Susan Bushey Susan Bushey

Thanks so much for checking in on me and my family as we embark on our totally unexpected journey dealing with pancreatic cancer.

After not feeling well and losing weight from eating so little for approximately 4 months I had much testing done that eventually led to a CT scan of my abdomen showing a mass on my pancreas. It was biopsied 2 days later and I recieved my diagnosis while vacationing in Upper Michigan with my oldest son Paul, his wife Crystal and 5 of my 11 grandkids---yes, I'm bragging! For my birthday the next morning my thoughtful husband Kevin offered to take me to as many quilts shops as I wanted to go to that day---5! I snuck in a few jewelry stores too...

The biopsy results had taken 2 1/2 weeks to get which seemed like forever but once we got back home the appointments at the U of M Cancer Clinic came fast and furious. Most miraculously though they were with excellent clinicians that my doctor had recommended, one being the top "go-to" pancreatic surgeon. I KNOW that this is a result of all the prayers from the St.Charles Borromeo Church community, family members and the many prayer chains my wonderful co-workers at Healthpartners, relatives and neighbors added my name to at their own churches. 

At this time I am not eligible for surgery as my tumor is wrapped almost 180 degrees around a group of blood vessels making it too risky to attempt removal. I need shrinkage of the tumor to make that possible.

 I have truly felt lifted up by all of this prayer, care and concern from everyone these last few weeks. Kevin, Paul, Michael and Jim are all hanging in there. I'm praying to God to maintain a positive attitude, for shrinkage and the ultimate goal to become a candidate for surgery to cure this disease that remains contained only in my pancreas!

Much love to all,

 

Susan, Kevin and family.