Sandra Reisinger Sandra's Healing Journey

Welcome to my CaringBridge website. I am using this  to keep family and friends updated in one place. Please feel free to add your comments, words of encouragement and questions.  Let your inner cheerleader, seer of wisdom, spiritual sayer roam free - I may not be the only one who will find encouragement or hope in your words. This is a space where we can be a blessing to each other.



To summarize, why I am here: for those of you who visit here who may not already know, on September 28 in Chiang Mai, Thailand (I live in Phnom Penh, and am the Representative to Myanmar for Mennonite Central Committee, traveling to and from Phnom Penh to Yangon, Myanmar/Burma), during a routine check-up that included an ultra sound to observe a condition that I have, it was discovered that I have multiple cysts on my liver, with one that is quite large and with characteristics that indicated it was more than a simple liver cyst (a common liver condition that is basically harmless).  Since that initial discovery, I have had CT scans, ultra sounds, an MRI and blood work.  At some point in the process, it became apparent that I should take a medical leave and return to the states for treatment. I am being treated for cystic echinococcusis. This treatment includes one month of pre-surgery drug therapy, that is a kind of chemotherapy specifically for this condition. This therapy may continue post surgery if it is confirmed that the cyst is definitely echinococcusis.  Whether it is positive or not, the cyst must be removed as it could cause damage to other organs if it continues to grow or 'leaks.' I began the drug therapy on December 20. My surgery is scheduled for January 23 at Hershey Medical Center, in Hershey, PA. My hospital stay will be 7-10 days and likely there will be a 6-8 week recovery period.

Since September 28 and the  day that I decided to make this news more public,  it has been remarkable and humbling to me the size of the global caring family that I have, and the energy of love, support and prayers radiating my direction from locations all around the world.  I have felt buoyed up by all of you in the midst of worries, fears and anxiety. Thus, I am starting this blog; the caring and love is reciprocal. This is my way to share my journey with you, to show each of you that I also care for you and value you in my life. Because I believe when we share our stories, we bring healing to each other, it is my hope that we will all find a little bit (or a lot!) together in this space.