Cathy in IL Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 The last several months have been nothing but shocking. I got married the week before Thanksgiving. Five weeks later, on Christmas Eve, I was in the hospital having emergency surgery. While removing a large portion of my small and large intestine, the surgeon found what turned out to be a rare cancer. neuroendocrine Carcinoid is only diagnosed in 5 out of 100,000 a year. After being discharged I began researching carcinoid and the specialists who treat it. I chose Mayo Clinic in MN and have been there three times since mid-January. On our first visit there we learned the cancer is also in my liver, making it stage 4. I am now preparing for the first of a few liver surgeries. On March 21 they will remove the right lobe of my liver and my gallbladder. That will reduce the tumor load. If the left lobe regenerates the way the expect it to, I will have surgery to remove the main tumors on the left side in late summer. There will still be tumors remaining. Aft those two surgeries we will re-evaluate things and decide on a course of treatment. Through this all I am even more thankful for homeschooling my children. I am thankful for the time it gives us with each other. I am thankful for the flexibility it gives us when we have to be on the road for my treatment. I am thankful for the homeschooling community. Even though we are brand new to WI the homeschooling community here has risen up to help us with meals, child care, etc. I am thankful for the habits my children have developed. They are able to care for and help one another because they are used to having lots of time together. They know their routines and are able to wake and start on their individual work with very little prompting. When I have the energy to do it, we get the projects and more teacher intensive activities completed. When I am weak, they work independently and check in with me while I rest. I read to them from my bed. I may not be able to check off everything on my to do list so neatly at the end of the day, but I see that they have learned to manage their time, care about their education, and love one another. I still am in shock when I wake in the morning and remember that I have cancer. I hate not feeling in control and having such uncertainty in my future. But I am learning to love in the moment and treasure each day as a gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam L in Mid Tenn Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Your post is a gift to us. A reminder to be thankful. A reminder to treasure our time with our children. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol S Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen A Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Wow. I'm praying God heals you, and gives you strength as you face the challenges ahead, and joy in the big and small blessings you have. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Thank you for posting this as a reminder that we should not take our health for granted and for remembering to count the blessings that we have. :grouphug::grouphug: I wish you strength and courage as you fight for your health. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Thank you for sharing your story. What a powerful reminder. I wish you strength and peace as you fight the cancer. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Cathy, thank you for sharing. May God bless you in every step. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: wow that's a lot. "it was the best of times; it was the worst of times" hardly touches it! it is such a good thing to find things to be thankful for in the midst of it all. we will tuck you and your family into our prayers for strength, peace, and moments of pure joy, and your medical folks for skill, insight and compassion... :grouphug::grouphug: ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Cathy sorry that you are going through this. Thank you for reminding us what a privilege it is for us to have time with our children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Coast Sue Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Thank you for reminding us to treasure our children. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I wish you the best on this road, and pray that you recover fully. Thanks for sharing such sweet things with us. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: I'm so sorry for your struggles. Sending many healing thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsh626 Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Innocent Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Cathy, words are so inadequate at a time like this, but I just want to say how sorry I am to hear this terrible news. I will pray for healing, and for strength and peace as you and your family go through this. With much love, Emma xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Katia Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 PM'd you. :grouphug: Have you found: http://www.carcinoid.org They have great resources and information. Also, there is a wonderful online forum from England, but NET patients from all over the world post there. It's a great online support group with tons of info from the mouths of those experiencing NET treatments: http://www.netpatientfoundation.org/forum/ Hope this is helpful to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: and prayers coming your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Your post is a gift to us. A reminder to be thankful. A reminder to treasure our time with our children. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: :iagree::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meriwether Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Cancer sucks, I'm sorry for you and your family. Prayers for you...:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: May you continue to face this with the courage and gratitude that is in your post. It will go a long way toward impacting not only your health, but the impact on those around you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I'm so sorry you are on the cancer journey. But how wonderful for you to have so much gratitude! You are an inspiration! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Inna* Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KS_ Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dani3boys Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Cathy, I PMd you.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceful Isle Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: I'm so sorry! Soaking you and your family in prayer. Praying God heals and comforts you during this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Hi Cathy. I never post, just lurk, but I wanted to reach out after reading your post. My mom was diagnosed with liver cancer in Oct. She has Hepatocellular carcinoma. She had the tumor and the left lobe of her liver, gall bladder, and left branch of the portal vein removed at Mayo in Nov. She received absolutely wonderful care from the surgeons, other Dr's, nurses. You will be in good hands there. We were told that her surgeon is one of the best in North America---Dr David Nagorney. My mom is doing really well. Her cancer has a high risk of recurrence,so they will check her every 3 mo. Best of luck for you. I will be paying for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natalieclare Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Your post is a gift to us. A reminder to be thankful. A reminder to treasure our time with our children. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: :iagree: This expresses my feelings beautifully. Thank you for sharing your brave and beautiful time with your children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzyBee Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :grouphug: Cathy, I am so sorry. I will pray for wisdom for the doctors and healing for you. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 :angelsad2: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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