This Thursday morning Judy woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the world. O.K., maybe not the world, but at least her job. She is an amazing woman. God has been so good to us in the midst of all this craziness.
We're so used to cancer being a bully and usually fear the worst when we get hit with the "C-bomb." We all know people who didn't do well with cancer. My concern has been for our children, scattered over the world. They've not been privy to the doctors' expressions and upbeat attitude. They were not with us in the holding area prior to Judy's surgery Monday to hear us joking and laughing. They're just aware their mother has cancer. But Judy and I are extremely hopeful that this will be behind us soon. I don't think we're in denial about the cancer--we're fully aware of what would have happened had Judy not had the checkup and followed the doctor's concerns. We're also fully aware that we've discovered this thing early in it's development; have been aggressive in getting it out; will be aggressive in taking steps to preventing it's return. Bottom line: we sleep very peacefully at night and have clear minds during the day. Who could ask for more?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
HOME
We made it home in great shape. O.K., we had a small inconvenience. Our flight from Houston to Lubbock via Dallas was cancelled at the last minute. But Southwest is wonderful in their ability to adapt. They loaded us immediately onto another flight, which got us to Dallas. When we got there they continued the cancelled flight--got us right onto our plane and got us to Lubbock. Our luggage even made it with us. YEAH SOUTHWEST!!!!
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Fire Works vs. Prayer Works
July 4th is always an exciting time with the fireworks. But fireworks are expensive and, even though they make a big noise and a bright flash, only last a moment.
Prayerworks, on the other hand, are free (to us), often private, make no loud noise or bright flash, but work quietly and effectively.
This morning Judy bounced out of bed and headed for the shower. She feels great. It's impressive how well she is doing. We'll head back to Lubbock around noon, land at Preston Smith mid-afternoon, and return home. She's planning to return to work tomorrow. As we discussed her amazing progress, she commented how she can feel the effects of all the prayers offered on her behalf. So can I.
As the receipents of this prayer, we humbly say, "Thank you!" Your efforts on Judy's behalf (and mine) have reaped HUGE benefits. We are in your debt.
We've been amazed repeatedly through this ordeal at the working of the Lord and the graciousness of our friends. Thank you Lord, and thank you friends and family. (I'll blog again when we get home to share how strong Judy is feeling after the Houston traffic and flying in the "Company Jet."
Prayerworks, on the other hand, are free (to us), often private, make no loud noise or bright flash, but work quietly and effectively.
This morning Judy bounced out of bed and headed for the shower. She feels great. It's impressive how well she is doing. We'll head back to Lubbock around noon, land at Preston Smith mid-afternoon, and return home. She's planning to return to work tomorrow. As we discussed her amazing progress, she commented how she can feel the effects of all the prayers offered on her behalf. So can I.
As the receipents of this prayer, we humbly say, "Thank you!" Your efforts on Judy's behalf (and mine) have reaped HUGE benefits. We are in your debt.
We've been amazed repeatedly through this ordeal at the working of the Lord and the graciousness of our friends. Thank you Lord, and thank you friends and family. (I'll blog again when we get home to share how strong Judy is feeling after the Houston traffic and flying in the "Company Jet."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday afternoon
Judy got up this morning thinking we could go home today. Being the understanding and sympathetic husband that I am, I replied, "What are you thinking?" Actually, I mentioned that we would be wise to take it easy today and not overdo things. Being the submissive wife that she is, she agreed.
After spending the morning in bed--on the internet--we went out for lunch. She felt a little weak but was able to take sustenance. We had a relaxed lunch with her brother Barry at a nearby restaurant. When it was time to go, we walked outside and Judy spotted a store she had visited before and said, "I want to look for a necklace for the girls," and headed to the store. Barry and I got into our rental car and Barry commented, "I guess a woman would have to be on her deathbed before she'd stop shopping."
We've spent the afternoon relaxing. Judy said she thought she'd take a nap--and proceeded to spend 2 hours on the internet. She just now laid back for a nap and I was able to get my grubby hands on the computer again. She's trying to nap while I blog, but I think she's afraid of what I might write. I still have the upper hand on her--at least for the moment--because she can't drive yet today and doesn't want to drive in this Houston traffic. My life is safe--at least until we get back to Lubbock.
After spending the morning in bed--on the internet--we went out for lunch. She felt a little weak but was able to take sustenance. We had a relaxed lunch with her brother Barry at a nearby restaurant. When it was time to go, we walked outside and Judy spotted a store she had visited before and said, "I want to look for a necklace for the girls," and headed to the store. Barry and I got into our rental car and Barry commented, "I guess a woman would have to be on her deathbed before she'd stop shopping."
We've spent the afternoon relaxing. Judy said she thought she'd take a nap--and proceeded to spend 2 hours on the internet. She just now laid back for a nap and I was able to get my grubby hands on the computer again. She's trying to nap while I blog, but I think she's afraid of what I might write. I still have the upper hand on her--at least for the moment--because she can't drive yet today and doesn't want to drive in this Houston traffic. My life is safe--at least until we get back to Lubbock.
Comments made easy
When I set up this blog, I didn't realize it automatically restricted comments from anyone not having a Google account. Last night I found the magic button and changed this. Anyone can now comment and we welcome comments.
Better Living Through Chemistry
Thank God for drugs. Judy slept a lot last night. When we got home from the hospital she stayed awake long enough to eat a little and to talk to family. Anytime she got quiet, she went to sleep. She slept on the couch downstairs while I watched the pathetic Monday Night Football game between the inept Washington Redskins and the slightly better Philadelphia Eagles. (That game put me to sleep repeatedly as well.) I got her up around midnight and we went to bed. She slept soundly until 8:30 and got up feeling good. The pain medicine she got at the hospital made her really sleepy and sleep was what she needed. I'll have to hold her back today because she'll want to do more than she should.
We're so grateful to all our friends and family who prayed for her. The prayers have worked. She's not as bruised this morning as we feared she might be. Of course, bruising can intensify a few days post-op, but we're thrilled at how well she is doing this morning.
We're so grateful to all our friends and family who prayed for her. The prayers have worked. She's not as bruised this morning as we feared she might be. Of course, bruising can intensify a few days post-op, but we're thrilled at how well she is doing this morning.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Home
We were released from the hospital around 5:00--just in time for the evening (non)rush hour traffic con agua falla-from-the-sky. Barry, Sherry and Honor had Chinese food waiting for us. Judy enjoyed some egg-drop soup, a little chicken, and fell asleep with her face in the food. (I'd show you a picture, but it didn't actually happen, but could have.) She's still very sleepy, so am hoping she will rest the whole night. Actually, she's passed out on the couch even as I write. Thank God for pain medicine.
Surgeon's Report
Today at 3:30 Dr. Babiera reported on the surgery. She said this was the longest lumpectomy she’s performed. Judy had a big hematoma from the previous lumpectomy that had to be removed. She also removed the remaining cancer and enlarged the margins from the first surgery. We’ll have to wait for the report from the pathologists before we can officially declare her “cancer free.” (The report should be back no later than next Tuesday.) The doctor thinks she got it all, but cancer cells can be microscopic, totally undetectable by the human eye. Once again we wait. One week doesn’t seem like a long time—unless you’re trying to hold your breath OR wait for a pathology report.
At the moment we’re waiting for Judy to “wake up” from the anesthesia. (Didn’t think I could spell that did you? Neither did I but the spell check accepted it. Whoo-hoo!) We’ll go back to her brother and sister-in-law’s house and spend the next couple of days recuperating. I think it’s going to take a long time for her to awaken. She was having some pain from the surgery and the nurse gave her a pain shot. The nurse told her to “remember to breathe” because the pain killer causes the patient to go into a deep sleep and the oxygen regulating machine will beep if she breathes to shallow. At the moment, it’s the machine 17, Judy 3. My job is to awaken her every couple of minutes and tell her to breathe. (Finally a job that I’m qualified for. Oh wait, I’m more qualified to be the one sleeping, not the frequent waker.)
She had to stop taking anything by mouth at midnight last night. Her surgery wasn’t until 1:00. It’s now 4:30 and she’s finally getting a fake “Lord’s supper” (cranberry juice and saltines). She thinks it’s a gourmet meal—bless her heart.
Keep checking the blog. I’ll update it as I can. Occasionally I’ll have some real information.
Written at 4:00
At the moment we’re waiting for Judy to “wake up” from the anesthesia. (Didn’t think I could spell that did you? Neither did I but the spell check accepted it. Whoo-hoo!) We’ll go back to her brother and sister-in-law’s house and spend the next couple of days recuperating. I think it’s going to take a long time for her to awaken. She was having some pain from the surgery and the nurse gave her a pain shot. The nurse told her to “remember to breathe” because the pain killer causes the patient to go into a deep sleep and the oxygen regulating machine will beep if she breathes to shallow. At the moment, it’s the machine 17, Judy 3. My job is to awaken her every couple of minutes and tell her to breathe. (Finally a job that I’m qualified for. Oh wait, I’m more qualified to be the one sleeping, not the frequent waker.)
She had to stop taking anything by mouth at midnight last night. Her surgery wasn’t until 1:00. It’s now 4:30 and she’s finally getting a fake “Lord’s supper” (cranberry juice and saltines). She thinks it’s a gourmet meal—bless her heart.
Keep checking the blog. I’ll update it as I can. Occasionally I’ll have some real information.
Written at 4:00
Surgery
SUMMARY: We arrived arount 8:30 today for Judy's surgery. They first performed a needle localization procedure in which they did another MRI and literally placed a needle in the tumor. She had a needle sticking out of her breast for the 3 plus hours of waiting. They took her to surgery just a couple of minutes before 1:00 P.M. and told me it would take about 2 hours. As soon as I hear something and can get back online, I'll update this blog.
If you're bored and have time to kill, read on.
Houston is a city of--how can I describe this?--a city of quick starts and immediate stops. It all began last night when "Whiplash Wally" took us from the airport to get our rental car. Whiplash Wally is a safe driver, just not a smooth driver. Every time he placed the bus in motion, he jumped on the accelerator, causing the bus to jerk forward and giving us whiplash. He would stop just as quickly. Whiplash Wally was actually preparing us for Houston.
This morning we left Barry & Sherry's house about 7:40 A.M., just in time for the infamous (non)rush hour traffic. The traffic would be at a standstill, then all of a sudden, lanes would open and everyone would hit the accelerator and the "Houston 500" would begin (you know, the Houston 500 is similar to the Indianapolis 500 race except at the Indianapolis Speedway the racers don't take off as fast and, even though the travel in circles, they actually have forward motion). A newbee to the Houston 500 is given false hope--you know, that the race has actually begun once the traffic begins to flow. The breakneck start is almost immediately interrupted by the "slam-on-the-brakes-the-traffic-stopped-on-a-dime" ritual. The whole commute is executed in this manner. Anyone who cannot keep up with the arythmic pace is either killed, smashed, or banned to the shoulder.
This morning's commute was intensified by the rain. Not normal rain, but true-to-Houston's rhythm, would start like driving into a waterfall, then mysteriously quit like--like--like driving out of a waterfall. The wipers on the Houston cars have two speeds: faster-than-the-speed-of-sound or off.
We arrived at M.D. Anderson and continued the routine of hurry/stop. We checked in and Judy was immediately taken for the "cross your heart and hope to die or stick a needle in your--oh wait, it's eye, not boob"--never mind.
Judy was immediately take to the magical room where they stick a needle in places needles were not intended to go. At this moment, she was officially in the "on deck" circle. They invited me back to her holding cell--I mean waiting room. You won't believe what they placed over the needle. (Remember that the needle is sticking out of her right breast at the place where the doctor would operate.) Women talk about having a "C" cup or another letter of the alphabet. Judy had a----are your ready for this----she had a---you won't believe this---she had a--she's gonna kill me for writing this--she had a--this is too good to hold--she had a 16 ounce cup. That's right folks, M.D. Anderson, master of technology, used a styrofoam 16 ounce cup taped to her breast over the needle. (My life will be over as soon as Judy is alert enough to read this, but boy was it funny.) Madonna has nothing on my precious wife.
As you can guess, I'm in the waiting room, just waiting and writing and probably getting into trouble. I had promised to give updates throughout the day, but he holding cell--I mean waiting room had zero connectivity. I couldn't get text messages, phone calls, or the reprieve from the governor.
It's now 2:37 and I'm going to post this. Hopefully I'll be getting a page from the surgeon soon. Keep praying--especially that Judy wakes up with a good sense of humor. If not, I'll be admitted to a local hospital for head wounds.
If you're bored and have time to kill, read on.
Houston is a city of--how can I describe this?--a city of quick starts and immediate stops. It all began last night when "Whiplash Wally" took us from the airport to get our rental car. Whiplash Wally is a safe driver, just not a smooth driver. Every time he placed the bus in motion, he jumped on the accelerator, causing the bus to jerk forward and giving us whiplash. He would stop just as quickly. Whiplash Wally was actually preparing us for Houston.
This morning we left Barry & Sherry's house about 7:40 A.M., just in time for the infamous (non)rush hour traffic. The traffic would be at a standstill, then all of a sudden, lanes would open and everyone would hit the accelerator and the "Houston 500" would begin (you know, the Houston 500 is similar to the Indianapolis 500 race except at the Indianapolis Speedway the racers don't take off as fast and, even though the travel in circles, they actually have forward motion). A newbee to the Houston 500 is given false hope--you know, that the race has actually begun once the traffic begins to flow. The breakneck start is almost immediately interrupted by the "slam-on-the-brakes-the-traffic-stopped-on-a-dime" ritual. The whole commute is executed in this manner. Anyone who cannot keep up with the arythmic pace is either killed, smashed, or banned to the shoulder.
This morning's commute was intensified by the rain. Not normal rain, but true-to-Houston's rhythm, would start like driving into a waterfall, then mysteriously quit like--like--like driving out of a waterfall. The wipers on the Houston cars have two speeds: faster-than-the-speed-of-sound or off.
We arrived at M.D. Anderson and continued the routine of hurry/stop. We checked in and Judy was immediately taken for the "cross your heart and hope to die or stick a needle in your--oh wait, it's eye, not boob"--never mind.
Judy was immediately take to the magical room where they stick a needle in places needles were not intended to go. At this moment, she was officially in the "on deck" circle. They invited me back to her holding cell--I mean waiting room. You won't believe what they placed over the needle. (Remember that the needle is sticking out of her right breast at the place where the doctor would operate.) Women talk about having a "C" cup or another letter of the alphabet. Judy had a----are your ready for this----she had a---you won't believe this---she had a--she's gonna kill me for writing this--she had a--this is too good to hold--she had a 16 ounce cup. That's right folks, M.D. Anderson, master of technology, used a styrofoam 16 ounce cup taped to her breast over the needle. (My life will be over as soon as Judy is alert enough to read this, but boy was it funny.) Madonna has nothing on my precious wife.
As you can guess, I'm in the waiting room, just waiting and writing and probably getting into trouble. I had promised to give updates throughout the day, but he holding cell--I mean waiting room had zero connectivity. I couldn't get text messages, phone calls, or the reprieve from the governor.
It's now 2:37 and I'm going to post this. Hopefully I'll be getting a page from the surgeon soon. Keep praying--especially that Judy wakes up with a good sense of humor. If not, I'll be admitted to a local hospital for head wounds.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
New e-mail address
Forgive me--we've changed e-mail providers. Friday we crossed over to the dark side and had AT&T U-verse installed. We'll keep the Suddenlink site for a few more days while we try to notify everyone of our change. Please change your address book to read:
jgerlt@att.net
Thank you.
jgerlt@att.net
Thank you.
It's Time
After what seems like a long wait, we are now headed to the airport. Our company jet (Southwest Airlines) leaves at 5:15. Yesterday seemed surreal--we were trying to get so many things done and were wishing for a little more time. Just three weeks we were wanting things to speed up. Just call us fickle. I'll keep updating this blog tomorrow in an attempt to give you a play-by-play analysis. Thank you for your prayers, love and support.
Oh, it's now 3:30 on Sunday afternoon, October 25, 2009.
Oh, it's now 3:30 on Sunday afternoon, October 25, 2009.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Countdown
One week from this morning we will be in Houston for Judy's second lumpectomy. She'll do a quick trip for her pre-op appointment Thursday, then we'll return Sunday night. Her bruising is nearly gone and she's ready to get on with surgery.
This has been an interesting waiting time for us. On the one hand, we're so ready to get on with her procedures so we can get this whole episode behind us. On the other hand, this interim time has allowed us to focus on things needing to be done now. Once the surgery comes we're one step closer to radiation and possibly chemo. Judy is aware that the radiation will be an interruption for us as she'll have to be in Houston for an extended period. She's also aware that, if she takes chemo, it will be a major disruption. Chemo has the potential for so many bad things, not to mention delaying the time we're planning to spend with our Asian kids over Christmas. But then, I jump ahead--as is the temptation when one deals with cancer--and borrow trouble we don't need to borrow.
This week we countdown the time until she is officially cancer free. That will come with the lumpectomy. What we'll be working on is increasing her odds of remaining cancer free for the rest of her life. Now that I think about it, that's not such a bad position to be in. As I write it is 7:20 A.M. and next Monday at this time--IF things go as scheduled--we'll be arriving at the check-in desk at M.D. Anderson to begin the day of deliverance from this invader.
Thank you for your love, concern and, most of all, your prayers. They are working. We're in the tumbler--AND IT'S ALL RIGHT.
This has been an interesting waiting time for us. On the one hand, we're so ready to get on with her procedures so we can get this whole episode behind us. On the other hand, this interim time has allowed us to focus on things needing to be done now. Once the surgery comes we're one step closer to radiation and possibly chemo. Judy is aware that the radiation will be an interruption for us as she'll have to be in Houston for an extended period. She's also aware that, if she takes chemo, it will be a major disruption. Chemo has the potential for so many bad things, not to mention delaying the time we're planning to spend with our Asian kids over Christmas. But then, I jump ahead--as is the temptation when one deals with cancer--and borrow trouble we don't need to borrow.
This week we countdown the time until she is officially cancer free. That will come with the lumpectomy. What we'll be working on is increasing her odds of remaining cancer free for the rest of her life. Now that I think about it, that's not such a bad position to be in. As I write it is 7:20 A.M. and next Monday at this time--IF things go as scheduled--we'll be arriving at the check-in desk at M.D. Anderson to begin the day of deliverance from this invader.
Thank you for your love, concern and, most of all, your prayers. They are working. We're in the tumbler--AND IT'S ALL RIGHT.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Happy Day
Today is Judy's birthday. October 14 is always a happy day for me--her husband--because if she'd not been born I don't know where I'd be in my life. The greatest day in my life was when I became a Christian and the second greatest day was when Judy became my wife. Without a birthday, no wedding. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY WONDERFUL WIFE!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
How's Judy doing?
Judy is, overall doing great. That doesn't mean she never has her moments--we ALL have our moments. But the bottom line is, she's doing very well.
Right now we're in a holding pattern, waiting for her bruising to clear for the surgery. We're scheduled to fly to Houston on October 25 and have surgery the 26th. We're scheduled to return to Lubbock on the 28th. Following a recovery time, we'll return to Houston November 12th for a post-op visit with the surgeon and visit with the radiologist. We'll make a decision about chemo, probably during the Nov. 12th visit.
Thank you for your concern, love, and--most of all--prayers.
Right now we're in a holding pattern, waiting for her bruising to clear for the surgery. We're scheduled to fly to Houston on October 25 and have surgery the 26th. We're scheduled to return to Lubbock on the 28th. Following a recovery time, we'll return to Houston November 12th for a post-op visit with the surgeon and visit with the radiologist. We'll make a decision about chemo, probably during the Nov. 12th visit.
Thank you for your concern, love, and--most of all--prayers.
Battle for the Mind
One of the things we read about fighting cancer declared that the biggest battle is fought in the mind. On first reading we thought, "That can't be right." Guess what? It is right. Cancer invades the body but the "cancer thoughts" invade the mind. Surgery can remove the cancer but what removes the thoughts?
We're relearning the power of the Scriptures. For years I've "prescribed" these verses for changing the way one thinks:
1. Capture the bad thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "...we are taking every thought captive...."
2. Renew your mind. Romans 12:2 says, "...but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."
3. Tell your self the truth. Philippians 4:8, "...whatever is true...."
We pity the person who has to face cancer alone. With both of us hearing what the doctors are saying, we can remind each other of the truth of our situation. And the truth is we found the cancer early; we were led to Houston where we found the second cancer; this cancer will be removed; radiation will help ensure Judy remains cancer free; and we're growing older together.
We're relearning the power of the Scriptures. For years I've "prescribed" these verses for changing the way one thinks:
1. Capture the bad thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "...we are taking every thought captive...."
2. Renew your mind. Romans 12:2 says, "...but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."
3. Tell your self the truth. Philippians 4:8, "...whatever is true...."
We pity the person who has to face cancer alone. With both of us hearing what the doctors are saying, we can remind each other of the truth of our situation. And the truth is we found the cancer early; we were led to Houston where we found the second cancer; this cancer will be removed; radiation will help ensure Judy remains cancer free; and we're growing older together.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Reflections on Day 1 at MDA
The call to come to Houston came on September 11, 2009—eight years after death came from the sky in New York, D.C., and Shankstown, Pennsylvania. Was this a call to life—from the skies of phone towers?
Interesting that we were not given an appointment time—just to be in Houston Monday. And, with the call coming at 9:30 on a work day AND including a request for numerous medical reports from Lubbock AND with many medical offices closing at noon on Fridays; we got busy. Judy scrambled the phones, I picked up pathology slides and other things and ended up faxing over 40 pages of documents. We made our deadlines but by the skin of our teeth.
Next decision: fly or drive? Last minute flights are more expensive and we weren’t sure when we would be coming home. Driving seemed to make more sense—to us. Our friends said we were crazy, which was confirmation that we needed to drive. Since when have we done things the sane way?
How much do we pack for a 2-3-4-5 day trip? We made arrangements to be gone a couple of days, thinking we’d be back home late Tuesday night. MAJOR MISUNDESTANDING OF THE SYSTEM.
Friday night and Saturday were blurred by our preparations. I wanted to leave immediately after church. Come home, change clothes and grab a burger on the way out of town. (And the forecast called for snow in hell the same day.) We finally got off around 2:00, still eating in the car. The skies were overcast and we drove in rain most of the way. Radio stations were rare—that is, stations we could tolerate were rare. We finally found one that featured “Country Legends.” It was more than country and we laughed at some of the selections making the legends chart. We arrived just before midnight at the Barry Wallace estate.
Monday morning—up at 6:15—6:22—6:30—6:33 and the realization that Brandon would be there at 7:45 to drive us on his way to work. Amazing thing, this adrenalin rush—better than caffeine to get you going. Brandon arrived on time and we entered into that highly entertaining and competitive sport of Houston rush hour traffic—something I try to avoid like the plague whenever we go to Houston. Brandon handled it all in stride driving, texting, shifting and drinking coffee while maintaining a calm conversational tone. We arrived at 8:10 with time to spare????how can that be—we don’t know when we’re to be there. Are we really early or late or…?
Brandon established a new paradigm for hospital appointments. He’s a doctor—arranged for us to come to MDA, picked us up, parked in the doctor’s parking lot, escorted us through the labyrinth of buildings and took us right up to the registration counter. He waited at the desk to be sure the lady behind the counter realized we were there and being escorted by a doctor.
As we walked through the MDA complex—traveling through a sky bridge that’s nearly a quarter mile long, I remembered out vacation trip to Boston. We took one of the guided tours that included Cambridge, Massachusetts. The looney driver took us by M.I.T. and commented, “This campus is huge—it covers 13 acres.” M.D. Anderson Medical Center could swallow M.I.T. and not burp. The guide bragged about there being more Nobel Prize winners at M.I.T. than at any other school. Who cares if they can’t help my wife? MDA is where we need and I want to be.
We discovered our appointment was for 10:30, so we had some waiting to do. The registration clerk said she would let “Bill” know we were here and maybe we could get started a little early. We settled down in the spacious waiting—spacious, peaceful waiting—spacious, peaceful, quiet waiting room. What a contrast to the drive to MDA. I began journaling and Judy began her never ending search for a cup of coffee. (Usually she is searching for that elusive perfect cup of coffee, but this was a hospital and searching for coffee of any kind would have to suffice.) She found her coffee—all’s right with the world. She spilled her coffee on herself—all’s normal with the world.
9:28: “Judy Gerlt.” She and Bill walk away and our next round in the tumbler began.
As I was by myself in this spacious, peaceful, quiet waiting room, I reflected on our journey of the past few hours. We just knew to come to Houston. We didn’t know where M.D. Anderson hospital was located nor where to go when we arrived. The complex is indeed complex. And the very fact that we were there was a little staggering. Actually, I began to compare Brandon going ahead of us to Joseph of the Old Testament going ahead of his family to Egypt. He went ahead to provide life for his family. Somehow it seems like Brandon has gone ahead of us to provide life for my precious coffee spilling, music loving, want-to-experience-it-all—but –didn’t-mean-this-experience wife of 39 years. “Thank You, Father, for Your foresight in bringing this man into our family and calling him to medical school. Thank you for loading him up with the brain power to graduate number 1 in his class and in all his residency and internship programs so he’d be selected for M.D. Anderson. Thank you for his compassion for extended family.”
Interesting that we were not given an appointment time—just to be in Houston Monday. And, with the call coming at 9:30 on a work day AND including a request for numerous medical reports from Lubbock AND with many medical offices closing at noon on Fridays; we got busy. Judy scrambled the phones, I picked up pathology slides and other things and ended up faxing over 40 pages of documents. We made our deadlines but by the skin of our teeth.
Next decision: fly or drive? Last minute flights are more expensive and we weren’t sure when we would be coming home. Driving seemed to make more sense—to us. Our friends said we were crazy, which was confirmation that we needed to drive. Since when have we done things the sane way?
How much do we pack for a 2-3-4-5 day trip? We made arrangements to be gone a couple of days, thinking we’d be back home late Tuesday night. MAJOR MISUNDESTANDING OF THE SYSTEM.
Friday night and Saturday were blurred by our preparations. I wanted to leave immediately after church. Come home, change clothes and grab a burger on the way out of town. (And the forecast called for snow in hell the same day.) We finally got off around 2:00, still eating in the car. The skies were overcast and we drove in rain most of the way. Radio stations were rare—that is, stations we could tolerate were rare. We finally found one that featured “Country Legends.” It was more than country and we laughed at some of the selections making the legends chart. We arrived just before midnight at the Barry Wallace estate.
Monday morning—up at 6:15—6:22—6:30—6:33 and the realization that Brandon would be there at 7:45 to drive us on his way to work. Amazing thing, this adrenalin rush—better than caffeine to get you going. Brandon arrived on time and we entered into that highly entertaining and competitive sport of Houston rush hour traffic—something I try to avoid like the plague whenever we go to Houston. Brandon handled it all in stride driving, texting, shifting and drinking coffee while maintaining a calm conversational tone. We arrived at 8:10 with time to spare????how can that be—we don’t know when we’re to be there. Are we really early or late or…?
Brandon established a new paradigm for hospital appointments. He’s a doctor—arranged for us to come to MDA, picked us up, parked in the doctor’s parking lot, escorted us through the labyrinth of buildings and took us right up to the registration counter. He waited at the desk to be sure the lady behind the counter realized we were there and being escorted by a doctor.
As we walked through the MDA complex—traveling through a sky bridge that’s nearly a quarter mile long, I remembered out vacation trip to Boston. We took one of the guided tours that included Cambridge, Massachusetts. The looney driver took us by M.I.T. and commented, “This campus is huge—it covers 13 acres.” M.D. Anderson Medical Center could swallow M.I.T. and not burp. The guide bragged about there being more Nobel Prize winners at M.I.T. than at any other school. Who cares if they can’t help my wife? MDA is where we need and I want to be.
We discovered our appointment was for 10:30, so we had some waiting to do. The registration clerk said she would let “Bill” know we were here and maybe we could get started a little early. We settled down in the spacious waiting—spacious, peaceful waiting—spacious, peaceful, quiet waiting room. What a contrast to the drive to MDA. I began journaling and Judy began her never ending search for a cup of coffee. (Usually she is searching for that elusive perfect cup of coffee, but this was a hospital and searching for coffee of any kind would have to suffice.) She found her coffee—all’s right with the world. She spilled her coffee on herself—all’s normal with the world.
9:28: “Judy Gerlt.” She and Bill walk away and our next round in the tumbler began.
As I was by myself in this spacious, peaceful, quiet waiting room, I reflected on our journey of the past few hours. We just knew to come to Houston. We didn’t know where M.D. Anderson hospital was located nor where to go when we arrived. The complex is indeed complex. And the very fact that we were there was a little staggering. Actually, I began to compare Brandon going ahead of us to Joseph of the Old Testament going ahead of his family to Egypt. He went ahead to provide life for his family. Somehow it seems like Brandon has gone ahead of us to provide life for my precious coffee spilling, music loving, want-to-experience-it-all—but –didn’t-mean-this-experience wife of 39 years. “Thank You, Father, for Your foresight in bringing this man into our family and calling him to medical school. Thank you for loading him up with the brain power to graduate number 1 in his class and in all his residency and internship programs so he’d be selected for M.D. Anderson. Thank you for his compassion for extended family.”
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Chronology of Judy's Cancer
This is a lengthy entry, not for the faint of heart nor the short-of-time readers. But if you want a detailed description of our journey to date, read on.
7/27/09 Judy has a mammogram at Arrington Comprehensive Breast Center as part of her annual physical. The report mailed the next day read, “We are pleased to inform you that the results of your mammogram performed on 7/27/09, are normal. It is recommended that you have your next mammogram in 1 year.”
8/6/09 Judy has her annual exam by Dr. Michael Owen. During the course of the exam he felt a lump in her right breast. His first response was that it was probably a fatty tumor or cyst and should not be a problem. However, he didn’t want to be casual about it and referred her to a surgeon for follow up.
8/13/09 Judy meets with Dr. Beth Nichols of the S.W.A.T. group. Dr. Nichols wants further tests and a sonogram is scheduled.
Tuesday, 8/18/09 Judy and Jim arrive at the Joe Arrington Cancer Center at 2:00 for a sonogram. The nurse and sonogram technician prepare her for the sonogram. The doctor comes in to watch. The sonogram shows a mass and the doctor says the words we didn’t want to hear, “This is not a cyst. We’ve got to do a biopsy.” Within minutes, with consent forms signed, the doctor begins the biopsy. Jim gets to stay in the room and watch. He used a needle the length of a small football field and went deep. Judy was tough and returned to her office and worked until 8:00 P.M.
Friday, 8/21/09 It’s a day later than they said before we hear from the biopsy. Because the call didn’t come before noon, Judy surmised that the news would not be good and that the doctor would have to make the call. She was correct. We received the news around 2:30 and immediately met at the surgeon’s office. Dr. Nichols explained options and we opted for a lumpectomy. We hurriedly began the paperwork to get the procedure done Tuesday. We rushed to the pre-admitting office for Covenant and Judy got an EKG, X Ray, blood drawn and papers signed. The staff was turning out the lights as we left—we were the last people they saw that week. We cancelled our evening plans (helping Judy’s class—Cross His Line—feed the homeless at Mahon Library) and began to call family with the news. We felt like we’d had the wind knocked out of us.
8/22/09 Our 39th wedding anniversary. We don’t take anniversaries for granted this day. We end the day by going to the Ranching Heritage center as David and Kim Allison’s guests at a celebration of Charlie Goodnight’s life, poetry and music.
8/24/09 Dr. Brandon Gunn, our nephew and a radiologist with M.D. Anderson calls to inquire about the cancer. He assures us it’s treatable and that we don’t need to rush to surgery. We talk a long time and finally decide to proceed with the surgery. He assures us he’s ready to help us in any way possible.
8/25/09 Judy has a sentinel node biopsy and lumpectomy. Dr. Nickels informs Jim and Carolyn that the lymph nodes were clear—GREAT NEWS—but that she doesn’t think she got all the cancer. It had tentacles extending into the ducts. Judy was still bruised from the biopsy and Dr. Nickels was afraid to remove any more tissue, concerned that she might be cutting into the muscle.
8/25/09 Judy arrives in the room following time in recovery. Jim tells her the good news—lymph nodes clear—then the not-so-good news, “Dr. Nickels doesn’t think she got it all.” It’s an emotional moment—ecstatic that the lymph nodes were clear; deeply disappointed that some cancer might still remain. We wait for the pathology report.
8/27/09 The report comes back. They got it all! The report reads, “clear but narrow margin” on one area. We celebrate.
At some point Brandon came into the picture. We had several conversations with him about going to M.D. Anderson for a consult. When Judy had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Nickels it was decided she needed more surgery to create more margin. Conversations with M.D. Anderson confirmed the need for more surgery. In fact, MDA stated they would not see her until she had the surgery. We schedule surgery for a week later.
Brandon became Judy’s advocate at MDA and they agreed to see her prior to having surgery. We cancelled her Lubbock surgery to wait on MDA.
9/11/09 8 years ago death came from the skies in New York, D.C., and Shankstown, Penn. At 9:30 we received a call from MDA telling us to be in Houston Monday. Jim wondered, “Is this a call to life from the airwaves?” The scheduler from MDA tells Judy all the reports they need. We begin a mad rush to get all the reports—crazy because many medical offices close at noon on Fridays. We manage to get everything and Jim faxes over 40 pages of records to Houston. In addition, we hand carry x-rays and pathology slides. DECISION TIME: drive or fly? Because of all the uncertainty, we decide to drive. (Our friends think we’re nuts for driving.)
9/13/09 We leave Lubbock at 2:00 and drive in rain most of the day. Arrive Houston just before midnight—staying with Judy’s brother and his family.
9/14/09 Up at 6:15 to catch our ride. We ride with Brandon—Dr. Brandon Gunn—to MDA. He parks in doctor’s parking lot and escorts us to our building. Great new paradigm—chauffeured, escorted and introduced by a doctor.
M. D. Anderson is a massive complex. We check in and await the day’s events. Spacious, peaceful waiting room. 9:28 Judy’s name is called and we begin the M. D. Anderson experience. Today she has digital mammogram and sonogram. It takes most of the day.
9/15/09 We meet with the surgeon in the early afternoon, planning to drive home this evening. WRONG! Following a detailed meeting, we hustle across town to a satellite location where they do partial breast radiation. We meet with the radiologists to consider our options. A MRI is scheduled for Friday. We don’t want to wait until Friday.
9/16/09 We start calling at 6:30 A.M. to see if there’s been a cancellation for the MRI. At 7:20 we are told there’s a 9:00 spot available, but we have to check in by 8:30. Mad rush to dress and beat rush hour traffic. We check in at 8:25. The procedure takes most of the day. We decide we’ll drive home Thursday. WRONG! While Judy’s in the MRI, Brandon calls and asks if we’d stay another day to meet with the head of his department—the top radiologist at MDA—one of the top 10 in the world. Of course we’ll wait another day for this appointment.
9/17/09 We’re bracing ourselves for a long day—meeting with the radiologist at 2:00, then driving home late Thursday night. WRONG! Mid morning we get a call from the head of the imaging department saying they need us back Friday for a biopsy. They found a spot from the MRI and need to determine what it is.
Our appointment with the radiologist is amazing. What a gentle, kind man. He gives us details and assures us we’re going to be all right. He strongly suggests we have the second surgery and radiation at MDA. If we do chemo, we can do that in Lubbock.
9/18/09 We arrive at MDA at 6:30 A.M., hoping to get an early start home. WRONG! The perform a sonogram on Judy and attempt 3 biopsies. They can’t get what they want. They send her for an MRI. Still can’t pinpoint the node they saw Wednesday. Finally, at 12:30, they tell us she’ll have to come back Wednesday for a biopsy under MRI. Disappointing. We head home at 1:00 and drive 595 miles in 9 hours and 45 minutes.
9/22/09 Judy flies to Houston after work.
9/23/09 The biopsy under MRI. She flies home and we wait for news.
9/28/09 The call comes and the node is more cancer. Somehow the Lubbock tests and surgery missed this spot. It’s close to the where the other cancer was removed, but not in the area the Lubbock doctors were going to work on to increase margins. Would they have found it in Lubbock? We’ll never know. We do know they found it in Houston. Thank you God!
As Judy communicates with the Houston surgery team, they work on a surgery schedule. Judy is badly bruised. They decide to wait until October 26 for the surgery so she can heal some and the bruising diminish.
Today is October 7, and here’s the schedule—AS OF TODAY
October 22—Judy flies to Houston for pre-op appointment. One day trip. (Thank God for Southwest Airlines).
October 25—we fly to Houston.
October 26—early morning surgery.
October 28—we fly home and wait on her recovery.
November 12—back to Houston for post-op visit and consultation with the top radiologist to determine the course of post-op treatment.
SIDE NOTE: As I was writing, Andy Hines, our Aflac agent, called to tell us the claim we filed Friday on our cancer policy has been approved and a significant check will be coming very soon. One of the smartest decisions I’ve made (me being Jim) was to take out that Aflac cancer policy a few years ago. It’s going to help with this ordeal.
7/27/09 Judy has a mammogram at Arrington Comprehensive Breast Center as part of her annual physical. The report mailed the next day read, “We are pleased to inform you that the results of your mammogram performed on 7/27/09, are normal. It is recommended that you have your next mammogram in 1 year.”
8/6/09 Judy has her annual exam by Dr. Michael Owen. During the course of the exam he felt a lump in her right breast. His first response was that it was probably a fatty tumor or cyst and should not be a problem. However, he didn’t want to be casual about it and referred her to a surgeon for follow up.
8/13/09 Judy meets with Dr. Beth Nichols of the S.W.A.T. group. Dr. Nichols wants further tests and a sonogram is scheduled.
Tuesday, 8/18/09 Judy and Jim arrive at the Joe Arrington Cancer Center at 2:00 for a sonogram. The nurse and sonogram technician prepare her for the sonogram. The doctor comes in to watch. The sonogram shows a mass and the doctor says the words we didn’t want to hear, “This is not a cyst. We’ve got to do a biopsy.” Within minutes, with consent forms signed, the doctor begins the biopsy. Jim gets to stay in the room and watch. He used a needle the length of a small football field and went deep. Judy was tough and returned to her office and worked until 8:00 P.M.
Friday, 8/21/09 It’s a day later than they said before we hear from the biopsy. Because the call didn’t come before noon, Judy surmised that the news would not be good and that the doctor would have to make the call. She was correct. We received the news around 2:30 and immediately met at the surgeon’s office. Dr. Nichols explained options and we opted for a lumpectomy. We hurriedly began the paperwork to get the procedure done Tuesday. We rushed to the pre-admitting office for Covenant and Judy got an EKG, X Ray, blood drawn and papers signed. The staff was turning out the lights as we left—we were the last people they saw that week. We cancelled our evening plans (helping Judy’s class—Cross His Line—feed the homeless at Mahon Library) and began to call family with the news. We felt like we’d had the wind knocked out of us.
8/22/09 Our 39th wedding anniversary. We don’t take anniversaries for granted this day. We end the day by going to the Ranching Heritage center as David and Kim Allison’s guests at a celebration of Charlie Goodnight’s life, poetry and music.
8/24/09 Dr. Brandon Gunn, our nephew and a radiologist with M.D. Anderson calls to inquire about the cancer. He assures us it’s treatable and that we don’t need to rush to surgery. We talk a long time and finally decide to proceed with the surgery. He assures us he’s ready to help us in any way possible.
8/25/09 Judy has a sentinel node biopsy and lumpectomy. Dr. Nickels informs Jim and Carolyn that the lymph nodes were clear—GREAT NEWS—but that she doesn’t think she got all the cancer. It had tentacles extending into the ducts. Judy was still bruised from the biopsy and Dr. Nickels was afraid to remove any more tissue, concerned that she might be cutting into the muscle.
8/25/09 Judy arrives in the room following time in recovery. Jim tells her the good news—lymph nodes clear—then the not-so-good news, “Dr. Nickels doesn’t think she got it all.” It’s an emotional moment—ecstatic that the lymph nodes were clear; deeply disappointed that some cancer might still remain. We wait for the pathology report.
8/27/09 The report comes back. They got it all! The report reads, “clear but narrow margin” on one area. We celebrate.
At some point Brandon came into the picture. We had several conversations with him about going to M.D. Anderson for a consult. When Judy had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Nickels it was decided she needed more surgery to create more margin. Conversations with M.D. Anderson confirmed the need for more surgery. In fact, MDA stated they would not see her until she had the surgery. We schedule surgery for a week later.
Brandon became Judy’s advocate at MDA and they agreed to see her prior to having surgery. We cancelled her Lubbock surgery to wait on MDA.
9/11/09 8 years ago death came from the skies in New York, D.C., and Shankstown, Penn. At 9:30 we received a call from MDA telling us to be in Houston Monday. Jim wondered, “Is this a call to life from the airwaves?” The scheduler from MDA tells Judy all the reports they need. We begin a mad rush to get all the reports—crazy because many medical offices close at noon on Fridays. We manage to get everything and Jim faxes over 40 pages of records to Houston. In addition, we hand carry x-rays and pathology slides. DECISION TIME: drive or fly? Because of all the uncertainty, we decide to drive. (Our friends think we’re nuts for driving.)
9/13/09 We leave Lubbock at 2:00 and drive in rain most of the day. Arrive Houston just before midnight—staying with Judy’s brother and his family.
9/14/09 Up at 6:15 to catch our ride. We ride with Brandon—Dr. Brandon Gunn—to MDA. He parks in doctor’s parking lot and escorts us to our building. Great new paradigm—chauffeured, escorted and introduced by a doctor.
M. D. Anderson is a massive complex. We check in and await the day’s events. Spacious, peaceful waiting room. 9:28 Judy’s name is called and we begin the M. D. Anderson experience. Today she has digital mammogram and sonogram. It takes most of the day.
9/15/09 We meet with the surgeon in the early afternoon, planning to drive home this evening. WRONG! Following a detailed meeting, we hustle across town to a satellite location where they do partial breast radiation. We meet with the radiologists to consider our options. A MRI is scheduled for Friday. We don’t want to wait until Friday.
9/16/09 We start calling at 6:30 A.M. to see if there’s been a cancellation for the MRI. At 7:20 we are told there’s a 9:00 spot available, but we have to check in by 8:30. Mad rush to dress and beat rush hour traffic. We check in at 8:25. The procedure takes most of the day. We decide we’ll drive home Thursday. WRONG! While Judy’s in the MRI, Brandon calls and asks if we’d stay another day to meet with the head of his department—the top radiologist at MDA—one of the top 10 in the world. Of course we’ll wait another day for this appointment.
9/17/09 We’re bracing ourselves for a long day—meeting with the radiologist at 2:00, then driving home late Thursday night. WRONG! Mid morning we get a call from the head of the imaging department saying they need us back Friday for a biopsy. They found a spot from the MRI and need to determine what it is.
Our appointment with the radiologist is amazing. What a gentle, kind man. He gives us details and assures us we’re going to be all right. He strongly suggests we have the second surgery and radiation at MDA. If we do chemo, we can do that in Lubbock.
9/18/09 We arrive at MDA at 6:30 A.M., hoping to get an early start home. WRONG! The perform a sonogram on Judy and attempt 3 biopsies. They can’t get what they want. They send her for an MRI. Still can’t pinpoint the node they saw Wednesday. Finally, at 12:30, they tell us she’ll have to come back Wednesday for a biopsy under MRI. Disappointing. We head home at 1:00 and drive 595 miles in 9 hours and 45 minutes.
9/22/09 Judy flies to Houston after work.
9/23/09 The biopsy under MRI. She flies home and we wait for news.
9/28/09 The call comes and the node is more cancer. Somehow the Lubbock tests and surgery missed this spot. It’s close to the where the other cancer was removed, but not in the area the Lubbock doctors were going to work on to increase margins. Would they have found it in Lubbock? We’ll never know. We do know they found it in Houston. Thank you God!
As Judy communicates with the Houston surgery team, they work on a surgery schedule. Judy is badly bruised. They decide to wait until October 26 for the surgery so she can heal some and the bruising diminish.
Today is October 7, and here’s the schedule—AS OF TODAY
October 22—Judy flies to Houston for pre-op appointment. One day trip. (Thank God for Southwest Airlines).
October 25—we fly to Houston.
October 26—early morning surgery.
October 28—we fly home and wait on her recovery.
November 12—back to Houston for post-op visit and consultation with the top radiologist to determine the course of post-op treatment.
SIDE NOTE: As I was writing, Andy Hines, our Aflac agent, called to tell us the claim we filed Friday on our cancer policy has been approved and a significant check will be coming very soon. One of the smartest decisions I’ve made (me being Jim) was to take out that Aflac cancer policy a few years ago. It’s going to help with this ordeal.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Challenges/Opportunities
We're extremely fortunate to live in a day and land that has shrunk our world. Travel that used to take months is done in hours. Wow, what a time to be alive! The challenge we face in fighting Judy's cancer is more in terms of travel than finding a cure. Working flights and work schedules are really only slightly challenging in the bigger scheme of things. We're finding the M.D. Anderson folks to be helpful and eager to get Judy cancer free and on the way to a long life. But because of the tremendous patient load they carry, they, of necessity, must set schedules and expect us to conform.
For a couple used to working around a number of events and considering other's schedules, this is a bit challenging--BUT DOABLE!
As of today, our proposed schedule for the next few weeks is:
1. Oct. 22. Judy goes to Houston for the pre-op visit.
2. Oct. 25. We travel to Houston. I don't know if it's "one if by land or two if by sea--I mean air" (to borrow a phrase from the story of Paul Revere). The 25th is the Sunday following the Tech/A & M game. Flights are NOT discounted the dav after that game. Driving is possible; flying desirable. Decision to be made prior to game time.
3. Oct. 26. Surgery to make Judy cancer free.
4. Recovery. To be determined.
5. Nov. 12. Post-op visit at M.D. Anderson. We will meet with the surgeon, radiologist, and (hopefully) the oncologist.
6. Radiation/chemo begins...?
7. Christmas in China...? Probably will happen--possible won't. We've got our tickets and are planning to go.
I keep promising a chronology of this fight. It will come--eventually. Thanks for reading this blog. Don't hesitate to leave a comment.
For a couple used to working around a number of events and considering other's schedules, this is a bit challenging--BUT DOABLE!
As of today, our proposed schedule for the next few weeks is:
1. Oct. 22. Judy goes to Houston for the pre-op visit.
2. Oct. 25. We travel to Houston. I don't know if it's "one if by land or two if by sea--I mean air" (to borrow a phrase from the story of Paul Revere). The 25th is the Sunday following the Tech/A & M game. Flights are NOT discounted the dav after that game. Driving is possible; flying desirable. Decision to be made prior to game time.
3. Oct. 26. Surgery to make Judy cancer free.
4. Recovery. To be determined.
5. Nov. 12. Post-op visit at M.D. Anderson. We will meet with the surgeon, radiologist, and (hopefully) the oncologist.
6. Radiation/chemo begins...?
7. Christmas in China...? Probably will happen--possible won't. We've got our tickets and are planning to go.
I keep promising a chronology of this fight. It will come--eventually. Thanks for reading this blog. Don't hesitate to leave a comment.
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