Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep you as our family and friends updated in one place due to the struggle of trying to get updates to everyone. We appreciate your support, prayers, and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. The Patches Family
On Friday June 10th 2022, I (Valerie) went to our family Dr. with symptoms of what we thought were a simple hormone imbalance. The tests the Dr. did, showed that there was an imbalance! Unfortunately it wasn't my thyroid like they were hoping. They suggested getting a CT scan of my abdomen, to check my Adrenal Glands (located on top of Kidneys) to see if there was a tumor that was causing issues.
On Monday, June 27th, I had a CT scan which showed that I had a large mass on my left Adrenal Gland. Due to the size & symptoms the Dr. said that it was most likely cancer, and that I would need to surgery. She also said that I shouldn't wait more than I have to to have surgery. The CT scan also, showed that I had two small Nodules, one on each of my lungs. These need to be watched.
After a couple of closed doors locally, we feel God led us to an open door at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelpha.
On Wednesday, July 6th, we made the first of what would be many trips to Philly to meet with Dr. Smaldone at Fox Chase. He ordered more labs & a PET scan to see if the cancer was contained to the mass so that he would be able to do surgery. Dr. Smaldone also gave us August 2nd as a tentative date for surgery, but he said , rocks were going have to move to get us in on that date.
On Saturday, July 9th, I was making my usual run to Shuey's Pretzels, when I was approaching the train tracks, the song "Hello Unknown" by, Laura's Story started playing. I was familiar with the song, and with all the news that I received in less than 2 weeks, my feelings that day were "God why ME" & "I don't think I can do this" I said, "God I need a Train." Just when I was about to go over the tracks, the lights started blinking, I stopped and sat there watching my train and listening to my song. Yes, I liked my easy, comfortable life, but, I decided to sing along with the chorus with my whole heart and I "let go".
I've grown accustomed to the way things are I'm way more comfortable when it's familiar I want a life where I can guard my heart cause easy is easy
I like the solid ground beneath my feet The kind of road that someone else paved before me I need a plan that both my eyes can see But you call me to mystery
I am letting go Of everything I've known Farewell predictable No more playing it safe I'll free fall into faith I'll say goodbye control Hello unknown
On Thursday, July 14th, I had a PET scan. When Dr. Smaldone got the results he felt that the cancer was contained enough to the mass area, and that we could move forward with surgery.
On Tuesday, July 19th, we got the call that they were not able to get the August 2, confirmed, and they were going to do surgery August 1st instead.
Life is Truely a gift! How are you going to value it? Are you going to embrace it? or wish things were different? Through life's ups and downs there has been those days where my life was not my first choice, and you swallow the screams inside of "can't I just Have a break!" Life is still a Gift! That is to be treasured even when it seems like it is a complete mess. The past several months have been on the bumpy side, but there is still so much to be thankful for and to Praise God for his faithfulness!!
Despite in the past being diagnosed with stage four cancer. Last month I have been very blessed to celebrate 1 year since completing chemo & 1 year of Stable scans!!!!!!
Life is a Gift, given to us by our God, our Creator, our Heavenly Father! Not for our purpose. But to bring Glory and Honor to Him!!!
Next Week
Monday and Tuesday I have Dr. appointments locally and a Zoom visit.
Wednesday, I have another infusion in Philly for the colitis that still hasn't cleared up.
I Just want to say Thank you to all of you for your prayers and encouragement!!!
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