After Third Thoracotomy January 6 2005

I am feeling well enough to get to the computer and write a short note.

I came home from the hospital on Monday the 3rd.  It is taking just a bit longer to get back on my feet this time.  I am giving myself plenty of time though.

My parents came to help out on Tuesday.  They have done a good job of keeping me on the couch and resting.  It is good to have them here.

I am so grateful for the success of these operations.  When I am feel better I will schedule for a few more rounds of Chemo that will wipe out anything that may be left in my body.  I know that I can do this, thinking of it as an insurance that we are going to get it all. 

I appreciate your notes, telephone calls, and continued prayers.

I can't wait till to feel good enough to see you all again.

Surgery Update Dec 9 2004

We just got back from the hospital not long ago.  What was supposed to be a morning surgery ended up starting at about 3:00 p.m.  She got into recovery at about 5:30 and into her room a little before 7:00.  The doctor reported that it went well again.  He searched the lung for any other problems he might find and came up empty.  That is good.  He also reported that they did a test on a small portion of the tumor and the test showed it is dead tissue.  The full test will be done by next week but at this point it appears the chemo had some effect. That would be excellent if the tumor is completely dead.  That doesn't guarantee the rest would be, but it would be a good positive sign.  Her room number is 3124.  The phone is 387-3124.  She is pretty groggy tonight but I'm sure starting tomorrow she would enjoy calls or visits.  Thanks for all you do and for your prayers.  We love you all.

The Second Thoracotomy Dec 8, 2004

I just wanted to let everyone know what I am scheduled to do.

I will have surgery on my left lung on Thursday Dec. 9th.  It sound like it will

be a mid morning surgery.  I will call the hospital at 9 :15 am and see when the surgery before me will be finished.

 

After healing from this surgery I will have another surgery on my right lung.  This

will be after Christmas and around the first of the year.

 

We plan of finishing this off with a few more rounds of Chemo.

 

I will be taking at least 3 months off of work. 

We are grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for all that you are doing and have done for our family.

 

Shane will keep you posted on how we are doing.

Hysterectomy November 17, 2003

Each year I followed up with the doctor.  The fibroid had not grown but did start causing increased discomfort.

In October 2003 I made arrangements to have it and my uterus removed. 

November 17 I had a hysterectomy.  The fibroid had grown 5 cm.to 8 cm.  Everything looked normal.  The surgery was a success..  We left my ovaries and cervix intact.  I stayed in the hospital for several days then was released to spend time at home recuperating.

At this time I was working as a trainer for Convergys.  Shane was in the process of looking for a job.

My LMS Story Began November 2000

Thanksgiving Day 2000 is when I believe this story begins.  However let me give a little more background.

In 1995 we moved from Wyoming to Utah.  We did not have insurance through Shane's work and I was not working.  In October of 1999 I began working at Convergys as a telephone representative.  Within a year I was promoted to a staff position which made it easier for us to afford insurance for our family.  This was a huge blessing to us.

We had our traditional Thanksgiving day feast that ended in late afternoon.  While finishing dishes the pain began.  It was a pain that I had never had before.  It brought me to my knees. I tried everything I could think of to get rid of the pain but it persisted.  We finally ended up at the emergency room at McKay Dee Hospital.  After several hours of waiting I was seen and treated for a kidney stone  During the CT scan the radiologist found that I had a fibroid tumor on my uterus.  They recommended that I see my OB GYN.

I did see my OB GYN and he confirmed that I had a fibroid tumor and it was small enough that insurance may not pay to remove it but when it started to cause a lot of discomfort I should have it removed.

It is common for women to have fibroid tumors at my age.  I did research and felt good about the decision.