July 29, 2009

All—

I am sorry to have to share this with you, but there were some cancer cells found in the fluid drained off my lung last week.  We got the call on Monday am and since then have had a PET scan, chest x-ray, MRI of my brain and consults with the oncologist and surgeon.  The doctors are very surprised by this turn of events.  And so are we as you can imagine.  Last week I was “cured”, this week I have moved to Stage IV lung cancer.

The MRI of my brain was clear.  The cancerous cell count in the fluid is low.  The PET scan showed no cancer anywhere except in the fluid. There are no masses or tumors in the lungs.   It appears we have caught a recurrence early in the game.  All of this is considered good news. 

The fact that it has returned so soon after such an aggressive treatment is not good news. 

The tests this week reveal that the fluid has begun to accumulate again.  The surgeon has suggested a surgical procedure to drain the accumulating fluid and eliminate future fluid problems with a TALC procedure.  We are scheduled to have this done on August 12, followed by a 2 day hospital stay. 

The doctors are performing some additional tests on the tissue samples collected last August during my biopsy.  Once this tissue test is complete and all test results are in, the doctors will meet collectively to determine the best course of action.  We expect to begin some type of chemotherapy in late August, allowing for some recovery time from the surgery on Aug 12.  There is talk of removing  my left lung but no one seems to really want to do that, but that option is still on the table. 

Obviously we are saddened by this news.  This is not going to be easy.  We need a miracle.  But, at last check, God is still in the miracle business. 

I am thankful to I know if I die today or 20 years from now, I will spend eternity in heaven.  Everything in me wants to be here (and be well!)for my husband and son.  I have so much more I want to do here.  And I intend to fight for that opportunity.  But ultimately the outcome of this situation is up to God.  Whatever He decides, I will respect and accept His decision.   He is the God of the universe and this is His call, not ours.  We have long ago put this situation in His hands and we trust Him with the outcome.  I know that He works everything to our good, He loves Kevin and Andrew even more than I do, and He will care for and provide for them either way. 

Yes, I want that miracle, but I submit to God’s authority in this.  That is just the only way I can walk this path.

Thank you for your love and concern, thank you for standing alongside us, praying for a miracle. 

For now, we have decided to go to the beach for some quiet family time this weekend before the hard work hits.  We will likely not share this with Andrew until next week.  On Monday I go in for another esophagus stretch. 

I promise to keep you posted as I can.  Please remember us on Monday, Aug 3 for the endoscopy procedure and again for the lung surgery on Aug 12th, along with the following hospital stay.  

“Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul”   --  Horatio Gates Spafford

Kay and family

July 22, 2009

Thanks for your prayers yesterday.  I felt every one of them as I went through my procedure.  Sincerely, I did. 

The final result of our appointment yesterday was that I had 1 liter of fluid drained off my lung.  The fluid has been sent off for testing and is not due back for 5 days.  The fluid was not actually inside my lung, but on the outside around the area of radiation damage.  It is believed that the fluid is a result of that damage.  Because of the lung damage and fluid accumulation, 1/3 of my lung was collapsed.  (It’s no wonder I have been feeling so miserable!) 

Per an xray after the procedure, the lung has re-inflated. (Praise God!) I am breathing easier and did not experience the same level of pain in my side last night as I had been before the procedure.  We are told that all of this is not unusual and they see it happen many times.  One of the nurses we work with asked a special favor of her “best” surgeon to perform the procedure for me and he agreed.  So we were in good hands physically and spiritually! 

It was a long day but worth it.  I am encouraged that now with the fluid accumulation gone and the newly inflated lung I will really begin to feel better and gain strength.  What a wonderful thought!!  Please pray that the fluid and cancer are gone for good.

I have to share with you that yesterday as I was waiting for and dreading my appointment and procedure, I got this mental image of myself and God.  In the image I was like a toddler clinging to the leg of her parent.  And then I was reminded of the story in Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestled with God.  Then finally , after many hours of wrestling with God, Jacob stopped wrestling and started clinging.  Clinging to God for His blessing.  And so we cling.  And are blessed.  And again God used you to bless us.  

Thanks for all your emails and phone calls and prayers and support and other assistance.   The list goes on and on.  Once again you’ve helped me overcome an obstacle.  

Psalm 34:17  “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them”

God bless---

Kay and family

July 20, 2009

Dear Friends,

Just to let you know, I will be going to UNC tomorrow for a minor procedure.  I covet your prayers at 2:00 tomorrow (Tuesday). 

Last week we started investigating a rather intense pain that I have had for 4 weeks now on my left side underneath my arm and around my shoulder.  After an X-ray, CT scan, and 3 trips to CH the doctors are perplexed as to what may be causing the pain.  The CT looked good (Praise God!) and the only notable change was an increase in the size of an area of fluid that has been present outside my lung for some time.  Given the scan didn’t show anything in the area of discomfort my doctor has requested the entire thoracic team gather and review the scans to provide direction.  That will take place tomorrow.  (It was nice to hear that the areas visible on the scan did not reveal any cancer.)

We met with my radiologist on Friday and she said she is going to recommend that the area of fluid be drained, likely tomorrow directly after my appointment.  She is not happy that the fluid is there.  It could be hiding something on the scan or could be completely innocent and just a product of the radiation damage in my lung.  While we have been told that the fluid doesn’t always cause pain the radiologist thinks it is worth a try to see if draining it will alleviate the pain.  They will test the fluid as well. 

So off we go.  Our prayer is that this procedure will alleviate the pain, make the fluid go away, not return and that the fluid and affected area will be benign.  Thank you for praying with us as always.  I certainly don’t want to head off tomorrow without your prayers going with me. 

By the way – my esophagus burns have healed!  The last dilation (number 6) opened my esophagus to 16 mm.  Their minimum allowable is 18mm so I have a few more dilations in my future, but the burns have healed and it is much easier to eat now. Thanks for your prayers over this issue.  We’re finally seeing the light  and it is a blessed relief for which we are VERY grateful.

I’ll let you know how things go tomorrow.  Thanks again for praying us through this latest issue.  As I tell anyone who will listen, it is prayer that has carried us this far!  May God bless all of you----

Kay and family