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.