Brenda Lush

Brenda received a diagnosis on 3/28 for oral cavity cancer.  A small tumor developed under her tongue that was first noticed 2 days before we left for Madrid to visit Evan.  She thought it was just one of those pesky canker sores but it didn’t go away.  So she went for a biopsy when we got home.  They say its simple bad luck, She has none of the typical risk factors - never smoked, drinks much less than the rest of the neighborhood, eats way too healthy and was always running the dog when Peter usually followed along on a bike.

The GOOD NEWS is:  It is Highly treatable!!!  And we are with a really skilled, reputable practice at UC Health and they have had many many good longterm outcomes.  It’s just a hard few months to get through for a lot more life ahead!  A very worthy trade!  And we all know she can do it!!  Surgery will take out the tumor and a few nodes in her neck but this is routine for them and we have great faith that since she is strong and healthy otherwise, she’ll be just fine in the end!  Brenda will hopefully just be left with a bit of a battle-wound scar on her neck (that I say to wear with pride!).  Plus, a little lisp they say - which is also cute!

The surgery is on 4/12, and she will be in the hospital for 5 nights.  On day 5 or 6 the pathology report will come back indicating next steps.  They expect Radiation will be required but not Chemo.  She should feel better after 3 weeks or so, enjoy that for a couple weeks, and then 6 weeks of Radiation will start. 

Brenda looks forward to recovering in the solitude of our home (Evan is too far away to have parties).  She will not want to have visitors or talk on the phone initially because the surgery and Radiation will make it hard to talk.  Once she tells me she is tired of only seeing me, I will let you know.  In the meantime - she has Soooo appreciated all the messages of love, hope and well wishes - so please keep the notes, emails and texts coming!  They have been very inspiring to her and she says they literally give her physical strength!!

We both love and appreciate what an amazing “Orbit’ of friends and family that encircle us with Love and Support.  Thank you so much!!
Love, Brenda and Peter 

P.S.  Please see the attached Gallery of pictures.  I have been so lucky to have shared the past 35 amazing years with this wonderful “Olde-Lush” and we look forward to many more Adventures Ahead!!!