Wednesday, March 04, 2009

I have a wound under my reconstructed breast that won’t heal up. I’ve seen numerous doctors and wound specialists about it and they are all in agreement. This wound is not going to heal on it’s own. Surgery would be required. Now there is talk of another mastectomy – but I have questions of my own. Will I need to go off chemo (answer: yes) in order to have the surgery? Would that be safe to do given how much tumor growth there has been in the liver and brain? Priorities: what to take care of first? Isn’t the liver a more vital organ than a breast wound that is not causing me any pain? With my compromised immune system, would I be able to heal from surgery or would this be like opening Pandora’s box and making things worse? Is this going to extend my life (and for how long) or make a mess of it?

Nobody seems to have the answers for me and there are 3 main doctors working on this who do not necessarily agree with each other on a course of treatment. Very frustrating sometimes. On top of all this, I got word this afternoon that my tumor markers have jumped from 120 to 166 in a few short weeks. Normal is 0 - 35. Once again this is hard news. The dr has already changed my chemo regimen in anticipation of this. Now we play the waiting game to see if the new chemo will have any effect on the tumor markers. Bummer.

5 comments:

Bethany said...

I'm always glad to hear what's going on with you. I'm sorry the recent news is so disheartening and the decisions so bewildering. I'll keep praying...peace, clarity, rest, joy.

Lecia said...

We love you, Yvonne. Even this morning as I prayed for you, my picture was of Jesus as a radiant light stepping into your body. I continue to pray for your complete healing and, equally important, to pray that you would be overwhelmed - completely undone - by the immensity of his love for you.

Sally said...

Yvonne... I see you at WBF weekly and we've only spoken once but please know that I am one of many who are praying for your healing and for your day to day peace.

Anonymous said...

Dear Yvonne, You are never far from my mind and prayers.. I was listening to the song "Shout To The Lord" this morning and you came to mind...nothing compares to the promises we have in our LORD.
In the confusion and tears, God has PROMISED to carry you and HE WILL...
Lots of love,
Becky

Anonymous said...

Dear Yvonne, it is so many years since the Lord first brought our families together in Manila and we still think of those times with fond memories. We continue to pray for you and Walt, that you will have peace throughout these days, as you and your medical advisers deal with the day to day developments. May the LORD be very close to you each day as you walk this path with Him. Bill and Mo (N Ireland)