Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Right Now

I will be taking off work to take my mom for her surgery. Wednesday is the big day - This is what normal lungs should look like. Hers do not.The type of cancer she has is squamous cell carcinoma. It usually starts in cells of the central bronchi, the largest branches of the bronchial tree. It is the most common type of lung cancer in men and in smokers (she's a former smoker); it is the easiest to detect early, since its distinctive cells are likely to show up in tests of mucus samples. It also tends to be most curable if found early because it spreads relatively slowly.

These are things to be greatful for!


She is having a thorocotomy in order to perform a lobectomy. The right lung has three lobes, and they will remove the bottom third that contains the cancer. She will still be able to breathe just fine without it once the breathing tube is removed after surgery. They may have to remove a rib if the cancer has attached itself to it, and it looks as though it may.


We can expect an ICU stay of at least three days and a hospital room stay for an additional 3-5 days. She will need help with some basic functions once she is able to return home.


We can also expect her to be in pain and to have chest tubes, a breathing tube, and a drain. After the pathology reports are returned, they will likely suggest chemotherapy, but she will refuse this. She's made up her mind about that.
This is just a small taste of what we are going to be dealing with and what's on my mind right now. I appreciate all your prayers and kind words.


There are so many great websites out there with information and support, but I relied mostly on Web MD and a friend, whose mother has been through something similar, for this post.


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13 comments:

  1. OH NO! you and your mom will be in my prayers! i will also pray that the doctors will give her the best possible care.

    HUGS!!

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  2. you both are in my thoughts. Hang in there.

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  3. You are in my prayers. FIL had this last year and they were very successful and his recovery was much less than they predicted - I pray the same for your mom.

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  4. I'm praying for all concerned ... your mom, her doctors and nurses, you and your family. Please keep us informed as you've been doing as time permits.
    Hugs and blessings,

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  5. YOu and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers. Big (((HUGS))) to you.

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  6. Sending my prayers and thoughts for all to go well.

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  7. I'm sending prayers and hugs your way! My heart goes out to you and your mother and I pray for a speedy recovery and that she WILL beat this!

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  8. Oh you poor thing. I am really, really hurting for you and your mom and anyone else involved. You will be in my prayers.

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  9. i think it's wonderful that you have made yourself become so educated on the subject. I think that can really help u to be proactive in her journey.
    I am relieved to hear it is a slow growing type. This sounds REally hopeful Diane. My prayers and love are with you and I just know Mom will pull through it A OK! i am here if u need me. xox

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  10. How did the surgery go?

    You are going to be such a tremendous help to your mom. She's blessed to have you!

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  11. Been thinking of you all day...hope everything went well.

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  12. Keeping your mom (and you!) in my prayers! How is she doing tonight?

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