Test results

SWUMC News
We are finally home after a couple days in Cleveland. Thank you all for your ongoing prayers and love. It's such an exhausting process traveling to dr's appointments, but somehow we have the strength--thanks to you all and God.

I had another endoscopic ultrasound--no biopsies were done, though. I had two GI docs working on me and neither of them were convinced that the cancer has spread like the Fort Wayne doc did, nor were they convinced that the cancer was in my pancreas--they said it was difficult to assess that through this procedure. They also said that they were surprised that Dr. Wiersma was so confident in his diagnosis since he performed the exact same procedure that they did. So we're cautiously celebrating!!! (Happy birthday, Dad!)

I would like to believe that a miracle is taking place and that maybe part of the cancer has mysteriously disappeared. However, we will know for sure after my laparascopy that is scheduled next Wednesday at Cleveland. We have to be in Cleveland Tuesday morning for preop, then they will keep there overnight. So hopefully I'll get to come home Thursday (and bring lots of good news!)

We love you all and are greatful for the wonderful support and for God's loving hand. Some tell us that it's hard to see the positive in life, but we seem to see lots of positive things happening many times every day--we laugh and cry and then laugh some more. (Rachel is quite the comedian) The kids are doing great, Lauren thinks she needs to be the mom now. She has been cleaning and organizing the house--she even made the beds in the hotel room (I wish she'd make her own bed at home).

Thank you and God Bless,
Becca

Thursday August 24th

SWUMC News
Well, we've seen 5 doctors today and paid 3 co-pays. (Thank the good God for insurance)! Dr. Rice (thoracic surgeon) was pretty pessimistic this morning, until he took a look at my PET scans. He did not see what Dr. Wiesma (guy who diagnosed this with that ultrasound) saw as far as abdominal spreading. SO, he is awaiting the actual disks that the PET scan is on. Now this is a God thing too...Cheryl Erickson from University of Saint Francis happened to email me last week, mentioned that she was moving her son to college this weekend--right here at Case Western. So she is going to bring the PET scan disks tomorrow!!!

So tomorrow I have another endoscopic ultrasound to see if the GI docs here agree with the GI docs in Fort Wayne, mainly Dr. Wiersma. Then Tuesday we come back and Dr. Rice is going to perform a laparoscopy which will also tell him more about my cancer.

So, to some it up, we have to see what this cancer is up to. If it has not started spreading throughout my abdomen, then we will be ECSTATIC! Then the docs here will treat me with the intent to cure me. However, if the cancer has spread throughout my abdomen, then the will only be able to treat me to try to alleviate some of my pain and symptoms. If we find out the latter, then I imagine we'll end up at MD Anderson in Houston.

We are hanging in there. The kids are here with us which has been better than any medication.Mom, Dad, and Rachel are here too, trying to corral the kids. It was amazing to watch the chemo and radiation patients light up when they saw the kids. We're spending the night downtown Cleveland are hoping to find a nice place to eat a meal (without being mugged). THank you for all of your support and prayers. We love you all.

change of plans

SWUMC News
Met with Dr. Nattam today (chemo) and he was anxious to talk with the Cleveland Dr. Triozzi about starting chemo along with radiation next week. He even wanted me to get a PICC line and port set up today or tomorrow. HOWEVER, Dr. Yahanda was quite pessimistic about all of this. He does not like how the cancer is presenting--some things that he read on a report. He does not believe that it will respond to treatment like the TWO oncologists do.

SO, he is trying to get me into MD Anderson in Houston. We'll still go to Cleveland in the morning, but I have a feeling we'll be heading south. I guess he feels this cancer is more aggressive than people thought.
Thank you so much for prayers, cookies, cards!!! The kids also love the cards (and cookies).
Love,
Becca

more updates

SWUMC News
Sunday's entire church service was AMAZING. It was difficult and humbling to see so many people there supporting me and my family. I felt so much energy and His presence, as Pastor Paul and everyone prayed over me. I don't know the proper way to say "thank you" for something so moving.

Good news from the PET fusion scan I had yesterday, the cancer has not traveled beyond the stomach, pancreas, and esophagus. I saw Dr. Lin, Fort Wayne Radiology Oncology and now I have my radiation tatoos. She believes that I would be in my best interest to have radiation and chemo daily before undergoing surgery. I see Dr. Nattam tomorror morning , a medical oncologist, which I NOW know means that he does the chemo part of cancer treatment. We'll also still see Dr. Yohanda tomorrow afternoon to see what he suggests. Then off to Cleveland on Thursday.

It looks like radiation and chemo will be daily, Monday through Friday for 5 1/2 weeks. Then 4 weeks of rest time, then surgery.
Thanks and God Bless,
Becca