Aug 13, 2009

Hey All,




It has been a little while since I last updated. I had my Raidoactive Iodine Treatment back in April and we have been waiting on results. The RAI did cause my white blood cell count go drop very low (it is supposed to be between 3-8 and mine was like 1.8 or something like that) it has now gone back up to somewhere around 4 or so, so my doctor is happy with that. Some of you may have heard that I got a report from My Endocrinologist, Dr B. that there was no new growth, but that the tumor in my neck, and one in my back (just above the surgery site) had grown slightly and were still showing up on the PET scan. Because of this I did go see the Neurosurgeon and Otolaryngologist (sp?) better know as the Ear Nose and Throat doctor. The Neurosurgeon was not too concerned at this point. In looking at an MRI I had of my spine he said that the remaining tumor in the metal area is unchanged, and there may be a small one on T8 but as long as I am not having any symptoms and feeling well he wants to give the Iodine more time and repeat testing in 3-6 months and see how things look at that point. The ENT was unable to look at the scan while I was in the office, but said that based on the report the tumor growth was not very much, but he would call me with his final recommendations. I got that call this afternoon, in which I was informed that he would like to operate to remove the infected lymphnode in my neck. It turns out that it is sitting right near the nerve that controls my voice box, and he does not want to risk it growing any larger and possibly affecting that nerve. You all know how this thing did a number on my spine, so I don't want to know what it could do to my nerves. He said that although it has no grown much (aprox 1mm) in the past few months, it has not shrunk like they wanted it to with the treatment, so it would be better to go ahead and take it out now rather than risk complications later. He mentioned doing it some time in September. I did request that it be after Sept 6th, as that is the day Katie and Josh are getting married and I am in the wedding. He said that was fine, and he would have his assistant call me to schedule a time for surgery.



I am doing alright, I had somewhat mentally prepared myself for this on monday, so it was not a complete shock. My hope is that we can get this out of my neck, and then the only place we will have to keep really watching is my back, as my lungs were clear on the last scan, praise God!!



On Aug 6th it was 2 years from when I originally went in the hospital, and August 16th will be 2 years since my cancer diagnosis. About a year ago my sister Richi took a bunch of my get well cards and put them in an album for me to keep. I was reading them the other day, and it is so comforting to know how many supporters I have throughout this ordeal. I know God has big plans for Josh and I to be equipping us in this way so early in our marriage.



I just ask everyone to keep praying for Josh and I, and our families. That we will draw closer to each other, and more importantly closer to God.



I will keep you updated on when the surgery will be.



Love,



Hattie