Well, a lot has happened since my last post. I stopped posting, as I was starting to feel like the boy who cried wolf - they are going to schedule surgery. Wait - no they are going to do more treatments.
So, after the great news in July that the tumor had shrunk, mom's medical team decided to do 3 more Keytruda treatments to see if they could continue to shrink the tumor (and possibly avoid surgery). So, we went back into waiting mode, and continued to pray for whatever was best for her.
Rod came home in August and spent a week with mom and dad. He was here when they replaced mom's stents, and that weekend we got most of the family together and spent the weekend being grateful. It was SO GOOD for everyone's spirits. And we took some AMAZING family pictures. The best news was that Jackson starting not feeling well on Friday (which ended up being COVID), but he didn't spread it to anyone!
In early October, they repeated the scans for mom, but unfortunately nothing had changed. The surgical team got together, and scheduled surgery for November 14.
Having a surgery date brought with it a mix of emotions. On one hand, it was what we had been waiting on since March, and it brought with it a sense of relief, and hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. However, the flip side was that we knew this was a HARD surgery, and that some patients do not make it through it. I think we all just tried to focus on the positive - mom is such a strong woman, and this was what she wanted - surgery to try to cure her, and get her back to living her best life. She made it clear to all of us that she was willing to go through this for a chance to spend more time with each of us, to make more memories with each of us - and that in the event that she didn't make it through, it was out of her and our hands - but she was willing to give it a chance.
So, very early on November 14, mom, dad, all of us kids, and a few son-in-laws showed up at Toledo Hospital for mom's surgery. We took snacks, water bottles, games, etc. prepared for it to be a very LONG day. We were told the bladder surgery itself could take 5-6 hours. If they had to take any of her colon, that would extend the surgery. And after all that was done, they were going to repair a hernia. So, even though they took her to surgery between 7 and 8 a.m., were weren't expecting her to be finished until late afternoon/early evening.
Dad was steadfast in waiting near the surgical area. He didn't eat anything, didn't want anything to drink. Didn't want to go walk - he was content just being with all of us and waiting. But around 12:45, I told him he was coming with me to get something to eat, and take a little walk. He didn't argue. We walked down to the cafeteria planning to just grab a sandwich and a drink, and head back. However, dad suggested we just sit in the cafeteria and eat quick - so I agreed. Rachelle grabbed something too, and the three of us enjoyed our lunch.
Dad's friend called, and he was chatting with him when I saw a text come through around 1:30 asking us to check in at the nurses station. So, we hurried back toward the waiting area and Lyn texted and said we should just come back to the group.
When we arrived back in the waiting area, we were informed that her surgery was DONE! Everything - not just the first part - EVERYTHING was done. We were shocked. Everything went as well as it possibly could. The did not have to touch her bowel (other than to remove adhesions from her prior surgeries), and her hernia repair was a piece of cake. We were all teary eyed and in disbelief - but we know it was the many many many prayers and wishes of friends, family, and community that made this all possible.
We waited to hear that we could go and see her, and after about 2 hours we even inquired. We were told she was doing great, but she just wanted to sleep - and who could argue with that! I think it was around 5 when we finally got to see her and she looked amazing. She was shocked as well that they didn't have to take any of her colon - and just so relieved and thankful. I think she is still in shock over this to be honest. But again, truly the power of prayer. We waited until they got her transferred to her room and settle in, before we finally called it a day.
During her hospital stay, Mom continued to shock nurses and doctors with how tough she was - getting herself up in her bed, increasing her walks each day. She was in the hospital for one week, then went home - no rehab facility - HOME.
Her recovery is slow, but she is making progress each day - which is the goal. It will take time for her to learn to truly navigate having her stoma, adhering the bag so that it doesn't leak, and learning how to balance her diet all over again. These are things she tackled and overcame after her colon cancer surgery, so we know she will do it.
Please just continue to pray for progress and patience - and she is eager to get back to her active lifestyle!
Thank you for all the love and support on this journey. We appreciate everyone!
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