August 22, 2008

Hi Everyone,

First of all, let me apologize for the ugly pictures of the tumor.  I bet that was not what any of you were expecting to see when you visited my blog!  I wrote the text of the blog and added the photos after.  When I added the photos, I thought they would show up BELOW all of the text.  My disclaimer  that there were graphic photos attached didn't do much good.  So, sorry about that.  That is what I (and all of you) get when I sit down at the computer under the influence of pain killers.  But now we all know what cancer looks like.  I think the pictures are sort of like a car crash...you don't want to look at it, but you just can't help it.  

Anyway, I am doing pretty well.  I am still in a lot of pain and very weak, but it is getting better.  I took the bandages off of my incision last night and it looks great!  I was expecting a gruesome looking thing.  I thought it would look like the scar on Frankenstien's head.  But it isn't so bad.  I think it makes me look tough.  

I am really excited because my kids are coming home tomorrow!  Jack and Kate have been at "Camp Grandma and Grandpa Waldock and  Camp Gaga and Papa Winstead."  Both my parents and Johns parents have been taking wonderful care of them.  They have come for short visits but I think it is time they come back home.  I am really looking forward to having my family under one roof again.  I am by no means ready to jump back into my role as full time Mom, but it can only help to have my kids around me.  John is going to get a crash course in being a stay at home mom.  Kids, cooking, cleaning, laundry, yard work.  I plan to take pictures.  I am not worried, he is a wonderful father and he will do great.  My mom is planning on moving in for a few days to help as well.  And if it is too much, too soon, we can send the kids back to "camp."  

Speaking of our parents, I have to take a minute to thank them.  They have been so helpful, generous, and supportive.  Thank you Mom, Dad, John Sr, and Arlene!  We would be lost without you.  We love you so much.  If any of you see them, give them a pat on the back.  They really deserve it.  

So far, we have not heard any new news on the pathology of the tumor from Mayo Clinic yet.  So far all we know is that it is Stage 3 Renal Cell Carcinoma.  I have an oncology appointment on Thursday.  We will learn more then.  In the meantime, I plan on resting and healing.  I promised Jack that we would watch Finding Nemo when I got home from the hospital, so I am looking forward to that.  

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!  That is really helping to keep our spirits up.  I really believe that whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.  So, I figure I will be ironclad by the time this is all over!  

Love to all!

Becky

Home from the hospital

Hello Everyone.

I am home from the hospital.  The surgery went well.  They ended up taking the tumor, my kidney, and my adrenal gland.  I got to keep my spleen.  I am very sore and very very weak.  But hopefully it will get better every day.  

The pathology report on the tumor is back.  It is stage 3 Renal Cell Carcinoma.  My oncologist is sending some samples down to Mayo Clinic for more testing.  We will hear from Mayo in a few days to determine the best course of action.  

  

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.  I really appreciate it.  

I have added the photos of my tumor.  Be warned, they are graphic.  The tumor is big, it is mean, and it is ugly.  And it is no longer residing in my abdomen.  

Ready for Surgery

Today I had my pre surgery physical.  My heart, lungs, blood, etc. all look good.  I am strong, I am young, and I am as ready as I will ever be.  

Yes I am scared.  I am afraid of the surgery.  I am afraid of what they are going to tell me after the surgery.  I am scared for my kids and the rest of my family.  Besides that I am trying to stay positive.  

Ok, here is the morbid part.  Just in case things go badly.....I feel I need to tell people that I love them.  You all know who you are.  I love you so much.  Also, I want all of you to make sure my kids know how much their mom loves them.  Alright, that is enough of that.  

So, Friday morning..........here I come.  

Summer Pictures

4th of July at Prior Lake

Golfing at Dwan with Gene and Debbie

Summer Fete

Swimming with Auntie Jenny

Swimming at Grandma and Grandpa Waldocks

Mayo Clinic

It turns out that I am not going to Mayo for a second opinion now.  There is only one doctor that is qualified to see a patient who has a tumor as large as mine.  That particular doctor is booked a great deal in advance, and I can't wait that long.  So, the plan is to proceed with surgery on Friday at Methodist Hospital.  

August 9, 2008

August 8, 2008

On July 31st I went to my back Dr. to discuss the results of my latest MRI.  When he said, "I don't want to alarm you but..." I never thought I would be up against a kidney tumor.  

It turns out that I have an 11 cm tumor on my left kidney.  The tumor is one of two things.  An oncocytoma (stage 0 cancer) or renal cell carcinoma (stage 3 cancer).  I have been advised not to do a biopsy due to the size of the tumor and the risk of spreading the cells.  I am scheduled for surgery at Methodist Hospital on Friday, August 15th.  I will have the tumor, my left kidney, and possibly my spleen removed.  It can take about 5 days to really examine the tumor and do all of the pathology.  So we won't know which cancer it is until then.  Either way I am in for a very tough recovery.  

I have had numerous CT and MRI scans done.  This type of cancer usually spreads to the lungs, bones, and brain.  So far those areas look good.  But they wanted me to know that they only are able to scan for masses 1 cm and smaller.  

I am confident in the team of Urologists and Oncologists involved.  They are good doctors and seem to have my best interests at heart.  

Needless to say I am very scared.  This is not something you expect when you are 32 years old.  I am trying to stay strong for my kids and the rest of my family.  

Now I am in scramble mode trying to get everything and everyone ready for surgery.  Sadly our Nanny who we have grown to absolutely love is leaving us.  She is a second grade teacher and has to get back to the classroom.  So, I may be asking some of you to help out with the kiddos from time to time.

I will update this blog as I can.  Wish me luck!

Becky