Another Update

Theresa is in her room now.  Recovery went well and she was able to get a pain block directly in her shoulder.  She says she is feeling great because there is no longer the lingering pain she has felt for months and months.  My dad spoke to the surgeon for just a moment and learned that the tumor had surrounded muscles, tendons, and blood vessels which made it impractical to remove all of the tumor.  The surgeon felt confident that enough had been removed to stop the pain and improve the function of her arm. They will be following up with the doctors to plan further treatments. 

Surgery Update

Hi! This is Theresa's daugther, Britney.  I just got word that my mom is finished with surgery and in recovery.  My dad hasn't seen her yet it will probably be an hour or so.  It sounds like things went as planned just took quite a bit longer than expected. (about 5 1/2 hours).   I will add more updates as I receive them!

Surprise!

Some of my dearest friends gathered tonight to give me a big hug and encouragement for tomorrow.  I have the ultimate support group.  We shared good memories, ate yummy food, had many hugs and words of encouragement.  I love you all.  Thank you for taking time for me.

I am excited to read your notes and use my rest and relaxing gifts.  I can't say thank you enough.  I am so blessed. 

 I am grateful for you all.

Nice surprises that have come to my door.

Wonderful gifts, from my awesome friends.

October 12 2010 What Do You Do the Day Before Surgery?

In my mind I am cleaning my house, making sure all the bills are paid, putting together a bag, water the plants, and the list goes on.  My body is telling me it doesn't want to do anything.  So I visit!  I have had wonderful, dear friends call me on the phone, drop by with flowers, stop over to make preparations to help and visit about our friendship and love.   Others are texting and emailing  their thoughts and prayers for me.

THANK YOU ALL for your love, prayers and help.

I have received the call to schedule my time tomorrow.  We will be at the Huntsman by 7 am.  The surgery will begin around 8:30 am.   It will be a couple of hours long.  I will be in the hospital for a few days.

Thank you for your continuing faith, prayers, love and concern for me and our family.

This is a picture of the tumor protruding forward.  The bruises are from the biopsy.

September 17 2010 ^^^^^ Let's Go See the Doctor

After the MRI I expected to have to wait until Monday’s appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon to hear the results.
However, we received a call from the doctor on a Friday afternoon.  She said, "Theresa, could you come down to my office.  I need to talk to you about the results of your MRI."  I replied, "Yes, I will bring my husband."  She responded with, “Yes, that will be good."   You know from that conversation that it is not going to be good.  My primary care doctor is very compassionate and caring towards me.  She was very sorry to tell us that the cancer was in the humorous bone and muscles around it.  The best thing she could do for me until I could see the doctors at Huntsman would be to give me pain pills.  I told her I hated taking them because I do not want to get hooked on them.  Her response was startling to us.  At this point, we are not concerned about you becoming addicted.  Wow reality has a way of slapping you in the face!
The doctor's office said that they would cancel the appointment on Monday and would set up the appointment at Huntsman for us.

September 16 2010 ** MRI

Thursday was a busy day.  Tammy and I flew in from California at 10 am.  When we arrived home we picked tomatoes for Tammy and got her on her way home to Wyoming.

This afternoon I went for my MRI.  They put a brace type thing on my shoulder, laid me flat on the table and strapped me in.  I asked how long it would take.  She said 30 to 40 minutes.  I was given a headset with the radio station FM 100 playing.  I was given a ball to hold onto, if  I needed to stop I could squeeze the ball.

I figured that if each song was about 3 minutes I would need to listen to 10 songs.  After about three songs I began to feel great pain in my shoulder.  The pain radiated down to my hand.  Finally five songs had played, half way through.  Oh the pain is horrible, I try to think of other things,  I wiggle my toes.  I realize that my shins hurt from all the walking that Tammy and I did in California.  I stretch my shins to take my mind off the pain in my arm.  Seven songs and then it goes to commercials.  How do I figure this out  now?  I start listening to the machine, knowing that it is still working and making alot of noise.  More songs,  I am going to make it!

I hear the machine stop and begin thinking, is someone going to come save me?  What is taking so long?  I can't wait any longer SOO I squeeze the ball.  Help, get me out of here.  She couldn't have come fast enough.  I was relieved to be able to sit up and stretch, however the pain was radiating through my shoulder up my neck and through my head.   I hope to not have to do that again for a really long time.

Now waiting for the results....