The Facts - Cancer Free!

Diagnosis: One quarter-size malignant tumor
Location: Lower lobe of left lung
Treatment: Surgery & Chemotherapy - Successful!
Prognosis: Excellent
Chance of Recurrence: Small
In case you haven't heard, Rhonda has been declared cancer free by her oncologist!!!

Thank you to all the friends and family who have expressed their concern, support, and encouragement. Praise the Lord that Rhonda's tumor was found early. The process of diagnosis and planning treatment went quickly in March, and recovery from surgery progressed smoothly across April. The four months of chemotherapy ended in mid-September. Now, on to recovery from the chemo. The doctor says it may take up to six months for Rhonda to regain her physical strength, so please keep praying!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Final Pathology In -- Short Series Chemo needed

By Rhonda's earlier blog, we had a busy but good day. In addition to items she mentioned, we got the first report from cancer doctor (oncologist) over the final pathology of the tissue samples.

The surgeon found one lymph node, still in the left lung, slightly enlarged with a single microscopic tumor. As a result, Rhonda will start a short series of chemotherapy about 3 weeks after surgery (to allow internal healing first). The series is one day of treatment every 3 weeks to a total of 4 treatments. If we begin mid-April, we should finish by mid to end of June. Treatments should be in-office, out-patient basis here in Houston.

The prognosis long term is very good for Rhonda's situation. Although the report did not give the perfect results we wanted, it is still far better than it could have been.

Once again God has provided intervention just in time to prevent further spread of this disease. The doctors were very positive and upbeat in their statements today. Rhonda feels a peace that she hasn't really had up until this time. The fear of the unknown is always greater, and now we know what we are fighting against.

On Friday, the surgeon will perform a brief 20 minute procedure to place a chemo port under the skin into a vein of her left shoulder. This will require a brief anesthesia and require a little longer stay in the hospital. We hope to be home in LJ by Monday, latest.


Thanks for the prayers, cards, flowers sent ... please hold the food a little while longer!


Sincerely,


David, Rhonda, Katie, Kevin and the rest of our families

1 comment:

  1. Well Rhonda,

    You have hit a bump in the road, but that is all it is. No ditches for this girl! I look forward to seeing you soon and want you to feel all the good vibes coming from the Safford house. love

    ReplyDelete

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