Today was such a great day! We woke up really early, for us, and got the kids out of bed and dressed and headed to Salt Lake. Travis and Joy were on the radio talking about the fundraiser. It was way fun to see the radio station and visit with Joy for a little bit! We also got to meet Keith Stubbs, from the Stubbs show and also the owner of Wiseguys! He was way cool!
Then we went home and Travis had to rest...he was wiped out!
Then that night Tami and Jason came over to watch the kids and we headed to Wiseguys! It was so fun seeing so many people we had not seen for awhile, and it's impossible to explain the love and support we felt that night. Joy had set up such an amazing night! The food was great, the comedians were so funny! The comedians were so amazing to donate their time! Everyone enjoyed the night! Thanks again Joy!! Thank you to everyone who came and supported us as well! And thank you to those who were unable to attend, but still gave donations to Joy, Ali, Tara and my Mom, or sent them directly to us!
We then came home and watched the Jazz lose with Tami and Jason! Was fun to spend some time with them, but sad the Jazz lost! After they left we crashed! I slept better then I have in months! It was nice to have a fun day, it was needed so badly, and laughter is the best medicine! :D
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The news....
So, I just returned home from the doctor. He walked into the room and a knot took over my stomach. I had been nervous ever since the surgery. I had sleepless nights, pain, stress, and worry. It all came down to this one moment. What he was about to say made all the difference in the world to me. It was one of those surreal moments where you knew your life was about to change one way or another, and there was nothing you could do to stop it. It's like slow motion time that you see in the movies, where the guy is dodging the bullets and he is watching them ripple through the atmosphere passed his head. I could feel my heart beating, I could hear myself breathing, and I was frozen solid where I sat.
He gave the usual American "Hey how are you guys doing?" then his face turned serious.
"Uh oh, here it goes", I thought.
"A very good report." He said it without really looking up at all, he was opening up the pathology report. He moved his chair closer to us. He pointed to a page that was written entirely in greek. I thought it was weird they had a report in a different language, but one thing made perfect sense to me; one thing I could understand. He pointed to a spot on the page and all I saw was a letter and a number that changed everything. T1. "That's the key" he said.
Because it was T1, the procedure we did was all the more reasonable. It's what you would normally do for a T1. The ultrasound had overshot the diagnosis. It wasn't a T2 after all. A miracle. He said they removed all of it. All of the margins surrounding the cancer they removed came back negative. This is despite the fact the margins were much smaller than normal (because of the position of my cancer). A miracle. I won't need another operation. A miracle. And I'm 100% cancer free. A miracle.
I am 28 years old. I still have 22 years before I would have gotten my first scope. 22 Years for the cancer to grow, for the cancer to change, and for the cancer to kill me. I was 22 years early finding this. 22 Years. My kids could possibly all have been married. We'd be living in a home who knows where. And this news would have devastated us. Now it won't.
A sinus infection saved my life.
A sinus infection.
Blessings in disguise are all around us. It has taught me not to jump so fast to decide things that happen to me are bad. Things that happen to us, are for a reason. Sometimes we don't even know. This was obvious to me, which provides a great learning experience. An eye opener. Something to sink my teeth into. But subtle things in our lives may go unnoticed as blessings in disguise. Be careful what you are cursing over.
What if you are running late for work? It's okay. Because had you been on time you may have been hit by the semi truck that ran the red light 5 minutes earlier.
What if you are denied the loan for the new home? It's okay, because that home burned down due to an electrical failure 1 year later. You were lucky not to be in it.
What if you get a sinus infection that in turn causes C Difficile; a nasty case that won't go away. And you have to take 500mg of Vancomicin 3 times a day, and continue tapering off of it for 6 weeks. All this after 3 other medications, and failed treatments spanning a time period of over 2 months. It's okay....because you had cancer, and you found it only because it happened. And you won't have to worry about it when you turn 50. You won't have to make that phone call to tell your children you have stage 3 or 4 colon cancer, and that things are going to get really rough. I won't have to. I won't. All because someone gave me a bug, that gave me a sinus infection.
I'm cancer free. I won.
As for what happens now?
Well in 3 months I'll need to give blood. And I'll need to do that ever 3 months for a year. Then give the blood annually for the following 5 years. This to see if the cancer somehow has gotten to my liver.
I'll need another scope in a year, and then two years after that another. Then every 5 years for the rest of my life. This is because I have a 30% chance of growing another polyp.
I am going to be meeting with Oncologist to determine if I need any further treatment for the cancer itself. Dr Foley (surgeon) said he really doesn't think I'll need any radiation and chemotherapy. In fact he went as far as saying that I should seek a second opinion if the Oncologist recommends it. He believes the benefits don't outweigh the risks due to the success of the surgery.
In a week Dr Foley has cleared me to go back to work on the 4th (the 3rd is my normal day off). My life will get back to normal. No more bacterial infection. No more cancer. And a nice and strong immune system (something I've been without for probably the last 5-7 years). My life should actually be better than it was before. I'll feel better. I'll be better. I'll live better.
It came. We fought. I won.
And if it wants a round two...I'll be ready.
He gave the usual American "Hey how are you guys doing?" then his face turned serious.
"Uh oh, here it goes", I thought.
"A very good report." He said it without really looking up at all, he was opening up the pathology report. He moved his chair closer to us. He pointed to a page that was written entirely in greek. I thought it was weird they had a report in a different language, but one thing made perfect sense to me; one thing I could understand. He pointed to a spot on the page and all I saw was a letter and a number that changed everything. T1. "That's the key" he said.
Because it was T1, the procedure we did was all the more reasonable. It's what you would normally do for a T1. The ultrasound had overshot the diagnosis. It wasn't a T2 after all. A miracle. He said they removed all of it. All of the margins surrounding the cancer they removed came back negative. This is despite the fact the margins were much smaller than normal (because of the position of my cancer). A miracle. I won't need another operation. A miracle. And I'm 100% cancer free. A miracle.
I am 28 years old. I still have 22 years before I would have gotten my first scope. 22 Years for the cancer to grow, for the cancer to change, and for the cancer to kill me. I was 22 years early finding this. 22 Years. My kids could possibly all have been married. We'd be living in a home who knows where. And this news would have devastated us. Now it won't.
A sinus infection saved my life.
A sinus infection.
Blessings in disguise are all around us. It has taught me not to jump so fast to decide things that happen to me are bad. Things that happen to us, are for a reason. Sometimes we don't even know. This was obvious to me, which provides a great learning experience. An eye opener. Something to sink my teeth into. But subtle things in our lives may go unnoticed as blessings in disguise. Be careful what you are cursing over.
What if you are running late for work? It's okay. Because had you been on time you may have been hit by the semi truck that ran the red light 5 minutes earlier.
What if you are denied the loan for the new home? It's okay, because that home burned down due to an electrical failure 1 year later. You were lucky not to be in it.
What if you get a sinus infection that in turn causes C Difficile; a nasty case that won't go away. And you have to take 500mg of Vancomicin 3 times a day, and continue tapering off of it for 6 weeks. All this after 3 other medications, and failed treatments spanning a time period of over 2 months. It's okay....because you had cancer, and you found it only because it happened. And you won't have to worry about it when you turn 50. You won't have to make that phone call to tell your children you have stage 3 or 4 colon cancer, and that things are going to get really rough. I won't have to. I won't. All because someone gave me a bug, that gave me a sinus infection.
I'm cancer free. I won.
As for what happens now?
Well in 3 months I'll need to give blood. And I'll need to do that ever 3 months for a year. Then give the blood annually for the following 5 years. This to see if the cancer somehow has gotten to my liver.
I'll need another scope in a year, and then two years after that another. Then every 5 years for the rest of my life. This is because I have a 30% chance of growing another polyp.
I am going to be meeting with Oncologist to determine if I need any further treatment for the cancer itself. Dr Foley (surgeon) said he really doesn't think I'll need any radiation and chemotherapy. In fact he went as far as saying that I should seek a second opinion if the Oncologist recommends it. He believes the benefits don't outweigh the risks due to the success of the surgery.
In a week Dr Foley has cleared me to go back to work on the 4th (the 3rd is my normal day off). My life will get back to normal. No more bacterial infection. No more cancer. And a nice and strong immune system (something I've been without for probably the last 5-7 years). My life should actually be better than it was before. I'll feel better. I'll be better. I'll live better.
It came. We fought. I won.
And if it wants a round two...I'll be ready.
While under the influence...
When Travis was given some coke and crackers he told the nurse:
They should give coke and crackers for sacrament. Then we can just nibble on them and when you are done it'll be time for the prayer!
The cup he was given had some writing on it, so he read it and then turned to where the nurse had just left and said:
WOW!!! A hundred years! Congratulations! (the cup said something the hospital being open for a hundred years!)
He was unable to go to the bathroom and after sharing this with me I told him I was sorry and he responded:
You know that's just the way it goes sometimes. Sometimes shepherds loose their sheep and that's the way it goes!
There was a table that the nurse pulled up from the side of the chair and he was amazed by it:
WOAH! Where did that come from! (A lot of this one is the way he said it!)
He just randomnly told me this:
I threw up in their bag. I bet we pay for that. I hope I didn't ruin it.
He was upset they didn't start out with giving him the morphine:
Whatever they give me for pain, I take! I mean, DUH (While hitting his forehead). He then dramatically rolled his eyes and shook his head for a few minutes. He then pointed to where the nurse left and mouthed "retarded"!
The nurse came in and was surprised at how much he ate and he said:
I had myself a bit of a feast!
When he left for surgery his gown was inside out, when he came back I noted it was not anymore and he said:
They stripped me down....I should have worked out more.
I realized I had put Hunters pants on backwards and Trav told him:
Don't go into surgery buddy, then they strip you down.
They should give coke and crackers for sacrament. Then we can just nibble on them and when you are done it'll be time for the prayer!
The cup he was given had some writing on it, so he read it and then turned to where the nurse had just left and said:
WOW!!! A hundred years! Congratulations! (the cup said something the hospital being open for a hundred years!)
He was unable to go to the bathroom and after sharing this with me I told him I was sorry and he responded:
You know that's just the way it goes sometimes. Sometimes shepherds loose their sheep and that's the way it goes!
There was a table that the nurse pulled up from the side of the chair and he was amazed by it:
WOAH! Where did that come from! (A lot of this one is the way he said it!)
He just randomnly told me this:
I threw up in their bag. I bet we pay for that. I hope I didn't ruin it.
He was upset they didn't start out with giving him the morphine:
Whatever they give me for pain, I take! I mean, DUH (While hitting his forehead). He then dramatically rolled his eyes and shook his head for a few minutes. He then pointed to where the nurse left and mouthed "retarded"!
The nurse came in and was surprised at how much he ate and he said:
I had myself a bit of a feast!
When he left for surgery his gown was inside out, when he came back I noted it was not anymore and he said:
They stripped me down....I should have worked out more.
I realized I had put Hunters pants on backwards and Trav told him:
Don't go into surgery buddy, then they strip you down.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Surgery
I'm sorry it's been so long since we last updated. It's been an interesting week, without a lot happening and so it's felt pointless to update. But I am sorry to those of you that check this for any kind of an update! Travis was in quite a bit of pain following surgery. He had been taking lortab til yesterday, and is in a bit of pain with the ibuprofen. But, he is healing. We find out tomorrow the results of the surgery, which will be easier to blog about!!
Trav ran the prep on Wednesday. This was the third time in a month and I have to say he is quite the pro! He got a bit dehydrated and hungry. Which was funny because he hasn't had an appetite since February, until he can't eat! Trav and I were both nervous and excited. He couldn't get to sleep, and I had a bit of a restless night as well, partly because Trav kept moving!
Surgery day was a bit emotional for me, more so then I expected! I woke up excited, knowing we were going to get rid of the cancer, and move on. I also was a bit nervous, I think it's impossible to head to the hospital for your husband to have surgery without being a bit anxious! The surgery was early on Thursday, so we got up and got to the hospital and checked in. We had to wait a bit before going back. While sitting there we decided I was going to say goodbye to Trav, and not go back to pre-op with him. At the last second we changed our minds and decided if they let me go back might as well! Thank goodness we changed our minds because I went back there and they did the vitals check and then went to the pre-op room. It was a hospital room with a curtain door and a TV, which Trav enjoyed some Sports Center on! Two nurses came in; one asked questions and gave Trav the run down on the process, while the other put in an IV. He barely noticed the IV being put in, I'm not sure if he has just become desensitized or if the other nurse just did a great job distracting him! The nurse who gave us the run down, Trav said it was her job to talk as fast as she could to him (like the micro machines guy), said it was going to be about 45 minutes before he went into surgery. So, they hydrated him a bit and Trav and I had a nice talk! We talked about the Broncos, the surgery and life! It was a great chat! Trav and I have had so many deep conversations lately and I have really enjoyed them! Wish it didn't take something so traumatic to really think about things and appreciate them!
Anyway, our Surgeon walked in and told us that the surgery before us hadn't gone so well. He was just going to remove some Hemmoroids, but the 65 year old lady had never had a colonoscopy before and so they decided to do that first. He ended up finding cancer and I glanced over and saw the picture and it looked horrible. He said it was going to be a really rough process and it is probably in more organs. He once again reminded us how blessed we are to have found the cancer in Travis so early. Now, the surgeon probably gave us too much information about another patient, but he didn't think we would ever know who the patient was, so I guess it probably wasn't crossing any rules! The surgeon let me know that it'll be about an hour surgery, and then they'll come and get me for him to talk to me. He told me not to panic if it takes more then an hour, but it should be about that. The surgeon left to go break the news to this ladies husband and the Aneasthesologist came and rolled Travis away.
I headed out to the waiting room, and when I was almost there I saw our Surgeon walk out, with the husband of his previous almost surgery. I was already heartbroken for this person, but to put a face to it was too much for me. I was already in an emotional state, Travis would ask when I am not, but I started crying/fighting tears. This ended up going on for the next twenty minutes! The guy was a big tough guy and he kept wiping his eyes. He called a few people and I listened to his voice crack to say hello as he stepped away to share the news. People probably thought I was crying as I waited for someone else, but at that moment I was praying and worried for these strangers that I felt connected to at the time.
It was an emotional roller coaster over the next hour. I paced enough to put Hunter to sleep, which was a nice break! I brought my homework, but read one page 10 times before I decided I couldn't concentrate enough! In the waiting room they have a TV that list the first name of every patient and their status. So, I watched it very intently and when 60 minutes hit I got so excited that I was going to be able to see Travis soon. Then 70 minutes hit and I remembered the surgeon telling me to not panic after an hour...but worrying a little still! I remember when I saw 80 minutes on the clock I really started to get worried. I mean I knew everything was going to be alright, I have faith in the Lord and I knew it was going to be alright, but at what cost? Was Trav going to come out with a colostomy? Was it worse then they expected? Is he not coming out of the anesthetics? Did something else go wrong? Then 90 minutes, 110 minutes, a few minutes shy of two hours they called me to go back and wait for the surgeon. They send you to another room with a few chairs and a phone with a sign that tells you if you have waited more then 30 minutes to call a number. I checked my watch, then paced! The surgeon came in after a few minutes and apologizes for taking so long. He said they had a few technical issues, with the camera and such and so it took longer. He said it would've been really quick had everything gone right. He apologized so many times. He also told me that everything went great. The cancer was about the size of a penny and it came out great. He was sending us home with some pain pills and stool softener and we needed to follow-up with him in 10 days. He told me that he really felt good about it and was extremely positive. That was basically it; he sent me back to the waiting room and said it should be about 20 minutes before I can see Trav.
Well, back in the waiting room again I started to pace, you were surprised I said that weren't you?!! :D They had him in a recovery room and once he was awake they would move him to an outpatient recovery room that I could meet up with him in. I called both my parents and gave them the sort of news, my Dad was watching the kids so I told him I should be home in about an hour! Then I called Trav's parents and texted my siblings, and Trav's sisters that I knew texted! That took a whole 10 minutes! So, I watched the clock and it hit 20 minutes...still waiting...30 minutes...you got to be kidding me! I told him before he went in that he better wake up and not enjoy the nap time! Well after about 45 minutes they finally took me back. I was expecting to walk back and see a loopy Trav and be able to give him a hug and kiss and take him home! Nope! I walk in to see him cringing in complete pain. I tried talking to him, I asked him if they gave him pain medicine, had he called the nurse, does he want me to call the nurse, can I do anything. He didn't say anything, and then tears started coming down his face, so I obviously started crying and just pushed the nurse button and asked for some medicine. The nurse came in seconds later saying she was just about to bring in some morphine! I was a bit irritated with the fact that they had brought someone who was not very conscious back, threw them into a room and shut the curtain. He had no way to tell anyone he needed anything, and had I not been standing there waiting to be let back to see him, who knows how long he would've sat there crying. He left to attempt to go to the bathroom, and then came back a VERY happy Trav!! I'll make a separate post for funny Trav on morphine!
To this point Travis's side of the story is...they took him back, he fell asleep! He never woke up in the first waiting room...the 45 minute one, or atleast he does not remember it. In the second waiting room he remembers them saying "Okay, our goal is that chair", it being a few inches away, but yet the task seemed so impossible! He then got moved and threw up.
They would not let Trav leave until he was able to keep some food down, and a lortab! So, they brought in crackers and some soda, which he ate up in a hurry. The nurse then brought him more crackers and a lortab, but told him to not eat them so fast this time. He ate it, and was able to keep it down. So, after what seemed like an eternity, they sent us home!
The first few days Trav had a lortab every two hours. He then tapered to 1 every 4 hours, and then every 10 hours, and is currently on ibuprofen. He has taken a ton of baths, and is still in a little pain, but getting closer to getting back to his normal routine! Hopefully this next week will find some normalness in our family, despite the doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and Trav being on the radio and a fundraiser on Wednesday! Okay, maybe May will be normal! :D Do you think I'll remember it or know what to do with myself when things are normal again! Been one of the longest 2 1/2 months of my life!
Trav ran the prep on Wednesday. This was the third time in a month and I have to say he is quite the pro! He got a bit dehydrated and hungry. Which was funny because he hasn't had an appetite since February, until he can't eat! Trav and I were both nervous and excited. He couldn't get to sleep, and I had a bit of a restless night as well, partly because Trav kept moving!
Surgery day was a bit emotional for me, more so then I expected! I woke up excited, knowing we were going to get rid of the cancer, and move on. I also was a bit nervous, I think it's impossible to head to the hospital for your husband to have surgery without being a bit anxious! The surgery was early on Thursday, so we got up and got to the hospital and checked in. We had to wait a bit before going back. While sitting there we decided I was going to say goodbye to Trav, and not go back to pre-op with him. At the last second we changed our minds and decided if they let me go back might as well! Thank goodness we changed our minds because I went back there and they did the vitals check and then went to the pre-op room. It was a hospital room with a curtain door and a TV, which Trav enjoyed some Sports Center on! Two nurses came in; one asked questions and gave Trav the run down on the process, while the other put in an IV. He barely noticed the IV being put in, I'm not sure if he has just become desensitized or if the other nurse just did a great job distracting him! The nurse who gave us the run down, Trav said it was her job to talk as fast as she could to him (like the micro machines guy), said it was going to be about 45 minutes before he went into surgery. So, they hydrated him a bit and Trav and I had a nice talk! We talked about the Broncos, the surgery and life! It was a great chat! Trav and I have had so many deep conversations lately and I have really enjoyed them! Wish it didn't take something so traumatic to really think about things and appreciate them!
Anyway, our Surgeon walked in and told us that the surgery before us hadn't gone so well. He was just going to remove some Hemmoroids, but the 65 year old lady had never had a colonoscopy before and so they decided to do that first. He ended up finding cancer and I glanced over and saw the picture and it looked horrible. He said it was going to be a really rough process and it is probably in more organs. He once again reminded us how blessed we are to have found the cancer in Travis so early. Now, the surgeon probably gave us too much information about another patient, but he didn't think we would ever know who the patient was, so I guess it probably wasn't crossing any rules! The surgeon let me know that it'll be about an hour surgery, and then they'll come and get me for him to talk to me. He told me not to panic if it takes more then an hour, but it should be about that. The surgeon left to go break the news to this ladies husband and the Aneasthesologist came and rolled Travis away.
I headed out to the waiting room, and when I was almost there I saw our Surgeon walk out, with the husband of his previous almost surgery. I was already heartbroken for this person, but to put a face to it was too much for me. I was already in an emotional state, Travis would ask when I am not, but I started crying/fighting tears. This ended up going on for the next twenty minutes! The guy was a big tough guy and he kept wiping his eyes. He called a few people and I listened to his voice crack to say hello as he stepped away to share the news. People probably thought I was crying as I waited for someone else, but at that moment I was praying and worried for these strangers that I felt connected to at the time.
It was an emotional roller coaster over the next hour. I paced enough to put Hunter to sleep, which was a nice break! I brought my homework, but read one page 10 times before I decided I couldn't concentrate enough! In the waiting room they have a TV that list the first name of every patient and their status. So, I watched it very intently and when 60 minutes hit I got so excited that I was going to be able to see Travis soon. Then 70 minutes hit and I remembered the surgeon telling me to not panic after an hour...but worrying a little still! I remember when I saw 80 minutes on the clock I really started to get worried. I mean I knew everything was going to be alright, I have faith in the Lord and I knew it was going to be alright, but at what cost? Was Trav going to come out with a colostomy? Was it worse then they expected? Is he not coming out of the anesthetics? Did something else go wrong? Then 90 minutes, 110 minutes, a few minutes shy of two hours they called me to go back and wait for the surgeon. They send you to another room with a few chairs and a phone with a sign that tells you if you have waited more then 30 minutes to call a number. I checked my watch, then paced! The surgeon came in after a few minutes and apologizes for taking so long. He said they had a few technical issues, with the camera and such and so it took longer. He said it would've been really quick had everything gone right. He apologized so many times. He also told me that everything went great. The cancer was about the size of a penny and it came out great. He was sending us home with some pain pills and stool softener and we needed to follow-up with him in 10 days. He told me that he really felt good about it and was extremely positive. That was basically it; he sent me back to the waiting room and said it should be about 20 minutes before I can see Trav.
Well, back in the waiting room again I started to pace, you were surprised I said that weren't you?!! :D They had him in a recovery room and once he was awake they would move him to an outpatient recovery room that I could meet up with him in. I called both my parents and gave them the sort of news, my Dad was watching the kids so I told him I should be home in about an hour! Then I called Trav's parents and texted my siblings, and Trav's sisters that I knew texted! That took a whole 10 minutes! So, I watched the clock and it hit 20 minutes...still waiting...30 minutes...you got to be kidding me! I told him before he went in that he better wake up and not enjoy the nap time! Well after about 45 minutes they finally took me back. I was expecting to walk back and see a loopy Trav and be able to give him a hug and kiss and take him home! Nope! I walk in to see him cringing in complete pain. I tried talking to him, I asked him if they gave him pain medicine, had he called the nurse, does he want me to call the nurse, can I do anything. He didn't say anything, and then tears started coming down his face, so I obviously started crying and just pushed the nurse button and asked for some medicine. The nurse came in seconds later saying she was just about to bring in some morphine! I was a bit irritated with the fact that they had brought someone who was not very conscious back, threw them into a room and shut the curtain. He had no way to tell anyone he needed anything, and had I not been standing there waiting to be let back to see him, who knows how long he would've sat there crying. He left to attempt to go to the bathroom, and then came back a VERY happy Trav!! I'll make a separate post for funny Trav on morphine!
To this point Travis's side of the story is...they took him back, he fell asleep! He never woke up in the first waiting room...the 45 minute one, or atleast he does not remember it. In the second waiting room he remembers them saying "Okay, our goal is that chair", it being a few inches away, but yet the task seemed so impossible! He then got moved and threw up.
They would not let Trav leave until he was able to keep some food down, and a lortab! So, they brought in crackers and some soda, which he ate up in a hurry. The nurse then brought him more crackers and a lortab, but told him to not eat them so fast this time. He ate it, and was able to keep it down. So, after what seemed like an eternity, they sent us home!
The first few days Trav had a lortab every two hours. He then tapered to 1 every 4 hours, and then every 10 hours, and is currently on ibuprofen. He has taken a ton of baths, and is still in a little pain, but getting closer to getting back to his normal routine! Hopefully this next week will find some normalness in our family, despite the doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and Trav being on the radio and a fundraiser on Wednesday! Okay, maybe May will be normal! :D Do you think I'll remember it or know what to do with myself when things are normal again! Been one of the longest 2 1/2 months of my life!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Preliminary Update
I'm very sorry that I have not updated everyone sooner then this! It's been a long couple of days. The surgery went good. It was about the size of a Penny. Trav has a follow-up appointment on the 27th, which will help us know if we got everything or if a second surgery is necessary! Trav is currently in a bit of pain and so he can't get on the computer and update, but stay tuned! I took notes of some of the funny things Trav said when he was waking up and super loopy, and will post later for your amusement!
Thank you for your messages and continued support!
-Stacy Jean-
Thank you for your messages and continued support!
-Stacy Jean-
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Surgery Update
Met with the doctor this morning. And we learned a lot.
Here's the thing. There are two types of surgeries possible for me right now as I've mentioned. One of them is more like a scope in concept. The surgery is done is like a scope, they don't have to go through my abdomen in other words. You usually only run this type of procedure if the cancer is in Stage 1. I'm in stage 2 according to the ultrasound. However, because the ultrasound can sometimes "overshoot" how far along the cancer is, it's possible it's actually still in stage 1. My situation is EXTREMELY complicated because of the location of the cancer (only 5 centimeters in). It's a VERY complicated location. So, the surgeon thinks it's a better option to run this surgery first. If it fails, or I find out they couldn't get it all, I'll need a 2nd surgery. One where they go through my abdomen. It will be easier for me to list the pros and cons so you can see why we are doing this. So here they are:
Simpler Surgery (performed similar to a scope) Pros:
Simple Surgery Cons:
More Aggressive Surgery (through the abdomen) Pros:
More Aggressive Surgery Cons:
So, the idea is that if this simple procedure cures me, and I'm 100% cancer free, then it was less painful, less expensive, and MUCH less risk taking. If it fails, I'll be seeing a lot more of the hospital.
I will keep you updated. My spirits are high, and I truly am hopeful this first surgery does the trick. If not, I have a heck of a couple months in front of me. And it could change my life forever with a Colostomy. So a bit scary. The surgeon seems to think its around 50/50 that this first surgery will work, but the chances are good enough that we should take a shot at it. (Stacy is 100% convinced this will do the trick, I wish I had her faith!!!) I'll let you know what happens. So, I'll be prepping tomorrow. Which is LOTS of fun :(. Then surgery Thursday morning. I'll update you then.
Thanks and wish me luck!
Here's the thing. There are two types of surgeries possible for me right now as I've mentioned. One of them is more like a scope in concept. The surgery is done is like a scope, they don't have to go through my abdomen in other words. You usually only run this type of procedure if the cancer is in Stage 1. I'm in stage 2 according to the ultrasound. However, because the ultrasound can sometimes "overshoot" how far along the cancer is, it's possible it's actually still in stage 1. My situation is EXTREMELY complicated because of the location of the cancer (only 5 centimeters in). It's a VERY complicated location. So, the surgeon thinks it's a better option to run this surgery first. If it fails, or I find out they couldn't get it all, I'll need a 2nd surgery. One where they go through my abdomen. It will be easier for me to list the pros and cons so you can see why we are doing this. So here they are:
Simpler Surgery (performed similar to a scope) Pros:
- I won't be an inpatient at the hospital.
- I won't need the Colostomy (assuming it's successful in removing it all)
- I will recover more quickly (I'll be up and running by next week)
- I won't risk damaging any nerves (And without getting into details, they are important for having a family. )
- It doesn't burn any bridges, meaning we still have options.
Simple Surgery Cons:
- If it fails, I'll need a 2nd (and most likely a third surgery)
More Aggressive Surgery (through the abdomen) Pros:
- It has a much higher success rate in removing cancer, since they can take out lymph nodes etc around the cancer, so if I really am in stage 2, it will cure me. While the other procedure probably would not. (While it's the only pro at this point it's a BIG pro. The ultimate goal remember is to be cured of the cancer)
More Aggressive Surgery Cons:
- Would be another 3-8 weeks before I'd heal
- Would have to stay in hospital for a few days after procedure.
- Would for sure need a "temporary-ostamy" (through the small intestine)
- Would need a 2nd surgery to remove and seal up the " temporary-ostamy" some weeks afterward with a few days recovery time.
- Would possibly damage the nerves I mentioned earlier, completely destroying chances to have more children among other things.
- Increases the chances for Colostomy; because of the location of my cancer, it would be likely.
- If they get in there and find out its stage 1, it's too late. And quite possibly would end up with a Colostomy or damaged "functions" for nothing.
So, the idea is that if this simple procedure cures me, and I'm 100% cancer free, then it was less painful, less expensive, and MUCH less risk taking. If it fails, I'll be seeing a lot more of the hospital.
I will keep you updated. My spirits are high, and I truly am hopeful this first surgery does the trick. If not, I have a heck of a couple months in front of me. And it could change my life forever with a Colostomy. So a bit scary. The surgeon seems to think its around 50/50 that this first surgery will work, but the chances are good enough that we should take a shot at it. (Stacy is 100% convinced this will do the trick, I wish I had her faith!!!) I'll let you know what happens. So, I'll be prepping tomorrow. Which is LOTS of fun :(. Then surgery Thursday morning. I'll update you then.
Thanks and wish me luck!
Comedy Fundraiser for Travis
Our friend Joy works at Wiseguys and she has put together a Fundraiser for Trav...so I thought I'd post the information here:
Comedy Fundraiser for Travis Fredericks
‘Help us fight Colon Cancer’
April 28, 2010
7 PM
Wiseguys Comedy Café
269 Historic 25th St
Downtown Ogden
$20 per person
Includes dinner and comedy show
Food is being donated, please call or email with the number of people attending.
Please call 801-645-1864 (leave a message) or email supporttravis@live.com
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Minor Update
Well some people keep asking what is going on with me. There isn't a ton to report. But enough to warrant an update I think. I've been on 500 mg of the Vancocin, a fairly rare dosage. My GI didn't even know he could dose that high, he'd never done it before. So it is apparant to me that I'm in a fairly rare situation. Things have been improving from being on the new dose...though it's certainly not finished the job!! I have a ways to go. I don't expect to be in surgery this next week as a result.
I will be on the meds for 6 weeks, tapering off. I don't need to wait the entire 6 weeks necessarily however. I could have surgery before time is up. It all depends on my progress. They will do another scope before surgery to make sure the C Diff is cleared up. If it has, they can proceed. If not, then more waiting. I don't have a timeline for surgery, it really is up in the air entirely.
I'm meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday however to discuss surgery options. In other words, what type of surgery I'm most likely going to have, risks, etc. So I'll update at that point.
I've had good days and bad days...good hours and bad hours. Good minutes and bad minutes. It's all part of the deal. I'm learning a lot though, and life has been put into a very new perspective. One I imagine only those that have gone through similar things have been able to obtain. It's what I do with that perspective I think that will make or break me. Anyway, If you have any specific questions let me know. Thanks everyone for the prayers and support!
I will be on the meds for 6 weeks, tapering off. I don't need to wait the entire 6 weeks necessarily however. I could have surgery before time is up. It all depends on my progress. They will do another scope before surgery to make sure the C Diff is cleared up. If it has, they can proceed. If not, then more waiting. I don't have a timeline for surgery, it really is up in the air entirely.
I'm meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday however to discuss surgery options. In other words, what type of surgery I'm most likely going to have, risks, etc. So I'll update at that point.
I've had good days and bad days...good hours and bad hours. Good minutes and bad minutes. It's all part of the deal. I'm learning a lot though, and life has been put into a very new perspective. One I imagine only those that have gone through similar things have been able to obtain. It's what I do with that perspective I think that will make or break me. Anyway, If you have any specific questions let me know. Thanks everyone for the prayers and support!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Fast for Travis
We thought it might be easier to fast for Travis on Sunday the 11th! It's already fast Sunday for many, and with him not having surgery this week we thought this might be easier! Thank you for all of your support!
-Stacy Jean-
-Stacy Jean-
Friday, April 2, 2010
More Answers, Even More Questions
So I had the endoscopic ultrasound today. This was (in review) done basically to see just how deep or large the cancer is. In a battle between questions and answers, this little procedure left us with more questions than answers. However, the value of the answers is certainly noteworthy.
The first answer is one I fully expected. I had already had a very strong feeling about it, and I would have been surprised if the doctor had told me otherwise. This is that the cancer is in stage 2. Basically this means it has built itself into the colon wall. This also means I've probably had the cancer for quite some time. This was actually good to hear though, as stage 3 is where things start getting a bit trickier. Stage 1 and 2 are a bit more manageable and predictable. However, stage 2 could very well mean I need the harder of the two surgeries. The amount they have to take out will be more, which also increases the chances of a colostomy. However, neither of these things are known. It still could go either way. I probably won't know until at least monday which surgery I'm getting. And I may not know about the possibility of colostomy until after the surgery has been done. More questions.
The second answer I had also didn't surprise me much, but it surprised everyone else. I still have C Difficile; a fairly significant case of it too. This answered quite a few questions I had in my mind. You see, the doctors had very recently determined the cancer was causing the symptoms (details spared) that were similar to C Difficile. Apparently they were wrong.
It was in fact C Difficile coming back, leaving, then coming back, then leaving, then coming back. This actually cleared my mind a bit learning what I did today. It didn't make sense it was the cancer. It always concerned me that it seemed like I would be starting to get better, and then I'd get worse. Then I'd get better, then worse. But when they ran the first scope and a different test around that time, both came back negative for C Difficile. It was shocking to me. They passed it off as the cancer.
We now know, thanks to the current finding, that the tests came back negative because the infection had been resolved, but it had not been cured entirely. The recent negative results were simply a result of timing. I had been on the medication for it long enough before the tests to provide a negative result. I was then told to get off the medication. Mind you this is the first time since late February that I stopped taking medication of some kind for it. Then, a few days ago I got very ill. VERY ill. Details spared for your enjoyment. Before this, I had been planning on going back to work, after all, I had started to feel somewhat better. It was frustrating when I couldn't because of my new found but awfully familiar...ummm......activities.
But even more of a problem then keeping me from work, is the fact that this C Difficile is going to keep me from surgery. You see, I won't be able to have the operation as long as the C Difficile is present. It would be extremely risky and quite...to put it bluntly.... stupid to proceed to cut me open with a bacterial infection sitting all around it. For obvious reasons. So, this is by far the most disappointing news. There is no word yet how long it will keep me from surgery, only that it may happen. I'll know more details on this on Monday as well. (As a side note, with each blog post I seem to keep saying "We'll know more on said date"; only to learn that said date provides more questions....frustrating to say the least, but I keep on movin on!)
The problem I see, is that an entire month of medicating didn't resolve the C Difficile, this is very discouraging. At any rate, I'll do everything I can to keep fighting. I know my positive attitude can help heal me in so many ways.
One thing that has probably cheered me up more than most news through all of this, is that Colon Cancer can cause a person to be sick a lot. Many of you know me fairly well, and you know that I get sick A TON. Anything that passes my way I'll pick up. If I'm within a football fields length of a common cold virus, it'll find me. Twice. Then after it's done invite a friend. I wish I was overexaggerating.
So, a list of questions and statements I get from co-workers, family, friends, and my boss:
"Why are you sick so much?"
"How could you possibly be sick again?"
"Are you taking your vitamins? You need to get healthy."
"Were you really sick?"
"Weren't you sick like a few weeks ago?"
Finally, instead of "I don't know [insert name here], I don't know why I'm sick all the time, I don't know how I'm possibly sick again, I'm taking my vitamins but it's not working, yes I was really sick do you not believe me, and yes I was sick a few weeks ago what's it to you?"
I can finally give you a good answer:
I was sick all of those times, because of the cancer, and I'm going to beat it and put it all behind me. The cancer and the consistent illness.
Anyway, I hope this post made sense, please let me know if you have any questions. To family and close friends, if you have any questions at all please feel free to call. If I'm not feeling well I won't answer. But do not ever hesitate to call. If you even want to shoot me an e-mail with questions or thoughts, please do. I'll do my best to get back to you. And if you feel the urge to come visit, let me know, and we can work out a time I'm feeling up to it. Honestly there aren't a ton of opportunities where I'm "feeling up to it", but I'll try.
Thank you again for all your wishes and prayers. Keep it up!! The fight continues!
The first answer is one I fully expected. I had already had a very strong feeling about it, and I would have been surprised if the doctor had told me otherwise. This is that the cancer is in stage 2. Basically this means it has built itself into the colon wall. This also means I've probably had the cancer for quite some time. This was actually good to hear though, as stage 3 is where things start getting a bit trickier. Stage 1 and 2 are a bit more manageable and predictable. However, stage 2 could very well mean I need the harder of the two surgeries. The amount they have to take out will be more, which also increases the chances of a colostomy. However, neither of these things are known. It still could go either way. I probably won't know until at least monday which surgery I'm getting. And I may not know about the possibility of colostomy until after the surgery has been done. More questions.
The second answer I had also didn't surprise me much, but it surprised everyone else. I still have C Difficile; a fairly significant case of it too. This answered quite a few questions I had in my mind. You see, the doctors had very recently determined the cancer was causing the symptoms (details spared) that were similar to C Difficile. Apparently they were wrong.
It was in fact C Difficile coming back, leaving, then coming back, then leaving, then coming back. This actually cleared my mind a bit learning what I did today. It didn't make sense it was the cancer. It always concerned me that it seemed like I would be starting to get better, and then I'd get worse. Then I'd get better, then worse. But when they ran the first scope and a different test around that time, both came back negative for C Difficile. It was shocking to me. They passed it off as the cancer.
We now know, thanks to the current finding, that the tests came back negative because the infection had been resolved, but it had not been cured entirely. The recent negative results were simply a result of timing. I had been on the medication for it long enough before the tests to provide a negative result. I was then told to get off the medication. Mind you this is the first time since late February that I stopped taking medication of some kind for it. Then, a few days ago I got very ill. VERY ill. Details spared for your enjoyment. Before this, I had been planning on going back to work, after all, I had started to feel somewhat better. It was frustrating when I couldn't because of my new found but awfully familiar...ummm......activities.
But even more of a problem then keeping me from work, is the fact that this C Difficile is going to keep me from surgery. You see, I won't be able to have the operation as long as the C Difficile is present. It would be extremely risky and quite...to put it bluntly.... stupid to proceed to cut me open with a bacterial infection sitting all around it. For obvious reasons. So, this is by far the most disappointing news. There is no word yet how long it will keep me from surgery, only that it may happen. I'll know more details on this on Monday as well. (As a side note, with each blog post I seem to keep saying "We'll know more on said date"; only to learn that said date provides more questions....frustrating to say the least, but I keep on movin on!)
The problem I see, is that an entire month of medicating didn't resolve the C Difficile, this is very discouraging. At any rate, I'll do everything I can to keep fighting. I know my positive attitude can help heal me in so many ways.
One thing that has probably cheered me up more than most news through all of this, is that Colon Cancer can cause a person to be sick a lot. Many of you know me fairly well, and you know that I get sick A TON. Anything that passes my way I'll pick up. If I'm within a football fields length of a common cold virus, it'll find me. Twice. Then after it's done invite a friend. I wish I was overexaggerating.
So, a list of questions and statements I get from co-workers, family, friends, and my boss:
"Why are you sick so much?"
"How could you possibly be sick again?"
"Are you taking your vitamins? You need to get healthy."
"Were you really sick?"
"Weren't you sick like a few weeks ago?"
Finally, instead of "I don't know [insert name here], I don't know why I'm sick all the time, I don't know how I'm possibly sick again, I'm taking my vitamins but it's not working, yes I was really sick do you not believe me, and yes I was sick a few weeks ago what's it to you?"
I can finally give you a good answer:
I was sick all of those times, because of the cancer, and I'm going to beat it and put it all behind me. The cancer and the consistent illness.
Anyway, I hope this post made sense, please let me know if you have any questions. To family and close friends, if you have any questions at all please feel free to call. If I'm not feeling well I won't answer. But do not ever hesitate to call. If you even want to shoot me an e-mail with questions or thoughts, please do. I'll do my best to get back to you. And if you feel the urge to come visit, let me know, and we can work out a time I'm feeling up to it. Honestly there aren't a ton of opportunities where I'm "feeling up to it", but I'll try.
Thank you again for all your wishes and prayers. Keep it up!! The fight continues!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Tomorrow at 11:45 I'm going to be having an ultrasound of sorts to see what sex my cancer is.
Hahahah, I "CRACK" myself up.
Oh man, I'm on a roll.
Ha! Okay, I'm an idiot. But in all seriousness the ultrasound is to see just what phase (how deep) the cancer is in. If it's phase 1, or T1 as they call it, then I could be in business, and have everything out (literally) by next Friday and be home for recovery (a much faster recovery). If it is past that or if they see any sort of complications that could arise from the simple surgery, then I'll be in the hospital for a few days and then home recovery for 6 weeks.
Needless to say, what we find out tomorrow plays a huge roll in shaping my next few weeks, if not my life. So wish me luck!!
(Sorry I was in a "mood" tonight. I blame the cleaning procedure and the lack of food for the last 24 hours)
Hahahah, I "CRACK" myself up.
Oh man, I'm on a roll.
Ha! Okay, I'm an idiot. But in all seriousness the ultrasound is to see just what phase (how deep) the cancer is in. If it's phase 1, or T1 as they call it, then I could be in business, and have everything out (literally) by next Friday and be home for recovery (a much faster recovery). If it is past that or if they see any sort of complications that could arise from the simple surgery, then I'll be in the hospital for a few days and then home recovery for 6 weeks.
Needless to say, what we find out tomorrow plays a huge roll in shaping my next few weeks, if not my life. So wish me luck!!
(Sorry I was in a "mood" tonight. I blame the cleaning procedure and the lack of food for the last 24 hours)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)