Helen Mercer

Want to share with our family and friends the progression of mom's (Helen's) condition!!

In August mom thought she might have some scar tissue forming from a previous surgery she had in Jan. of 2006. She had a pre-cancer removed from her rectum.


September came and as she became a little more uncomfortable her second thought was hemorrhoids so she of course tried a little over the counter self doctoring first.


It was late October when she saw Dr. Lancaster and told him about it. He sent her to see a General surgeon Dr. Dumont. He thought there was a chance of cancer, so he took a needle biopsy with the results of no cancer! He scheduled her for an outpatient surgery to remove what he thought was an anal wart. (YUCK)


This procedure was to be December 7th. Renee was with her for the prep and procedure. However when he took a closer look he realized it was indeed cancer and took a bigger biopsy and did not continue sending mom and Renee' home rather shocked. As the news sunk in our wheels began to turn. I was in ABQ while Renee was in Tullie with mom! As we processed what to do, by the time it dawned on me we needed to call Janice (AL and mom's niece who is a retired nurse) they had already talked to her!!

Then Janice talked to Carol (another niece of AL and mom who is with the oncology dept. of Pres.)what a God send they have both been!! Love you guys!


Carol gave Renee contact info for a nurse navigator here in ABQ, her name is Ann, she has been guiding us through the process. Mom had a pet-scan done in Alamogordo the 22nd of December. Within a few days of contacting Ann she had an appointment scheduled with an oncologist Dr Binder here in ABQ on the 4th. Then a few days later an appointment to see the radiation oncologist Dr Gopal. The facility that she is receiving treatment from is M D Anderson ...apparently they have became affiliated with Pres. a few years ago (YAY)


Mom arrived safely in ABQ last friday! Just in time to begin a new year and be here for her up coming appts. So glad she'll be here where we can take care of her! Well they started today and it was a long afternoon.


We saw Dr Gopal 1st and after examining her he told us good news and bad news! Good news area affected is small, and bad news, some of the not so pleasant side effects of radiation. Most of which we had heard. Tomorrow she has an appointment to be marked and molded in preparation for her plan. She will start radiation on the 16th, which means every day (5 days a week) for 29 days.


Moving on we met with Dr. Binder her oncologist who will design her Chemo treatments. He went over a lot of information with us, took his time explaining and answering questions, examining her, then making sure this thing gets started ASAP! Her chemo port will be put in on the 13th and she will start chemo on the 16th also. The 1st treatment will last 5 days and if I understand correctly (and that's a BIG IF) she will have another at the end.


Our nurse navigator Ann was with us for both appointments today. We will meet with her next Tuesday for a chemo class. I feel blessed to have her helping!! I felt that both Doctors talked to us not at us, I was impressed as was mom. I believe she is in very capable and concerned hands! While my info is not technical Renee has more of that stuff and will provide it to me once she has it translated for me!


We really, really, really like the Doctors! We will continue to update everyone and want to thank you all for your prayers, love, and support??