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

June 4, 2008

Hi Everyone,

We haven't written anything in a while.  Things have been crazy for us lately.  Everyone is doing ok.  The kids are great!  Kate is starting to sit up on her own and is rolling around all over the place.  She will be crawling anytime.  She is able to sort of scoot backwards while on her tummy.   It also won't be long before those first two bottom teeth pop through.   And she is sleeping thru the night most of the time.  (I hope I didn't just curse it!)  Jack is very busy!  He loves summer and is a big help in the yard.  He loves going to the park and  going for walks.  He could spend all day outside looking at stuff.  We are also getting ready for potty training.  We have the books, the pull ups (Big boy pants), the charts and stickers, and just need Jack to get on board.  Yesterday he did go on the potty a little bit.  He was very excited and we are very proud.  We will take baby steps.  

Anyway, that is just a quick update.  Kate is up from her nap, so I have to go.  I will write again soon.

Thanks to everyone for all of your kind words and support over the last month.  It has been and continues to be a difficult time for us, but we are doing ok.  

Becky and John 

June 3, 2008

Kate in her Bumbo chair.

Jack at Chutes and Ladders having two treats. 

We are back

Kate in the front yard watching her brother play.

Jack at the park.  He is so happy that summer is finally here!

April 30, 2008

I haven't written in a while.  That is because we have been busy.  We haven't been doing anything overly exciting, but we have been busy.  Spring is sort of here so we have been spending a lot of time outside.  Jack couldn't be happier that it is warm enough to go out and play.  We have been going to the park, walking around the lake, getting some yard work done, going to the dog park, and playing in the yard.

Kate is already 6 months old.  Where does the time go?  We started her on rice cereal and she loves it!  We waited until she was 6 months old due to the allergies that run in the family.  We had her 6 month well child check up today and she is happy and healthy.  She is growing right on track and is right where she should be developmentally.  

Other than that we are getting ready to landscape our back yard and paint the deck and gazebo that we built last fall.  I am really ready to finish all projects around here and just live in the house.  But as most homeowners know, there is always something to do, fix, etc.  

April 3rd, 2008

It has been a semi quiet week.  Jack and Kate came down with colds...again.  I think they got it from their father.  So we have been staying at home a lot.  We are keeping busy painting, coloring, playing with Play Dough, reading, and watching movies.  Other than that, not a lot is new.  We got some more snow, but it is all melting away now.  We are really looking forward to spring.  Jack is at the age where he hates being trapped inside all day.  Soon enough we will be dragging him in for his naps and lunch.  This summer should be  a lot of fun.  We are looking forward to walks, biking, swimming, going to the park, and just playing in the front yard.  I am even looking forward to all of the yard work.  I am not really sure how I plan on getting it done with the 2 kids, but I guess I get laundry done now, so I will figure it out.