Tuesday, October 14, 2008

PET Scan -- Pam's update 10/14/08

Hi everyone, it’s been awhile since I have updated the blog and I know many of you want to know what's up.
First the great news. The results of the PET scan are back and they are negative. No signs of cancer anywhere. We still have chemo ahead of us as a precaution against any cancer cells that may be lurking in the background, but at least they got all that we knew about during the surgery. We praise God for that and we thank you for your prayers and support.
On a little bit of a downer, we are dealing with an infection around one of the incisions. If we can't get this controlled with the antibiotics then we will have to do another surgery and have the expander removed and delay the reconstructive process by several months. We REALLY hope that is not necessary.
We go back to the Doctor tomorrow (Wed Oct. 15th) and decide what is next. If the infection is healing, then we can go forward with the chemo.
Keep praying.
Chuck and Pam

Monday, September 29, 2008

The Process Begins 9/29/08

Sorry it has been so long since I last wrote you to give an update on how Pam is doing. It has been a long week and I am sure that there are some long weeks ahead.

First off let me bring you up to date on Pam's recovery from surgery. That has been going exceptionally well. No infections and the pain is starting to subside. From Saturday (Sept. 20th)to Saturday (Sept. 27th) the pain was still ever present, kept in check only with the pain pills. Starting Sunday that pain started to subside and we are hopeful that this trend will continue. Both the surgeon for the mastectomy and the reconstructive surgeon are pleased with how things are going.

Now the good news/bad news. The good news is that the doctors feel that they got all of the cancer and the biopsy's of the lymph nodes were negative. That is a real positive. The bad news is that the cancer seems to be a very aggressive type and the doctors did not get the margins that they had hoped for. Therefore we will soon be starting chemo and various other treatments that will last for the next year. Four chemo treatments starting with the first one in about two weeks with one treatment every two weeks after that. The rest of the treatments are with some other drugs that I could not begin to tell you what they are. I'm sure I will learn them well in the very near future. We will have some hair loss and the other side affects associated with chemo.

As you would expect we are disappointed that we have to go through this process, but it is necessary to make sure that we kill any lingering cancer cells that me be lurking in the background. This is all preventative but will give us some level of confidence that we can go forward cancer free. Continue to lift us up in your prayers. Your love and support have been greatly appreciated.

Chuck

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Pam's Home - Saturday 9/20/08

Give Praise. Pam is home and well on her way to recovery. There is still a lot of pain and she is moving kind of slow, but at least she is home. Thank you again to all who have been praying for us and wishing the very best for us. The doctors say she can take a shower later today. That is something that she is looking forward. Sponge baths will only take you so far. Continue to lift her up to the Father as her body heals and also pray that the biopsy reports will come in negative to any other cancer. I will try and keep you posted as things progress.

In His Grip,
Chuck

Friday, September 19, 2008

Praise the Lord

Pam and I are praising the Lord for His great mercy on us. The reports from the doctors following surgery last night was that things could not have gone better considering the circumstances. Dr. VinZant said that he saw no signs that the cancer had spread beyond the original tremor. The did do a biopsy just to make sure, but we are continuing to pray that they have gotten it all. We praise God for their skill, talent and dedication. We also praise Him for giving us such a great group of family and friends who were lifting us up to the Father and wishing the very best for us. Your prayers, love and support are greatly appreciated.

Now begins the task of recovery. With luck Pam should be able to come home Saturday.

In His Grip,
Chuck & Pam

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Wed 9/17/08 Surgery tomorrow

It's 5:30 PM and not much has changed. Pam and I will leave for the hospital a little after 10AM tomorrow morning (Thursday the 18th) for a 11AM check in. Surgery is still set for 2:00 PM. The last time we talked to the doctors, if all goes well, it should take about three hours.

Many of you have asked how long Pam will be in the hospital. Were not sure. At least two days but my guess is that she will be there until Monday. If that changes I will let you know.

What to pray for. Pray as the Lord leads you. We are praying for the Doctors, that they will be lead by the Lord and that they will be on top of their game. We are praying that tomorrow they will get ALL of the cancer and eliminate the need for aggressive treatments after the surgery. And, we are praying for you, specifically giving praise to the Father for giving us such a loving, caring group of friends and family that is so concerned and willing to do whatever you can to make this time in our lives as easy as possible. Thank you.

Until the next update. Chuck & Pam

Monday, September 15, 2008

Pam's Update


Many of you are aware of Pam's situation, but some are not, so here it goes. A couple of weeks ago we found out that Pam has breast cancer. Since that time we have been visiting with doctors and specialist to find the best course of action. On Thursday, Sept. 19 Pam will have a complete mastectomy on both breast to remove the cancer and also will start the reconstructive process. It is our hope that we have caught the cancer early and that it has not spread to other parts of the body. If that is the case then we should be able to avoid any aggressive treatments such as chemo or radiation.
I will try and use this blog the keep everyone informed of the situation. We know that you will be praying for us and we really appreciate those prayers. Specifically, pray for the doctors that they will use their skill and training to the best of their abilities. Pray that the surgery will go well and without complications. Pray that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. And pray that Pam's recovery will be as quick as possible.
Thank you all for you love and concern and your prayers. It means so much to both of us.
Chuck