Ok, so Mom is in her room and out of recovery.
She got into her room about 6:00 PM. She was hurting from being moved around from transfer table to bed. We are back on the 6th floor where they all love Mom.
They had originally put Mom in a room at the end of a hall. There is a nursing assistant that we have had almost every time we come in. Her name is Amminy. The first day we met her she told us she is East Indian and does NOT like her name. Mom asked her what name she would like instead and she answered "Shirley". So, we have called her Shirley since April. So, Shirley comes into Mom's room while she is still in recovery and says " I have a BETTER room for your Mom. She loves the view rooms and I have saved the best one for her". We packed her belongings down to the new room and got her stuff all put away. While she was helping us unload, she said " You know, every nurse on this floor wants to take care of your Mom. We all love her here. They have been calling down to recovery checking on her all afternoon."
Then, Carmen goes out to tell our nurse something and 2-3 nurses stopped her in the hall to tell Carmen how excited they were Mom was here. They were even doing the "happy dance"! How awesome is that?
You cannot imagine how wonderful it was in that moment to know that she has touched so many people over the last 6 months up here at the hospital. The nurses have stopped in to say hello and show pictures of their kids to her. They are posturing to get her as a patient. She touches people in a way that you can't imagine unless you witness it for yourself. They are letting us know what shift they are working on which day so they can have her. It is too cute!
So right now, 8:00 PM, she is dozing off and her pain level is at a 2 out of 10 (10 being the worst pain) It has been an excruciatingly long day and she only slept an hour last night so I am hoping she will be able to sleep here and there.
Thank you for your prayers of support and love.
We are so thankful to the Lord tonight. The outcome was as good as we could have hoped for and God really directed Dr. Conrad's hands as well as the physiology of her recovery.
We give Him all the praise for her outcome. God is good all the time.
With a happy heart,
Kimberly and family
Thursday, October 30, 2008
That tumor is OUTTA THERE.........
Hi everyone,
We are writing from the hospital this afternoon.
It's about 3:30 and Mom is still in recovery.
She arrived at 5:00 AM with Dad and Carmen. I didn't get here until a little after 6:00 and she was in pre op so I could not see her. Her scheduled surgery time was 7:20 AM. The surgery was supposed to be around 2 hours. At about 11:30 a Dr. that assisted in Mom's surgery came out to talk to us.
He said that the surgery had gone well and that they had gotten the tumor out entirely. They had been quite concerned about the artery that was attached and he said they were able to "peel it away from the artery". He said it was a complicated and long surgery, but that the artery was intact, there was not a lot of bleeding and no blood transfusion was needed. He also said that there was a nerve that ran down her leg to her foot that the tumor had grown around. The nerve was running through the center of the tumor. They did have to sever it during surgery, but feel that it will just cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling etc and not hamper any of her mobility. This nerve has been the culprit of a lot of pain, and numbness throughout the last year, so having it severed may not cause much more irritation than it does now. We were told that she was in recovery so we decided to go get something to eat before she came up to the room.
We were just about to the cafeteria, when we ran right into Dr. Conrad, her surgeon. He stopped to tell us a few more details about the surgery. He said that it was really a difficult surgery. He also said that she did really well and was pleased with the outcome. He then went on to say that he did not believe he had had another patient who had been given as much chemotherapy as Mom had been given pre operatively, but that he believed it just may have "cured her"! (his words)
The pathology report won't be back for 7-10 days, so we won't know 100% until then if she will need additional chemotherapy or not. The way Dr. Conrad spoke though, gave us hope that she may be done with chemotherapy.
She was supposed to be up in the next hour or so and we came to her room. After waiting several more hours, we have been told that she is still in recovery because her respiratory rate is low. It is at an 8, and they look for 12-20 to be in the normal range. She usually does this after surgery, when she is on pain medication. They were going to monitor her until that gets leveled out. Dad is down in the waiting room on that floor now after a very brief visit with her.
The surgeon's will be in to see her Saturday morning so Mom should be feeling well enough to ask any questions she may have.
Until then, we thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue praying for her as they try to regulate her pain level. Dad says she is alert but in pain and pretty uncomfortable. They have backed her off of pain meds due to her slow respiratory rate. This is a hard dance to watch. Keep her breathing at a level rate, yet she is in pain, or keep her out of pain, but have her respiration drop.
Thank you in advance for your prayer and concern.
Kimberly and family
We are writing from the hospital this afternoon.
It's about 3:30 and Mom is still in recovery.
She arrived at 5:00 AM with Dad and Carmen. I didn't get here until a little after 6:00 and she was in pre op so I could not see her. Her scheduled surgery time was 7:20 AM. The surgery was supposed to be around 2 hours. At about 11:30 a Dr. that assisted in Mom's surgery came out to talk to us.
He said that the surgery had gone well and that they had gotten the tumor out entirely. They had been quite concerned about the artery that was attached and he said they were able to "peel it away from the artery". He said it was a complicated and long surgery, but that the artery was intact, there was not a lot of bleeding and no blood transfusion was needed. He also said that there was a nerve that ran down her leg to her foot that the tumor had grown around. The nerve was running through the center of the tumor. They did have to sever it during surgery, but feel that it will just cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling etc and not hamper any of her mobility. This nerve has been the culprit of a lot of pain, and numbness throughout the last year, so having it severed may not cause much more irritation than it does now. We were told that she was in recovery so we decided to go get something to eat before she came up to the room.
We were just about to the cafeteria, when we ran right into Dr. Conrad, her surgeon. He stopped to tell us a few more details about the surgery. He said that it was really a difficult surgery. He also said that she did really well and was pleased with the outcome. He then went on to say that he did not believe he had had another patient who had been given as much chemotherapy as Mom had been given pre operatively, but that he believed it just may have "cured her"! (his words)
The pathology report won't be back for 7-10 days, so we won't know 100% until then if she will need additional chemotherapy or not. The way Dr. Conrad spoke though, gave us hope that she may be done with chemotherapy.
She was supposed to be up in the next hour or so and we came to her room. After waiting several more hours, we have been told that she is still in recovery because her respiratory rate is low. It is at an 8, and they look for 12-20 to be in the normal range. She usually does this after surgery, when she is on pain medication. They were going to monitor her until that gets leveled out. Dad is down in the waiting room on that floor now after a very brief visit with her.
The surgeon's will be in to see her Saturday morning so Mom should be feeling well enough to ask any questions she may have.
Until then, we thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue praying for her as they try to regulate her pain level. Dad says she is alert but in pain and pretty uncomfortable. They have backed her off of pain meds due to her slow respiratory rate. This is a hard dance to watch. Keep her breathing at a level rate, yet she is in pain, or keep her out of pain, but have her respiration drop.
Thank you in advance for your prayer and concern.
Kimberly and family
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Details of tomorrow's surgery.
Mom and Dad went to Seattle on Monday and Mom had all her scans done for pre-op. She then had appointments on Tuesday with her Orthopedic surgeon that will be removing the tumor and followed that up with blood work.
She has to be at the hospital at 6:00 AM tomorrow (Thursday)and is scheduled for a surgery time of 7:30. They have told her she will be there 5-7 days.
The Scans done Monday show that the tumor has separated from the bone, which is good news, but is still touching, connected, or intertwined with an artery. (I am unclear on the specific verbiage so I am trying to relate it as accurately as possible.)
This will make it a bit more complicated than we would have liked, but we have confidence that all will go well. They will also be removing skin on her leg that is dead from the radiation and will not recover, so we are not sure how that will end up, if it will add to discomfort, or not affect her in the least.
Mom had some concerns about infection post op, since she got infected after the biopsy. One of the Dr.'s explained that the tumor (pre chemo and radiation) was filled with old blood and fluid and that when the biopsy was done there was a lot of bleeding.(We had been told this right after the biopsy so it was no surprise)She went on to say that when this happens, the blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. While they do the best they can to remove it,anything left behind can cause infection. Since the tumor has shrunk and is now dark and dead looking, they do not feel that is going to be the same level of risk as before. There is the risk of the artery involvement,so we do want to ask you to pray for skill and precision in Dr. Conrad's hands. Please continue to pray for peace for Mom as she will have her port accessed again and is not scared, but apprehensive about another surgery. I would like to ask you to remember Dad as well. Hospitals still have an effect on him that is unnerving and he will be anxious during surgery. Please pray for his peace of mind and that Carmen and I will be able to be a comfort and calming to him.
This time Carmen will be taking the lion's share of staying up at UWMC, so I would ask for prayer for her that she might get rest in a chaotic environment. Only one person stays in the room and the other sleeps in the waiting room. A hospital never sleeps. :)
We appreciate your prayers so much and will update the blog after surgery to let you know how she does.
We love you.
Kimberly and family.
She has to be at the hospital at 6:00 AM tomorrow (Thursday)and is scheduled for a surgery time of 7:30. They have told her she will be there 5-7 days.
The Scans done Monday show that the tumor has separated from the bone, which is good news, but is still touching, connected, or intertwined with an artery. (I am unclear on the specific verbiage so I am trying to relate it as accurately as possible.)
This will make it a bit more complicated than we would have liked, but we have confidence that all will go well. They will also be removing skin on her leg that is dead from the radiation and will not recover, so we are not sure how that will end up, if it will add to discomfort, or not affect her in the least.
Mom had some concerns about infection post op, since she got infected after the biopsy. One of the Dr.'s explained that the tumor (pre chemo and radiation) was filled with old blood and fluid and that when the biopsy was done there was a lot of bleeding.(We had been told this right after the biopsy so it was no surprise)She went on to say that when this happens, the blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. While they do the best they can to remove it,anything left behind can cause infection. Since the tumor has shrunk and is now dark and dead looking, they do not feel that is going to be the same level of risk as before. There is the risk of the artery involvement,so we do want to ask you to pray for skill and precision in Dr. Conrad's hands. Please continue to pray for peace for Mom as she will have her port accessed again and is not scared, but apprehensive about another surgery. I would like to ask you to remember Dad as well. Hospitals still have an effect on him that is unnerving and he will be anxious during surgery. Please pray for his peace of mind and that Carmen and I will be able to be a comfort and calming to him.
This time Carmen will be taking the lion's share of staying up at UWMC, so I would ask for prayer for her that she might get rest in a chaotic environment. Only one person stays in the room and the other sleeps in the waiting room. A hospital never sleeps. :)
We appreciate your prayers so much and will update the blog after surgery to let you know how she does.
We love you.
Kimberly and family.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A new surgery date!
Hi everyone,
Mom got a call today from the surgical staff and they are moving her surgery date up to next week the 30th of October. He surgeon is going to be out of town so they are rearranging his schedule.
Now, they want her up there on Monday for scans, and Tuesday to meet with Dr.Conrad, with surgery on Thursday. They have decided to just stay up there Monday night and not do the three trips up and back before the surgery. Hopefully this will make it a little easier on them both before the 5 day post op stay.
As always, we would covet your prayers as she goes into another unpleasant phase of this treatment. We should know after the surgery if she will be needing two additional rounds of chemotherapy.
Mom is doing well and getting along fairly well as her leg feels better and the skin is not so hyper sensitive anymore. She still needs to take it easy though and not be up walking around as it causes her leg to swell from upper thigh to ankle and foot.
This last couple weeks have been a treat not having to go to daily radiation, but the trick was in getting her in sooner than she was prepared for. Fortunately, she will have an extra week to heal before the holidays.
We continue to thank you and appreciate your love and support for Mom. She is truly an encouragement to me and so many others as she has such a positive attitude and heart of gratitude to the Lord and each of you.
With love,
Kimberly and family
Mom got a call today from the surgical staff and they are moving her surgery date up to next week the 30th of October. He surgeon is going to be out of town so they are rearranging his schedule.
Now, they want her up there on Monday for scans, and Tuesday to meet with Dr.Conrad, with surgery on Thursday. They have decided to just stay up there Monday night and not do the three trips up and back before the surgery. Hopefully this will make it a little easier on them both before the 5 day post op stay.
As always, we would covet your prayers as she goes into another unpleasant phase of this treatment. We should know after the surgery if she will be needing two additional rounds of chemotherapy.
Mom is doing well and getting along fairly well as her leg feels better and the skin is not so hyper sensitive anymore. She still needs to take it easy though and not be up walking around as it causes her leg to swell from upper thigh to ankle and foot.
This last couple weeks have been a treat not having to go to daily radiation, but the trick was in getting her in sooner than she was prepared for. Fortunately, she will have an extra week to heal before the holidays.
We continue to thank you and appreciate your love and support for Mom. She is truly an encouragement to me and so many others as she has such a positive attitude and heart of gratitude to the Lord and each of you.
With love,
Kimberly and family
Friday, October 17, 2008
A message from Mom
For those of you faithfully checking the blog and praying for me, I thank you so much.
Today has been my best day for a long time. My leg is healing now from the radiation, and I was pretty comfortable today! After the chemo regiments, I looked forward to radiation, then when my leg got so sore from that, I began to think that it will sure be nice to get the surgery over and get the tumor out finally!
My young friend, Kara Brown came today and asked if I wanted to go to town. I needed to run some errands and get groceries. We went to Walmart so I could get some things from the pharmacy also and make one stop. Kara has been through some of the same treatments that I have had also for the past year or more, so she is very understanding and caring. Anyway, she was such a blessing to me. God knew that I could use some help today, and while I could have asked someone, she just came. She had also rented a movie for us to watch.
The movie was "End Of The Spear." It is an older movie, and it is also a true story. When my brother Dean and wife, Elaine went to Bolivia to be missionaries, it wasn't long after that the 5 missionaries were killed in Ecuador. It's sad, and yet, God used the bad for good. I do remembering being so worried that Dean and Elaine might get killed. I remember hearing it on TV, radio and in the news paper. Anyway, It has an amazing ending.
With my having cancer, even though there has been a lot of things that I would call bad, I can see so much good that is coming from this. I have gained some new friends and have had a closer relationship with my old friends and family. All of you who check my blog, are part of the blessings, because you care enough to want to know how I am! Thank you, and I thank God for you.
My Love,
Ladeva
Today has been my best day for a long time. My leg is healing now from the radiation, and I was pretty comfortable today! After the chemo regiments, I looked forward to radiation, then when my leg got so sore from that, I began to think that it will sure be nice to get the surgery over and get the tumor out finally!
My young friend, Kara Brown came today and asked if I wanted to go to town. I needed to run some errands and get groceries. We went to Walmart so I could get some things from the pharmacy also and make one stop. Kara has been through some of the same treatments that I have had also for the past year or more, so she is very understanding and caring. Anyway, she was such a blessing to me. God knew that I could use some help today, and while I could have asked someone, she just came. She had also rented a movie for us to watch.
The movie was "End Of The Spear." It is an older movie, and it is also a true story. When my brother Dean and wife, Elaine went to Bolivia to be missionaries, it wasn't long after that the 5 missionaries were killed in Ecuador. It's sad, and yet, God used the bad for good. I do remembering being so worried that Dean and Elaine might get killed. I remember hearing it on TV, radio and in the news paper. Anyway, It has an amazing ending.
With my having cancer, even though there has been a lot of things that I would call bad, I can see so much good that is coming from this. I have gained some new friends and have had a closer relationship with my old friends and family. All of you who check my blog, are part of the blessings, because you care enough to want to know how I am! Thank you, and I thank God for you.
My Love,
Ladeva
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Radiating rest.
Hi everyone,
Well, the rumors are true.
Mom is done with radiation as of last Thursday
Mom,Dad,Carmen and I, all went to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance yesterday (Tuesday) to see Dr. Conrad (Mom's orthopedic surgeon that will be removing the tumor) and Dr.Kelly (her radiation Dr. at SCCA). Her leg is really angry and is looking like someone poured a kettle full of boiling water over and around the top and backside of her thigh. The pain has intensified and walking is not fun as it touches and rubs against clothing and is so very tender. Dr.Kelly felt like the treatment went well and was pleased with the progress, yet not so pleased with Mom. SOMEHOW,(and I'm not saying exactly how it got out)it was communicated that Mom was not simply lying around "eating chocolates and watching movies" as Dr. Kelly had ordered her to do. Mom feels that when she isn't absolutely miserable, that her days need to be filled with her being "productive". Those of you who know her well, can attest to this. Dad, sat grinning and thanking the Dr. for the scolding Mom so deservedly received.
So, this is the Dr.'s orders to anyone who may go see Mom, or hear from Mom.
(because let's face it, she won't tell you these things)Sorry Mom, but you know I'm telling the truth.
Her job is to rest and keep her leg up and unclothed. Her leg is to be getting air and resting. She wants her to be eating chocolate and watching movies, and napping. Period. (I REALLY LIKED THIS DR.)
She reminded Mom that she actually has cancer and has been through a huge ordeal just thus far. She reminded her that radiation, let alone chemo, will take it out of her completely. She reminded her that she only has a month before she has another surgery coming up and that she will need every ounce of energy she has to heal from that. She reminded Mom that there is also the possibility that she will need two more rounds of chemo after the surgery and she needs to let her body spend it's energy on rebuilding her stamina.
I know it's hard for Mom to do, but if we don't stay on top of her she will try to conquer the world. They stopped on the way home and got some good movies and they stopped and picked up some RX'd chocolates as well. :) You know, Dr.'s orders and all.
Her surgery is scheduled for Thursday November the 6th in Seattle at UWMC.
She will have her pre op visit on Tuesday the 4th for scans and blood work etc.
We thank you all for your love and prayers for her. The Dr. that administered the radiation said the pain would be the worst for the next 7 -10 days. She got some additional pain killers so hopefully she will be more comfortable shortly.
Thank you for checking the blog so faithfully.
There may not be a lot to update over the next month, but we will try our best to get you news when it occurs. Feel free to call her as she's just going to be sitting at home healing. Right Mom?!
God bless~
Kimberly and family
Well, the rumors are true.
Mom is done with radiation as of last Thursday
Mom,Dad,Carmen and I, all went to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance yesterday (Tuesday) to see Dr. Conrad (Mom's orthopedic surgeon that will be removing the tumor) and Dr.Kelly (her radiation Dr. at SCCA). Her leg is really angry and is looking like someone poured a kettle full of boiling water over and around the top and backside of her thigh. The pain has intensified and walking is not fun as it touches and rubs against clothing and is so very tender. Dr.Kelly felt like the treatment went well and was pleased with the progress, yet not so pleased with Mom. SOMEHOW,(and I'm not saying exactly how it got out)it was communicated that Mom was not simply lying around "eating chocolates and watching movies" as Dr. Kelly had ordered her to do. Mom feels that when she isn't absolutely miserable, that her days need to be filled with her being "productive". Those of you who know her well, can attest to this. Dad, sat grinning and thanking the Dr. for the scolding Mom so deservedly received.
So, this is the Dr.'s orders to anyone who may go see Mom, or hear from Mom.
(because let's face it, she won't tell you these things)Sorry Mom, but you know I'm telling the truth.
Her job is to rest and keep her leg up and unclothed. Her leg is to be getting air and resting. She wants her to be eating chocolate and watching movies, and napping. Period. (I REALLY LIKED THIS DR.)
She reminded Mom that she actually has cancer and has been through a huge ordeal just thus far. She reminded her that radiation, let alone chemo, will take it out of her completely. She reminded her that she only has a month before she has another surgery coming up and that she will need every ounce of energy she has to heal from that. She reminded Mom that there is also the possibility that she will need two more rounds of chemo after the surgery and she needs to let her body spend it's energy on rebuilding her stamina.
I know it's hard for Mom to do, but if we don't stay on top of her she will try to conquer the world. They stopped on the way home and got some good movies and they stopped and picked up some RX'd chocolates as well. :) You know, Dr.'s orders and all.
Her surgery is scheduled for Thursday November the 6th in Seattle at UWMC.
She will have her pre op visit on Tuesday the 4th for scans and blood work etc.
We thank you all for your love and prayers for her. The Dr. that administered the radiation said the pain would be the worst for the next 7 -10 days. She got some additional pain killers so hopefully she will be more comfortable shortly.
Thank you for checking the blog so faithfully.
There may not be a lot to update over the next month, but we will try our best to get you news when it occurs. Feel free to call her as she's just going to be sitting at home healing. Right Mom?!
God bless~
Kimberly and family
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