Today was a quick trip to Jackson, MS ( 2 hours from home) for the preop procedures:
http://www.womanshospitalms.com/
Hospital Admissions paperwork : Check
2 vials of blood: Check
EKG: Check
E-rays of lungs: Check
Practiced using respiratory apparatus: Check
Met with nurse to go over paperwork and procedures: Check
Paid down payment for hospital: Check Check
The process was very relaxed due to the wonderful care I received. I have never been to that hospital but I left feeling a part of their family. During the meeting with the nurse I mentioned something about my hometown - Natchez - only to find out she had worked with Lottie Smith (Fairview memories) and Jake Middleton's wife. She loves you, Jake!
I find myself with hours to go! I have been instructed to be at the hospital by 7:00 am on Thursday morning. Charles and I have decided to go to Brooke's house in Flowood tomorrow. (Charles' daugther) A special antibacterial soap was given to me to use for my bathes the next two days. Kacy...I talked to her about my request for hand washing and shared the terrible ordeal you went through when you had Archer. She agreed.
I'm not sure I have mentioned my surgeon. Those who do know Dr. Philip Ley have spoken so highly of him and his reputation as a oncology surgeon. There have been many who have had him as a surgeon or a family member has. I'm grateful that God's leadership directed us this way.
http://www.mississippimedicalnews.com/physician-spotlight-phillip-ley-md-cms-472
I can't leave this post without saying again THANK YOU to all of you who have called, emailed, sent text messages and are praying for me. I am humbled by the outpouring of you love.
Well, I have fixed my first of two Sprite and Magnesium Citrate cocktails....YUMMY! So, here is to a successful surgery, recovery and to continue down my life's path.
I will keep you posted!
PS...there is a little 2 year old boy named Ryan who is battling Leukemia. He is on day 11 of a 100 day isolation and treatment. I don't know his last name, but Jesus does. Please pray for him.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Friday, September 12, 2014
Count Down
Count Down
September 5
Two weeks away...and a surprise rolled up in my drive way. On my birthday - Friday, September 5 - Brandon, Amy and Rain came over after work to bring me my "happy!" Upon their arrival to the house, bathroom breaks were needed by all before we left to go eat. Even Charles!
Standing by the truck that was started waiting to leave, Brandon asked who was that coming up the drive way. I didn't know. The only one I knew that had a car like that was ...KACY!!!?????
Crying, hugging, laughing and grabbing Amy for balance I was shocked to see Hunter, Kacy and Archer! What a great way to help the time go by.
During the 5 day stay, Charles and I were taken care of. The kids cooked for us! It was wonderful. Also, Kacy prepared over 15 meals for the freezer so Charles would have something to warm up during my convalescence.
<pictures>
My Archer who is 15 months old and met PawPaw for the first time on this trip, was such a blessing to have around. We read books, played in the water hose, rocked, and watched the fans go round and round in every room at his insistence.
<pictures>
Since I posted this blog, I have been so humbled by the outpouring of posts, promises or prayers, and uplifting reports of others' relatives who have faced this same journey and are living to tell about it. Cancer is a ruthless disease. So many are touched by its occurrence.
One friend made the post worth it for me. She messaged me with news that she too had similar issues and has made an appointment to see about it. Praise God!
It goes without saying that I am skiddish with this diagnosis. My mother had colon cancer when I was a teenager. We have just remembered the devastation of September 11, 2001. Mine started on September 10th one day before. I lost my sister, Judith Anne Dossett Loflin Hendrix to cancer. And then...the unthinkable, my brother Robert Edward Dossett was diagnosed with cancer and has since changed his address to heaven. So, the story in my head can be one of fear, worry, and/or sadness.
But, then I hear from Ryan....Brandon....or Brent....and Kacy drives up my driveway. Or my children by marriage call to check on me. Friends call, text, email. Family reaches out with support. My brother Sammy calls and cracks a joke.
September 12
And the count down continues. I am now at SIX more days until surgery. I have had many occasions to turn toward Jesus and His loving grace. This is such a time. I am so grateful to be able to rest in word.
September 5
Two weeks away...and a surprise rolled up in my drive way. On my birthday - Friday, September 5 - Brandon, Amy and Rain came over after work to bring me my "happy!" Upon their arrival to the house, bathroom breaks were needed by all before we left to go eat. Even Charles!
Standing by the truck that was started waiting to leave, Brandon asked who was that coming up the drive way. I didn't know. The only one I knew that had a car like that was ...KACY!!!?????
Crying, hugging, laughing and grabbing Amy for balance I was shocked to see Hunter, Kacy and Archer! What a great way to help the time go by.
During the 5 day stay, Charles and I were taken care of. The kids cooked for us! It was wonderful. Also, Kacy prepared over 15 meals for the freezer so Charles would have something to warm up during my convalescence.
<pictures>
My Archer who is 15 months old and met PawPaw for the first time on this trip, was such a blessing to have around. We read books, played in the water hose, rocked, and watched the fans go round and round in every room at his insistence.
<pictures>
Since I posted this blog, I have been so humbled by the outpouring of posts, promises or prayers, and uplifting reports of others' relatives who have faced this same journey and are living to tell about it. Cancer is a ruthless disease. So many are touched by its occurrence.
One friend made the post worth it for me. She messaged me with news that she too had similar issues and has made an appointment to see about it. Praise God!
It goes without saying that I am skiddish with this diagnosis. My mother had colon cancer when I was a teenager. We have just remembered the devastation of September 11, 2001. Mine started on September 10th one day before. I lost my sister, Judith Anne Dossett Loflin Hendrix to cancer. And then...the unthinkable, my brother Robert Edward Dossett was diagnosed with cancer and has since changed his address to heaven. So, the story in my head can be one of fear, worry, and/or sadness.
But, then I hear from Ryan....Brandon....or Brent....and Kacy drives up my driveway. Or my children by marriage call to check on me. Friends call, text, email. Family reaches out with support. My brother Sammy calls and cracks a joke.
September 12
And the count down continues. I am now at SIX more days until surgery. I have had many occasions to turn toward Jesus and His loving grace. This is such a time. I am so grateful to be able to rest in word.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Cancer, It Is
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
30 Days Later
September 2, 2014 30 days ago I went for the colonoscopy that was prescribed by a local doctor after I described some issues I had experienced over the two months before. I woke up in the operating room at OCH and heard the physician say...there is a mass. Cancer - it is!
Let's start from the beginning. I don't go to the doctor like I should. Do you have to say that? Well...I hope this might get you to reconsider...and make an appointment. But...I can say I had a colonoscopy about 3 and a half years ago...so I thought I was doing good.
If you ask me did I feel anything...I will tell you NO. But there were signs. (OK...this is going to be graphic, but I need you to be aware!) There was blood in my stool. I justified that I had a tear...hemorrhoids maybe, but that was the extent of my worry. Until One Night. I immediately went to the doctor the next day.
The prep for this particular procedure was something else. It took me 4 hours every 15 minutes to drink the liquid I needed for the prep. It worked.
I have to share a funny! The wonderful young nurse that was getting my IV ready had her name tag on...I read...Bekah Colon Nurse. Of course I was curious and asked her, "what made you want to specialize and become a colon nurse?" She smiled and answered, "My Husband...that is his last name!" God does have a sense of humor. He knew I needed that!
I have to share a funny! The wonderful young nurse that was getting my IV ready had her name tag on...I read...Bekah Colon Nurse. Of course I was curious and asked her, "what made you want to specialize and become a colon nurse?" She smiled and answered, "My Husband...that is his last name!" God does have a sense of humor. He knew I needed that!
Because an hour later on August 5, 2014 I woke up to hear the doctor tell the nurse there is a mass. Tears filled my eyes and the nurse at my side rubbed my arm. She told me her relative had stage 4 colon cancer seven years ago and was doing fine. I tucked that information away. It was something I could use to help Charles (my husband) face this news with me. A biopsy was performed during the colonoscopy and I would get the results when I met with the surgeon later that week.
August 6, 2014 Meeting with the surgeon was quick and to the point. Not knowing the results, I asked my son Brandon to go with us in case I zoned out from the report and he could relay the information. But...it was reported BENIGN!!! We were celebrating but the surgeon put a warning out. The mass is large. (still not sure what large means) I am going to treat it as if it was malignant. Fine with me I thought to myself. But it is Benign...I called my daughter...my other sons...went by the office. We cried and laughed at the fears we had been nursing. He explained the procedure, what he would have to do...and we left with a date for surgery. Almost 6 weeks from then. Everyone had the same question...why so long? Hospital scheduling!
The minute I left the surgeon I received a phone call from the digestive health clinic. Another mini colonoscopy was scheduled for August 12. Another biopsy was prescribed. They did not trust the first report due to the size. Another biopsy.
But, there were more tests scheduled. August 11 th was a Barium and Air test (to determine if there was something further in the colon because they could not get around the mass) was one that I would not wish on anyone. During the procedure I was heard to say, "Jesus, Help me!" several times by the radiologist conducting the test. I made it through. I kept thinking of small children having to go through similar tests.
A CAT scan was scheduled for on August 14 . But as they attempted to conduct the test, the barium still in my body caused the x-rays to be unsatisfactory. Can you come back on Monday?
The minute I left the surgeon I received a phone call from the digestive health clinic. Another mini colonoscopy was scheduled for August 12. Another biopsy was prescribed. They did not trust the first report due to the size. Another biopsy.
But, there were more tests scheduled. August 11 th was a Barium and Air test (to determine if there was something further in the colon because they could not get around the mass) was one that I would not wish on anyone. During the procedure I was heard to say, "Jesus, Help me!" several times by the radiologist conducting the test. I made it through. I kept thinking of small children having to go through similar tests.
A CAT scan was scheduled for on August 14 . But as they attempted to conduct the test, the barium still in my body caused the x-rays to be unsatisfactory. Can you come back on Monday?
Monday, August 18 - CAT SCAN. In by 8:00am back at work by 9:30am.
I flooded the doctor who had performed my second colonscopy for the results. He called.Another result. Malignant. My mind was spinning. Now the fear of it being out of the colon wall and in my liver was in motion. Each time I talked with the doctor, lymph nodes and liver was considered a risk. CAT scan showed swollen lymph nodes but liver was fine. Charles and I did what we had done on and off during the last 14 days. Hugged, cried, and thanked God for the good news of the results.
But. We were still wondering what other option there may be for surgery. Of course, my wish was to get the "monster inside me" out!!! September 8th seemed so far away. So, in hopes of getting a second opinion or at least an earlier surgery date, I turned to a surgeon in Jackson that a colleague had experience with.
Appointment was made for September 3rd to see him. Cancelled my September 8th surgery in Starkville. Surgeon broke his leg...still operating. Had to go to Memphis for professional development...yes, you guessed it. Surgery will be September 18th. Ten days after original scheduled surgery. Let's get it on!
I flooded the doctor who had performed my second colonscopy for the results. He called.Another result. Malignant. My mind was spinning. Now the fear of it being out of the colon wall and in my liver was in motion. Each time I talked with the doctor, lymph nodes and liver was considered a risk. CAT scan showed swollen lymph nodes but liver was fine. Charles and I did what we had done on and off during the last 14 days. Hugged, cried, and thanked God for the good news of the results.
But. We were still wondering what other option there may be for surgery. Of course, my wish was to get the "monster inside me" out!!! September 8th seemed so far away. So, in hopes of getting a second opinion or at least an earlier surgery date, I turned to a surgeon in Jackson that a colleague had experience with.
Appointment was made for September 3rd to see him. Cancelled my September 8th surgery in Starkville. Surgeon broke his leg...still operating. Had to go to Memphis for professional development...yes, you guessed it. Surgery will be September 18th. Ten days after original scheduled surgery. Let's get it on!
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