Rachel came up about 4:30. So there were many visitors today!

Pain medication was adjusted to Morphine for awhile but that did not work so well. She was switched back to Dilaudid again.

Tina was finally moved to a private room one floor lower today about 4:00 which will give a chance to finally get some rest! While we were waiting in the family area, Tina surprised all of us by walking in the room for a visit! She was able to sit in a chair for a short while then I walked her back to her new room. That short walk really took a lot of effort – but she did great! Rachel and I are still here in the family area – will write more later!

Hey all
I just got home from the hospital. Sat with Tina most of the day. Her day started with a lot of pain. For some reason the nurses said they were behind in the pain management – something to do with the epidural not working right for several hours. By the way, the epidural was removed today about 1:30. Today Tina said she wanted to try sitting up so about 3:00 this afternoon, she sat up on the edge of the bed for about 5 minutes which was a big milestone considering how the morning went!
About 4:30 she was wheeled down in her bed for a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia since her temperature has been up a little. When I left we did not yet have the results.
I feel horrible leaving her there alone – but I only have a few hours to try to get some things done, try to sleep, get to church, and then get back to the hospital.

Dee's note

Hi Tina,
Well, today is not a good day for you. You are in SO much pain and it breaks our hearts that you have to go through this. You don't want visitors so I spent my time talking to Shonna and Rich when they stepped out of the room. They weren't sure you even wanted them there.

The staff is currently working on pain management for you. Rich couldn't quite understand it all but he said they got behind on the pain management because of some issue with the epidural? Who knows. All Shonna knew is they gave you a differnt drug (Dilaudid?) for pain. I had hallucinations from that drug and I hope it's better for you.

As we watch you hurt, we want so badly to do something. And so we cry. Shonna cries. Dee Cries. Rich cries. It's all so hard. For today, it dampens the joy we had over a successful surgery.

I call on the ONE who is greater than all the pain, sickness and disease and ask Him to comfort you and to give you peace and rest and healing. In Jesus Name I ask. Amen and amen.

Another update/prayer request

**PLEASE SEE POST-SURGERY UPDATE BELOW if you have not already read it!**

This was sent to me from Dee, Tina's sister:

"Prayer request:
Sounds weird, but pray for Tina's body to be able to pass *gas*. She won't be able eat until her body starts to function normally, which is judged by whether gas can progress normally through the system. The doc said it takes about three days. She said, "Pray cuz I'm hungry!" (She later admitted that she wasn't really hungry yet.)

She's very alert and seems totally 'with it' but as the anesthesia wears off, that might change. Please continue to pray for peace and healing as she and her husband and girls await the pathology reports."

~*Rachel*~

Surgery update

Hello, all. This is Rachel, your update guide, speaking...

Surgery went well and the surgeon says he got it all. It was a little bigger than he expected, but there were no complications or problems. They were able to reattach the colon just fine. The surgery itself took about 4 hours. She went under at 10:30 or so and we didn't get to see her til after 6. It was a really long day, but we made it. Dad is still there along with my aunt and grandma. I'm not sure when they'll kick them out, but I am sure Dad will stay as long as he can! Mom was doing ok, but she was thirsty and sucking on ice chips. We won't know anything else as far as staging or if any lymph nodes are affected til the pathology report comes, which won't be til next Tuesday or Wednesday - looong wait for us! The best news would be that it has not spread to any of the lymph nodes.

We truly appreciate all your prayers and concern! Please don't forget to pray for my dad and sisters as they go through all this. Thank you! We'll post another update when there is one!

Rachel

Surgery time

I just got the call--surgery will be around 10:30 am tomorrow (Friday). I have to be at the hospital at 9 am--kind of nice that its not 6 am!
I'm just sitting here eating some orange jello. Its all I've had today (other than the gallon of cleansing stuff I had to drink-yuk!). I've packed my bag--pjs, robe, bag of toiletries, makeup, socks/slippers, etc. I suppose I should put in some books and magazines, and my Bible. I'll put the bag in the car, but I'll have Rich bring it in later in the day, or even Sat. I won't be needing anything tomorrow. I also paid bills and have been doing some light cleaning. Don't have enough energy for much else!
I'm still feeling peaceful about surgery, and cancer. Of course I don't look forward to how I'll be feeling the next week or so, but its something I have to do, so lets get on with it!
I'll be resting as much as possible today (until I remember something else that needs to be done before I go!), eating jello, and drinking apple juice! Maybe I'll have some tea to warm me up....
Love and Blessings!!
Tina

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