If you read my last blog post, I left off with that I was home from my lung biopsy recovering and that the preliminary results showed up as "Organizing Pneumonia". They did confirm that on the pathology, so my lungs are cancer free! Praise God!
I met with my Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Jeffery Hardacre which let me tell you is one amazing man. Not only does he seem highly qualified to care for me, but he has an incredible bedside manner. He took his time to explain everything to my husband and I and answered all of our crazy questions. I feel very confident in his hands and he seems to be very optimistic about things.
I am scheduled to go into surgery with him tomorrow for the removal of the gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). If you haven't heard of this type of tumor, it's not your typical "stomach cancer". Stomach cancer actually grows inside your stomach and could be a lot worse than a GIST. This tumor is in the "wall/lining" of my stomach and is caused by a mutation in my DNA. If you are interested in leaning more, you can google ;)
To prepare for the surgery, today I can only have clear liquids and nothing to eat after mid-night. So lots of broth, popsicles, Italian ice and jello for me today.
After speaking with the surgeon, his plan is to remove it via laparoscopy by making 3 small incisions in my abdomen. One in the center of my abdomen and two on each side. Depending on where the tumor is, he may have to make a larger incision down the middle of my abdomen. The recovery time in the hospital is 1-2 nights. They will start me off with clear liquids for my diet and should be able to advance to full liquids by the following day if all is going well. I will have to be on a full liquid diet for 7-10 days post-op, so lots of ice cream, pudding, soups and milkshakes. I will also not be able to lift anything above 5-10 lbs for 6 weeks. Hard to swallow for a mom of a 2 year old and personal trainer, but we will make it work!
Once the tumor is removed, my surgeon said he would be surprised if I need any further treatment. They will send it to pathology to find out exactly how big it is and how fast the cells inside it are generating. Right now, according to the scans I have had done and the EGD, it is measuring at 4-5 cm. My surgeon believes that this surgery will fix things and that I will just need to be on "surveillance" for the next few years to make sure it does not reoccur. They will monitor for re-growth through CT scans. This is such good news, and while I don't know for certain what is yet to come, I will continue to have faith that all will go according to God's plan for me.
Thank you to all who have sent me such positive and encouraging messages and for all the prayers and positive vibes. You all have brightened my days and I am forever grateful for you!
Romans 8:28 "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."
I met with my Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Jeffery Hardacre which let me tell you is one amazing man. Not only does he seem highly qualified to care for me, but he has an incredible bedside manner. He took his time to explain everything to my husband and I and answered all of our crazy questions. I feel very confident in his hands and he seems to be very optimistic about things.
I am scheduled to go into surgery with him tomorrow for the removal of the gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). If you haven't heard of this type of tumor, it's not your typical "stomach cancer". Stomach cancer actually grows inside your stomach and could be a lot worse than a GIST. This tumor is in the "wall/lining" of my stomach and is caused by a mutation in my DNA. If you are interested in leaning more, you can google ;)
To prepare for the surgery, today I can only have clear liquids and nothing to eat after mid-night. So lots of broth, popsicles, Italian ice and jello for me today.
After speaking with the surgeon, his plan is to remove it via laparoscopy by making 3 small incisions in my abdomen. One in the center of my abdomen and two on each side. Depending on where the tumor is, he may have to make a larger incision down the middle of my abdomen. The recovery time in the hospital is 1-2 nights. They will start me off with clear liquids for my diet and should be able to advance to full liquids by the following day if all is going well. I will have to be on a full liquid diet for 7-10 days post-op, so lots of ice cream, pudding, soups and milkshakes. I will also not be able to lift anything above 5-10 lbs for 6 weeks. Hard to swallow for a mom of a 2 year old and personal trainer, but we will make it work!
Once the tumor is removed, my surgeon said he would be surprised if I need any further treatment. They will send it to pathology to find out exactly how big it is and how fast the cells inside it are generating. Right now, according to the scans I have had done and the EGD, it is measuring at 4-5 cm. My surgeon believes that this surgery will fix things and that I will just need to be on "surveillance" for the next few years to make sure it does not reoccur. They will monitor for re-growth through CT scans. This is such good news, and while I don't know for certain what is yet to come, I will continue to have faith that all will go according to God's plan for me.
Thank you to all who have sent me such positive and encouraging messages and for all the prayers and positive vibes. You all have brightened my days and I am forever grateful for you!
Romans 8:28 "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."
Your sergon is awesome. My father has pancreatic cancer and that is the surgeon he has as well. Your in great hands!
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs!
ReplyDeletePrayers hope you are doing well!
ReplyDelete