First post:
Sep 14, 2016 Latest post:
Oct 16, 2016
Welcome to Lisa's CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
About a year and a half ago, Lisa was diagnosed with throat cancer. After a very concentrated, heavy cancer treatment regimen that included both chemotherapy and radiation therapies simultaneously which involved Lisa's receiving daily doses of each for several weeks, the cancer was wrestled into submission and she was declared in remission at that time. Lisa was getting routine, regular check-ups from her doctors to ensure the cancer stayed in remission.
Earlier this year, Lisa began to experience difficulty in swallowing. Some additional diagnostic tests were run at that point, but nothing showed up. About 2 months ago now, the swallowing situation became critical, and her throat had swollen nearly closed. Many more in-depth diagnostic tests were run, including an MRI and CT scan, which revealed that the cancer had returned.
Because the original radiation therapy had caused significant tissue damage and scar tissue in the throat and surrounding areas, radiation therapy was no longer an option. The only option available was invasive surgery to physically remove the tumor in her throat, the consequence of which would be removing Lisa's larynx (voice box). Complicating matters, the cancer had spread to her upper esophagus, which also needed to be removed.
Surgery was scheduled for last Friday, September 9th, 2016, 3 days after Lisa's birthday. Lisa remained hopeful about the outcome of the surgery, and just wanted to get through it and have the tumor removed. After 14 hours in surgery, Lisa came out of it very well, doing great throughout the surgery and the doctors were able to accomplish everything that they had planned.
The recovery and healing process promises to be long and challenging for Lisa. Lisa and Mike and all of her family ask you all to pray for Lisa, and continue to pray for her, as she begins her recovery.
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
