Carrie's Surgery

[sandygb]

Sorry I have been MIA. I've been at Carrie and Steve's since last Thursday, and my time is not my own, between baby care and helping Carrie.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. It was a VERY long day on Tuesday. (the 25th). Surgery didn't get started until close to noon and took about 6 hours. I wasn't able to stay the entire time as I had to leave to pick Ryan up at daycare before they closed. Steve talked to the surgeon who said the surgery was very routine and text book. No surprises. According to Steve the surgeon told him they checked all the cancer markers and did not have to remove any of her stomach. I don't know how much of the pancreas and bowel they removed, but the surgeon planned on being very aggressive in removing everything remotely close to the cancer.

Carrie was intubated when Steve first saw her, but that was removed before he left the ICU. He and Carrie's doctor friend Jen both said Carrie looks bad. She is in a lot of pain, but that is to be expected. She also has several tubes which I presume are sticking out of her abdomen.

Until I talk to Carrie.....after she talks with the surgeon, I won't know if any pathology results are known and if they found any involvement with lymph nodes. But....she made it through the surgery okay, so that's a good thing.

I'll let you know what I find out on Wednesday!

Please forgive me for taking a WEES until I can get caught up!

[Jeanrx]

So sorry that Carrie is going through all this. Know that my prayers are with you all.

[Karen]

Thinking of you all Sandy.

[Abby]

Thank goodness the surgery is over at least. Prayers will continue - keep your chin up!

[Donut]

I've been thinking of you all Sandy, glad the surgery is over and sending good thoughts for a full recovery soon. :)

[Kathleen]

Sandy, thanks for sharing the update. I have had one surgery in my life, to remove a very small ovarian cyst. I know how crappy I felt - the first couple days were probably the worst I have ever felt, and the better part of two weeks before I actually felt like watching much past the mailbox. I can only imagine how Carrie feels having so much of her insides cut and moved about. But that part is over, she can now work on recovering and making sure that the cancer is gone! I am sure there will be challenges ahead, but I hope for her, and all her family that this is the beginning of recovery. Hugs to all of you!!

[sammdc]

Sandy big hugs to you and all the family I am so relieved to hear the surgery was so routine that is a huge relief and now the waiting starts again till the test results come back all my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[omio]

Sandy, I can't even imagine how hard this is for you and yours. :pray: :love1:

[PQ FRAN]

I am still praying Sandy.

[MandyT]

Holding Carrie in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs to you, little Ryan and Steve through this tough period.

[Dani B]

Surgery and worry about every thing connected with it, is stressful on everyone involved. Hopeing that recovery and healing goes fast, special hugs and prayers being sent your way Sandy.

((( hugs )))

[GrandmaCrys]

Praying...praying...praying...

[Tina]

Prayers here too. Please update us when you can.

[scamptx]

:hug: :pray: :hug: :pray: :hug:

[Tina]

still no word from Sandy?

[sandygb]

Sorry Tina. I have been updating, just not here. I had started this new thread a few days ago when I had problems posting in the regular Grannie Thread. Here is a short version of the progress:

Surgery took about 6 hours on Tues and all went fine. They did not have to remove any of Carrie's stomach, but did remove all of her upper bowel and about half of her pancreas. She was in the ICU until Thursday morning, when she moved to a regular room. She's been in quite a bit of pain and morphine didn't help much in the befinning, so they switched her to dilaudid which worked better but caused a fever of 102. Last night they decided the dilaudid might be causing the fever, so switched her back to the morphine. It doesn't work as well as dilaudid, but seems to be controlling the pain at this stage. They also removed a couple of lymph nodes for testing. The final pathology report should be back next week. Depending on the results, she will either have a low-dose of chemo plus radiation, or a standard IV dose of chemo plus radiation.

The latest:

Bob and I went to see Carrie and she was doing much better. She still has a bit of pain, but the morphine is mostly controlling it now that it is 3rd day post-op. She was up in a chair and showed me her incision which actually looked pretty good. It runs right down the center of her body from just under her breasts to her belly button. Carrie's doctor (I guess you could call him her Primary Care doc, but he's also a colleague and friend) came in to see how she was doing. (Many docs and nurses stop in thru the day to see how she's doing). I found out that they did remove about half of her pancreas. So Bob and I went down to the cafeteria for lunch and when we got back, Carrie said we missed her meltdown. Apparently it took 3 people to get her into the bathroom so she could pee and she is feeling helpless. All in all, she is a good patient, but does have her moments. I am praying the path report is good because I know that will make the recuperation from surgery so much easier to handle!

Ryan is a handful for me. I have a hard time carrying him up the stairs to bed. He is like a 20 lb. sack to dead weight and I just hope I don't fall with him. He gets uber cranky if tired or hungry, and since he is a terrible napper, that means the end of the day gets quite hectic. Thankfully he sleeps all through the night from around 8 PM until 6 AM. He definitely wears me out. Thank goodness he is going to daycare during the daytime hours, so that Steve and I can get to the hospital. Steve goes back to work next week, so I will be getting up even earlier in the AM, and getting Ryan fed and dressed and to daycare. I figure I will be here until mid-Sept. or so, when another friend is coming...and will be here during the day with Carrie. So...we'll see how it goes.

[sandygb]

I realized the last post makes it sound like Steve doesn't do much to help. The opposite is true. He does most of the care for Ryan. He gets him up in the AM, gets him dressed and off to daycare. I help at night and usually feed Ryan his dinner and sometimes his bedtime bottle. Steve packs the diaper bag for daycare and makes all of the bottles. He could care for Ryan without me, but it's good to have a backup when you need a break.

[Tina]

Thanks for the update Sandy. Praying for a good path report. I was thinking of you all as my dad was in surgery on Wed for a spot on his kidney. It was very small and they found it by chance (CAT scan trying to figure out his low iron levels). They said it could stay in and be watched or taken out. Dad said take it out. It turned out to be cancerous, but was all removed.

How long will Carrie be in the hospital and do you live far from them? Praying hard for you all here.

[Kathleen]

Sandy, my mom has told me on several occasions when Delaney has been in her care that she understands why moms are young when they their children! Carrie and Ryan are lucky to have you both willing and able to pitch in. I'm glad Carrie is at least out of bed a little.

Tina, hope your dad is is recovering from the surgery, and glad it was caught early. I think I would be with him in wanting to get something abnormal out!

[omio]

Waiting for good reports for both. :pray::pray:

Hang in there, Sandy--the grands can wear us out even when we're not worried and emotionally drained. Reading your post, it didn't even cross my mind that your husband isn't doing his part. Everything was "Steve and I"--he's obviously with you and helping. :love3:

[GailS]

Sandy, still saying my prayers for Carrie and your family.... Lucky Ryan to have a dad like Steve and a grandma like you...and soon Carrie will be home for him too. Lots of hugs all around!

[HeatherL]

Oh Sandy I am sorry that all this has happened to Carrie and your family. I am so happy she made it through the surgery and I am sending prayers that the news is good and that Carrie is on the road to recovery very soon.

[sandygb]

Tina - I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, but it's wonderful they found the spot early enough to remove before any further damage was done! I hope he heals quickly and has continued good health!

[GrandmaCrys]

Sandy, Carrie and you whole family remain in our prayers. Tina, prayers for your father too. How lucky he found this so early!!

[Vallie]

Glad Carrie is on the mend Sandy! She still has a lot to go through but she seems a strong young woman and has a lot of support from you all. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Aftershockgirl]

Sandy I pray that Carrie will get a good report and recover quickly. Tina thank goodness your Dad made the right choice. I will pray for his continued recovery.

[AliceAMattison]

Sandy, I hope you get the path results soon..waiting is soooo hard. Tina, glad that your Dad's surgery was successful. Prayers to both families.

[ebears]

My prayers and thought are with you, steve and Carrie.

[sammawow]

Sandy, I'm sending over prayers and good thoughts for Carrie. It's great that you are able to be there with Carrie and to help with Ryan. I'm hoping she has a quick recovery.

Tina, I'm so glad that your dad will be OK - better to take it out, I think.

[sandygb]

This is a copy of my latest post in the Grannie thread, since some of you are following here.....

Here is the latest on Carrie from yesterday:

Not great news, her pathology results show one of her lymph nodes tested positive. (Although the cancer cells were fully contained in the lymph node and had not broken through the wall of the node). That's not terribly comforting to her since it got FROM the tumor TO the node in the first place, so where else is it hiding? She is a mess and so am I. Her surgeon was trying to paint an optimistic picture, and she just doesn't want to hear it. She is tired of everyone telling her everything will be fine.

Carrie was having a lengthy consult with the oncologist (chemo specialist?) when I got there and it sounded encouraging to me, however, part of the "problem" with ampullary cancer is that there are almost no studies done because it is so rare. Only .2% of all GI cancers are ampullary, so they are using studies from pancreatic and some other cancer (which I forget) to extrapolate for the treatment plan they will use. They are still going to be very aggressive. My brain is mush right now, but I remember that radiation will be daily for 6 weeks starting in about a month I think. The radiation makes the chemo work better. There will be 2 types of chemo. The first is oral, then IV - hopefully without needing a port. She'll be off work for 2 months, mostly to recover from the surgery and getting the treatment started. Then she wants to go back to work because she said she'll go crazy otherwise. She asked the oncologist if working is okay, and he said she could work if she felt up to it and work has told her they will be flexible regarding days off, etc. They will also keep her on triage, which I believe is the easiest of the 3 types of cases (can't think of the right word) her group handles. The hours are 7 - 3 and finding coverage if she needs to take off is easier than having her on any of the other schedules. She'll have her white count tested weekly and if too low, the oncologist advised she not work for a few of days since she is more at risk being around sick patients. Chemo will last for approximately 6 months, though I believe the type they will give her will not cause her to lose her hair, but will likely cause diarrhea and fatigue during portions of the treatment.

I couldn't follow most of the conversation between Carrie and her oncologist, because they were discussing specific drugs and delivery systems and she was asking for recommendations, etc. He is also going to consult with one of the leading experts in ampullary cancer to make sure he concurs with the treatment approach. Carrie was so business like during the entire discussion...which was then followed by a consult with the radiation oncologist going over the treatment plan and answering any questions. I was somewhat relieved hearing about the "plan", but after they left and I was asking Carrie more specifics about the path report, I wasn't. I wanted to know how long she might have had the cancer? Could they have found it sooner? Would any earlier tests revealed it? Mostly unknown. I also wanted to know what "stage" and she said they had not specifically told her (maybe they assumed she knew?), so she looked up the stages and said it is stage 3. That took the wind out of my sails.

Bob is in the mountains. (Just went up yesterday). I'd love for him to come home, but honestly, there isn't anything he can do. I would still need to be here and he would need to be home with Harley. There isn't room for both of us here....plus the 2 dogs, and he can't leave Harley home all day and come up here to Carrie's.

So......on we go......and still waiting for her to come home from the hospital. It's been one week today.

I am trying to stay positive and pray that she is one of the lucky ones, but from what I have read (yes, I cheated) the prognosis doesn't sound good. I am so scared......

[Donut]

Sandy I wish I could come and give you a big 'ole hug. It sounds as if she is getting the best care possible, and I don't know much about these things but 'contained' sounds a good thing right?! :) I can't imagine how hard it must be for all of you to stay positive, but I know you will find the strength, so many people are thinking of and praying for you all. Hang in there and tempting as it is try not to google etc, any cases you find are not Carrie, and I know from personal experience how scary it can get and how many scenarios you can convince yourself are the same, then it turns out totally different and much much better. Sending positive thoughts and wishes your way, and one huge big virtual HUG.

[MandyT]

Big hug Sandy.
Do not always go by prognosis - If you have not read Lance Armstrongs book It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life - it is worth a read. Doctors really thought he would not make it, and he is living proof that every person is an individual...
So, really hang in there my friend.
tons of love...
Mandy

[Kathleen]

Sandy, I understand why you are scared. I know that is probably not the right thing to say, but I know I would be scared. It sounds to me like Carrie, along with her doctors, is doing what I would do ... making sure that experts concur with her doctors (not that they aren't smart, but with a rare cancer, she needs to seek out the absolute best, most current and cutting edge information she can), as well as having an aggressive treatment plan. Just as she wanted the surgery quickly, I would want to feel like I had done everything possible to eradicate the cancer from my body.

Huge virtual hugs to you!!!!

[BethHardy]

Sandy,
I am so sorry. I am crying for you and your daughter and your whole family. It must be very difficult and scary to face such unknowns, even to face what you do 'know'. I will pray for all of you also. Praying is the only thing I can really do to help. My crying doesn't help you, but for you to cry might be helpful - releasing the emotions and cleansing.
:hug::hug::hug:
Beth

[Heidi]

Oh Sandy what a rough thing to go through with your family. You are a wonderful mother being there & helping out with Ryan - Stay strong. Just know that we are all praying for Carrie to recover!!

[essee]

Sandy, I continue to hold Carrie and her family in my daily prayers and loving thoughts, but especially you, dear friend. You must call upon all your courage to display strength and a positive attitude outwardly, but must be inwardly filled with fear and despair. I hope that the red threads of your friends bring you some small measure of comfort during the battle ahead.

[Dani B]

Sandy, I am at a loss for saying the right words to make you feel better, just keep in mind that you have caught this cancer early and thats a plus. I know it must be hard for Carrie since she is both a patient and in the medical field herself, so she is seeing things from a unique prospective. Sending you tons of prayers and big hugs right now.

[evergreen100]

Sandy, I continue to have you, Carrie and your entire family closely wrapped in magic Granny red threads.

[scamptx]

I can't begin to imagine what you are feeling now, Sandy. Anything that I'm thinking will sound trite when I write it so I won't. I'll just tell you that I'm holding you in my thoughts and prayers, seeing you wrapped with love that strengthens.

[sammawow]

Oh, dear Sandy, I am praying for the best for all of you.

[MarsOlson]

I'm so sorry Sandy. You are loved by all of us here and countless prayers are going out for Carrie and your family.

[omio]

I am trying to stay positive and pray that she is one of the lucky ones, but from what I have read (yes, I cheated) the prognosis doesn't sound good. I am so scared......

I'm copying and pasting the message I gave to you in the GT when Carrie was first diagnosed -- just want to be sure you keep that "prognosis" in perspective. :hug:

Sandy, more than a dozen people I know well are long-term cancer survivors, including one friend who was diagnosed when she was in college and was given less than a 1% chance to survive. She subsequently had two beautiful daughters and her current biggest worries are middle-age spread and gray hair. :worried:

She, like so many others (including my best friend), doesn't share the story of her battle with cancer all those years ago -- it's a part of her life she prefers to forget. Tell your Carrie that she brushes shoulders ever day with people who have fought and won. She and Kay have already been added to my magic list so future good health is a done deal. :hug:

Especially remember Darlene--she of the two beautiful daughters. Her prognosis from MULTIPLE doctors at a highly renowned cancer center gave her HALF of 1% chance to survive. But Darlene was a helluva fighter--somehow I'm absolutely positive that your Carrie is, too. :love1:

[HeatherL]

Sandy I do not have the right words to express how I am feeling about your latest post. Tears are overflowing but I do believe in the power of prayer. With so many of us wrapping you and your loved ones in red threads and keeping the prayer vigil going, I am hopeful that Carrie will win this unfair battle. Please know that you and yours are loved and cared about by so many. Keep strong as hard as that may be.

[Jeanrx]

I will double up on the prayers, Sandy. I guess it will be one day at a time. Big hugs & warm fuzzies being sent your way.

[Tina]

I'll ditto what everyone else has said said. Carrie is a fighter, you are a wonderful mother, and we are all praying for all of you!

[janetklm]

:pray: :hug: :pray: :hug:

[just-pjz]

Oh, Sandy! I'm so very sorry that you and yours must go through this. But you will get through it. Stay strong. I know that is so much easier to say than do. My heart, my thoughts, my prayers are with you and the family.

[SuzanneCWalker]

Giant, giant hugs, sandy!!

[Raphne]

oh, Sandy. *Big hug* and lots of prayers, for you, Carrie, baby Ryan, and all your family.

[sandygb]

I can't remember my last update on Carrie, but she came home from the hospital last Friday (Labor Day weekend) and was continuing to feel worse. Her oral pain med was not keeping up and she was unable to eat or drink much. The visiting nurse suggested it would probably be better to go on tube feedings. This was on Sunday, and it was impossible to get the supplies delivered to the house and set up, so Carrie and her doctor decided she should go back into the hospital to get them started. (She still had the feeding tube in place in case feedings needed to resume at home). She was switched from Percoset (which was making her nauseated) to Vicodin which she seems to be tolerating better. She should come home today.....just waiting for the home care needs to be in place first. Her emotional state is is more problematic than her physical state. I think that might be due to the pain meds. I know Bob has emotional meltdowns when he takes narcotics for his kidney stones. I hope she starts feeling better soon. Ryan has been a good baby, but babies sure take more care than I remember. Yikes.

Thank you all for your continued well wishes and for keeping Carrie in your hearts and prayers!

[MarsOlson]

{{{{{{{{{{ sandy }}}}}}}}}}

praying for Carrie's recovery and strength to help you through this. you are a wonderful mom and grandma for them

[omio]

I imagine melt-downs are going to go with the territory for a while but then things will be calm as Carrie and family settle in for the fight. Just be sure to put your own oxygen mask on first, Sandy. :hug:

[jennilynn10]

What Mars & Omi Said! Continued prayers for you & Carrie!
:hug::hug::hug: :pray::pray: :hug::hug::hug:

[janetklm]

Same here!!!!
:pray: :hug: :pray: :hug: :pray: :hug: :pray:

[sanra]

Sending prayers and very positive thoughts to you and family. :hug::hug::hug:

[essee]

Thanks for the update Sandy. My prayers continue for you all. Grandchildren,especially babies, are wonderful but yes they are SO exhausting! Bet you are getting in lots of cuddles though!!

[Jeanrx]

Thanks for updating us, Sandy. I'm sure things will settle down once her she is on the right meds & starts to feel better.

Prayers continue for all.

[MaryElizabeth]

I am praying for Carrie, and indeed all of you. I hope they find a suitable and effective pain relieving medication very soon. God Bless.

[GrandmaCrys]

Praying, praying, praying, Sandy! I agree, you are a wonderful mother and grandmother. Just remember you must keep you own strength up before you can be of help to anyone else! :hug: :hug:

[scamptx]

Thinking of you daily! I'm remembering the stress of after surgeries with my son. Things would change rapidly before settling in to an uncomfortable norm. Complications, minor and otherwise.

Remember to breathe. I know it's not easy...{{{{hug}}}}

[Aftershockgirl]

Still praying for Carrie. :pray: :hug:

[chanmansmom]

Carrie is in my Prayers.As well as you and Family! Hugs

[Erica]

Prayers for Carrie an BIG hugs to you Sandy.