Journal
Thank you for visiting my CaringBridge.org website. This tool makes it easier to update all my dear family and friends. The show of support has been overwhelming. I will be able to manage communication through this site and look forward to your posts.
In December 2017 I was experiencing severe fatigue and intermittent right abdominal pain.I attributed this to a busy holiday schedule and went on as usual. By January 23, 2018 I was weak, had a headache, dizziness and vision problems in my left eye. My friend Loni insisted I get it checked and took me to Urgent Care. I am grateful for her persistence and concern. They thought it was a stroke so directed us to go straight to ER. The tests were negative for a stroke. During my exam at Torrance Memorial Medical Center the doctor felt it was necessary to investigate my right abdominal pain also. The abdominal ultrasound discovered a large mass and multiple scattered tumors in my liver. A liver biopsy was done and a diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma was made. The origin of my cancer is the bile duct. Cholangìocarcinoma is a "rare" cancer they say.
In the beginning of February I embarked on a search for the best medical care for this "rare" disease. My sister Jeanne, an RN helped me find the doctors. UCLA was our first stop. City of Hope was next and my choice for care. I saw Dr. Yuman Fong, Surgical Oncologist and Dr. Daneng Li, Medical Oncologist. I know these experts and others can help me navigate the complex path towards healing.
My first chemotherapy treatment of Cisplatin and Gemzar started on March 6, 2018 at City of Hope in Duarte. I want to acknowledge God's hand in this journey. My first visit at City of Hope was met by a very helpful, caring volunteer named Ken. Ken is my father's name also. He stayed by our side and ran errands on our behalf. While sitting in the waiting room I was approached by an earthly angel. She was the wife of a patient. Her message was "you are in the best place." She shared their story and prayed for us. This came at a moment when a decision needed to be made as to where to get my cancer care. I decided on City of Hope that day!
As for all my wonderful clients- thank you for your patience and understanding. I will do a few clients on Saturdays and Sundays starting in April.
Thank you for your caring thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Sandy
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