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New Years of 2018 did not go quite as anticipated for me and my family. Instead of attending my favorite annual neighborhood NYE party wearing my sparkly jeans, I found myself in the hospital with IVs everywhere and a pancreatic tumor diagnosis.
The oncologist has now confirmed that due to the complexity and placement of the tumor (it is encasing a number of “important things,” such as vessels to major organs), neither surgery nor a cure is in the cards. However, a treatment plan has been formulated that, if successful, should at least stall the growth of the tumor for some unidentified amount of time without “beating me up too much” in the process.
I start chemotherapy on Monday, January 22, 2018. Assuming I tolerate it, I will continue with chemo for two months before the next CT scan, which will help determine the effect of the treatment on the tumor. If treatment is working, this pattern will be repeated, with some breaks, as long as it remains effective and I continue to tolerate it.
I recognize and accept that the big picture here is pretty bleak. But it is almost unbelievable to me the number of providences, magical and funny moments and things for which to be grateful that have made themselves known. One of the most precious gifts has been my family — who takes things in stride, has tremendous faith, has an unshakeable belief in the power of prayer and, thankfully, has an uncanny ability to find the joy and humor in every situation. I love this and them so much!
I am also blessed with excellent physicians and the most wonderful group of loving and supportive friends anyone could ask for. This includes each of you — who have sat with me in the emergency room while keeping my family updated (thanks Debbie!), prayed, visited, reached out, brought food, sent cards, gifts and flowers, donated blood and offered support in a multitude of other ways.
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