Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Final Surgery Results

Well, this is sort of a good news/bad news thing.  Let's start with good news:  The cancer lump was smaller than they thought - 1.4 centimeters instead of the 1.8 that they thought.  Also, they got the entire lump, with clean margins (they take a little around the whole lump to make sure nothing gets left behind, so clean margins means that they were successful in this).  All good so far!

Next, the lymph node.  Not so good.  The lymph node showed cancer in the pathology reports, which means that the cancer had started to spread.  To be honest, I'm just disappointed. But, it is what it is, so here we are.  This means a couple of things:
1. It wasn't detectable in surgery, only in pathology, which means it's a very small spot, and likely was just beginning to spread.
2. I may have to have another surgery to have more lymph nodes removed (Big bummer.  My incision from the first one is REALLY sore). 
3.  I will for sure have to have chemo.
4.  I may also have to have surgery to insert a port for the chemo IV's and blood draws.  If I end up needing both this and #2, then these can be combined, and will be performed on the 29th. 

My next step is to meet with my surgeon, then my medical oncologist, then my radiation oncologist on Monday morning.  It will be a long morning of appointments! After that, though, we're start getting a plan in place for chemo, radiation, etc.

I am feeling pretty drained right now.  I had really hoped for better news, but know that even now, God is in control.  You can keep praying for us, we are both really tired, disappointed, and sad.


In the meantime, I have been working on feeling better after this surgery, which has felt like no small task!  My parents were here over the weekend, and between them and Dave, I was waited on hand and foot.  Also, friends and family around the area have been delivering meals to us, and that has an incredible blessing (good food, too!!).

I am feeling better today than I was yesterday, and hope to feel better still tomorrow.  I've been having some problems with the medicine they've given me for pain, however, and we're currently trying to work out a different pain management solution, so you can pray that goes well.


That's all for now - thanks for caring, and thanks for praying!

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the update, Kelli. I'm sorry it wasn't the news you were hoping for. We'll keep lifting you up in prayer...especially that the LORD would minister to your heart words of encouragement today. Lots of love, Emily

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  2. Praying..... A Dawn

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  3. Thanks for the update Kelli...I will continue to pray for you and Dave. God is in control and He will bring you through this! I will try to give you a call later this week...
    Gail

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  4. Kelli, I am praying for you and Dave and will continue to do so. Thank you for the blog. It helps to feel connected to you through all of this. I wish it wasn't happening but we will stand with you all the way.
    Uncle Ed

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  5. Wow, what an ordeal Kelli and Dave. Your faith is amazing. Thanks for the blog.
    Love,
    Uncle Duane

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  6. Hi Kelli,
    I am feeling very sad to hear about all that you have had to go through recently. It is a lot for a young women and her husband. Your blog is very honest and real. Thank you for sharing your heart with those who love you. Please know that you and Dave are in my prayers. May you feel God's presence and loving care today.
    With my love,
    Aunt Lynda

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  7. God is good Kelli and Dave! He is always in control no matter what!!! I am thankful that you know this!

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  8. You are in my prayers today, and have been throughout the past few weeks. I'm sorry and sad it wasn't the news you had expected. Through it all you have been God's amazing witness trusting him and proclaiming his glory. It is amazing to me, and I love that about you, Kelli. You always turn to him no matter what, and it is contagious to those around you. Praying for rest and strength. Love you, friend.

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