We never thought we would be writing something like this. At least not this early in our time together on this earth. We love you all so much and as much as we would like to talk to you personally about this, it has all been exhausting to explain. So we are sharing this.
Last week we were informed that Phyllis has been diagnosed with a rare but treatable cancer called a neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor. Many of you already know, some of you don't, Phyllis has been struggling with severe, intermittent abdominal pain for several years now. The pain would come episodically and be crippling. She saw doctors, completed numerous tests and imaging with unequivocal answers. She was subsequently diagnosed with suspected gastritis and started on medications. Despite appropriate therapy, Phyllis still suffered these episodic attacks. Everything still didn't make sense.
Last Monday Sept 25, 2023, Phyllis had a severe attack that required her to go to the emergency department. She completed a CT scan that showed liver masses. After a day of testing, a biopsy was completed demonstrating a neuroendocrine tumor in her liver. This is a rare cancer that unfortunately doesn't usually get detected until it has spread to the liver. Being physicians, we know what cancer is and worse, cancer that has spread. Luckily, we received VIP treatment at the hospital we work in Bend and saw oncology immediately. We suspect she has had this cancer for years without being able to detect it. We received positive news that the cancer is treatable and potentially curable with tumor debulking surgery and hormone suppressive therapy. She will not need chemotherapy immediately. Unfortunately, this is major surgery that involves removal of tumors in the liver and potentially removal of some of her pancreas. Fortunately, our oncologist knows a world renowned surgeon at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland who specializes in these procedures. We anticipate the surgery will be later this year. So life as usual for now.
We are still in shock but processing all this. As we suspect you are too. As expected, Phyllis has transcended into the warrior princess that she has always been and is determined to overcome the Demogorgon inside. At this time, we ask please just read this and think about how fragile life can be. As much as we want to talk on the phone and/or reply to texts, it's all too much to keep explaining right now. We will get to it in time. We are determined to focus on living life to the fullest and not to focus on the cancer. She is feeling strong and healthy right now and just wants to have fun. Please continue to share laughs, hugs, dancing and joy with us. All we do ask, please send us photos of the wonderful times spent with Phyllis along with fun, inappropriate emojs. This is the good Juju she needs to fight this battle.
Thank you all for your love and support. We will be updating you shortly.
