This is Terry, writing for Joan today. I’m not sure why, I’m a computer dropout from way back. But I’ll give it a try. This all began with Joan’s annual physical on June 16th. As we have come to find out now, what has been going on, probably started as much as a year ago.
She had been experiencing a feeling in her lower abdominal area that she described as feeling “bloated.” Not pain really, so she didn’t think too much of it, but she was a little worried that her bladder had dropped, which is not uncommon, as women get older. Not fun. But not uncommon.
Her doctor, an internist here in Waconia, and someone both of us have been seeing for years, suggested she have a pelvic ultrasound, to see if he could determine what might be going on. It was not normal. He further suggested a CT scan. That also was not normal. In fact, it seemed to strongly suggest that there was a significant growth in her lower pelvic area which appeared to be a malignant tumor. The long and short of the story is that’s exactly what it was, in fact four tumors, including some lymph involvement in that same area. He referred her to Minnesota Oncology that he had heard many good things about from his colleagues.
On July 12th Joan met with the Oncologist at the clinic adjacent to Fairview Hospital near Southdale. Since we were still dealing with Covid protocols, she was only allowed to have one person come with her that day as a part of the consult. Because of my hearing issues, our daughter Michelle went with her. The news was pretty stunning. She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and the tumors were too large to remove surgically at this time. That meant “chemotherapy”, a word that none of us wants to hear. The doctor assured us this was not a “death sentence”. These kinds of tumors have now been shown to be quite responsive to chemo, she said, but it would mean six sessions each over a three-week period, followed by surgery, and then more chemo, to make sure the cancer is gone. It will be a long road.
As I write this, she has completed her second session. The good news is that after one session the cancer markers had dropped significantly, which we hope means that the tumors are shrinking. We won’t know that for sure, until after the third session, when she will have another scan. We are hopeful!
Joan is proudly wearing a “Warrior Goddess” T-shirt to each of her chemo treatments, a gift from Amy who found it online. Joan has felt the support of “Team Morehouse” and so many others. At her request, Lance, our son-in-law, has skillfully fashioned a cane to assist her as time goes by, and our granddaughter Carly has beautifully “burned” our family names into the cane, along with some Swedish floral designs. The branch comes from a birch tree that has been with us since we first bought our cabin in 1966. The tree has since been affectionately named, “The Giving Tree” after a book written by Shel Silverstein, that we and many others have read to the children as they grew up. (Joan’s idea) It’s a beautiful book and we would highly recommend it.
Our daughters have been wonderful, and they have been there for her, as will I, and will be until this frightening time is over. Her friends, (our friends) have been wonderful as well. She has chosen not to tell too many people yet, but has decided this “Caring Bridge” might be the best way to update people. We hope it is for you as well. One of us will try to update this epistle from time to time, as the days go by. Thank you for caring. Thank you for your love, your cards, your flowers, your food, and your support. Most of all, for your prayers. Meanwhile we will be assured, that “Day by Day”, God’s mercies will attend us, as one of our favorite hymns assures us. We believe that, and will try to live in that promise, as best we can.
Meanwhile be kind. Care for others. Live in love. Be grateful, as we are, for all of you, and for our daily brushes with the grace of God.
Hi all - Amy here again. Mom asked that I just put a quick update here to let you all know that she is doing well. She is happy to be alive and enjoyed Easter with our family. She is still on home hospice, but with no new news...things have been status quo. I like to give reports like this!
Happy Spring to all of you and thanks again for all of your love and support!
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