I've always thought that time sped up more and more the older I get. Typically...this is true. Not the past 41 days. It's hard to believe it has only been three weeks since Kim's last biopsy, but I swear the last 41 days has felt like 411. Here is the update we received today.
Kim's surgeon, Dr. Nichols, received a report from the National Institute of Health, who seconded the opinion of PhenoPaths, which is benign tumor! This is fantastic news in that doctors at two internationally recognized labs have found no signs of malignancy in Kim's chest. This, of course, is cause for much thanksgiving, and a reminder of the power of prayer in our lives.
What we still don't know is...what is it?! So...let's go back to our list:
1)Lymphoma...no
2)Thymoma...no
3)Goiter...dunno
4)Gargoyle...seems timely
5)Skunk...possible?
6)Third boob...still hopeful!
In the mean time, we are now waiting to hear back from our oncologist that he has received a written report from the NIH. Once he has received it we will go in and discuss what happens next. Dr. Nichols has proposed a follow-up CT scan in about 3 months to get a baseline reading of the tumor and then (presumably) follow up annually to monitor whether or not it is growing.
Until then, we are grateful tonight, and hopeful for more positive news next time we see the doctor. (And I'm still on the look out for a three-cup bra! hehehe)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Day 33 - October 18, 2009
We haven't talked in awhile because frankly...there is not much to talk about.
Our last appointment was on October 12th with our surgeon, Dr. Nichols. He reported to us that PhenoPath, the pathology lab in Seattle, sees no signs of cancer in Kim's tumor. This is good news. We're waiting to get results from the National Institute of Health to help provide even more clear direction on what to do next. Until then...we wait.
Kim is still in good spirits, but is absolutely exhausted...even showering wears her out. We think her body is fighting whatever skunk or gargoyle is in her chest, and she has little energy for anything else. It is hard to watch, but we know it is part of the process.
What she is doing is this...she is eating very healthily and working with a nutritional therapist to try to combine western medicine with natural remedies as well. She is eating only whole foods...no refined sugars, cooked foods, processed foods, etc. Lots of organic veggies, some organic fruit, little organic meat, and lots of thing I had previously not heard about. I admire the determination she has about beating this.
So for now, we don't know what is growing inside her, just that something is.
Lots of you have offered help of many kinds, and we've been overwhelmed by your kindness. At this point, Kim is really focusing what energy she has on getting well, which doesn't leave energy to shop, cook or clean. A friend of ours, Joani Rittierodt, has graciously volunteered to coordinate people who would like to provide assistance to our family. Please know it is very humbling to accept the help, and we wouldn't do so if we didn't think it would aid in her healing processes. Joani is putting together an email list to send a calendar out to if you would like to volunteer. Please contact her by the end of the week if you would like to be on her list. The best way is by email, snoopy1972@msn.com
Again, thanks to you all for your energy, prayer, and positive thoughts. We're confident we will beat this, and know we can with the love and support of those who surround us.
Now Joani...go to sleep!
Our last appointment was on October 12th with our surgeon, Dr. Nichols. He reported to us that PhenoPath, the pathology lab in Seattle, sees no signs of cancer in Kim's tumor. This is good news. We're waiting to get results from the National Institute of Health to help provide even more clear direction on what to do next. Until then...we wait.
Kim is still in good spirits, but is absolutely exhausted...even showering wears her out. We think her body is fighting whatever skunk or gargoyle is in her chest, and she has little energy for anything else. It is hard to watch, but we know it is part of the process.
What she is doing is this...she is eating very healthily and working with a nutritional therapist to try to combine western medicine with natural remedies as well. She is eating only whole foods...no refined sugars, cooked foods, processed foods, etc. Lots of organic veggies, some organic fruit, little organic meat, and lots of thing I had previously not heard about. I admire the determination she has about beating this.
So for now, we don't know what is growing inside her, just that something is.
Lots of you have offered help of many kinds, and we've been overwhelmed by your kindness. At this point, Kim is really focusing what energy she has on getting well, which doesn't leave energy to shop, cook or clean. A friend of ours, Joani Rittierodt, has graciously volunteered to coordinate people who would like to provide assistance to our family. Please know it is very humbling to accept the help, and we wouldn't do so if we didn't think it would aid in her healing processes. Joani is putting together an email list to send a calendar out to if you would like to volunteer. Please contact her by the end of the week if you would like to be on her list. The best way is by email, snoopy1972@msn.com
Again, thanks to you all for your energy, prayer, and positive thoughts. We're confident we will beat this, and know we can with the love and support of those who surround us.
Now Joani...go to sleep!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Day 26 - October 11, 2009
So...it's been a great weekend, hasn't it? The kids and I went to the beach with friends on Friday and enjoyed beautiful weather while Kim rested and recovered from her biopsy at her parent's house. We enjoyed a flag-football game played by a friend's son and later a bon-fire at our neighbors to wrap up a great Saturday. Today we drove to Sequim to pick Kim up from the Nadon Bed and Breakfast Recovery Center. The Huskies won...the Seahawks won...doesn't get much better than that, does it?
Or does it?
When Kim and I arrived home she discovered a message from her surgeon, Dr. Nichols stating that he had heard from PhenoPaths, the world-class lab in Seattle reviewing her case. The opinion of PhenoPaths is that the tumor in her chest is benign...no malignancy.
Now I understand the phrase "cautiously optimistic". We still need to hear from the National Institute of Health, but we are definitely headed in the right direction. We meet with Dr.s Nichols and Anderson tomorrow to do a post-op check-up from her biopsy on Friday, September 25. We hope to hear more answers tomorrow.
So...while we thought we had it nailed down, the intrigue has re-entered the situation. Apparently it could still be a goiter, gargoyle, or skunk...we'll have to wait and see. Personally...I'm still hoping for a third boob...no caution in my optimism.
Tonight we are thanking God for watching over us and for the benefit of all the prayer we have been blessed with. We're hoping we are nearing the end of our mystery.
Have a great week.
Or does it?
When Kim and I arrived home she discovered a message from her surgeon, Dr. Nichols stating that he had heard from PhenoPaths, the world-class lab in Seattle reviewing her case. The opinion of PhenoPaths is that the tumor in her chest is benign...no malignancy.
Now I understand the phrase "cautiously optimistic". We still need to hear from the National Institute of Health, but we are definitely headed in the right direction. We meet with Dr.s Nichols and Anderson tomorrow to do a post-op check-up from her biopsy on Friday, September 25. We hope to hear more answers tomorrow.
So...while we thought we had it nailed down, the intrigue has re-entered the situation. Apparently it could still be a goiter, gargoyle, or skunk...we'll have to wait and see. Personally...I'm still hoping for a third boob...no caution in my optimism.
Tonight we are thanking God for watching over us and for the benefit of all the prayer we have been blessed with. We're hoping we are nearing the end of our mystery.
Have a great week.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Day 22 - October 7, 2009
Have I mentioned how much I love the people I work with? They've been so supportive throughout this whole process. Today I was pumping kids up at lunch for our night football game tonight when one office staff member came to find me to take a call from Kim. The oncologist had called and wanted us to come in...in one hour. Of course it was no big deal to leave in 15 minutes, because everything just "works" with my colleagues. I couldn't do this without them.
Once at Dr. Liao's office we received tentative news. Pathologists at TG have determined at this point that there are 2 types of tissue in Kim's sample. They all originate in the Thymus, which we found out today is quite important as a child as it aides in your immunity, but as an adult it is about as useful as a parka in downtown Baghdad. A condition sometimes exists called (forgive the spelling) hyper-placia. This is gross over-growth of the tissue. It is begnin, but can become malignant. She has evidence of that type of tissue in her sample. Some at work believe this is evidence of the mysterious "third boob". She also has apparent evidence of malignant thymoma in the sample. On top of that, there appears to be the existence of fluid filled cysts for good measure. That said, this was good news today. Let me finish.
1) Doctors believe there is a good chance that they removed most of the tumor during the biopsy on the 2nd.
2) The treatment for thymoma is surgical, and if they can get all the tumor plus some surrounding tumor they often times are done...no chemo or radiation. This possibility looks good for Kim. Good news: no more tumor. Bad news: bye-bye third boob. Oh well...you win some, you lose some.
3) The tumor is very slow growing, so we don't have to worry while we are waiting on results from other labs.
4) Pathologists from TG are examining right now. They are affiliated with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance...some of the best in the country. Doctors at PhenoPaths are looking as well...they are some of the best in the world. Doctors at the National Institute of Health will be looking at it soon...you know them. All told...3 world-class organizations examining Kim's case...we like those odds.
So for now, we feel good to be one step closer to a resolution. In about 2 weeks we'll have definitive answers about where we are going. We're looking to surgery in early November, and are hopeful about the possibility of being cancer free by Thanksgiving. Wow...that would be something to give thanks about...right?
Heart-warming story of the week: The kids at school have now heard about what is going on. Teenagers are often ego-centric, but are very caring and sensitive at the same time. A 9th grader came to me the other morning with a smile covering a concerned look. She explained how sorry she was about what was going on, and that her family was really into Relay for Life. She felt it was important to give us a purple back pack, bracelet, and t-shirt that all read "Cancer Sucks"! It was so sweet, and so genuine. I live for moments like that.
One more thing...have you heard people say that bad things always happen in threes? I believe good things do too. Kim's friend from California who was also having biopsies done? Clear. My friend at work who's family was impacted by flooding in the Philippines? Safe. Now...Kim's turn. I think we're almost there!
There's your update. Have a great weekend.
Once at Dr. Liao's office we received tentative news. Pathologists at TG have determined at this point that there are 2 types of tissue in Kim's sample. They all originate in the Thymus, which we found out today is quite important as a child as it aides in your immunity, but as an adult it is about as useful as a parka in downtown Baghdad. A condition sometimes exists called (forgive the spelling) hyper-placia. This is gross over-growth of the tissue. It is begnin, but can become malignant. She has evidence of that type of tissue in her sample. Some at work believe this is evidence of the mysterious "third boob". She also has apparent evidence of malignant thymoma in the sample. On top of that, there appears to be the existence of fluid filled cysts for good measure. That said, this was good news today. Let me finish.
1) Doctors believe there is a good chance that they removed most of the tumor during the biopsy on the 2nd.
2) The treatment for thymoma is surgical, and if they can get all the tumor plus some surrounding tumor they often times are done...no chemo or radiation. This possibility looks good for Kim. Good news: no more tumor. Bad news: bye-bye third boob. Oh well...you win some, you lose some.
3) The tumor is very slow growing, so we don't have to worry while we are waiting on results from other labs.
4) Pathologists from TG are examining right now. They are affiliated with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance...some of the best in the country. Doctors at PhenoPaths are looking as well...they are some of the best in the world. Doctors at the National Institute of Health will be looking at it soon...you know them. All told...3 world-class organizations examining Kim's case...we like those odds.
So for now, we feel good to be one step closer to a resolution. In about 2 weeks we'll have definitive answers about where we are going. We're looking to surgery in early November, and are hopeful about the possibility of being cancer free by Thanksgiving. Wow...that would be something to give thanks about...right?
Heart-warming story of the week: The kids at school have now heard about what is going on. Teenagers are often ego-centric, but are very caring and sensitive at the same time. A 9th grader came to me the other morning with a smile covering a concerned look. She explained how sorry she was about what was going on, and that her family was really into Relay for Life. She felt it was important to give us a purple back pack, bracelet, and t-shirt that all read "Cancer Sucks"! It was so sweet, and so genuine. I live for moments like that.
One more thing...have you heard people say that bad things always happen in threes? I believe good things do too. Kim's friend from California who was also having biopsies done? Clear. My friend at work who's family was impacted by flooding in the Philippines? Safe. Now...Kim's turn. I think we're almost there!
There's your update. Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Day 17 - October 2 - Part 2
So...can't believe I forgot one more funny story from today...
Kim's nurse that escorted her back to the surgical prep center was not the most outgoing or bubbly. We were in the cardiac center due the location of the tumor. The final thing she tells Kim is that she needs to get undressed...panties and everything...and put on the flattering hospital gown. In a room with floor to ceiling windows in the doors. That slide open. That are open. With the curtain open.
This was mostly funny because directly across from where my wife was about to visit Naked Town was a man easily in this 60's, also in a gown, looking into our room from his bed.
This is the cardiac wing, and I couldn't help but think...
Can his heart handle the show?
In his best interest I went ahead and shut the door. Thanks nurse for being so helpful!
Kim's nurse that escorted her back to the surgical prep center was not the most outgoing or bubbly. We were in the cardiac center due the location of the tumor. The final thing she tells Kim is that she needs to get undressed...panties and everything...and put on the flattering hospital gown. In a room with floor to ceiling windows in the doors. That slide open. That are open. With the curtain open.
This was mostly funny because directly across from where my wife was about to visit Naked Town was a man easily in this 60's, also in a gown, looking into our room from his bed.
This is the cardiac wing, and I couldn't help but think...
Can his heart handle the show?
In his best interest I went ahead and shut the door. Thanks nurse for being so helpful!
Day 17 - October 2
Today was a long, but good day. Thankfully, on top of all the good news we received today we received even better care and tumor humor!
We arrived at Tacoma General at 6:00 AM ready for Kim's second biopsy in 9 days. Today's was what is called a mediastinoscopy. They knocked her out with general anesthesia and removed a golf-ball sized amount of tumor tissue, as well as some fatty material, to test. At this point, nothing about the tumor is screaming cancer, and they are leaning away from lymphoma. It still could be some disease of the thymus, including germ cell tumor or a thymoma. They did say that the really bad bad bad stuff would be obvious. They didn't see that. That is good good good. She recovered well and came home at about 3:00 PM after spending an hour in the operating room.
I have to say again the doctors, nurses, and support staff are fantastic at TG. There was a woman of retirement age working as a volunteer in the waiting room. We briefly checked in, gave her our names, and she remembered who we were all day, finding us whenever there was updates without having to page us or ask us for our names. She was adorable.
Now...for tumor humor.
For those keeping score at home:
1)Thymoma
2)Germ Cell Tumor
3)Goiter
4)Gargoyle
5)Skunk
I'm so confused.
Overheard in the waiting room:
(Two friends talking) "She has a big heart shaped ass! It's a nice ass. What shape ass do I have?"
(Same two friends walking past us later...two adults talking) "Really? You're reading a book without pictures?"
Observation: We're sitting in the surgical waiting area of TG, which is beautiful. People have surgery because they are sick. This makes me want to be healthy. Why is it then that the other people waiting had brought a dozen donuts to eat, and another woman was eating a whole bag of puffy spiral Cheetos? I had to laugh...and craved celery.
Doctor is pleased with the samples, and explained that Kim may feel discomfort for a few days as he pulled out fatty tissue (lipo for her thoracic cavity?) and a big tumor chunk and left a void in her chest. Reminded me of a song from first grade. Remember the song about a hole in the bucket? I offer my own version:
(Steve) There's a hole in your thymus dear Kimi dear Kimi. There's a hole in your thymus dear Kimmi a hole.
(Kim) Well why dear Stevie dear Stevie dear Stevie. Well why dear Stevie dear Stevie well why?
(Steve) Your tumor dear Kimi dear Kimi dear Kimi. Your tumor dear Kimi dear Kimi your tumor.
You get the drift.
So...we're home and resting. Kim was fully scrubbed from the edge of her chin to her navel with betadyne...she looks like a hot oompa loompa! She's a trooper. We both appreciate all the support. Email is good now as she has no voice. When we hear word back...you'll be updated.
Have a great weekend.
We arrived at Tacoma General at 6:00 AM ready for Kim's second biopsy in 9 days. Today's was what is called a mediastinoscopy. They knocked her out with general anesthesia and removed a golf-ball sized amount of tumor tissue, as well as some fatty material, to test. At this point, nothing about the tumor is screaming cancer, and they are leaning away from lymphoma. It still could be some disease of the thymus, including germ cell tumor or a thymoma. They did say that the really bad bad bad stuff would be obvious. They didn't see that. That is good good good. She recovered well and came home at about 3:00 PM after spending an hour in the operating room.
I have to say again the doctors, nurses, and support staff are fantastic at TG. There was a woman of retirement age working as a volunteer in the waiting room. We briefly checked in, gave her our names, and she remembered who we were all day, finding us whenever there was updates without having to page us or ask us for our names. She was adorable.
Now...for tumor humor.
- We were asked again today if she was depressed or had significant changes. Duh.
- She was NOT asked if she was smokin' hot or pot, though she was hot!
- Her mother told her she has had good luck with some anesthesia called "Milk of Amnesia". Ironic she forgot the technical name, eh? The anesthesiologist (whom she wants to marry, much like the anesthesiologist from child birth) was freakin' hilarious. He informed us that "Milk of Amnesia" is actually something called Propofol. Those not living under a rock recognize this as the stuff that Michael Jackson was on. I now call is Michael Jackson Juice. Didn't work out so well for him...worked beautifully for Kim. Don't know if it is coincidence or not that she moon-walked out of the hospital. Hmmmmmm...
- When asked about intibation he said it would happen. Kim asked if she would be out by then...he said no. He said most people don't choke that much, and then when all the color was completely gone from her face he smiled and said "Just kidding!" Gotta love someone who has fun at work!
- Our new surgeon today, Dr. Anderson, was great. He explained that he thought the tumor was high in her chest, thus not requiring him to dig deep in her chest looking for it. This is good considering that the heart, lungs, arteries and veins are all deep in the chest. The quote of the day came from him..."We don't want to go in too deep and start poking skunks."
For those keeping score at home:
1)Thymoma
2)Germ Cell Tumor
3)Goiter
4)Gargoyle
5)Skunk
I'm so confused.
Overheard in the waiting room:
(Two friends talking) "She has a big heart shaped ass! It's a nice ass. What shape ass do I have?"
(Same two friends walking past us later...two adults talking) "Really? You're reading a book without pictures?"
Observation: We're sitting in the surgical waiting area of TG, which is beautiful. People have surgery because they are sick. This makes me want to be healthy. Why is it then that the other people waiting had brought a dozen donuts to eat, and another woman was eating a whole bag of puffy spiral Cheetos? I had to laugh...and craved celery.
Doctor is pleased with the samples, and explained that Kim may feel discomfort for a few days as he pulled out fatty tissue (lipo for her thoracic cavity?) and a big tumor chunk and left a void in her chest. Reminded me of a song from first grade. Remember the song about a hole in the bucket? I offer my own version:
(Steve) There's a hole in your thymus dear Kimi dear Kimi. There's a hole in your thymus dear Kimmi a hole.
(Kim) Well why dear Stevie dear Stevie dear Stevie. Well why dear Stevie dear Stevie well why?
(Steve) Your tumor dear Kimi dear Kimi dear Kimi. Your tumor dear Kimi dear Kimi your tumor.
You get the drift.
So...we're home and resting. Kim was fully scrubbed from the edge of her chin to her navel with betadyne...she looks like a hot oompa loompa! She's a trooper. We both appreciate all the support. Email is good now as she has no voice. When we hear word back...you'll be updated.
Have a great weekend.
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