Monday, November 16, 2009

Surgery Is a "GO"

Hi VP's...well we just got back from more waiting in the clinic and we have now seen both Dr. Gillenwater, the surgeon, and Dr. Hong, Bren's oncologist. Just as we suspected, several...5 lymph nodes in her neck (3 on the right side and 2 on the left)...are still lighting up and have to come OUT! We still don't know if there is residual disease in this "bad boys" or if they are dead, but because of so much radiation, they are still lighting up. They will send these guys to the lab to actually see if they are alive or dead. Regardless...they will come out along with some surrounding tissue to make sure the "Big C" is history.

The good news is that the current scans still show no metabolic activity in Bren's sinus and brain where those other tumors/lesions were. YEA!!!! We are soooo happy about that. There is no new activity any where else as well so that continues to be very good news.

The other problem that poor Bren has been having is the scar tissue in her nose that has been trying to close off her nasal breathing. We talked to Dr. Gillenwater about this as well. She is going to do an endoscopic exam on Friday when Bren is knocked out just to look around and see if there is anything else that is suspicious in her sinuses that need attention. When she's in there, she's going to try and open Bren's nasal cavity by putting some stints in her nose...sew them in...and leave them in about 6 to 8 weeks until the scar tissue hopefully heals OPEN! We were in hysterics in Dr. Hongs office visualizing flexible McDonalds straws up her nose. You know that sick gallows humor that cops have? Well we were cracking ourselves up laughing at all the information...as in horrible side effects...that could result from trouble with the surgery. Believe me...we are very nervous about this upcoming surgery. This is just the sick way we know that takes some of the tension out of this situation. We sure had some good belly laughs though.

There are all sorts of horrible things that can go wrong with this surgery...most involve nerve and muscle damage. It's amazing all the stuff that's in your neck. Dr. Gillenwater is a very good surgeon and she has done this type of surgery many times before so we hope and pray that she's "spot on" Friday and that the surgery goes flawlessly. We anticipate Bren being in the hospital about 1 or 2 days. I won't have a time of the surgery until Thursday, but I'll definitely post that on the blog when I get it. We'd really, really appreciate lots of positive thoughts and prayers that day. I'll definitely have my laptop and will keep you all posted so stay tuned.

So there ya have it dear friends...I think I've got everything that happened covered. It's really chilly here today and we were talking about going to Kemah tomorrow to walk around the shops by the marina. I think we might do something with Paula and Jason on Wednesday. There's a couple more appointments we have at the clinic but we know the path the week will take so now it's just that waiting game until we can get this surgery behind us.

Keep watching the blog for future update and pics. We hope this note finds you all well and getting ready fro a wonderful Thanksgiving...that's right around the corner!!

Blessings to you all...
Dee and Brenda

5 comments:

  1. Hi Girls. Greetings from Puerto Vallarta! Boy, are we Pod members missing our two favorite gals! Just not the same without you. We hope to skype you guys while we're all in one place! Thank you, Dee, for keeping us posted on the latest info. We were all thinking of you today, knowing you had these appointments. Thrilled to hear the scans of the sinuses & brain are negative. YAHOO! Love your undying sense of humor in the face of all this...it is truly your best defense. WE all love you tons and will keep checking to hear about the surgery time. We'll be sending out collective good vibes on Friday! Lots and lots of love to you both! Cate

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  2. Hey it sounds like basically very good news to me! Although I know surgery can be scary... but keep up those good positive visualizations! Will be sending all those legions of Healing Angels your way especially all day Friday... look forward to more good news! And don't forget to keep laughing!

    As always lots of Love, Light & Blessings
    Cathie & Evelyn

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  3. Hi Brenda and Dee,
    Thanks for taking time to give us updates. Sending Hugs, Love, and Prayers!!!!

    GOD, PLEASE BLESS BRENDA AND PLEASE BE WITH AND BLESS DR GILLENWATER DRURING BRENDA'S SURGERY. GOD, PLEASE FILL BRENDA'S BODY AND HEART WITH LOVE AND BOOST BOOST HER IMMUNE SYSTEM TO HELP HEAL AFTER THE SURGERY. GOD, PLEASE LET THE LYMPH THEY REMOVE BE CANCER FREE!! GOD, PLEASE HELP LEAD BRENDA AND DEE THROUGH THIS TIME IN THEIR LIFE WITH PATIENTS AND LOVE.

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  4. Surgery can be scary, no matter how prepared you are. Unfortunately, they have to tell you all the possible things that can go wrong even though the complications are pretty rare. I was pretty scared a year ago but every thing went without a hitch and I'm sure yours will too. Since I was able to meet your surgeon when I was in Houston I'm confident that you are in very good hands. You are the model patient and you will get through this and be "good as new". We are praying daily for both of you. This spring we will be sitting on the deck drinking beer and eating salsa, and you'll be able to taste it!

    Vic

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  5. Hey there, you two!

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. I could just PICTURE the silliness in the room with you two busting up laughing about straws in the nose. Brenda, we know those kind of laughs every time we're in the same room. And I know Rhonda knows, too. . . You can make a girl pee her pants!! :) It is so wonderful to hear that, despite the fear, the medical traumas you have gone through, the nursing care Dee has tirelessly provided, the shuttling between Texas and AZ, surgery at Thanksgiving, you can STILL laugh. My resilient friends, it is inspiring!!!

    Did you see the movie Precious? I read the book last weekend so that I could go see the movie. . . The story was just awful, from a child welfare worker's perspective. However, I think there was a bright spot. . .

    Finishing my last two weeks of classes and I'll be half-way to the MSW. Yippee! The girls and I just got back from Vegas to celebrate Carissa's 21st birthday. It was SOO fun -- but seriously, there is something wrong with watching your daughter pay $25 to drink the tallest cylindrical beverage container I have ever seen. :) The bad news is that I came home to discover Rex & Remy had a field day with my overstuffed chair while I was gone . . .needless to say, it is no longer overstuffed. Gotta love a puppy.

    My love and prayers will continue to be sent your way as you prepare to get rid of that cancer for once and all on Friday!

    It was good to see the hair back on your head in the sleepy photo. :)

    And, Dee, I am glad you enjoy those Friday soaps. You've earned it.

    Keep us posted. Hugs and love,

    Rosie

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