We are asking that people say a specific prayer for Barbara. She has an ulcer in her stomach and there is a good possibility that if it is not cleared up she will not be able to take chemo anymore. She will have another exam on November 11th to see if it is gone, or at least started to diminish. So please pray that God will intervene and cure that ulcer by November 11. We both thank you will all our heart!
- Pete and Barbara
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Second Round of Chemo
We saw Barbara and Pete on Monday night and they were both in good spirits. Barb's second round of Chemo starts today. Please keep her in your prayers, as these are long days for her, and I'm sure it will be a little anxious for her due to the bad reaction she had last time.
They are altering her chemo dosage to try to stem the negative side-effects she had last time. Her doctor thinks that her stomach is healed fully and that she won't have the problems she had last time.
They are altering her chemo dosage to try to stem the negative side-effects she had last time. Her doctor thinks that her stomach is healed fully and that she won't have the problems she had last time.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Out of Hospital
Barb was released from the hospital this afternoon. I spoke with Pete this morning, and he said that the doctors are now thinking that the bleeding WAS caused by a "stress ulcer" as the result of some of the medication given as part of the Chemotherapy. They will be altering her medication for the next round of Chemo.
He said that the doctors were also concerned about her white cell count, which was still low, that they would like to see it a little higher to be able to fight off potential infection.
He said that the doctors were also concerned about her white cell count, which was still low, that they would like to see it a little higher to be able to fight off potential infection.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Results of Exploratory Procedure
I just talked to Pete who had the results from the exploratory procedure done this afternoon. They found 3 ulcers in the stomach, although they were "inactive" and none were bleeding. They don't propose to do anything about that.
They did find 3 small abrasions in the small intestine, which they believe to be the cause of the bleeding, although she has not had any active bleeding since this morning. They do not know the cause of the abrasions. They don't believe that it's related to the chemotherapy, but it could be the result of prolonged use of aspirin.
They also found an infection in her esophagus, which they will be treating with antibiotics.
They will be keeping her in ICU for 1 more night and then staying in the hospital in a regular room for an additional 2 - 3 days.
Pete thought all of this was good news. Will let you know if we hear anything additional.
Lori (Wallace) Wray
They did find 3 small abrasions in the small intestine, which they believe to be the cause of the bleeding, although she has not had any active bleeding since this morning. They do not know the cause of the abrasions. They don't believe that it's related to the chemotherapy, but it could be the result of prolonged use of aspirin.
They also found an infection in her esophagus, which they will be treating with antibiotics.
They will be keeping her in ICU for 1 more night and then staying in the hospital in a regular room for an additional 2 - 3 days.
Pete thought all of this was good news. Will let you know if we hear anything additional.
Lori (Wallace) Wray
Barbara Back in Hospital
There has been a development that we don't know at this point whether or not is related to Barbara's cancer fight.
Last night (Monday), Barb was experiencing severe stomach and abdominal pains. They went to the Emergency Room about 7:00 p.m. At first, they thought that it might be some kind of kidney infection, and took urine samples for that. It was then discovered there that she was having some sort of internal bleeding, as there was a good amount of blood in her stool. She also had very low blood pressure, they believe because of the amount of blood lost. They ended up admitting her to the hospital and she is currently in the ICU.
After consulting with several doctors, they have decided to do an exploratory procedure with a scope this afternoon to look for three possible causes for the bleeding. They will put a scope down her throat to look at her stomach. They are looking for three things: 1) a bleeding ulcer (that could be the result of stress), 2) blood vessels in the stomach that are bleeding, that they will then coturize to stop the bleeding, 3) the possibility of cancer in the stomach - although they are highly skeptical of this option, as her pathology reports showed very little cancer in her lymph nodes. They are leaning towards it being an ulcer, but this is the first episode of this type she has had.
I spoke with Pete about 2:00 p.m. today and they were just coming to get her for the procedure. He said that if surgery is necessary, the surgeon who did her mastecomy will be the surgeon to perform it, so they were glad about that. I believe that she will be in the hospital for at least a couple days, minimum, while they get to the bottom of this latest problem. We will post when we have any kind of results from the procedure, but I don't know when that will be.
On a separate but related note, Barb had her first round of chemotherapy last Thursday, Sept. 10. I talked to her on Friday and she was feeling very good about it. She said that everything went well, and the was amazed at how well she felt, as she had been warned about nausea, etc., following chemo. She was told, though, to expect this sickness on the 3rd day following the chemo, which would have been Sunday. I do believe that she was feeling some nausea on Sunday, but I don't know to what degree, and I don't know what portion of that might have been related to this other problem.
Please keep Barbara and Pete in your prayers during this difficult and stressful time for them.
Love to all,
Lori (Wallace) Wray
Barbara's niece
Last night (Monday), Barb was experiencing severe stomach and abdominal pains. They went to the Emergency Room about 7:00 p.m. At first, they thought that it might be some kind of kidney infection, and took urine samples for that. It was then discovered there that she was having some sort of internal bleeding, as there was a good amount of blood in her stool. She also had very low blood pressure, they believe because of the amount of blood lost. They ended up admitting her to the hospital and she is currently in the ICU.
After consulting with several doctors, they have decided to do an exploratory procedure with a scope this afternoon to look for three possible causes for the bleeding. They will put a scope down her throat to look at her stomach. They are looking for three things: 1) a bleeding ulcer (that could be the result of stress), 2) blood vessels in the stomach that are bleeding, that they will then coturize to stop the bleeding, 3) the possibility of cancer in the stomach - although they are highly skeptical of this option, as her pathology reports showed very little cancer in her lymph nodes. They are leaning towards it being an ulcer, but this is the first episode of this type she has had.
I spoke with Pete about 2:00 p.m. today and they were just coming to get her for the procedure. He said that if surgery is necessary, the surgeon who did her mastecomy will be the surgeon to perform it, so they were glad about that. I believe that she will be in the hospital for at least a couple days, minimum, while they get to the bottom of this latest problem. We will post when we have any kind of results from the procedure, but I don't know when that will be.
On a separate but related note, Barb had her first round of chemotherapy last Thursday, Sept. 10. I talked to her on Friday and she was feeling very good about it. She said that everything went well, and the was amazed at how well she felt, as she had been warned about nausea, etc., following chemo. She was told, though, to expect this sickness on the 3rd day following the chemo, which would have been Sunday. I do believe that she was feeling some nausea on Sunday, but I don't know to what degree, and I don't know what portion of that might have been related to this other problem.
Please keep Barbara and Pete in your prayers during this difficult and stressful time for them.
Love to all,
Lori (Wallace) Wray
Barbara's niece
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Oncology Doc Report
The following information I got through my Mom, I will try to explain as accurately as I can the next few steps in Mana's breast cancer fight.
Mana will begin chemotherapy (IV drugs to kill cancer cells) on September 10th. She will have a total of 6 treatments 3weeks apart totaling 18weeks of chemotherapy. The doctor said she would feel pretty sick the 3 days following each treatment, but would have 2 and 1/2 weeks without feeling sick between treatments. Radiation treatment will begin after the completion of chemotherapy. I am unsure of how long radiation will take at this time.
Hope this answers any questions, and hopefully this can give you specifics to pray for. Thanks for your commitment to Mana!
Mana will begin chemotherapy (IV drugs to kill cancer cells) on September 10th. She will have a total of 6 treatments 3weeks apart totaling 18weeks of chemotherapy. The doctor said she would feel pretty sick the 3 days following each treatment, but would have 2 and 1/2 weeks without feeling sick between treatments. Radiation treatment will begin after the completion of chemotherapy. I am unsure of how long radiation will take at this time.
Hope this answers any questions, and hopefully this can give you specifics to pray for. Thanks for your commitment to Mana!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Addendum to 'Pathology Results'
Thanks Lori for keeping up with the blog!
First, let me start by saying pathology reports are tricky. :) Yes, good news to have minimal cancer cells found, but, great news would have been zero cancer cells! Obviously, there would be greater concern for cancer spread elsewhere if the several lymph nodes had numerous cancer cells. I can not speak for the Oncologist/Radiation Doc as far as what the pathology report means for Mana/Barb and her chemo/radiation treatments.
In the end, we are thankful for the physicians/nurses that God as provided for Mana to work with. They are dedicated to her as a patient and as a thriving 79year old. We have found great comfort in knowing they will do everything they can for her health and well being.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support for Mana. She has leaped over the first giant hurdle, but the journey has just begun.
First, let me start by saying pathology reports are tricky. :) Yes, good news to have minimal cancer cells found, but, great news would have been zero cancer cells! Obviously, there would be greater concern for cancer spread elsewhere if the several lymph nodes had numerous cancer cells. I can not speak for the Oncologist/Radiation Doc as far as what the pathology report means for Mana/Barb and her chemo/radiation treatments.
In the end, we are thankful for the physicians/nurses that God as provided for Mana to work with. They are dedicated to her as a patient and as a thriving 79year old. We have found great comfort in knowing they will do everything they can for her health and well being.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support for Mana. She has leaped over the first giant hurdle, but the journey has just begun.
Pathology Report
We just heard from Pete, who had heard the pathology report. Of the 14 lymph nodes that they removed during surgery, only 1 had a small amount of cancerous cells. I think that is great news - - I hope that Marla will post later to confirm that that, indeed, is good news! They will know more when they return to the doctor. The appointment is either Friday or Monday.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 24
I really don't have any "news" to report. Thanks to Marla for keeping everyone updated on the day-to-day progress. We are kind of in a "holding" pattern until the pathology reports are returned, which might be today, but most likely, tomorrow (Tuesday).
I stopped by the hospital room on Thursday night after the surgery, and Aunt Barb was in good spirits. She said she was having minimal pain and discomfort. The main source of discomfort was that they would not let her drink coffee.
We also stopped by the house on Saturday afternoon and she was napping, which is GOOD! Grand-daughter Leah had driven down from Minnesota, so I'm sure that made Barbara happy to have more of her family around her.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
I stopped by the hospital room on Thursday night after the surgery, and Aunt Barb was in good spirits. She said she was having minimal pain and discomfort. The main source of discomfort was that they would not let her drink coffee.
We also stopped by the house on Saturday afternoon and she was napping, which is GOOD! Grand-daughter Leah had driven down from Minnesota, so I'm sure that made Barbara happy to have more of her family around her.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Day 2 post-op
Mana came home yesterday 8/21 around 2 in the afternoon. She has been a trooper dealing with her family hovering over her 24/7. I'm sure most of you know Mana/Barb doesn't like to be bossed! She has been up and moving around with minimal pain. Last night she even insisted on joining us for a wild rice soup family dinner and game of golf (card game)! We are thankful to have our grandmother, mom and beloved home with us recovering with ease. Thank you for your prayers and support. Please keep Mana in your prayers, as we still do not know the results of the pathology report of the lymph nodes that were removed.
Thanks for your time, God bless.
Pete McConkey Family
Thanks for your time, God bless.
Pete McConkey Family
Thursday, August 20, 2009
2 hours post-op
We are finally in Mana's room! She has begun her journey to recovery and to no one's surprise already joking around giving Pata a hard time and asking how the cubs did. So far she has asked for ice chips and a pillow adjustment... no other complaints.
The nurse did not expect Mana to have to much pain, for whatever reason usually women recovering from a mastectomy do not complain of a lot of pain. Woo Hoo! Mana will be in the hospital until tomorrow morning. Instructions for home... rest rest rest. More to come.
The nurse did not expect Mana to have to much pain, for whatever reason usually women recovering from a mastectomy do not complain of a lot of pain. Woo Hoo! Mana will be in the hospital until tomorrow morning. Instructions for home... rest rest rest. More to come.
30min Post-surgery
Hello! My name is Marla Ellen I am Barbara Ellen's (Mana's) granddaughter. Mana made it through the 90min surgery with flying colors!!! We spoke with the surgeon just a few minutes ago. Mana's left breast was removed without difficulty. The tumor was confined to the breast tissue and DID NOT invade the muscle tissue or underlying bone structure. PRAISE GOD! The surgeon aslo elected to remove the lymph nodes (the drainage ducts of the breast) from her left underarm to remove any unseen cancer. The surgeon had the lymph nodes sent to the pathology lab to be examined for cancer cells. We are expecting to hear the news of the pathology report on Tuesday of next week.
Mana also had a port-a-cath placed. With this port-a-cath the providers will be able to draw blood as well as administer chemotherapy drugs through this device. (No more needle sticks or IVs!)
Our family is relieved to have the surgery behind us and ready to see our Mana in the recovery room. We are so thankful for the love a support surrounding us. The battle has only begun. Keep Barbara and her family in your prayers!
Thank you! Pete, Barb, Joe, MB, Juli, Neely, Marla, Seth & Leah McConkey
Mana also had a port-a-cath placed. With this port-a-cath the providers will be able to draw blood as well as administer chemotherapy drugs through this device. (No more needle sticks or IVs!)
Our family is relieved to have the surgery behind us and ready to see our Mana in the recovery room. We are so thankful for the love a support surrounding us. The battle has only begun. Keep Barbara and her family in your prayers!
Thank you! Pete, Barb, Joe, MB, Juli, Neely, Marla, Seth & Leah McConkey
Pre-Surgery Report
We were at the hospital about 12:15, and they had already taken Barbara back to prep for the surgery. The surgery was scheduled for 1:00 and they estimate it to take about an hour and a half, so she should be coming out of it about now. She had a rough morning with some of the preliminary procedures they had to do - one involving some injections they do before the surgery so that they can see the lymph nodes, and I guess it was very painful and uncomfortable.
I am planning to stop by again when she's (hopefully) out of recovery in a couple hours. So, one of us will update again when we know something further. Keep those prayers coming, everyone!
I am planning to stop by again when she's (hopefully) out of recovery in a couple hours. So, one of us will update again when we know something further. Keep those prayers coming, everyone!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Surgery Tomorrow
If you followed this blog 2 1/2 years ago, you will remember me as Barbara's niece, Lori (Wallace) Wray. I updated the blog to let friends and family know of her progress when she suffered a brain anuerysm in April of 2007. She pulled through that ordeal with a complete recovery and returned to a normal life, with the help of the prayers of so many of you.
In July of 2009, Barbara discovered a lump in her breast and underwent a biopsy. The results showed that she had breast cancer. The past several weeks have been filled with consultations with doctors, nurses, surgeons and oncologists. In meeting with her surgeon 2 weeks ago, she was told that it was possible that a total mastectomy might not be needed, but that 1 lymph node looked "suspicious". When she met with her oncologist last week, the news was much more sober: a mastectomy was required, and probable removal of at least two lymph nodes. He said that she had a very aggressive form, and that her radiation and chemo requirements would be extensive.
She will be undergoing surgery tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, shortly after noon, we think. She will be at Delnor Hospital in Geneva. She has been told that she can be released to go home the same day, but she has opted to stay overnight in the hospital for one night. She has been told that the recovery from the mastectomy does not involve alot of pain, as they will not be cutting through muscle during the procedure. The removal of the lymph nodes, however, does involve cutting of muscles, so she can expect some pain associated with that.
Joe and Mary Beth, her son and daughter in law, are in town for the surgery, as well as their daughter, Marla, who just finished her schooling to be a physician's assistant. I know that Barbara is very pleased to have Marla here to assist in her post-op recovery and to help her understand the procedures.
I will try to post updates as we have them, and also give other family members the opportunity to post. Please keep Barbara, Pete and the rest of the family in your prayers as they head into another difficult time.
In July of 2009, Barbara discovered a lump in her breast and underwent a biopsy. The results showed that she had breast cancer. The past several weeks have been filled with consultations with doctors, nurses, surgeons and oncologists. In meeting with her surgeon 2 weeks ago, she was told that it was possible that a total mastectomy might not be needed, but that 1 lymph node looked "suspicious". When she met with her oncologist last week, the news was much more sober: a mastectomy was required, and probable removal of at least two lymph nodes. He said that she had a very aggressive form, and that her radiation and chemo requirements would be extensive.
She will be undergoing surgery tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, shortly after noon, we think. She will be at Delnor Hospital in Geneva. She has been told that she can be released to go home the same day, but she has opted to stay overnight in the hospital for one night. She has been told that the recovery from the mastectomy does not involve alot of pain, as they will not be cutting through muscle during the procedure. The removal of the lymph nodes, however, does involve cutting of muscles, so she can expect some pain associated with that.
Joe and Mary Beth, her son and daughter in law, are in town for the surgery, as well as their daughter, Marla, who just finished her schooling to be a physician's assistant. I know that Barbara is very pleased to have Marla here to assist in her post-op recovery and to help her understand the procedures.
I will try to post updates as we have them, and also give other family members the opportunity to post. Please keep Barbara, Pete and the rest of the family in your prayers as they head into another difficult time.
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