The Good news is Jeff and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary on August 28th. We had a wonderful day together. More Good news is that my son Victor, my daughter in-law Pippa and our granddaughter Sophia, who live in Arizona, have been here most of the summer and plan to stay until I am up and around.
The BAD news is that in November 2020 I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. Treatment was a simultaneous combination of chemotherapy and radiation Monday-Friday for three months starting in December 2020. In June of 2021 a pet scan and MRI indicated the cancer was still present, growing and needs surgical treatment.
Fast forward to today.
On Wednesday, September 1st I was scheduled to be admitted to Alaska Regional Hospital (which I am affectionately renaming it “The Ritz Carlton”) for major surgery. Because of complications the surgery had to be rescheduled for Monday, September 13th for the removal of my vagina, anus and a permanent colostomy. The complication is the Doctors will need to remove muscle and skin from my inter thighs to graft into the incision. Anticipated hospital time is one week which will be limited to family visits after which I will recover at home for approximately six weeks and could take up to nine months to a year for a full recovery.
SOOooo…maintaining a sense of humor…I think of it as there will be one less asshole in the world!
Debby Sedwick (dbsedwick@gmail.com (907) 230-0417 and Carol Butler (carolbutlerak@gmail.com 907 244 1800) are co-authors of the CaringBridge site and will also manage an online sign-up sheet for homemade food delivery which will include preferences, dietary limitations, and dates. Stay tuned for more information when they sort this out.
Other ways you can support Jeff and me: - I love cards.…be creative! – Mailing address is 701 W. 47th Avenue, Unit D, Anchorage, AK. 99503 - Text me at 907-242-5000 - Have a fun picture to share? Post it on the "well wishes" page with a description. - Transportation to doctor appointments when needed - Shopping as needed
The reality is most of us are in the final quarter of our lives and support from friends and family becomes increasingly important not only for the recipient, but also the giver. Supporting each other deepens relationships and soothes the soul. Please participate at whatever level feels good to you. Every kindness will be appreciated and welcomed.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers over these past months. My God bless and keep you.
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.
