Here's an update on today's appointment with Dr. Matthews. He was able to explain why the unclear message last week. Because the radiologist had provided the doctor with an incomplete report, the doctor had to back track when he received the complete information.
Although we wish the outcome would've been different, Dr. Matthews was able to be give a clear and confident recommendation on Mom's care.
One of the tumors has grown 1/2" (doubled in size), but that is the only one. The others have stayed the same and some even decreased in size. Dr. Matthews explained it can mean that the cancer is growing again or that this one tumor had morphed and changed position which can mean growth, but not necessarily. Because some of the tumors have gotten smaller, the results are inconclusive, they don't know. She will have another scan in 4 weeks (Sept 27th) and continue with chemotherapy in the meantime. Because this is the second incomplete radiology report she has received, Mom will have her next scan in Omaha at Immanuel Medical Center. (the doctors she sees in Columbus are based out of this hospital) We agreed as this is an important scan as the results will drive the next course of treatment for Mom.
She will continue with the same chemotherapy treatment in September. Depending on the results of the next scan, there are a few options that Mom has. We're praying for no change in the tumor and that she continues the maintenance chemotherapy she is currently on. Keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers this coming month.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Quick update today .. more to come.
Mom had another scan to check her progress last week and received the results on Monday at her regular chemotherapy appointment. As most of you know, Mom continues every other Monday with her chemo-treatments ... same formula and process since they changed in September '09 (yes, she's been at this for almost 1.5 years).
Back to the update, I've been struggling to write this as it seems as though the results of the latest scan are a little unclear. Most of the tumors on her liver are the same size and some a little smaller which is GREAT news, but it appears according to the radiologist and a seemingly confused oncologist that one of the tumors has grown in size. First response from the oncologist (via the radiologist report) explained that one of the tumors has grown slightly and by the end of the appointment (after double checking w/ the oncologist and the oncologist following up w/ the radiologist who reported on Mom's scan) that one of the tumors doubled in size (growth was a ~ 1/2 inch). But, they didn't make any change in the treatment, she still continues on the same maintenance plan.
It's making all of us a little uneasy on sitting and waiting to see if it grows more (why wait right?). She decided she is going back in next Monday just for an appointment with the oncologist to discuss further and ask more questions to understand the recommended protocol. It will be a different oncologist next Monday so it will be good to hear a 2nd opinion. More to come. More prayers. More Support. More PRAYERS!
Back to the update, I've been struggling to write this as it seems as though the results of the latest scan are a little unclear. Most of the tumors on her liver are the same size and some a little smaller which is GREAT news, but it appears according to the radiologist and a seemingly confused oncologist that one of the tumors has grown in size. First response from the oncologist (via the radiologist report) explained that one of the tumors has grown slightly and by the end of the appointment (after double checking w/ the oncologist and the oncologist following up w/ the radiologist who reported on Mom's scan) that one of the tumors doubled in size (growth was a ~ 1/2 inch). But, they didn't make any change in the treatment, she still continues on the same maintenance plan.
It's making all of us a little uneasy on sitting and waiting to see if it grows more (why wait right?). She decided she is going back in next Monday just for an appointment with the oncologist to discuss further and ask more questions to understand the recommended protocol. It will be a different oncologist next Monday so it will be good to hear a 2nd opinion. More to come. More prayers. More Support. More PRAYERS!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Another good report
Earlier this week, Mom received her results from her regular CT scans to see how the treatment is working......and so far so good! This is fantastic news and can't tell you how relieved to hear another good report. The treatment plan is keeping the cancer in check, no smaller, no growth so exactly like the doctors want. (I would say us too, but we would prefer if the tumors would be smaller and start disappearing). It's truly great news and God continues to answer our prayers. To all of you that are supporting Mom, checking in on her, and being positive for her --- a sincere THANK YOU. You do not know how important that is for her!
As most of you know, Mom stays busy (TOO BUSY) with all of us kids and doing all the extras she does. Tara graduated from NE Wesleyan last weekend so a fun day in Lincoln! Travis' baby will be arriving in a little over 2 months (WOW, time goes by fast, at least for us, maybe not Shere). Mom has been busy helping Travis paint his apartment and getting his apartment ready for a new addition. Plus, lots of planning happening for an upcoming baby shower.
Again, thanks for all of your support!
As most of you know, Mom stays busy (TOO BUSY) with all of us kids and doing all the extras she does. Tara graduated from NE Wesleyan last weekend so a fun day in Lincoln! Travis' baby will be arriving in a little over 2 months (WOW, time goes by fast, at least for us, maybe not Shere). Mom has been busy helping Travis paint his apartment and getting his apartment ready for a new addition. Plus, lots of planning happening for an upcoming baby shower.
Again, thanks for all of your support!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Our prayers continue to be answered!
Our prayers continue to be answered! As most of you know, Mom continues to beat the averages of what doctors said would happen so far. Oh, we are so thankful! Yesterday, Mom had another CT scan to check the progress of her treatment. The results were good - no change. The tumors have stayed in check! There is still concern for her spleen that they will continue to watch (read last CT scan update from December). All in all, everything looks fine.
Mom will continue the same treatment plan every other Monday for another 2 months when they will do another CT scan. This treatment plan is to maintain & keep the cancer in check and is relatively tolerable for Mom so the benefit of the treatment out-way the side effects.
Mom & Tim had a nice vacation in Arizona last week; I know they hoped to return to much warmer weather! They said it was relaxing and fun and were not too excited about coming back. At least their trip back returned them with some good news!
Again, thank you so much for all of your prayers & support for Mom...keep them coming! -- Tania
Mom will continue the same treatment plan every other Monday for another 2 months when they will do another CT scan. This treatment plan is to maintain & keep the cancer in check and is relatively tolerable for Mom so the benefit of the treatment out-way the side effects.
Mom & Tim had a nice vacation in Arizona last week; I know they hoped to return to much warmer weather! They said it was relaxing and fun and were not too excited about coming back. At least their trip back returned them with some good news!
Again, thank you so much for all of your prayers & support for Mom...keep them coming! -- Tania
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It's Been Awhile...
Hi everyone, sorry, it's been awhile since I posted. I really hadn't realize...time goes by fast when everything is silent I guess!
The good news is everything is going ... just fine. Mom continues chemo treatment every other week - doing her best to keep her spirits high & stay positive. Almost every week, she gets a shot to help boost her white blood cell production so that tends to make her body ache a bit. So, she still has those few bad days every other week that tend to make her feel a little down. We all know how good Mom is at sitting & resting?!?!
Mom & Tim are heading to Phoenix, AZ this weekend for a week long vacation which is great; much needed for them. They're going with some friends, Brenda & Dave Luckey and to visit Sharon's parents (Melvin & Verona). I'm so happy they are going.
When they come back, Mom will have another CT scan to get an update on how things are going. Please keep your prayers with them on their travels and for another good report from the scan.
Check back on Feb. 23rd for an update. I always have to end with a thank you for all of your support to Mom as she continues to battle her cancer.
The good news is everything is going ... just fine. Mom continues chemo treatment every other week - doing her best to keep her spirits high & stay positive. Almost every week, she gets a shot to help boost her white blood cell production so that tends to make her body ache a bit. So, she still has those few bad days every other week that tend to make her feel a little down. We all know how good Mom is at sitting & resting?!?!
Mom & Tim are heading to Phoenix, AZ this weekend for a week long vacation which is great; much needed for them. They're going with some friends, Brenda & Dave Luckey and to visit Sharon's parents (Melvin & Verona). I'm so happy they are going.
When they come back, Mom will have another CT scan to get an update on how things are going. Please keep your prayers with them on their travels and for another good report from the scan.
Check back on Feb. 23rd for an update. I always have to end with a thank you for all of your support to Mom as she continues to battle her cancer.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Good News!
After another 3 months of chemo, her scan results are good. The goal of the last 3 months was to maintain as she was on a less aggressive treatment plan to hold the cancer at bay. And, there was no change in the growth of the tumors; exactly as expected. All reason to celebrate, and breathe a sigh of relief & thank God for answering our prayers!
As I mentioned back in September, her spleen is enlarged, and this scan showed it is enlarged further. In addition, she has fluid near/around her spleen. The doctors don't seem to be too concerned, explaining that this organ sits right near the diseased liver - many reasons why this could be. He would like to watch it closer; she will have a repeat scan in mid-February (after 4 more treatments - about 8 weeks from now). Mom is having a little discomfort from it; she tends to notice the after she has eaten (enlarged spleen is near her stomach causing less room & feeling of bloating). She is going to have a follow-up with her surgeon next week to have an ultrasound & see how much fluid is actually there. The doctor will make a recommendation from there on next steps.
After all of this, Mom is back to her treatment today...same treatment plan. As I have explained in past posts, she is doing well, all-in-all, with the side effects even through the treatment is emotionally & physically draining. But, just like typically Sharon, she powers through it and doesn't let anything stop her from preparing for the holiday season ahead. We will remember & celebrate this holiday with gratefulness for the support of family & friends!
God Bless and Merry Christmas.
As I mentioned back in September, her spleen is enlarged, and this scan showed it is enlarged further. In addition, she has fluid near/around her spleen. The doctors don't seem to be too concerned, explaining that this organ sits right near the diseased liver - many reasons why this could be. He would like to watch it closer; she will have a repeat scan in mid-February (after 4 more treatments - about 8 weeks from now). Mom is having a little discomfort from it; she tends to notice the after she has eaten (enlarged spleen is near her stomach causing less room & feeling of bloating). She is going to have a follow-up with her surgeon next week to have an ultrasound & see how much fluid is actually there. The doctor will make a recommendation from there on next steps.
After all of this, Mom is back to her treatment today...same treatment plan. As I have explained in past posts, she is doing well, all-in-all, with the side effects even through the treatment is emotionally & physically draining. But, just like typically Sharon, she powers through it and doesn't let anything stop her from preparing for the holiday season ahead. We will remember & celebrate this holiday with gratefulness for the support of family & friends!
God Bless and Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Life Changing Event...post from Tom German
From my husband, as we end another year, I thought this was appropriate to post. Keep Mom in your prayers (as you always do), she had her 3rd scan this morning, an update on the results will be posted soon!
I think many people go though life, so busy with day to day to-do's that one day you look up from what you are doing and realize so much time has past by. People that meant so much to you just years before are not part of their life anymore and the people that are still part of your life have changed without you noticing. Your babies that were so dependant on you for everything are now becoming beautiful independent children. Friends, though still important to you, have been put on the side burner because “life” has kept you too busy to sit down and contact them. And pretty soon living the “American Dream” has consumed your life. Life becomes a series of steps that “have” to be accomplished or you have not been successful.
Then one day all that can change, and for us that day was in February of this year. Tania’s mom went to the doctor with abdomen pain and left the doctor’s office with stage 4 colon cancer that had moved to the liver and several lymphoid. All the sudden you can have all the money in the world, the biggest house and nicest cars and it really doesn’t make a difference all you really want in life is LIFE. Your whole life’s perspective changes in one phone call. Luckily, Sharon is doing very well. She has been very positive, the doctors have done everything that they can do and God has given her good results with her treatment plan. Our friends and family have been very supportive and helpful and to that we are very thankful. Sometimes it is hard to find positive things in situations but I really think there are many good things that are still happening in this family. One is the fact that even before this happened; Tania’s whole family has been very closely connected. It always has amazed me by how the whole family makes every effort to make it to a family event whether it was a birthday of a cousin or a baptism of a great-grandson. In that respect they have not had to reconnect, they were always connected. The reality is that things like this happen to so many people and some do not have the support of such a closely knit group of family and friends. It is also a blessing that Sharon appears to be in such good health. I still think she has more energy and vigor for life than most completely healthy adults, which is a testament to the type of person she is.
This time of the year has always been a retrospective time of year for me and this year is no different. In years past, I have always thought the year as a whole has been good, even when difficult things have happened. Surprisingly, to me anyway, this year is no different. Yes, we have been though a lot of ups and downs and some of the lows were, at times, very low it has been inspiring to me how Tania and her family have responded to Sharon’s illness. She is battling a life threatening disease which is both physically and emotionally exhausting, but she still takes every opportunity to do all she can for everyone around her. The whole family and I would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone that has prayed and supported us this past year. I personally want to thank Sharon for being Sharon, you inspire me to be every thing I should be. Happy holidays to all and remember what the season is really all about.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I think many people go though life, so busy with day to day to-do's that one day you look up from what you are doing and realize so much time has past by. People that meant so much to you just years before are not part of their life anymore and the people that are still part of your life have changed without you noticing. Your babies that were so dependant on you for everything are now becoming beautiful independent children. Friends, though still important to you, have been put on the side burner because “life” has kept you too busy to sit down and contact them. And pretty soon living the “American Dream” has consumed your life. Life becomes a series of steps that “have” to be accomplished or you have not been successful.
Then one day all that can change, and for us that day was in February of this year. Tania’s mom went to the doctor with abdomen pain and left the doctor’s office with stage 4 colon cancer that had moved to the liver and several lymphoid. All the sudden you can have all the money in the world, the biggest house and nicest cars and it really doesn’t make a difference all you really want in life is LIFE. Your whole life’s perspective changes in one phone call. Luckily, Sharon is doing very well. She has been very positive, the doctors have done everything that they can do and God has given her good results with her treatment plan. Our friends and family have been very supportive and helpful and to that we are very thankful. Sometimes it is hard to find positive things in situations but I really think there are many good things that are still happening in this family. One is the fact that even before this happened; Tania’s whole family has been very closely connected. It always has amazed me by how the whole family makes every effort to make it to a family event whether it was a birthday of a cousin or a baptism of a great-grandson. In that respect they have not had to reconnect, they were always connected. The reality is that things like this happen to so many people and some do not have the support of such a closely knit group of family and friends. It is also a blessing that Sharon appears to be in such good health. I still think she has more energy and vigor for life than most completely healthy adults, which is a testament to the type of person she is.
This time of the year has always been a retrospective time of year for me and this year is no different. In years past, I have always thought the year as a whole has been good, even when difficult things have happened. Surprisingly, to me anyway, this year is no different. Yes, we have been though a lot of ups and downs and some of the lows were, at times, very low it has been inspiring to me how Tania and her family have responded to Sharon’s illness. She is battling a life threatening disease which is both physically and emotionally exhausting, but she still takes every opportunity to do all she can for everyone around her. The whole family and I would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone that has prayed and supported us this past year. I personally want to thank Sharon for being Sharon, you inspire me to be every thing I should be. Happy holidays to all and remember what the season is really all about.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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