Janet’s Story

Site created on October 11, 2018

Janet was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in September.  On September 28 she underwent surgery to remove her thyroid.  The surgeon was unable to complete the surgery because the cancer had attacked virtually everything in her neck except her spine.  It was no longer possible to tell where the thyroid stopped and other structures started.  Janet was then referred to Dr. Edson for radation trearment.  We expect the radation to start about October 15 and low dose chemotherapy the same day.  She has been told she may lose 15 to 20 percent of her weight and some hair.  She has also been recommended for a feeding tube in case she begins to have trouble swallowing.  She has also been recommended for something called a port because the doctor suspect her veins may become difficult to work with as the chemo progresses.  There has been mention of nausea but the doctors think they will be able to handle that with standard meds.  Janet's spirits are high and we both think she will get through this.  The Steil family has a history of various cancers but we think this was discovered much earlier than past family cancers.  We are starting to address advance directives and other legal issues.  At this time I am the one who will be called on to decide for Janet if she is unable to make her wishes known.  (We are still discussing what she wants).  Thank you all for your help and support
Ken

Newest Update

August 26, 2019. Happy birthday Janet ...........Almost

Journal entry by Ken McCoy —

Janet's brother Bob took us to lunch today, and we really enjoyed it.  After lunch Janet went to the bathroom.  After 20 minutes we asked the hostess to check on her.  After 40 minutes we called 911.  They  took her to Aurora central hospital.  The original issue was that she couldn't go to the bathroom and she couldn't stop trying.  After she got to the hospital she was able to go to the bathroom but she had a tender spot in her belly that turned out to be an ovarian cyst on her left side.  The right one had been removed many years ago.  She was also dehydrated and had bacterial pockets in her colon.  They made her stay overnight and are giving her IV's and antibiotics.  I suspect they will keep her for a few days then operate, but won't really know until tomorrow.  Will keep you informed as best I can
Ken
Read More of the journal titled "August 26, 2019. Happy birthday Janet ...........Almost"
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