Hi all,
Today was a very long day. I have been probed and poked in every internal opening imaginable. The days started out at IU med center in the GI ultrasound dept. When we finished, Dr. Dewitt, was very straight forward that the tumor has been there for a while and it took up most of the interior of the colon. It is approx. 2" in height and is only letting a small amount of stuff through. It is at the very bottom of the rectum. It has penetrated the walls of the colon and there were 4 lymph nodes that looked suspicious. They took a biopsy of one of them to see if there is cancer there. The others were not able to be checked because of the thickness of the cancer tumor.
It was pretty tramatic to listen to Dr. Dewitt talk about the test results. From there, we went to the CT scan. It was to see if there was any sign of the cancer in any other organ. We did not get any results from that department at that time.
After that we met with the radiation oncologist, Dr. Cardenes, who did a very thorough exam on me, pap smear, rectal exam, breast exam. She specializes in ovarian and rectal cancer. She is the lead oncologist on the team. She was awesome. She was very to the point, but gentle. Her goal is to cure, not just fix. She told us that is was in advanced stages because it has gotten into the lymph nodes, yet it is treatable. Ahw ordered blood test that would be used as a baseline for my red and white blood cells, she ordered another CT scan to layout the location of radiation locations.
On Friday, I will see Dr. Robb, a rectal surgeon and also Dr. Clark, a chemotherapy oncologist. They will review my charts and test results and decide on their approach. Dr. Cardenes will begin with radiation/chemotherapy in combination starting on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I will have a PET scan, which is a more detailed scan for smaller signs of cancer cells that might be some where else in my body.
As of right now, we will start chemo/radiation on Tuesday. Chemo will be administered by a port and a pump of chemo that will be started on Monday and completed on Friday...I will get radiation every day from Monday through Friday. Every Wednesday, Dr. Cardenes wil do blood work to monitor my condition.
This process will last approx. 6 weeks, then approx 6 weeks of rest and then surgery, followed by another bout of chemo.
They are moving very aggressively, because they must. I really liked Dr. Cardenes and think that they have a very strong team of doctors working together.
The good news was that they didn't see anything in any other organs, the bad news is that the tumor is so close to the sphinkster muscle that they may not be able to salvage function...it's all about cure or function. This is the miracle part of the treatment...actually, it hasn't been my best friend for quite some time, so maybe I wouldn't miss it...I have way too much to live for: my daughter, my two sons and their futures...Say prayers and thanks for being there for me. Judi
I want to sign up as a driver for the Chemo/radiation runs. I'm also dropping a Stone House goodie by the house tonight...you know what! Hope you won't be fasting tonight!
ReplyDeleteLove you and all my prayers begin and end with you, Beth
Judi
ReplyDeleteI am pryaing for you and would really like to talk to you. I know you are going through a very fast pace whirlwind of appointments and emotions right now, so I haven't called. Please let me hlep you in any way I can.
I am very good at waiting during treatments, if you need a ride.
The best advice I can give to you is keep a positive attitude. It will help carry you through. Love you, Michelle
Judi,
ReplyDeleteWe just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you all the time and that we love you!
Sean, Jen, CJ and Mason
Hi, Jude! I want to be included in chemo/radiation runs also. We love you and are praying for you daily. Miss you at school! I'll try to let your students know about the blog so they can check on you. God's blessings you to and your family. Eager to see you in person so we can laugh about something!
ReplyDeleteJudi,
ReplyDeleteHave been praying for you since day one. I know you have many friends and family that love you very much, know that anything you need you can also count on me too. I can be on the ride list to anywhere! just call me 786-490-8992. I will be fixing meals on Thursdays for you and your family, I will talk to Beth and see if she can tell me more or less what your family would like. Our daughters have been friends since elementary school. Cynthia sends her love. My email is beatricelongoria@aol.com, just email or call. God be with you every second and know that there are LOTS of prayers headed your way.
sincerely,
Bea Longoria
Sorry Judi,
ReplyDeleteMy cell number 765-490-8992
In my prayers
Bea
Judi,
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers as well as the rest of the family. It sounds like their community of doctors are just who you need to fight this with you. All my best.
Denise
Hey, Mrs. B, came into school today to give you a card. I don't know when you'll get it but it will be waiting on your desk in the art room whenever you can grab it. There's a present inside :D
ReplyDeleteTell your cancer to suck it,
Christina
hui
ReplyDeleteJudy, since things will be moving quickly now, thought I'd take care of house cleaning on Wed. That way you don't have to worry about it (as if you would!). haha That way when you have a break, you can sit outside and enjoy the summer by the pool. We are all praying for you, and we've all seen that work. Call if you need anything! lisa
ReplyDeletejust kidding the card is with mrs. theobold!
ReplyDeleteYou DO have too much to live for, which is why you're going to be fine. Not only do you have your children and thier futures, but there are many more students down the line that need your influence. You have way too much left to share with the world to not get through this well.
ReplyDeleteAlways in my prayers,
Aubrey
P.S.Thank you for the pocketbook and card, it was very thoughtful and almost made me cry!