Biopsy Results..............

eihtak

Hi all,

Well the verdict is in......Anal cancer recurrance and I'm officially Stage 4!  I guess although I knew this has been a possibility for the past 4 years, as my scans came back clear and my health appeared great, I kind of tucked it far in the back of my mind.....well now its front and center!  I pride myself on being compliant in life and when presented with an issue just find out what needs to be done and do it.  So following todays lab work I have a scheduled appointment next week with the "lung" doctor (new to my team, but did surgery on my husband in the past) and my oncologist would like surgery done within 2 weeks.  He has scheduled an appointment with me 3 weeks from today and wants it all done and into healing by then. 

This is not at all how I envisioned my year to go but have decided to be excited and optimistic about whatever it brings.  For tonight, I am watching my 2 grandsons and playing with legos, and maybe even sleeping in a livingroom fort!

Be well...........

katheryn

z

Katheryn

I'm sorry for the results.  It sounds good that your dr wants surgery right away and thats the best solution to just get rid of it.  All the reading I have done on lung cancer whenever surgery is an option thats great.  I hope that they will be able to do the VATS like I had it takes a shorter time to heal.  I was in the hospital 3 days and back to work in a month.  But whatever has to be done you sound like you will be able to handle it.  I know its scary but it sounds like it must have been caught early since we are scanned so much. 

I hope you have a great evening with your grandsons that sounds like fun to sleep in a fort in your living room.  I wish you well. Lori

 

RoseC

Katheryn, I'm so very sorry

Katheryn, I'm so very sorry to hear this. You are a tremendous person. My heart is with you and wishing you comfort. A woman I work with always says KCCO (keep calm, carry on).  I truly wish you more good results than it seems possible right now. Please keep us with you, because we are with you.

mp327

Katheryn

I was so hoping the news would not be this and I'm so sorry.  I think it's great that your doctors are jumping right on this and plan to have you in and out of surgery within 2 weeks.  It's nothing to look forward to, I know, but your attitude is wonderful and will help you get through this.  I agree, now is the time to "just do it.  May it be successful in ridding you of this tumor in your lung, may you have a swift and complete recovery, and May God Bless you.  I send prayers and hugs.

Martha

judyv3

Damn cancer!

I'm sorry to hear this result.  Words just fail me.  Please know that I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Enjoy your grandsons, they will help you keep perspective.

My best to you.

Judy

TraceyUSA

UGH!

So sorry to hear this, Katheryn. 

I'm glad that you've got a game plan.  You always have such a good attitude and seem to know what really matters in life. 

St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients and I don't think it matters if you're catholic or not, he works. I will keep you in my prayers to him.

Well wishes,

Tracey

Phoebesnow

TraceyUSA said:

UGH!

So sorry to hear this, Katheryn. 

I'm glad that you've got a game plan.  You always have such a good attitude and seem to know what really matters in life. 

St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients and I don't think it matters if you're catholic or not, he works. I will keep you in my prayers to him.

Well wishes,

Tracey

I was so sad to see this post.  I pray for you that surgery alone is the cure.  Your spirit shines thru on these pages and it is awesome! 

Krissy59

Praying for you

Katheryn,

I am so sorry about your results. I don't understand why any of us have had to go through this awful disease but just know that I will be praying for you. It sounds like you have a very positive outlook and that is wonderful. Go, fight, and win this battle!

Sincerely,

Krissy

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  psalm 46:1

 

Adam26

Good fortune be with you

Good fortune be with you Katheryn during your procedure and recovery.

I wish you all the best.

Stay strong,

Adam

jcruz

I'm with Judy.  Words just fail me.  I am so sorry.  You will continue to be in my thoughts and held in my heart as you go forward.  I have admired you and found your words so warm and comforting whenever you post.

My best to you,

Janet

hogchick

eihtak

I am sorry. I too have stage 4 cancer and surgery isn't an option.  I was just thinking today that we are never ready for bad news, there is no time that we can say, "Wait, I don't have time to deal with that, or I'm not finished with school, job, being a wife, etc." It will always be an inconvient interuption.  

I too am optomistic and positive and feel great. Sounds like you are living in the moment with the grandkids. You are a survivor so stay positive and take one day at a time.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy

pializ

hogchick said:

eihtak

I am sorry. I too have stage 4 cancer and surgery isn't an option.  I was just thinking today that we are never ready for bad news, there is no time that we can say, "Wait, I don't have time to deal with that, or I'm not finished with school, job, being a wife, etc." It will always be an inconvient interuption.  

I too am optomistic and positive and feel great. Sounds like you are living in the moment with the grandkids. You are a survivor so stay positive and take one day at a time.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy

Eihtak

i am so sorry to hear your news. Your team sound fantastic though, and hopeful of a good outcome. I wish you all the very best. Take it day by day.

Liz x

horsepad

I am so sorry to hear your

I am so sorry to hear your cancer is back.  You are in my prayers.

eihtak

Thank you........

Hi,

I just wanted to stay in touch and thank you all for your supportive and encouraging words and prayers.  I graciously accept them with open arms!!

I apologize for not posting on others concerns lately as I have just been busy with schedules and family and not at my computer as much as usual, but you are all in my thoughts as well.  No one challenge is really any bigger than another here and we are all so blessed to have this place and people to face our worries with as well as to share our stories of success.....which is exactly what I plan to do soon!!

I meet with my doctor later this week to discuss surgery to remove the mass on my lung, but other than what I believe is mild anxiety over this bump in my road, I am still feeling great and will carry your prayers and virtual good vibes with me.

Thank you again,

katheryn

mp327

eihtak said:

Thank you........

Hi,

I just wanted to stay in touch and thank you all for your supportive and encouraging words and prayers.  I graciously accept them with open arms!!

I apologize for not posting on others concerns lately as I have just been busy with schedules and family and not at my computer as much as usual, but you are all in my thoughts as well.  No one challenge is really any bigger than another here and we are all so blessed to have this place and people to face our worries with as well as to share our stories of success.....which is exactly what I plan to do soon!!

I meet with my doctor later this week to discuss surgery to remove the mass on my lung, but other than what I believe is mild anxiety over this bump in my road, I am still feeling great and will carry your prayers and virtual good vibes with me.

Thank you again,

katheryn

Katheryn

Hugs and prayers to you!

qv62

eihtak

Just want you to know I am sending prayers and positive energy your way, you have been such a positive influence to those of us on the board who have reached out, lean on us, vent breath, and please keep us posted. Thinking good things for you.

eihtak

Surgery......

Thank you all again, I am feeling your hugs, encouragement, support and prayers! My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3rd to remove the mass on my lung. (anal cancer recurrance at 4 yrs post)  The doctor said he'd like to try a resection but is prepared and thinks a lobectomy is what will be needed based on the size (3.6 centimeters) which is quite large.  This involves removal of the whole upper lobe of my left lung.  Lymph nodes will be assesed as well and that will help determine the need for chemo. 

While I surely have moments of anxiety over the risks of surgery as well as my future health I am mindful that at this point there is little I can do to change the situation and it really is out of my hands.  My faith helps me realize that what that means is that I am in the MOST capable hand of all.  (Yet, I am human and we still worry)

The game plan is to be in the hospital for just a few days then home recovering, and back to at least some on-line classes in March. (I went back to college a couple years ago)  More importantly, my daughter is getting married in May and I am the designated florist as well as mother of the bride and plan to be feeling well!

Even though I have some of the most supportive family and friends and a medical team that I have much confidence in, it is only you people here who can really imagine how I feel and so I will have you all with me on Tuesday as I take this next step.  (Thanks for not making me feel alone)

In reality.......I will post as soon as I am able.

katheryn

sephie

eihtak said:

Surgery......

Thank you all again, I am feeling your hugs, encouragement, support and prayers! My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3rd to remove the mass on my lung. (anal cancer recurrance at 4 yrs post)  The doctor said he'd like to try a resection but is prepared and thinks a lobectomy is what will be needed based on the size (3.6 centimeters) which is quite large.  This involves removal of the whole upper lobe of my left lung.  Lymph nodes will be assesed as well and that will help determine the need for chemo. 

While I surely have moments of anxiety over the risks of surgery as well as my future health I am mindful that at this point there is little I can do to change the situation and it really is out of my hands.  My faith helps me realize that what that means is that I am in the MOST capable hand of all.  (Yet, I am human and we still worry)

The game plan is to be in the hospital for just a few days then home recovering, and back to at least some on-line classes in March. (I went back to college a couple years ago)  More importantly, my daughter is getting married in May and I am the designated florist as well as mother of the bride and plan to be feeling well!

Even though I have some of the most supportive family and friends and a medical team that I have much confidence in, it is only you people here who can really imagine how I feel and so I will have you all with me on Tuesday as I take this next step.  (Thanks for not making me feel alone)

In reality.......I will post as soon as I am able.

katheryn

hugs

thinking of you as you proceed successfully with your surgery.....heal up well .....get ready to shine at your daughter's wedding.....what a wonderful event to look forward to.....sephie

 

z

eihtak said:

Surgery......

Thank you all again, I am feeling your hugs, encouragement, support and prayers! My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3rd to remove the mass on my lung. (anal cancer recurrance at 4 yrs post)  The doctor said he'd like to try a resection but is prepared and thinks a lobectomy is what will be needed based on the size (3.6 centimeters) which is quite large.  This involves removal of the whole upper lobe of my left lung.  Lymph nodes will be assesed as well and that will help determine the need for chemo. 

While I surely have moments of anxiety over the risks of surgery as well as my future health I am mindful that at this point there is little I can do to change the situation and it really is out of my hands.  My faith helps me realize that what that means is that I am in the MOST capable hand of all.  (Yet, I am human and we still worry)

The game plan is to be in the hospital for just a few days then home recovering, and back to at least some on-line classes in March. (I went back to college a couple years ago)  More importantly, my daughter is getting married in May and I am the designated florist as well as mother of the bride and plan to be feeling well!

Even though I have some of the most supportive family and friends and a medical team that I have much confidence in, it is only you people here who can really imagine how I feel and so I will have you all with me on Tuesday as I take this next step.  (Thanks for not making me feel alone)

In reality.......I will post as soon as I am able.

katheryn

katheryn

will you be having the vats surgery?  I was in the hospital 3 days for removal of the lower right lobe my tumor was 1.1 cm.  that is really qucik and thats great that you are having surgery to get rid of it.  update us when you can and i am send prayers and positive thoughts your way.

eihtak

z said:

katheryn

will you be having the vats surgery?  I was in the hospital 3 days for removal of the lower right lobe my tumor was 1.1 cm.  that is really qucik and thats great that you are having surgery to get rid of it.  update us when you can and i am send prayers and positive thoughts your way.

z.....

Well now I am feeling kind of dumb ???? The surgeon did not mention VATS when describing the procedure but did say that with no complications and depending on pain would be in the hospital just a few days.  He is one of those doctors that has come well recommended but forget about having a conversation. I do have a few questions so will be asking his assistant tomorrow when I go in for labs and stress test.

The worry I can't shake is complications with blood clots during or even in the weeks following surgery as they are more common with lung surgery (or so I've heard.)

Thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers. (all of you)

katheryn

mp327

eihtak said:

z.....

Well now I am feeling kind of dumb ???? The surgeon did not mention VATS when describing the procedure but did say that with no complications and depending on pain would be in the hospital just a few days.  He is one of those doctors that has come well recommended but forget about having a conversation. I do have a few questions so will be asking his assistant tomorrow when I go in for labs and stress test.

The worry I can't shake is complications with blood clots during or even in the weeks following surgery as they are more common with lung surgery (or so I've heard.)

Thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers. (all of you)

katheryn

katheryn

I will certainly be thinking of you on surgery day and keeping you in my prayers for a successful removal of the tumor and a speedy recovery!

Martha