Last evening in the ER a tumor was discovered in the throat of my youngest daughter, Lynn. She was seen this morning by an EAR,NOSE&THROAT specialist. A biopsy was done, but Dr. does not want to wait for the biopsy results. She will have surgery to remove the tumor Thursday. Please pray for Lynn's surgery and subsequent chemo and radiation. My other two daughters, Pam and Kelly, and I will be at the hospital with our love, support, and prayers for her and for Cheyenne, Lynn's only child, that is taking this real hard. We've been though the cancer bit in this family before and yes, it's scarry. This doctor has treated 7 patients with this kind of cancer and 6 of them are recovered. Pray that Lynn will make that 8 treated and 7 are recovered. Thank all of you in advance.
Flo, my prayers are with you and your family. So glad you went to an ER that does something besides apply a band-aid and then got in to see an ENT so fast.
Of course Flo, prayers are coming your way.
the ER was Emporia. She went because of severe pain and her BP was 220/140. During the exam of why the pain, they discovered the tumor. The ENT is from Topeka, but was in Emporia today. Things fell into place pretty quickly.
Flo, You and your daughter have my prayers and support, too.
I know first hand how scarey the throat cancer is....that is where my cancer WAS.........and with the radiation/chemo I am cancer free.
I do pray that Lynn will see the same results. It is a scarey time and the support of the family and the knowing that others care will help too.
You make sure you take care of yourself, so when she is ready, you can be there for her and give her the care she needs.
God keep this family in the palm of your hands and hold tight to Lynn as she faces the unknown. I know you will take care of this. You say ask and what ever we ask for will be done. Thank you for your promises. In Jesus' Name, Amen
:angel:
Judy, you are an angel. Such a perfect prayer.
Flo, your daughter and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God have mercy on your daughter and bring to bear His grace, so that the cancer is taken in one pass and all fears can be removed along with it.
Cat.
I am praying for healing for Lynn and for God to take away the stress from you all. Prayers for all.
Add my prayers to the growing chorus. Where two or more are gathered . . .
I will put her on the Silent Unity prayer wheel.
Flo, I will add Lynn to my prayer list, also.
Like we are all family, my prayers will be added.
Larryj
Please keep us updated on her condition Flo...
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy!
Prayers from Oklahoma.................
Flo, I am saddened by this news. I will say my prayers for Lynn. Prayers for her daughter, you and your daughters.
May God Bless you all.
Special prayers for Lynn and all of the family.
have just returned from Emporia after a very very long day. After they got Lynn into surgery, what the surgeon hoped was sadly not the case. The tumor was not just attached to the tonsil, but had attached itself to her jaw bone, making it impossible to remove without taking out the jaw bone. He removed a portion for a biopsy report, which should be back Monday, he will order a PET scan to know just where all cancer is, then will treat the tumor with chemo-radiation. Her sisters, daughter, aunt and mother were all with her. She was released after recovery, about 2:30, and I took her home and we all stayed till late afternoon. She is mainly on liquid pain medication and has a very very sore throat and neck. We will all pray that this treatment will work, that the tumor will shrink like it's suppose to and that it doesn't do too much damage to the thyroid glad, which will be impossible to miss with the radiation. God will take care of her and will give her oncologist the wisdom to do the right treatment. Right now this mother is physically and mentally drained so will close, but wanted to give an update and thank all for their continued prayers.
Flo
Flo, I am saddened by this news. My prayers are being added to the rest. With Gods' mercy, she will recover. God Bless you too, I know this is an incredibly difficult time. :'(
Prayers coming from Elk Falls...................................Doobie
May God's peace and love be with you and yours. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Take care. Barbara
Flo,
I pray for Lynn's recovery and strength as she deals with the pain from this surgery and the challenges of the upcoming treatments. She is so fortunate to have a caring and loving family to stand beside her. You rest and take care of yourself, too. Blessings to you and your entire family......................
Flo, that is not the news we wanted to hear but we keep you and your family in our prayers. Please take care of your self, God will give you strength but you need to make sure you take care of you so you can take care of your daughter.
I wish there was more I could do to help.
Flo, the up side to this is that she is now getting the help she needs. I am sorry that you all, espiecally Lynn has to go through the radiation/chemo that will be necessary.
No one can walk it for Lynn. It is a one day at a time process. Get with The American Cancer Society. They walked me through the whole process and anytime I needed help, or just someone to talk to.. I could call their 800 number; 800 359 1025; Yes, I still keep their number at hand. At the time of my trial, there was a lot of help. never hurts to ask/seek and lean on them too. Remember if God brings you to it, He will get you through it! Praise the Lord, He does!
Keep leaning on The Lord...........and keep the faith that Lynn will be cured, hang on for a bumpy ride.
God bless and keep you all.
Flo, our thoughts and prayers are being lifted for you and Lynn and all your family. We were sorry to learn about Lynn's diagnosis.
Keep positive, God does answer prayers.
Myrna
There is nothing I can add except for you all to try to get some rest when you can and eat well too. Judy covered it all beautifully. Isn't it a shame that every family seems to get hit one way or another by some form of cancer. But be optimistic too. There is so much more the medical folks know about cancers now and so much more that can be done. Prayers from here will continue for you all.
I almost forgot an important step for you and Lynn...........The American Cancer Society is on line................and if you chat with them they will send you by snail mail a good piece of literature and ways and means to what to do next.
I did spend a lot of time on the forum part of the AMC and go in every so often to check in with new ways of dealing with the residual effects of my radiation/chemo.
I also get monthly emails telling me about break throughs and information that may or may not help.........but, the biggest part of this.................NEITHER YOU NOR LYNN NOR THE FAMILY need to do this all alone.
Yes, Lynn must deal with the fear and sickness that goes with it. But, the ACS is there, just reach out.
I even had a couple of patients with the oral cancer call me personally and ask me what I needed, and to check up on me.
As you can see, I can't brag about this group of people enough. Good luck!
afraid there is no good news to report today. Tomorrow will be a CT scan in Emporia, Monday will be a PET scan in Emporia then Tuesday AM will be an appt. with an oncologist at KU Med. Ctr in KC. Dr. Barnes, the oncologist who was to do the surgery last week, has referred her to another oncologist so that they know the best course of action for her. Lynn is very scared, understandably, is in a lot of pain, and we all are very concerned and pray that this can be treated or removed from her body. I am doing all the chauffering right now. Cheyenne, her daughter, and the baby will go to KC with us. Jadin is in 1st grade and Madison just turned 3 and they will stay with a relative in Emporia over Monday and Tuesday. Lynn is on many prayer lists from north to south and east to west. Thank you for all your continued prayers as we move into this phase and hopefully by Tues. noon will have some definate answers as to what will take place.
Thanks for the update, Flo. I was going to ask yesterday for an update. Prayers are still going her way from here.
Larryj
Prayers from here continue also.Thanks for the update.
God be with Lynn and her whole family. Dealing with the Cancer is not an easy or fun thing to do. I know You will be with them in their trials.....Please carry them when necessary and watch over them.
Flo, bless you for what you must go through. It is not easy watching a loved one, especialy a child go through this. God be with you!
Still praying and worrying for you. Thanks for keeping us informed.
update. Not sure if this is good news or bad news, but this is the way it has to be. Marvin, Lynn and I made the trek to KU Med. Ctr EARLY this morning and was gone most of the day. The second oncologist agreed with Dr. Barnes. Surgery is not a possibility, well a possibility but not recommended by either doctor. In order to get around the cancer to remove it, part of her palet would be involved unabling her to swallow and if she did swallow it would immediately come out her nostrils. So, she has her first appt. with the resident oncologist at Emporia Newman Cancer Center on Oct. 4 and will have her first treatment on Oct. 5. Am anxious to get these treatments started and get this thing over with, as is Lynn. Don't remember if I told you in the initial post, people, but we all have the Human Pappiloma (sp) Virus in our bodies. Some lay dormant throughout our life, some will be skin cancers, some will have cold sores, and some will have internal cancer, all caused from this virus. So.... if you don't smoke nor never have, doesn't mean you are safe. Both oncologists have told us what causes Lynn's type of cancer and it is this virus, not her smoking, altho both she and I know it is not good for us. The best news is that with radiation and chemo, this cancer can be treated and cured, just take time. Thanks for continued prayers.
Oh, my. Thanks for the update. Now I understand. Prayers continue. Go for it! :-*
Definitely thinking about Lynne and all of you. What an ordeal for sure.
We are continuing with prayers here Flo. God bless all of you.
Flo, Pam and family, prayers too, from me. I know the power of prayers that come from our forum family; they worked for me. :angel:
David
This is a positive thing to hear. Thank you for keeping us updated. Prayers for strength and patience for the family.
Thanks for the update. And PLEASE, PLEASE quit smoking!!! I saw cancer ravage both of my parents. Maybe the cancer wasn't started by your smoking, but it sure won't help you. I don't want to sound bossy, but I have seen too many people suffering (many in my own family) because of those things. I will keep praying for your family. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy!
In His Love,
Lisa
I told you before..and I know you know~~~ but I'm here if you need ANYTHING...............
Love and prayers going out to you.
thanks to my wonderful friends for the encouraging words and prayers. Now that we know what area it covers, why it formed in the first place and how it will be treated, now that I've had time to absorb all the information, I am very encouraged and know that God will heal my child. :o)
Prayers continue for you and your family.
My oldest daughter and long time forum member, PAM, was taken to ER in Neosho then transferred by ambulance to Freeman Hospital in Joplin. This was wee hours of this morning. I have talked to her a couple of times. All three of her children are with her, as is her daughters-in-law. The diagnosis is Congestive Heart Failure. This is treatable, I understand, but very scary. PLEASE LIFT UP PRAYERS FOR HER, AND CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR HER SISTER LYNN. Mom is doing okay, but very anxious. God will not give us more than we can handle, I know, but sometimes it seems that he really piles it on to test our faith. We will keep the faith that God will heal my children.
OMG Flo, this is not what anyone wants to hear! Prayers are going up from here. Call if you need to talk. 647-3616. :'( :'(
UPDATE: Pam just called. They done an echo-gram and the cardiologist said her heart function is about normal, however the right side is enlarged. Tomorrow they will do a chemical stress test, whatever that is. They are still draining fluid from her body. As she put it, she pees in a measuring bowl. She is still saying it is not necessary for me to drive down. I told her if I came down, Marvin would be driving, but she asked me to just wait. Her children are all there with her and Joe is on his way home. He is working in Minnesota, I think, or up there somewhere. About an 8 hr. drive. Will update as I hear anything.
Let Pam know that my prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery are there for her. Continued prayers for Lynn.......
Larryj
Pam just will not change. You know why she wants me to stay home? She isn't worried about herself, but since there is so much going on in this family right now, she is worried about me. I told her I am fine, but I will do what will make her the calmest. That's my daughter. Never concern about herself, always the other person. She is such a sweetheart and the rock of gibraltor. If she gives in and goes to the ER, I know it is serious or she wouldn't be there and especially going on the Joplin via ambulance instead of having Ashley drive her (or driving herself).
Flo, a chemical stress test is a substitute for walking on a tread mill to speed up the heart to see how it responds and to physical stress on the heart. Usually, but not always, a form of thallium (persantine) is given by IV to speed up the heart as they watch the EKG.They can inject an antidote immediately if they don't like what they see. She may get a warm rush when they give it and might get a little headache after, which caffeine usually takes care of.They should explain in detail exactly what they are doing every step of the way. They are doing "in and out'' fluid measurement to be sure she isn't retaining too much fluid. CHF is very treatable and I could explain it, but not unless you want to know. It's a pretty common heart compliant on the ambulance. I've taken care of MANY over the years. questions? I'm sending you all big hugs. Prayers continue.
Flo, I am sending up prayers from Texas for you and both of your daughters. I have enjoyed Pam's posts on the Forum. I am glad she is in good hands, and you are taking care of you.
thank you, Diane, but daughter Kelly being a nurse, she has explained the chemical stress test to me. I knew what the CHF was, as my mother-in-law and Marvin's mother both had it. I talked with Pam about 4:30. Joe had just got there, so he didn't waste any time along the way. Her kids were still there also, altho I'm sure they will need some rest before too late. Pam said at that time that her BP was elevated and she did have a headache. Anxious for tomorrow and good news.
Flo, my prayers are with your girls and I could have already told that Doc that Pam has a very big heart. Take care of yourself and if you need anything let me know.
Doctor didn't like something on the chemical stress test so Pam will be spending another night at Freeman Hospital. They will be doing a heart cath tomorrow, then hopefully they can tell her what the problem, if any, is. I know she is ready for all this to be over so she can go home. I'll post soon as I hear anything tomorrow.
Stay strong and know that THE ONE above is with her, you and Lynn.
Prayers for you, your girls and all of your family.
Hugs~~~
I had that test a couple of years ago before I was to have my leg surgery. No caffeine before the test so I was joking around with the techs that I didn't like having to go without my coffee. And, the young lady promised me she would bring me coffee as soon as the test was over.....................................she lied.......................never got my coffee. Praise be, for the Good Lord provided me with a Starbucks right across the street. Pam is going to sail through with no problems. My prayers are with her as well as Lynn.
Larryj
Flo, our thoughts and prayers are being lifted for you and your girls. I can understand how you are feeling being a mother and also what Pam is feeling as I have been through those tests myself. Sometimes the unknown is worse than knowing. Keep praying God hears all.
Myrna
Candle being lit.............And will ask the angels to send Pam healing strength..
no news from Pam so I called her. The heart cath is scheduled for 3:00 - Lynn has her meeting at the cancer center at 3:00 - my 6 wk. old great grandson was taken to ER about 10 last night and is still in the hospital. Some kind of bacterial infection but they can't find out what the cause is. Spinal tap showed no meningitis, blood cultures showed nothing. fever still elevated and he's on his 3rd iv. Just how much more this family can take, I'm not sure. God knows, but Please, enough already. Time for healing and peace, please.
OKAY, Here is the update so far. LYNN will be taking radiation and chemo together. The treatments will last 9 weeks. They will put in a port tomorrow. This type of chemo she will get, she will not loose her hair, but she will be very sick and very weak. She will start treatments in approx. one week. Right now she is a bit scared and of course in a lot of pain. PAM's heart cath showed no blockage. She will be released from the hospital in approx. 3 hours with medication for sleep and medication for her heart. JAXTON will be in the hospital for at least another night and day. Waiting on blood cultures. His temp. is down to 102.+. MOM/GRANDMA is very very tired from just worry and waiting for the phone to ring. Have a lot of thinking and planning to do in the next few days. Please continue prayers for this family and thank you all so much.
Still praying.
Flo, take care of yourself as you are the rock this family is attatched to. Happy to hear Pams' news, and do hope that Lynn and Jaxton are on a healing path. may God bless you all, Edie.
Flo, take care of yourself and my prayers are still with you and your family. Tell Pam thanks for the best birthday present, her getting to go home. God bless you and yours.
Hang in there my friend... They will all need your calming strength..
I am so sorry that you are facing all of this. I know, as God does, that you are strong enough in faith to come through it
stronger than ever.
I know, too many words for this early in the day. I just wanted to say that I have
been keeping up with your news.
The radiation/chemo that Lynn is facing is not a "walk in the park" But, since she is
your daughter, I am sure she has your moxie and God is walking with her and will
carry her when necessary.
Let her know that she will have our prayers as she fights the cancer. Yes, it is a fight. Big TIME!
God be with you all........now let yourself rest today and rebound from all the stress of the past
few days. Love to you. Hugs, too.
Have talked with Pam. She's glad to be home and is mostly resting for a few days. Great-grandson, Jaxton, was released from the hospital today. Lynn's pain is intensifying. Today the doctor game her a different pain pill and a liquid to swish in her mouth and then swallow and it was to deaden her mouth and throat. It seemed to work and about 4:30 she was going to try to rest a bit. Has been sleepless for two days. It is hard for her to keep hope for a successful end to this when she feels like she does. We try to keep her calm and upbeat. Doesn't help much, but we try. We also pray a lot. Thank you for your prayers. Have one daughter home and well, one great grandson home and well and this daughter will be well too, with God's help.
UPDATE ON LYNN. Got a call this afternoon. Prayers are being answered. Financing for treatments approved and now it's time to get the show on the road. Only thing left is to get help with her rent, car payment and utilities. She had been laid off, got another job, but had only worked two weeks when she got sick, so not even long enough to receive one full paycheck. We'll continue to pray for that help and it will come. God is Good.
That is good news. The last thing she needs is stress from everyday life. I hope she will be able to get the help she needs.
God is indeed good! So, we'll just keep praying.. :)
Lisa
Thank goodness Lynn can now begin the treatments she needs, and hopefully she can get the assistance she deserves to help with the basics. Stress is not what she needs right now.................... Blessings to you all!
Your family has my prayers. Hang in there.
Prayers continue for all.
You have been in my thoughts and prayers all this trying time, and will continue to be.
Love you !
Jo
Florine, you are in our prayers. Sorry to hear that you are having back problems. Glad to hear that Lynn will be starting treatment. Hang in there!!!
Myrna
UPDATE: Lynn is beginning to wonder if the treatments will ever get started. It seems this radical treatment will dissolve her teeth, so now she has to see an oral surgeon and have them all pulled. Her doctor got her an appointment in Ottawa this Friday so I will be taking her to that appt. Hopefully the "pulling" will be very soon, as it is an emergency. She is very upset that she will be without teeth. These treatment will also affect her hearing. To what degree, we don't know. Her feeling is not only will she be bald headed, sore and sick, but will be without teeth and part of her hearing. My answer was that all these "cosmetic" things need to be weighed against saving her life. Course, as the saying goes, it's hard to remember your objective was to drain the pond when you're up to your ass in alligators. I jokingly told her to quit worrying cause I have an extra set of dentures she could wear. She allowed as how they wouldn't fit her. It's just hard to cheer her up right now. I told her after the treatments, we would make sure she got new dentures, SOMEHOW. She is in so much pain that she just can't focus on anything else, it seems, and I fully understand that. Please continue prayers. I have told her NOT TO LOOSE HER FAITH THAT SHE WILL BE CURED. I truly trust God to help her through all this. God, and the love and help of her family and the prayers of so many many friends. Thank you to all and God's blessing to each of you for your help.
Prayers, hugs and tears are going to all of you. Pretty tough stuff you all are dealing with. Take care and know others care for you. Barbara and Dale.
Flo, you are a rock! Prayers continue for you and your family. :-*
My officer that just went through this same kind of cancer had to have her teeth pulled. However; I believe they only pulled her molars. She has also lost some of her hearing, but if you talk right to her, she is ok. Knowing what Lynn does for a living, the hearing part might be the most devastating. However; my officer doesn't have any trouble hearing on the telephone. Anyway, prayers are said everyday as I know what you all are going through.
Flo, I am so sorry that Lynn is having to go through all of this pain and suffering. My sister has a cancerous tumor behind her eye and has been dealing with the effects for five years. In fact, she is in KC at the Med Center this week and had reconstructive surgery on her face yesterday. I pray for comfort and healing for Lynn and the entire family as she endures these treatments to save her life. Blessings to you all!
Karen I.
My goodness! I'll have to send prayers bulk rate!
Hang in there all of you. I'm so sorry for all the stress, but things will go as it is meant to be.
It just seems as though cancer is everywhere.Thank goodness so much more can be done now than in years past.
thanks for your continued prayers. Karen, you and your sister will have prayers from this home.
Quote from: flo on October 06, 2011, 06:38:36 PM
Have talked with Pam. She's glad to be home and is mostly resting for a few days. Great-grandson, Jaxton, was released from the hospital today. Lynn's pain is intensifying. Today the doctor game her a different pain pill and a liquid to swish in her mouth and then swallow and it was to deaden her mouth and throat. It seemed to work and about 4:30 she was going to try to rest a bit. Has been sleepless for two days. It is hard for her to keep hope for a successful end to this when she feels like she does. We try to keep her calm and upbeat. Doesn't help much, but we try. We also pray a lot. Thank you for your prayers. Have one daughter home and well, one great grandson home and well and this daughter will be well too, with God's help.
Flo, how is Pam doing? She is my age and my family knows you all. How is Lynn doing? My prayers are with you and the girls too.
MiddleDee
Pam is doing great. Say's she really feels better. Have a new schedule for Lynn. Next Monday, Oct. 31, we are to be in Ottawa at 8:30 a.m. for the oral surgeon to remove her 17 teeth. Monday afternoon at 2:30 she is to be fitted with a "mask" at the cancer center in Emporia. Wed. Nov. 2 she will have the port-a-cath placed. November 7 she will have her first chemo/radiation treatment and those will continue for at least 9 weeks. That will take her through all the holidays, but what better christmas gift could we all receive than for her to once again be pain free and the cancer gone. Will update as there is anything to report. Praying that everything will fall into place and she will be healed. Seems like it has taken forever to get these treatments started, but so many things have to be done first. Middle D, if you want to message me and let me know who your family is, I would appreciate it.
Our prayers are with you and your daughters. You've been through so much lately. Hang in there, while knowing so many people care.
Flo, that is really good news. It does seem to take a long time to get everything started. Still in my prayers.
Flo, were you given some booklets on food and such?
I know when Mom had her treatments her taste buds changed and some things didn't taste right, but she loved lemon drops. I'm sure the nutritionist, Judy and many others can provide hints to help her get good nutrition through this.
Say Hi to Pam for me.I miss her! Prayers and hugs for all continue.
Each one of these steps I have walked. I already had dentures and that is what sent me to the dentist to see about getting new ones, (I thought that I had denture sores and just needed to replace them) He found the cancer and sent me the very next day to Bartlesville to see another dentist who said it was cancer...........Now, I drive myself where ever I need to go seldom have anyone with me, and that was the hardest thing to do, get in the car and drive home, thinking the C word, he said he thought it was cancer...........This was late in the year, I spent Christmas at home, my choice while waiting for the results of biopsy.
I did get fitted for the mask, made me think of halloween. All of my treatments were at KC and the KU-Medical center........stayed at Hope Lodge for the 7 weeks I was up there.......(felt like jail, cause I only had company on Sundays and had to take care of myself, that was in March and first treatment was the first day of the March Madness and yes, KU and Roy Williams were taking it, KC=KU nuts...........tv was on each floor and I confiscated it, then the first shot fired for the War against Iraq...History in the making and part of it mine.
But, I am not ready to walk that road again.......will answer you about the taste buds, etc.
It sounds like Lynn's is deeper in her throat than mine was, so no idea what her chemo- and radiation will include.
I do know that it is a very MUST thing to do.
I am familiar with the mask and yes, you will loose your appetite and they will keep telling you to eat........and that is why I dropped 84 pounds before I bottomed out......forgive my crassness, but all the good parts will get fried, sorry, that is my word and I am sticking to it.............along with the cancer. my vocal chords got hit, I use to sing in choirs, harmonize with anyone and spent my life singing........."Now, I make a joyful noise", but Praise the Lord, the cancer was whipped.
Flo, they will offer you all the boost/ensure you can drink...........and I am sorry to say until the last couple of weeks, I turned my nose up at it, but did spend the rest of recovery drinking it...if Lynn has the extra weight, that will be a good thing. As Small as I have gotten, my story might be different if if if if.....(I still drink boost, if I need the extra calories. Taste buds change, and so does your outlook on life..
As with anything, it is one day at a time..........and resting and distraction (something to do) will help.
If you are the patient, time goes slow, but for each step that is being taken, it is to benefit your recovery and cancer treatment and you do need to trust your team of doctors. Lean on God the whole way. He will be with yu plus keep His arms around your doctors. God be with Lynn and all of you.
Thanks Judy!
Prayers you have, and positive thoughts too...
Know that the Lord will see you through,
As well as the prayers of the faithful combined...
You are lovingly kept within all our minds.
Cat
Judy, I don't think anyone can explain any better than you did.
Flo, I am so glad your daughter has you to be with her. I pray that God gives you both strength to help you on your journey.
thanking everyone again for their prayers and words of encouragement. Judy, I am well aware of KU Med Ctr. Spent several weeks up there with my late husband, however never left the hospital. I am also aware of Hope Lodge. Today I got a first hand explanation of what Lynn can expect as well as the rest of the family. This afternoon I attended the graveside service for the oldest sister of a very dear friend since grade school. The family went to the Cox Bldg. after the service. I was invited but opted to come home. Cora Sue was explaining to her family about Lynn and asking for prayers. She then called me to come to the Cox Bldg. and I did. A niece of her's wanted to talk to me about Lynn's cancer. When she found out what it was called, she said yep, that's it. Her husband had the same kind of cancer in almost the identical place as Lynn's. He was diagnoised in August 2010, and as of this last April was still cancer free. She gave me such good information on what to expect, how the treatments are given and why the port instead of IV, etc. I know more prayers are going up now and I hope that I am strong enough to keep up with all that Lynn will need from me for these next weeks. Never mind about the holidays. We can celebrate in March, if we have to. I went through it with Lewis and I can go through it with Lynn, the difference being that with Lynn there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
just a quick update - Left here at 5:30 yesterday morning for what turned into a VERY long day. Picked up Lynn in Emporia and headed to Ottawa arriving at 8:00 and her appt. was 8:15 so good timing. She was very upset when she seen herself for the first time, but also she had a mouth full of gauze and her mouth was still numb so unable to control her lips. Arrived back in Emporia about 11:00 and she layed down, after a third change of gauze to soak up the blood.. I ran some errands for her that needed done and grabbed a quick sandwich at Village Inn where my granddaughter works. Had Lynn to the Cancer Center at 2:00 for her "mask" fitting, then they done another CAT scan. Schedule this week is tomorrow at 7:00 the port goes in and then immediately to chemo. I'm thinking 1 1/2 hrs. or so, based on the chemo I sat through with my good friend Billie. WRONG, Lynn's will be a 3 1/2 - 4 hour treatment. The CAT scan showed that the cancer is growing faster than they thought it would so are starting the treatments now instead of waiting till her gums heal. Hope this works. Took her home, got her settled then home and arrived at 5:00 intime for my trick or treaters. Tomorrow Radiation positioning and tattooing after chemo so that they can just place her on the table and know where she needs to be for radiation treatment which may be yet this week or may wait till Monday. Either way will be another long day for Lynn (and me) and I will take a gown, robe and my pillow in case I need to stay with her tomorrow night to watch for any ill side affects from the treatment. Praise God that the treatments are finally getting started and we can start looking for that light at the end of the tunnel. Blessing to everyone. Don't know when my next time to be on here will be.
God be with you Flo. Rememeber to take care of you. You will have your hands full and a lot of it is
the waiting for the treatments to be over for the day. Just wanted to let you know, when you get
back that we will still be praying for Lynn's recovery/treatments and doctors.....I am sorry, that is the
Pits and am walking the memory trail with you both. From both sides of the bed. Hugs.......God bless you!
When my husband was going through his treatments and my mother had just come to live with us a very wise young woman told me that I have to take care of myself if I am going to take care of anyone else. She was so right, I didn't know how tired I would get at times.
I am praying for you and your family.
Flo, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you each and every day! Take care of yourself and the others.
not a lot of new updates to report. Lynn is tolerating the treatments pretty well so far. Her gums are healed and no infection formed so that was a good thing. She is able, so far, to eat some soft, cool foods. Anything warm hurts her throat, but popcycles, mashed potatoes and pudding are about it. She has a supply of Carnation Instant Breakfast for when she will have to up her nutrition. Says she can't do the Ensure thing. As expected her white blood count is very low and her potassium is also low. She received something through IV to raise the white count and is to eat bananas and has a pill to up her potassium. God is answering prayers and she is, so far, not haveing any ill side affect from the treatments. This may change at any time. Five days a week for 9 weeks is a lot of treatment. Her outlook has inproved and she is counting down. Only 35 more to go. :o)
I had my dental appointment yesterday and my dentist and hygienist were both very interested and are sending healing prayers also. Warm thoughts, prayers and encouragement continue. She'll be done her treatments by Christmas?
Flo, You might tell Lynn that I couldn't handle the Ensure either.
I don't know if it was too sweet or what, but found Boost easier to tolerate............and I did try the flavored ones...The only flavor I could tolerate was and is vanilla...........and while in radiation and while getting the sub-q shot (forgot the word for it) but it was suppose to make the 2 a day x-rays easier on me.....they had me try the boost fruit juice. Nastiest crap (YES, I said Crap) I ever tasted..........Even the doctor agreed with me........
I have found a powdered boost that you make with milk, I only shop WalMart and Julie looked into getting this into her store, but not doeable ( I am sure other places) That is more like the Instant Breakfast this is good and tolerable, but the Boost does have a few more important things like potassium added to it.
hang in there...........each day is a milestone........God be with you and Lynn.
If you can get the Boost in the bottles instead of in the cans it doesn't have the same taste. Much more pleasant tasting. Vanilla with ice cream was good, also any kind of fruit added in the blender helps disguise it.
I am glad her gums are healing fast and she looking towards the end of the tunnel.
UPDATE - Lynn had an appointment this morning with the radiologist, after her radiation treatment. He gave her some very good news. The tumor is responding to the chemo and radiation. She has a lot of pain and her throat burns constantly however - the radiologist said a lot of her pain is the feelers of the tumor withdrawing from the muscles. This is a good thing. :) He also upped her chances of kicking the cancer in the ass from 60% to 90%. This is a really good thing. :) :). He said she will continue to get sicker and hurt a lot worst before it's over. I will most likely miss Thanksgiving as her next chemo is next Tuesday and it makes her so very very sick. She will need someone with her and I will gladly miss a holiday if she needs me up there. I will give thanks to God that he is helping her to become cancer free at the end of all this which will be mid January as it is now. She continues to worry about her utilities, car payments and rent, as we all do, but this is not a good time to seek help from charities, it being the holiday season. God will provide. We thank everyone for their continued prayers.
I can't imagine a better Thanksgiving..the real kind..than being with your Lynn, who needs you so much right now. Hooray for the up lifting news. Prayers and positive thoughts continue. Have the folks she owes money to work out a payment plan for her.
Flo, now is the perfect time to let the charities know you (or Lynn) has a problem.........let God do His miracle...do not
ignore that He is showing you where to go and how to ask.
This forum is a perfect place to jump in..........and you will be surprised how much it helps with your wishes.....if in prayer and or financial help.
I am so glad that Lynn's tumor is starting to die..............I remember when they told me the same thing.
It is fact that she will be feeling the effects of all this several years down the road..........but knowing she is kicking the cancer in the butt, has got to give you all a boost in the heart.
Keep on doing what you must........the rest of it will be taken care of......Faith and God's Mercy are with you. lean on HIM!
Soft Hugs from me.
What wonderful news, Flo !! Praise Be To God.
Prayers will be for complete recovery for your sweet Lynn and comfort and blessing for you and your family.
:) :) :) well, folks, I have just returned for two days in Emporia with Lynn. After 6 hrs. of treatments, etc. yesterday, she was not in the pain we thought she would have or the nausea that she experienced after the last chemo treatment. She had a good nights sleep not waking during the night needing another pain pill. Most of this morning was 8:30 - 10:30 for fluids. (electrolytes and potassium) then a visit with the radiologist before her radiation treatment. I sat in on the dr. visit and got such wonderful news that even the dr. was smiling which Lynn said she had never seen him do. I told her even the doctors like to see that they are getting results from the treatments they are giving and result he is getting. AMEN - the lymph nodes are flat and the tumor is about half the size. He pressed on the outside of her neck and jaw and it did not bring her up off of the table. And another big AMEN - those words are this family's Thanksgiving and all the prayers are being answered. She is beginning to think maybe she will feel well enough to enjoy Christmas. I do hope so. The radiation is causing sores in her throat and mouth so she is on an antibiotic to ward off any infection, and because of those and the fact she can't taste, she isn't really eating much. Icecream, shakes, ice water and mostly ice water. I came back home this evening because she seemed to be doing okay. Told her that if she did have serious side affects, to call and I would be back up there, altho not a lot I can do but be there. In some cases that helps. Thanks again for ongoing prayers, they are being answered.
Glad to hear the great news, Florene.
A special giving of thanks for Flo and her entire family and their continued strength and special gratitude for all those involved in her treatment .Happy Thanksgiving! :-*
Wonderful news, Flo. I am glad she is looking forward to Christmas.
Hoping for a safe and happy Thanksgiving for everyone.
everybody seemed to be doing okay this morning so I spent the day at the ranch with the Millers and had a very nice Thanksgiving dinner and visiting. On our way into town got a call from Cheyenne, granddaughter and daughter of Lynn. She was taking Lynn to ER. Just now talked with her and Lynn is severely dehydrated and one side affect is a severe headache and much pain. Right now she is on her second bag and they are running it in fast. She's had 4 shots, 2 are for the pain and headache. Also her BP is down to 89/58, but that is most likely due to the dehydration. White count is still up. :o) Vomiting and diarrihea set in today. Bless her heart, I so feel her pain and there's nothing I can do but talk soothingly to her and try to give her hope that this will all be over in a short time and that she is so loved.
Will keeping praying for healing and as pain free as she can be.
keep with the positive thoughts and stand by. I know this is the hardest part is having to watch a loved one go through this.
Prayers are still being offered and each day is a gift and God be with you all.
Flo, you and your family remain in my prayers.
Flo, I hope Lynn had a better day today. All in my prayers.
well, we are on the down hill side. Lynn's last chemo treatment is next Tues. 12/13. I will be going up to be with her. The chemo always makes her deathly sick. Her last radiation treatment will be Dec. 30. One month later she will meet with the oncologist at KU Med Ctr. to schedule surgery to remove everything. The tumor has shrunk drastically in size, and has pulled away from her jaw. Her neck is severly burned from the radiation and her mouth and throat are also very sore. She has "made" herself eat what soft foods and liquids she can get down, small quantities only, but she is trying. She desperately does NOT want a feeding tube. She says, however, that eating what she knows tastes good and not being able to taste anything, makes it all the harder to make herself eat. At least she is trying. We are all praying that she will be well enough to come to my house for our family Christmas on Dec. 31. If not, she certainly has a very good alibi for staying home. So much to be thankful for, and THANKS TO GOD. He has heard and is answering our many prayers. I hope the next update is that she is healed and well on her way to recovery from all this. It will be a few months yet for her to get back to normal, but that too shall come. A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE FORUM FRIENDS WHO HAVE TAKEN TIME FROM THEIR DAILY ROUTINE AND BUSY LIVES TO SAY SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR OUR FAMILY. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU AS HE HAS LYNN.
I have returned home this afternoon after a couple days in Emporia to give Lynn some moral support and helping hand. Glory be to God and the Doctors, Tuesday was her LAST chemo treatment. That is a long 4 hours. then an hour of fluids following. This is after she has had her radiation also. The chemo always makes her to sick so I try to be with her thru that and the next day. Her chest, neck and lower part of her face is burned very severly by the radiation so they discontinued radiation for the rest of this week and will start again Monday. Altogether she has lost 60 lbs., but today she did choke down (literaly) an instant breakfast. We bought some bananas because they are having problems keeping her potassium up, but she hadn't gotten up nerve enough to try one yet when I left. I offered to mash just a bit of one, but she wanted to wait. Her spirits are improving because she can now see the end of the treatments. They will go thru the first week of January. Then one month after radiation finishes, she sees the oncologist at KU Med Ctr. that we visited before all this began and she will schedule surgery to remove everything. Thanks for prayers and may all of our forum family have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2012. :)
Merry Christmas Flo! Praise be to God for the healing He is giving your daughter! If her potassium is low, would she drink a banana milkshake? Potassium from the bananas, cold to soothe and ice cream for much need nutrition. --Jennifer
Lynn Smith
Just finished my LAST treatment!!!!!! Now wait 2 weeks for CT to see if tumor is gone and then surgery and then this hell will be over with hopefully. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers these last few months. Feeling pretty weak at the moment but that should start improving now.
Just copied and pasted these words from Lynn. This is a pretty joyous day for her. The road ahead will be bumpy and take some time to get back to normal, whatever that is, but the light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright. Thanks be to God and to friends for their prayers and concern.
I saw a friend on Monday who had her last treatment for the same thing just a year ago. She too lost most of her teeth.They were able to make molds to shield a few some how, but the tumor was in that area near the tonsils also. She went through the exact same series and she is doing great now but still does not have all her taste buds back to work. She is fine, Lynn will be too! Prayers continue.
They made Lynn get all her teeth pulled before they would even start the radiation. Something about it going down through the roots and into the jaw bone. Given the choice, there really wasn't any choice, had to be done so she could have the chemo and radiation.... just another hurdle to get over.
If George Washington could do it so can Lynn! ;D
Praise the Lord on your good news.
Now for the healing to begin.
Each day will find a little more recovery...........I still don't have my salava back, in fact, I keep a water bottle on or near me where ever I go and it was kind of like planning for my next cigarette.........always had a backup plan............except now it is keep the water/liquid on hand.
Taste buds will come back or just develop into a different set of tastes. Some of the things I hated (or disliked) before have come to be favorites now..........and that includes chocolate and raisins.........about the only thing that I still enjoy that I loved then, is peanut butter and all kinds of nuts.
PB kept me healthy and so did Boost and the hardest thing to relearn was the sweettooth, it is coming back only different and Praise the Lord, the cancer is still gone.
Now, if my aging body would just cooperate..........LOL I know, I know.............it is what it is. LOL
Good luck Lynn and remember to listen to your body, it will tell you when the hurdle is past.
God bless and keep you.
Lynn has had a bit of a backset. She went to her doctor appointment yesterday morning and they took her right to the hospital. She has had problems with dehydration all along and not being able to eat, but yesterday she was diagnoised grossly dehydrated and undernourshed. When I left to come home last evening she was on her 5th bag of fluids, 2nd bag of potassium and 2nd bag of Magnesium. These fluids were continued all night and just talked to her and the fluids are ongoing. If you count these, that is 3 IV's in her. She was also had her on a heart monitor, however she said they unhooked that this morning. A nutritionist has been in to see her this morning and they are going to try 5 small feedings of food she can eat and see what happens. They wanted to insert a feeding tube, but she has declined. Nutrition can be given through IV's and that is what she will opt for, if necessary. She is very weak and very disapppointed that she has had to be hospitalized. Her throat continues to give her a lot of pain and the radiation burns, although better, are very much visable on her face, neck and chest. We have faith that God will help her and hear the prayers that we pray for her healing, her health and her comfort. Prayer is about all we can do for her right now. God's blessings to each of you and to my family as we try to help her through all this. I sometimes feel so helpless. I went to the hospital yesterday knowing there was nothing I could do but just be there for her. She did appreciate it and in my mind I hope my company was a bit of comfort to her.
My dear Flo, there is no doubt that you being there with her is most comforting to her. God bless you all!
Getting her fluids back closer to normal should help too. Dehydration alone can make one feel weak and rotten. Having you there is a big help too. Prayers continue! Does lemon taste good to her? I know one of the things Mom liked were lemon drops.
results of the latest scan. HEAD CLEAR, NECK CLEAR, THROAT CLEAR, MOUTH CLEAR. She goes to KU Med Ctr. Monday to meet with the main oncologist to schedule a tonsilectomy. God is Gracious and has answered our prayers. :) He has cured my daughter, but is taking my best and truest friend. :'(