Had a follow-up visit with oncology yesterday. The final pathology report on the bone marrow biopsy came back clear as expected so I am officially Stage 1. That's awesome because it puts me up at the highest percentage for a successful outcome.
The order for the echocardiogram was finally worked out and they tried to schedule me for 7:30 on Tuesday morning. I told them that I could reschedule a lot of things like vacation and miss a few meetings, but I would, under NO circumstances, miss Trent's first day of school so they were kind enough to reschedule for Wednesday! My next chemo session will be 9/8 assuming the bloodwork from yesterday comes back okay. After that I'll get another CT scan to take a peak at just how much this baby has shrunk!
For those who don't know, my birthday is Sunday and we've got a major bash planned. For one thing, the DeGraffenreid's are hitting to road tomorrow to head up north and join the fun. On top of that we've got friends coming from Seattle and Salt Lake City. That's all in addition to all the locals. Doesn't get much better than that! I'll probably be exhausted by the end, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm off to the airport to pick-up Jenny and Damiano! Should have some great pictures to post by the end of the weekend.
love, Abbey
Friday, August 29, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Now I know why cancer sucks!
Hi everyone!
Having survived what I hope is the worst of each chemo cycle I can definitely see where the phrase "cancer sucks" came from. I thought I was doing well with just a minor bout of nausea on the first day, but the worst was yet to come. The beginning of the week was fine. I worked half days on Monday and Tuesday and then Wednesday I felt great and worked the whole day. The problem was Thursday when I woke up feeling crummy and it went downhill from there. For some crazy reason I went into work, but only lasted a couple hours and turned around for home. I even called my nurse at the Cancer Center to make sure what I was feeling was normal. She said absolutely and just reminded me to keep an eye on my temperature (an infection would be pretty serious) and stay hydrated. I did just that and by Friday morning was already feeling better, but stayed home from work anyhow. It appears that I'm going to have to learn a new skill known as moderation. Even when I feel good I need to learn to take it a little easier than normal so save some strength. The really good news is that the tumor must be shrinking because all my swelling is almost entirely gone. That makes the yucky stuff a little easier to take.
Friday was Trent's last day at the Lighthouse, the daycare center he has attended since he was 9 months old! I brought the teachers breakfast from Panera to say thanks for 4 terrific years and there were many tears all around. Trent will be headed to the last week of the summer camp run by his new after-school program. We have kindergarten orientation on this coming Thursday evening and then school starts on the 2nd. He has a VERY loose bottom tooth that I'm hoping will come out soon. It will be his first and I just can't wait to post pictures of that toothless grin.
We're laying low this weekend. Don't have any plans since we were supposed to be in Connecticut. We are enjoying some new Wii games that we rented and generally trying to take it easy.
Hope everyone enjoys the last week of summer!
Having survived what I hope is the worst of each chemo cycle I can definitely see where the phrase "cancer sucks" came from. I thought I was doing well with just a minor bout of nausea on the first day, but the worst was yet to come. The beginning of the week was fine. I worked half days on Monday and Tuesday and then Wednesday I felt great and worked the whole day. The problem was Thursday when I woke up feeling crummy and it went downhill from there. For some crazy reason I went into work, but only lasted a couple hours and turned around for home. I even called my nurse at the Cancer Center to make sure what I was feeling was normal. She said absolutely and just reminded me to keep an eye on my temperature (an infection would be pretty serious) and stay hydrated. I did just that and by Friday morning was already feeling better, but stayed home from work anyhow. It appears that I'm going to have to learn a new skill known as moderation. Even when I feel good I need to learn to take it a little easier than normal so save some strength. The really good news is that the tumor must be shrinking because all my swelling is almost entirely gone. That makes the yucky stuff a little easier to take.
Friday was Trent's last day at the Lighthouse, the daycare center he has attended since he was 9 months old! I brought the teachers breakfast from Panera to say thanks for 4 terrific years and there were many tears all around. Trent will be headed to the last week of the summer camp run by his new after-school program. We have kindergarten orientation on this coming Thursday evening and then school starts on the 2nd. He has a VERY loose bottom tooth that I'm hoping will come out soon. It will be his first and I just can't wait to post pictures of that toothless grin.
We're laying low this weekend. Don't have any plans since we were supposed to be in Connecticut. We are enjoying some new Wii games that we rented and generally trying to take it easy.
Hope everyone enjoys the last week of summer!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Hornets Win First Scrimmage
Great news! The Hornets won their first scrimmage against the Bumblebees last night. It wasn't an official game, but all in attendance were very impressed with the skills on display. Trent even scored his first goal!
Trent in at goalie Natural ball smothering talent
Trent Scores!!!!
Future soccer star Trent and pal Luka
Gotta love orange slices at halftime Warming the bench for a while
Trent in at goalie Natural ball smothering talent
Trent Scores!!!!
Future soccer star Trent and pal Luka
Gotta love orange slices at halftime Warming the bench for a while
Monday, August 18, 2008
Round 1 Down
I've been chastised by more than a few for not posting in a while so here I am. Round 1 went well. Just a small amount of nausea that is well controlled with medication. I even went back to work for a few hours today. My biggest problem right now is fatigue and I'm told that is supposed to get worse before it gets better. I go back to the doctor next Thursday and I assume they'll order bloodwork to determine when the next treatment will be. The treatments are only tentatively every 3 weeks depending on how well my immune system is holding up. I have also been told to get ready because if the hair is going to fall out it usually does so after round 2. The next poll may be to vote on hat styles!
I have also been told that I should be posting pictures to share. Although my swelling is going down I'm not too keen yet on sharing pictures of myself. However, Trent's soccer team is having it's first scrimmage during practice tomorrow so I'll make sure to bring my camera and get some good shots.
It's funny that now that what I think of as the worst is behind us, we know what it is and we know we can beat it, I find myself getting more emotional with the continuous outpouring of love and support from everyone. The treatment is by no means going to be pleasant, but I feel like I know what to expect and I can (and will!) live with everything that comes and I'm not really scared anymore. I also keep thinking about the saying that you really learn who your friends are when the s%#! hits the fan, but instead of the worst I have just been overwhelmed by the best of everyone it seems I've ever known. That's the part that gets me choked up on a regular basis and I guess I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm fighting this fight for me, but I'm also doing it for everyone who believes in me.
Thanks to everyone! I love you all!
Abbey
I have also been told that I should be posting pictures to share. Although my swelling is going down I'm not too keen yet on sharing pictures of myself. However, Trent's soccer team is having it's first scrimmage during practice tomorrow so I'll make sure to bring my camera and get some good shots.
It's funny that now that what I think of as the worst is behind us, we know what it is and we know we can beat it, I find myself getting more emotional with the continuous outpouring of love and support from everyone. The treatment is by no means going to be pleasant, but I feel like I know what to expect and I can (and will!) live with everything that comes and I'm not really scared anymore. I also keep thinking about the saying that you really learn who your friends are when the s%#! hits the fan, but instead of the worst I have just been overwhelmed by the best of everyone it seems I've ever known. That's the part that gets me choked up on a regular basis and I guess I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm fighting this fight for me, but I'm also doing it for everyone who believes in me.
Thanks to everyone! I love you all!
Abbey
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Back Home...
Hi All,
Abbey came back home this afternoon, around 3:00. She's handled the chemo well so far. She's tired, but this might be due to the overnight tests they had to run and the roommates that she's had. She's also had some nausea, but it seems to be mainly due to forgetting to take the medicine on time for this. All of the bloodwork seems great so far!
My cousin Jim and his family came by today. They are the only other DeGraffenreids outside of LA, they live near Carson City, NV. Had a very nice visit with them, the boys played some Wii, and we had a very nice tri-tip on the grill. We had hoped that Abbey's appetite might be suppressed so we could all have bigger shares of it, but no such luck. (Actually, I cooked two - I damn well knew that she wouldn't be able to pass up my tri-tip. )
The CT scans they ran on Thursday night came back negative - no other tumors (YEAH!) and, while we don't have a pathology report on the marrow biopsy, the head of the marrow transfer unit at the hospital looked at it and said that she didn't see any abnormalities.
Abbey and Trent are cuddling up in bed right now - oops, cancel that. Calvin just called, they're gabbing. I'm sure that she'll have a post for you all tomorrow. In the meantime, vote for her favorite hospital roommate. I'm not giving you any hints....
Bill
Abbey came back home this afternoon, around 3:00. She's handled the chemo well so far. She's tired, but this might be due to the overnight tests they had to run and the roommates that she's had. She's also had some nausea, but it seems to be mainly due to forgetting to take the medicine on time for this. All of the bloodwork seems great so far!
My cousin Jim and his family came by today. They are the only other DeGraffenreids outside of LA, they live near Carson City, NV. Had a very nice visit with them, the boys played some Wii, and we had a very nice tri-tip on the grill. We had hoped that Abbey's appetite might be suppressed so we could all have bigger shares of it, but no such luck. (Actually, I cooked two - I damn well knew that she wouldn't be able to pass up my tri-tip. )
The CT scans they ran on Thursday night came back negative - no other tumors (YEAH!) and, while we don't have a pathology report on the marrow biopsy, the head of the marrow transfer unit at the hospital looked at it and said that she didn't see any abnormalities.
Abbey and Trent are cuddling up in bed right now - oops, cancel that. Calvin just called, they're gabbing. I'm sure that she'll have a post for you all tomorrow. In the meantime, vote for her favorite hospital roommate. I'm not giving you any hints....
Bill
Friday, August 15, 2008
Hospital Time
I have determined that hospital time is something entirely different from normal time, mainly a whole lot slower. After arriving around 4:30 yesterday I hung out in the accelerated access unit for several hours, even went for my abdominal CT from there. I was finally transferred to the oncology unit between 8 and 9. Overnight wasn't too bad if you don't count the fire drill at 1am and the lab lady waking me up with the blinding light at 5am for a blood draw. I was originally scheduled to go to Interventional Radiology first thing this morning to have the portacath placed so I was told no food or drink after 4am. However the radiologists decided against the procedure because of all the swelling so that never happened. The worst part was that the decision wasn't communicated until about 10am at which time I was starving and caffeine-deprived cranky. My fabulous nurse brought me a mini breakfast and even went down to the coffee shop in the lobby and bought me a latte. Dr. Shek, the oncology fellow came in to do the bone marrow biopsy around that time. Definitely not a procedure I want to do again any time soon, but apparently I have very strong bones! So now we're going to do the first chemo cycle through the peripheral IVs which should dramatically reduce the size of the tumor (maybe 50%) which in turn should relieve a lot of the swelling. If I tolerate the chemo peripherally then we may just continue that for future cycles or we may go in and do the portacath in a couple weeks. I'm still waiting for the chemo cocktail to show up and the nurse says it will take "a few hours" to infuse then they will be monitoring blood and vitals closely for a while so I don't expect to go home until Saturday afternoon at the earliest. My work teammates stopped by earlier and did a very good job entertaining me and my nurse while she tried to start a second IV. They even helped a bit and it was good to laugh. Bill is here now and he will be bringing Trent by for a visit after school which will be nice. Then I've got some good movies to watch tonight (21, Smart People, The Good Shepherd).
Time to get cleaned up before they start the cocktail. I'll write more later.
Abbey
Time to get cleaned up before they start the cocktail. I'll write more later.
Abbey
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Checking in...
... to the hospital.
Bill here. As it turns out, they like to do the first round of chemo as in-patient. Apparently, the latest generation of treatment starts breaking up the tumor so fast that they like to keep a very close eye on the "waste" products. This wasn't clear to us until 2:40 this afternoon. So, after Trent and I have soccer this evening, I get to go back to the hospital with PJs and movies to keep Abbey busy over the next couple of days while our buddy Lisa takes advantage of the Hi-Definition coverage of the Olympics with Trent.
I'm sure that Abbey will shortly be posting an entry. Check back soon.
love,
Da Soccer Boys (Trent and Bill)
Bill here. As it turns out, they like to do the first round of chemo as in-patient. Apparently, the latest generation of treatment starts breaking up the tumor so fast that they like to keep a very close eye on the "waste" products. This wasn't clear to us until 2:40 this afternoon. So, after Trent and I have soccer this evening, I get to go back to the hospital with PJs and movies to keep Abbey busy over the next couple of days while our buddy Lisa takes advantage of the Hi-Definition coverage of the Olympics with Trent.
I'm sure that Abbey will shortly be posting an entry. Check back soon.
love,
Da Soccer Boys (Trent and Bill)
Slight change of plans
It turns out the nurse yesterday neglected to mention that for my first chemotherapy cycle I would be admitted to the hospital for a few days. Mainly this is because the drugs (CHOP-R for those who are dying to do some research) attacks and breaks down the tumor so fast they need to monitor me closely to see how I respond. I'm in a room right now in the Accelerated Access Unit which is where you go to get in the door until they can find a bed in the right unit (D8 - Medical/Surgical Oncology for my UCD friends). I'll be getting an abdominal CT probably tonight so they can see the remaining lymph nodes that haven't already been imaged to confirm there are no other tumors. Tomorrow morning they will do a bone marrow biopsy to make sure it hasn't spread there either and then put in a central line portacath which will be how the deliver the chemotherapy. After that they will start the chemo which will take quite a while to infuse as they need to go slowly. Then it will be a lot of blood and other body fluid tests to watch how I'm reacting. I'm not sure at this point how long I'll be here as that will depend on what the tests show. The good news is that my oncologist (Dr. Lara) suspects I will respond well given my age and general health (other than the cancer, of course) and may be able to go home in 2 days (Saturday?). And as long as I do respond well all further treatments (there will be 7 more, 1 every 3 weeks) will be outpatient at the Cancer Center.
I'm bummed because Dr. Lara said a trip to the east coast, even for a few days, was out of the question right now. He wants me to be close by between the first and second cycles in case of any complications. For all of the Houses and Littels reading this, I'm really going to miss seeing everyone. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we can get in a trip around the holidays.
Bill also did the math and discovered that treatment #5 will fall during my planned trip to Hawaii in November to see my mom's chorus compete in the Sweet Adeline's International Competition. I had planned to take Trent and he is soooo excited so I told Dr. Lara that he would have to break the bad news. However, we may be able to move the treatments somewhat so I'm not willing to entirely rule out making the trip.
Anyhow, travel can always wait. The important thing now is to get this party started and I am definitely ready to go!
Love to all!
I'm bummed because Dr. Lara said a trip to the east coast, even for a few days, was out of the question right now. He wants me to be close by between the first and second cycles in case of any complications. For all of the Houses and Littels reading this, I'm really going to miss seeing everyone. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we can get in a trip around the holidays.
Bill also did the math and discovered that treatment #5 will fall during my planned trip to Hawaii in November to see my mom's chorus compete in the Sweet Adeline's International Competition. I had planned to take Trent and he is soooo excited so I told Dr. Lara that he would have to break the bad news. However, we may be able to move the treatments somewhat so I'm not willing to entirely rule out making the trip.
Anyhow, travel can always wait. The important thing now is to get this party started and I am definitely ready to go!
Love to all!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Drum roll please . . .
Well, we got the best news we could possibly get short of "Psych, you don't have cancer".
The pathology report indicates that I have Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). According to Dr. Calhoun it's the most common Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and VERY treatable. In fact, he expected I would see a reduction in symptoms as early as the day after my first treatment, which just so happens to be TOMORROW!!!!!.
It took what seems like forever to find an open spot with an oncologist in the next few days and the staff, including the wonderful lady who helped my initial referral through all the various hoops, was finally able to get me an appointment with one of the fellows tomorrow afternoon. Then, not long after getting home we got a call from the nurse who has been working with us since the beginning. She had talked to the head fellow and they decided we could get started with treatment as soon as the appointment is over. So I guess I'll be enjoying my first "chemo cocktail" at this time tomorrow. However, I have to say that my favorite hospital food was not on Bill's list. About the only thing I enjoyed were the lemon icees.
I am humbled by the "A-team's" enthusiasm and by all my friends and family who have already stepped up to support them. You all are amazing. Watch out and I may just be down there to join in the walk!
love,
Abbey
The pathology report indicates that I have Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). According to Dr. Calhoun it's the most common Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and VERY treatable. In fact, he expected I would see a reduction in symptoms as early as the day after my first treatment, which just so happens to be TOMORROW!!!!!.
It took what seems like forever to find an open spot with an oncologist in the next few days and the staff, including the wonderful lady who helped my initial referral through all the various hoops, was finally able to get me an appointment with one of the fellows tomorrow afternoon. Then, not long after getting home we got a call from the nurse who has been working with us since the beginning. She had talked to the head fellow and they decided we could get started with treatment as soon as the appointment is over. So I guess I'll be enjoying my first "chemo cocktail" at this time tomorrow. However, I have to say that my favorite hospital food was not on Bill's list. About the only thing I enjoyed were the lemon icees.
I am humbled by the "A-team's" enthusiasm and by all my friends and family who have already stepped up to support them. You all are amazing. Watch out and I may just be down there to join in the walk!
love,
Abbey
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lymphomathon...
From Bill's Sister Katie:
"Some of you know that my sister-in-law, Abbey, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma...the most common blood cancer in the United States. One way that I will be showing my support for her is by participating in the Orange County Lymphomathon on November 15. I created a team, the "A-Team", in support of Abbey. The event will raise funds and awareness for the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Please join me in honoring those who have been affected by lymphoma. If you would like, you can make a donation at my website: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=273294&supId=228683256 I am also looking for additional teammates. If you're interested, you can join the team by going to my page then clicking on the link to "My Team Page"."
Katie - you rock!
love,
Abbey, Bill, and Trent
"Some of you know that my sister-in-law, Abbey, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma...the most common blood cancer in the United States. One way that I will be showing my support for her is by participating in the Orange County Lymphomathon on November 15. I created a team, the "A-Team", in support of Abbey. The event will raise funds and awareness for the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Please join me in honoring those who have been affected by lymphoma. If you would like, you can make a donation at my website: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=273294&supId=228683256 I am also looking for additional teammates. If you're interested, you can join the team by going to my page then clicking on the link to "My Team Page"."
Katie - you rock!
love,
Abbey, Bill, and Trent
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Waiting, waiting, waiting
Hi all! It's Bill.
It's Saturday morning, and we've got a pretty busy schedule for the day, but I thought I'd drop a quick note to let you know what's been going on.
To be honest, a whole lot of nothing. As Abbey mentioned in her previous post, waiting is the hardest part. Her surgery recovery is going well, she's feeling better all the time. Thanks to Trent's watchful eye, she's doing very well at her breathing exercises. In fact, she felt good enough to go to work on Thursday and Friday. Her coworkers were very happy to see her and I think that the distraction was good for her (I know going to work has been good for me, too).
We did have to cancel our two week trip to New England because we're not sure what her treatment schedule is going to be (and our flight was scheduled to be somewhere between Las Vegas and Charlotte, NC at the same time as Wed's doctor's appointment). But, if we're able to, we still want to head out for a few days to attend Jamie's wedding (Abbey's cousin).
We continue to be blessed by wonderful words of encouragement from friends and family. Thank you all!
love,
Bill, Abbey, and Trent
It's Saturday morning, and we've got a pretty busy schedule for the day, but I thought I'd drop a quick note to let you know what's been going on.
To be honest, a whole lot of nothing. As Abbey mentioned in her previous post, waiting is the hardest part. Her surgery recovery is going well, she's feeling better all the time. Thanks to Trent's watchful eye, she's doing very well at her breathing exercises. In fact, she felt good enough to go to work on Thursday and Friday. Her coworkers were very happy to see her and I think that the distraction was good for her (I know going to work has been good for me, too).
We did have to cancel our two week trip to New England because we're not sure what her treatment schedule is going to be (and our flight was scheduled to be somewhere between Las Vegas and Charlotte, NC at the same time as Wed's doctor's appointment). But, if we're able to, we still want to head out for a few days to attend Jamie's wedding (Abbey's cousin).
We continue to be blessed by wonderful words of encouragement from friends and family. Thank you all!
love,
Bill, Abbey, and Trent
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Waiting Game
I kind off knew this would be the hard part, but having to wait until next Wednesday to find out what I'm up against is already driving my crazy. I stayed home from work today although I did participate in couple meetings by conference call. My pain is pretty well controlled, but I'm trying to take it easy on the vicodin. Still working on improving my breathing. Bill is quite the task-master when it comes to doing the exercises. He's even co-opted Trent into making it a "game for the whole family" so there's no way I can say no! I'll be back at work tomorrow for at least a half day depending on how I feel. At the very least I need to pick up my laptop before I go nuts.
Went to Trent's first soccer practice last night. Go Hornets! Four & Five year olds playing soccer has got to be the best thing in the world for lifting spirits. Plus it's just plain hilarious to watch.
Went to Trent's first soccer practice last night. Go Hornets! Four & Five year olds playing soccer has got to be the best thing in the world for lifting spirits. Plus it's just plain hilarious to watch.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Going Home!
Hi All!
Abbey here.
Just a quick note to say that I've been discharged and am "enjoying" one last hospital meal before Bill shows up to take me home. Now that the chest tube has been removed I'm feeling MUCH better. I have my follow-up with Dr. Calhoun/first visit with the oncologist scheduled for next Wednesday afternoon. That should be when we get the biopsy results and learn what the rest of the plan will be. I plan to stay home from work at least tomorrow and then we'll see. I'm going to use the time to respond back to all the wonderful messages I've been receiving.
I'm officially ready for the fight to begin. I dare anyone to bet against me! :)
Abbey here.
Just a quick note to say that I've been discharged and am "enjoying" one last hospital meal before Bill shows up to take me home. Now that the chest tube has been removed I'm feeling MUCH better. I have my follow-up with Dr. Calhoun/first visit with the oncologist scheduled for next Wednesday afternoon. That should be when we get the biopsy results and learn what the rest of the plan will be. I plan to stay home from work at least tomorrow and then we'll see. I'm going to use the time to respond back to all the wonderful messages I've been receiving.
I'm officially ready for the fight to begin. I dare anyone to bet against me! :)
Resting in the hospital
Hi All,
Abbey had hoped to post a message this morning, but you have all sent her so many emails that she's worn out from responding to them (the 4:00 chest X-ray followed by a parade of nurses, med students, residents, and Dr. Calhoun certainly had nothing to do with her being tired, I' m sure).
This morning before she kicked me out of the room to go to work, we did a lap around the ward. She's moving pretty well and is anxious to get the chest tube out. Hopefully it will be out early this afternoon and then they'll let her go home.
In other exciting news, Trent has his first soccer practice this afternoon. He's on the Hornets and is very excited about the upcoming season.
Bill
Abbey had hoped to post a message this morning, but you have all sent her so many emails that she's worn out from responding to them (the 4:00 chest X-ray followed by a parade of nurses, med students, residents, and Dr. Calhoun certainly had nothing to do with her being tired, I' m sure).
This morning before she kicked me out of the room to go to work, we did a lap around the ward. She's moving pretty well and is anxious to get the chest tube out. Hopefully it will be out early this afternoon and then they'll let her go home.
In other exciting news, Trent has his first soccer practice this afternoon. He's on the Hornets and is very excited about the upcoming season.
Bill
Monday, August 4, 2008
Post-OP Recovery
Abbey's still in recovery, but only because they haven't yet found a bed for her.
I spent a couple of hours with her this afternoon. She's in good spirits, although quite sore from the surgery. The surgery required three "small" incisions. I take that to mean a couple of stitches each. They did deflate her right lung in the process, but this was expected.
She's resting now and anxious to get into a room.
B
I spent a couple of hours with her this afternoon. She's in good spirits, although quite sore from the surgery. The surgery required three "small" incisions. I take that to mean a couple of stitches each. They did deflate her right lung in the process, but this was expected.
She's resting now and anxious to get into a room.
B
Out of the OR
Dr. Calhoun just came by. He said that the surgery went as expected. They removed a number of good samples for the pathologists to look at. He says that it does look like a lymphoma to him, which he was happy to see. In his words: "It's good news. We'll kill it with chemo."
I should be able to go back to see Abbey in about a half an hour. Given the late start, she'll probably be her overnight.
Therefore, in light our our discussion this morning waiting for preop, I am posting a quiz:
Which hospital food does Abbey like best?
I should be able to go back to see Abbey in about a half an hour. Given the late start, she'll probably be her overnight.
Therefore, in light our our discussion this morning waiting for preop, I am posting a quiz:
Which hospital food does Abbey like best?
Biopsy Underway
Bill here.
I'm in the waiting room, after having grabbed a quick breakfast in the cafeteria. We arrived today at 6:45, they took Abbey to be prepped for surgery at 9:30.
We ran into the doctor when we got to the hospital as I was grabbing a quick coffee. We were pleased to see that he would be properly awake. While I was eating my breakfast, he ran through the cafeteria, appearing to grab a quick snack between surgeries.
Like Abbey, I wish to thank everyone for all of the wonderful support that we've received over the past few days. Our inboxes are overflowing and it's making us even stronger. Thank you.
Trent is doing well. He's aware of the surgery and that the doctors are taking a look at what's making Mommy feel bad. We haven't mentioned cancer yet, but we've let him know that she's probably going to have to take some medicine that's going to make her feel rotten and make her grumpy. Our wonderful neighbors Stefane and Cristi are picking him up from school today, but I'll be heading home tonight to be with him for bedtime.
Thanks again!
love,
Bill, Abbey, and Trent
I'm in the waiting room, after having grabbed a quick breakfast in the cafeteria. We arrived today at 6:45, they took Abbey to be prepped for surgery at 9:30.
We ran into the doctor when we got to the hospital as I was grabbing a quick coffee. We were pleased to see that he would be properly awake. While I was eating my breakfast, he ran through the cafeteria, appearing to grab a quick snack between surgeries.
Like Abbey, I wish to thank everyone for all of the wonderful support that we've received over the past few days. Our inboxes are overflowing and it's making us even stronger. Thank you.
Trent is doing well. He's aware of the surgery and that the doctors are taking a look at what's making Mommy feel bad. We haven't mentioned cancer yet, but we've let him know that she's probably going to have to take some medicine that's going to make her feel rotten and make her grumpy. Our wonderful neighbors Stefane and Cristi are picking him up from school today, but I'll be heading home tonight to be with him for bedtime.
Thanks again!
love,
Bill, Abbey, and Trent
Moving the blog
Well, it appears that yahoo's 360 blog system is a little buggy. Some have had trouble using it, so we've decided to move things here. Below, I've pasted the past entries.
August 3, 2008
Hey Everyone!
First, we're just overwhelmed in a very good way at all the warm wishes and messages of support from friends and family far and wide. That helps during this waiting time more than you'll every know.
Second, check out this great site Bill's sister Katie found that sells stuff to raise money for cancer awareness and research (https://secure.choosehope.com/commerce/catalog.jsp?catId=29 ). I plan to buy one of everything in the "Cancer Sucks" line. For those Alpha Chi Sigma brothers of mine, the long sleeve T-shirt in pretty-near official fraternity colors caught my eye. I expect to see everyone wearing one at conclave 2010!
I promise the first question we ask the surgeon tomorrow is, "How long until the biopsy results come back?" I can't believe we missed that when we met him on Friday, but considering he was able to get the surgery through the insurance authorization and pre-op process between 3:45 and 5pm on a Friday I'll cut us all some slack!
Thanks again to all from the bottom of my heart!
Abbey
August 2, 2008
Dear Friends,
I am very saddened to share with you that yesterday, August 1, was the worst day of our lives – we received confirmation that Abbey has a tumor in her chest. Based on its location, CT-scan image, and her age/health – it is most likely a lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system).
The short summary of its discovery is as follows. She began suffering from some discomfort in her throat a few of months ago which was attributed to acid reflux. She was given medication that seemed to help and a referral to an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist. The ENT clinic is notoriously slow for getting an appointment (as we learned when Trent needed tubes in his ears); it was scheduled for July 30. The first week or so of this month, the discomfort level began to return with increased intensity and while vacationing in Sequoia National Park mid-July, she developed some very significant swelling of her face, neck, shoulders, and arms. A 14-hour visit to Fresno’s ER resulted in no diagnosis, but did provide some medication to keep the swelling under control. With news of the developments while camping, we were able to move up the ENT appointment. After a couple of throat/esophagus scopes and a head CT scan revealed nothing other than swelling, it was recommended to do a chest CT. This scan revealed the tumor. It appears that the tumor has encroached on the esophagus (leading to the pressure in her throat) and also somewhat constricted the vein that routes the blood from the upper half of her body back to the heart (leading to the swelling). Fortunately, the CT scans (which cover the entire trunk) do not seem to show it spreading beyond this single tumor.
Monday morning, August 4, at 7:00 she checks in to the UC Davis Medical Center for a surgical biopsy. Apparently the tumor isn’t of a variety that is easily removed surgically and a “needle” biopsy doesn’t always provide an adequately sized sample. The biopsy will allow the oncologists to determine exactly what sort of cells the tumor is made of so that the most effective treatment can be put into place. It will certainly involve chemotherapy and perhaps radiation. The biopsy requires admission to the hospital, but it is minimally invasive (it is done laparoscopically) and the surgeon says that there is a 50% chance that she’ll be able to go home that evening; it will depend upon how her body responds. Once the oncologists are able to review the pathology report, we’ll have a better idea where things stand.
We hope to be able to start treatment at the UC Davis Cancer Center by the end of the week. The day that we start treatment will be one of the most exciting days of our lives as we begin the process of kicking the shit out of the cancer. We are fortunate that we have the best facility in Northern California a mere five miles from our house. Even more important is that Abbey, in her job helping to manage security for the Medical Records Division of the UCD Medical Center, hasn’t had to bust anybody in that particular unit for breaking any security rules and has apparently been rather helpful to them in the past. They really like her a lot! Well, who doesn’t?
A few months back, on a rainy evening when I had trouble falling asleep, I started a blog (if you can call writing a single, bourbon-inspired entry a blog). In any event – we’ve decided to use it to share our progress with you. You should be able to find it at:
http://360.yahoo.com/wdegraff
Please ignore the aforementioned bourbon-inspired entry. The beginning of the most recently posted entry is displayed at the top of the center column. You can click on the “View Blog” link to see the complete entry as well as all of the previous ones. You can also post messages to Abbey here. She’ll be checking them often (as we all know how hard it is to keep her away from the computer). We expect that this blog will be therapeutic for us and helpful for you.
Most of you know how hard it is to get me to shut up, so here is the obligatory story. Trent, Abbey, and I participated in the Sacramento Susan Komen Race for the Cure this past May. For those of you not familiar with the event, it is a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) race/walk to raise funds to fight breast cancer. When we arrived that morning, I was feeling particularly confident and decided to participate in the “running” version of the event, even though I hadn’t trained for it. As I began to run, it became quickly became apparent that I wasn’t quite ready for this. However, as I looked around the mass of people running alongside me, I saw quite a few people running with pink T-shirts (women who have survived breast cancer). I was inspired. Given the fight that they had gone through, simply giving up because I felt sore and fat wasn’t going to an option. I managed keep running, didn’t break stride, and dragged my fat butt across the finish line in a relatively non-embarrassing 35 minutes. As I lingered at the finish line with my bottle of water waiting for Abbey and Trent to finish the 5K walk; I watched and cheered for all of survivors that came in after me (and was seriously in awe of those that were all standing around at the finish line waiting for guys like me to finish). It was probably the most inspired that I’ve been in my life. Until now. Next May, with the support of all of you and Abbey’s medical team: she, Trent and I will again complete that race and every other cancer fighting race in the Sacramento region. Please consider participating in similar events in your area.
We thank you all for the kind thoughts and prayers that you are sending us. It means the world to us. Please feel free to forward this information to others; we may have lost touch with some folks.
We love you all.
Bill, Abbey, and Trent
August 3, 2008
Hey Everyone!
First, we're just overwhelmed in a very good way at all the warm wishes and messages of support from friends and family far and wide. That helps during this waiting time more than you'll every know.
Second, check out this great site Bill's sister Katie found that sells stuff to raise money for cancer awareness and research (https://secure.choosehope.com/commerce/catalog.jsp?catId=29 ). I plan to buy one of everything in the "Cancer Sucks" line. For those Alpha Chi Sigma brothers of mine, the long sleeve T-shirt in pretty-near official fraternity colors caught my eye. I expect to see everyone wearing one at conclave 2010!
I promise the first question we ask the surgeon tomorrow is, "How long until the biopsy results come back?" I can't believe we missed that when we met him on Friday, but considering he was able to get the surgery through the insurance authorization and pre-op process between 3:45 and 5pm on a Friday I'll cut us all some slack!
Thanks again to all from the bottom of my heart!
Abbey
August 2, 2008
Dear Friends,
I am very saddened to share with you that yesterday, August 1, was the worst day of our lives – we received confirmation that Abbey has a tumor in her chest. Based on its location, CT-scan image, and her age/health – it is most likely a lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system).
The short summary of its discovery is as follows. She began suffering from some discomfort in her throat a few of months ago which was attributed to acid reflux. She was given medication that seemed to help and a referral to an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist. The ENT clinic is notoriously slow for getting an appointment (as we learned when Trent needed tubes in his ears); it was scheduled for July 30. The first week or so of this month, the discomfort level began to return with increased intensity and while vacationing in Sequoia National Park mid-July, she developed some very significant swelling of her face, neck, shoulders, and arms. A 14-hour visit to Fresno’s ER resulted in no diagnosis, but did provide some medication to keep the swelling under control. With news of the developments while camping, we were able to move up the ENT appointment. After a couple of throat/esophagus scopes and a head CT scan revealed nothing other than swelling, it was recommended to do a chest CT. This scan revealed the tumor. It appears that the tumor has encroached on the esophagus (leading to the pressure in her throat) and also somewhat constricted the vein that routes the blood from the upper half of her body back to the heart (leading to the swelling). Fortunately, the CT scans (which cover the entire trunk) do not seem to show it spreading beyond this single tumor.
Monday morning, August 4, at 7:00 she checks in to the UC Davis Medical Center for a surgical biopsy. Apparently the tumor isn’t of a variety that is easily removed surgically and a “needle” biopsy doesn’t always provide an adequately sized sample. The biopsy will allow the oncologists to determine exactly what sort of cells the tumor is made of so that the most effective treatment can be put into place. It will certainly involve chemotherapy and perhaps radiation. The biopsy requires admission to the hospital, but it is minimally invasive (it is done laparoscopically) and the surgeon says that there is a 50% chance that she’ll be able to go home that evening; it will depend upon how her body responds. Once the oncologists are able to review the pathology report, we’ll have a better idea where things stand.
We hope to be able to start treatment at the UC Davis Cancer Center by the end of the week. The day that we start treatment will be one of the most exciting days of our lives as we begin the process of kicking the shit out of the cancer. We are fortunate that we have the best facility in Northern California a mere five miles from our house. Even more important is that Abbey, in her job helping to manage security for the Medical Records Division of the UCD Medical Center, hasn’t had to bust anybody in that particular unit for breaking any security rules and has apparently been rather helpful to them in the past. They really like her a lot! Well, who doesn’t?
A few months back, on a rainy evening when I had trouble falling asleep, I started a blog (if you can call writing a single, bourbon-inspired entry a blog). In any event – we’ve decided to use it to share our progress with you. You should be able to find it at:
http://360.yahoo.com/wdegraff
Please ignore the aforementioned bourbon-inspired entry. The beginning of the most recently posted entry is displayed at the top of the center column. You can click on the “View Blog” link to see the complete entry as well as all of the previous ones. You can also post messages to Abbey here. She’ll be checking them often (as we all know how hard it is to keep her away from the computer). We expect that this blog will be therapeutic for us and helpful for you.
Most of you know how hard it is to get me to shut up, so here is the obligatory story. Trent, Abbey, and I participated in the Sacramento Susan Komen Race for the Cure this past May. For those of you not familiar with the event, it is a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) race/walk to raise funds to fight breast cancer. When we arrived that morning, I was feeling particularly confident and decided to participate in the “running” version of the event, even though I hadn’t trained for it. As I began to run, it became quickly became apparent that I wasn’t quite ready for this. However, as I looked around the mass of people running alongside me, I saw quite a few people running with pink T-shirts (women who have survived breast cancer). I was inspired. Given the fight that they had gone through, simply giving up because I felt sore and fat wasn’t going to an option. I managed keep running, didn’t break stride, and dragged my fat butt across the finish line in a relatively non-embarrassing 35 minutes. As I lingered at the finish line with my bottle of water waiting for Abbey and Trent to finish the 5K walk; I watched and cheered for all of survivors that came in after me (and was seriously in awe of those that were all standing around at the finish line waiting for guys like me to finish). It was probably the most inspired that I’ve been in my life. Until now. Next May, with the support of all of you and Abbey’s medical team: she, Trent and I will again complete that race and every other cancer fighting race in the Sacramento region. Please consider participating in similar events in your area.
We thank you all for the kind thoughts and prayers that you are sending us. It means the world to us. Please feel free to forward this information to others; we may have lost touch with some folks.
We love you all.
Bill, Abbey, and Trent
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