I asked Brian to set up CaringBridge because we want the details of what is happening to be accurate. The weekend of November 10, 2017 my rollercoaster ride began. I developed blood clots in my left leg. Before leaving the doctor’s office, I was on Warfarin and injecting Lovanox (blood thinners). Rat poison!! That was Thursday 11/16. I had my “wellness” check-up appointment on Tuesday 11/21. During the visit, I mentioned that I had noticed some shortness of breath and a pain on my right side under my ribs. The same day I had an EKG (healthy heart) and a CT scan on my lungs. The CT scan showed that I have several blood clots in my right lung. Treatment is the same – blood thinners. The CT scan also picked up an unexpected find: lesions on the top of my liver. We cancelled our Thanksgiving plans due to limitations on how long I can travel at a time and needing blood draws daily to check my Warfarin level. Friday 11/24 I was scheduled for a CT scan of my abdomen. Unfortunately, the doctors were off until Monday 11/27. Very long weekend! Emotions all over the place! I didn’t realize a weekend could last that long. On Monday, I received a call from my doctor asking us to come in to review the CT scan of my abdomen. He told me that there was cause for concern of cancer. The referral had already been made to Matthews Oncology, and the office of Dr. Marshall Matthews would be contacting us! Everyone was perplexed, as I am considered one of the good patients. Tests up to date, blood work completed when due, etc.
We met with Dr. Matthews on Wednesday 11/29. I would like to give that day a name but not quite sure what! Long story short, I have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The CT scans show the cancer is in my lymph nodes, which is why I am at stage 4. The primary source of the cancer will be determined this coming week with a battery of tests: liver biopsy, EGD (scope down throat into stomach), MRI, and PET scan. Dr. Matthews feels the cancer started in one of the following organs: stomach, pancreas, gall bladder, or liver. We will know soon. We meet with Dr Matthews again on Friday 12/8 late afternoon.
Phil and I have an awesome support system. Becca came down and is coming back Friday for the consults. Brian has been and will continue to be on conference calls for the consults. We know that this is God’s plan and purpose and have faith that He will direct the medical staff for the best treatment plan. God is in charge of the results.
We ask that you please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this journey in life.
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.
