bkrogalske@sbcglobal.net
02/18/2007 03:43 PM
Hi everyone,
Sorry about the delay in updates. We have been enjoying a very peaceful weekend without our children. We love them very much but having some alone time this weekend was wonderful.
Unfortunately we still don’t have all the details. We met with the oncologist in Holland on Thursday. The tumor board that reviewed my case was unanimous in deciding that I should have two ports: one for my blood stream (in my chest above my heart) and the other directly in my abdominal cavity. It will be a very aggressive treatment but they believe I am young enough and healthy enough that I can handle it. The doctor in Holland does not do ports in the stomach so we needed to be referred to a specialist in Grand Rapids. This office specializes in women with cancer in any of the reproductive areas. Although we’re disappointed we can’t have treatment in Holland, it is comforting to know that we are dealing with people who are very familiar with my case. In fact, the doctor that I will be seeing was even a part of the tumor board and excited to take me on as a patient. (Everyone wants to be a part of this winning team!).
The treatment that was explained to us last week was this . . . . I will receive six treatments which are three weeks apart (in Grand Rapids). On day one of every treatment I will need to be hospitalized because the medication takes 24 hours to administer. After that one is done, they put the medicine in the abdominal port which will take an additional six hours. So on the first session of every cycle, I will be in the hospital for about 30 hours (or so) if things go well. After that, I need to return on day 8 (one week later) and have more of the abdominal chemo, again about six hours. This would just be in their office I believe (again, in GR). I will then have 13 days to rest and regain strength before I start the second round. Repeat that process 6 times. I hope that makes sense, it’s quite a confusing process.
If I am not able to handle both of the medications, I will just receive the one medication for my bloodstream which would be able to be done in Holland. They would like to try both first though for as much as I can tolerate.
I meet with the oncologist in Grand Rapids on Wednesday morning to review my records and develop the schedule. This was confusing to us because the doctor in Holland gave us the impression that I should start chemo this week. So, I have a call into the Holland office questioning that. So, plans may change again.
Obviously we would like prayer requests for patience as this is frustrating. I am glad not to start chemo yet so that I have more time to get stronger but am also nervous that they are waiting too long. I know God already has the plans and they are not to harm me but to prosper me so this is what I am clinging to.
Some other prayer requests . . .
*that my blood clot will continue to heal
*patience as we wait and that all the offices will work together for what is in my best interest
*continued good health
*continued focus on the day to day and staying positive
Finally, I wish there was something I could say more than just thank you. I am overwhelmed by all your generosity. The cards, meals, babysitting, prayers, e-mails, snow plowing and so much more. I wish I could individually thank you all. Please know how very much we appreciate all of you and couldn’t do this without you. I have no doubts that all your prayers are what keep us going. The stories that you share with me are so wonderful. Keep praying boldly in everything!
Love & hugs,
Kristi
