Big Plans!

You're probably tuning in, hoping that we know the answers to all the questions we've been asking the last month or so. At the same time, you're probably still a little weary that all of a sudden we've made a decision about either starting chemo or doing the lung surgery. Right?! Well, give yourself a pat on the back....partial credit!

Last week, because my neck is still killing me and not getting better, we scheduled a CT scan (neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis). This had to be done either way because the lung surgeon wanted to see an updated picture. More on him, Dr. #9, in a second. I did the CT scan and assuming nothing showed up in my neck, I figured I'd be scheduling surgery at some point this week or next.

Not so fast my world-wide-webbies! L and I went to The D this past weekend to see some family and have a relaxing weekend away from our GRap basement. We did see lots of family, and it was a good visit. While we were there, however, Dr. #3 and Dr.#4 called us with some concerns that showed up in the CT scan. Dr. #3 suggested that he didn't think the radiation worked because of how the hip tumor looked, and that I should get that fixed right away. Dr. #4 basically shared the same info, but added some good news that the lung tumor appears to be the same as it was 2 months ago. SCORE!

Among other points of focus, Dr. #3 also mentioned that there seemed to be some spreading in my pelvis. Very small spots that weren't there before, and that was his reason, mainly, for wanting to get that tumor out asap. So, while at DBone's, we worked closely with Auntie R to schedule an appointment first thing Monday morning with Dr. #8. She is an orthopedic oncologist....of which there are none in the GRap area. Luckily, she was able to see me then and we discussed why I need the surgery, why she isn't concerned about the little spots because she can take those out, too, and what I can expect after the surgery.

Unfortunately, she shares the same belief with Dr. #1, that my days of athletics, as I know them, are most likely numbered. No contact or quick-changing-directions sports, i.e. no more softball, basketball, tennis, etc... Expect to see a lot more of me on the golf course, that's all I can say. The news was pretty traumatic for me because I've never not been active in sports, and just 2 months ago I was playing in a basketball league in my new hometown. Life goes on, I guess.

We didn't have all the films necessary for Dr. #8 to look at, so I'm awaiting a call back from her today to verify that surgery is appropriate and schedule a time. The hip replacement would be about a 3 hour surgery with a 4-5 day hospital stay. The good news is I'd be pain free (except sore from the surgery) immediately, and I'd be walking on both legs (with crutches or a walker for a bit) the next morning. Dr. #8 says its about 3-4 weeks with the walking help, maybe 1-2 weeks with a cane and then I'm on my own. Biking, swimming, hiking....those are the types of activities I'll be limited to. But, I'll be alive to do them!

So, with all that in mind, L and I headed back to GRap for some more fun this week. Yesterday we met with the lung surgeon, the aforementioned Dr. #9. He explained his surgery, which would be a couple hours and require about 3 days in the hospital. I'd get a cool battle wound in the middle of my ribs on my right side, but that's about it. He said, 'You won't like me the day after or the day after that. You're gonna be pretty sore, and I'd suggest an epidural for the pain." STOP! Seriously?? So I will be able to experience the pain a woman goes through when giving life? Can this wait??

L and I told Dr. #9 the plans about the hip and all the info we had (and you read above), and he agreed with treating the hip first. He says if that's spreading and we can get some tissue from there that can be tested to determine a source, get that taken care of. He doesn't suggest waiting long to do the lung resection, but it can wait. We set up a consult to go back and visit him in a month and we'll see where we're at then.

It's possible that the hip tissue will come back and we will know the source. If it's lung cancer, we'll test for Tarceva eligibility. If it's something else, it would most likely mean chemo. But, it would be a specific chemo, i.e. something specific for the type of cancer I have, not just a general one that doesn't focus on a specific area.

All in all, the hip surgery seems to be the best option. It's really scary and in my mind, for some reason, it feels like I'm defeated because I won't be able to do what I love most every summer - softball. But, I understand it needs to be done, so I'm willing to do it.

That's all for now. I have an MRI Friday on my neck just to make sure there isn't anything in there except for a twisted muscle from bad sleep or maybe a small pinched nerve. Assuming that goes well, we're planning on having the surgery next week (Dr. #8 said she'd be able to get me in then). More updates to follow...and you'll definitely know the plan of action before I go under the knife.

****On a personal note, the world lost a great person this past week. Pete W., an almost-identical-twin to the famous Croc Hunter, was a college friend of mine and of so many others. He was a great guy who never had anything bad to say about anyone. He was creative, smart, funny and had an aura of confidence that made him stand out despite usually being the quietest one in the room. Pete will be terribly missed by everyone, but never forgotten! We send our love and prayers to his family as they remember him this week and forever.*****