WE HAVE REACHED THE GOAL!
Today, I received an email from a great friend informing me that a check for $250 is in the mail. That puts us over the top at $1540! We could not have reached the goal without your help.
You have all been so great! Abraham and I are so grateful for every kindness you have extended to us and your magnanimous generosity in our times of need. We will continue to pray for you all that God will bless you all with the overflowing of His very best for every area of your lives!
Our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude!
Mary and Abraham
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
TOTALS AS OF SUNDAY 07/20/08
MORE GOOD NEWS!
So far, we have received $1290! We are almost there!
STARTING CHEMO AGAIN
Friday, I had the first chemo treatment. I had the Avastin infusion in the office and I will take Zeloda tablets twice daily for two weeks. One possible side effect of the tablets is upset stomach, so I am trying to minimize that. So far, so good!
Check daily for the latest update!
So far, we have received $1290! We are almost there!
Needed: -$1500Thank you all for you kindness and generosity in helping us pay the August COBRA premium!
Received: $1290
Still Need: -$210
STARTING CHEMO AGAIN
Friday, I had the first chemo treatment. I had the Avastin infusion in the office and I will take Zeloda tablets twice daily for two weeks. One possible side effect of the tablets is upset stomach, so I am trying to minimize that. So far, so good!
Check daily for the latest update!
Friday, July 18, 2008
THURSDAY’S TOTALS
MORE GOOD NEWS!
So far, we have received $1040! We are almost there!
I want to tell you about a foundation which has offered to help with a portion of the COBRA premiums for the next couple of months.
CANCER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF TEXAS
CERFT provides programs and services for cancer patients, their families, physicians, and other medical professionals Our focus is an offering of solutions for those affected by cancer.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
CERFT is currently exploring programs to:
I have added a link to their website in the “Links to Life” section on the right. Please visit their site for more information about CERFT and how to make donations.
Check daily for the latest update!
So far, we have received $1040! We are almost there!
Needed: -$1500Thanks for helping us pay the August COBRA premium.
Received: $1040
Still Need: -$460
I want to tell you about a foundation which has offered to help with a portion of the COBRA premiums for the next couple of months.
CANCER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF TEXAS
CERFT provides programs and services for cancer patients, their families, physicians, and other medical professionals Our focus is an offering of solutions for those affected by cancer.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
CERFT is currently exploring programs to:
1. Raise awareness and advance cancer education, prevention, detection, and treatment for underserved populations.CERFT is funded privately by caring individuals, doctors, medical professionals, and others who want to see people get assistance if they need it. They specifically have a program to help pay COBRA premiums to keep the patient’s insurance in force so they are not saddled with medical bills which could not be paid.
2. Provide financial assistance to patients and their families who cannot afford medical, emotional, or psychological care.
3. Offer continuing education to medical professionals.
I have added a link to their website in the “Links to Life” section on the right. Please visit their site for more information about CERFT and how to make donations.
Check daily for the latest update!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
WEDNESDAY'S TOTALS
GOOD NEWS!
So far, we have received $440! We are that much closer!
So far, we have received $440! We are that much closer!
Needed: -$1500Thanks for helping us pay the August COBRA premium. Check daily for the latest update!
Received: $440
Still Need: -$1060
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
STATUS REPORT
THE LATEST TOTALS
Abraham and I want to thank those of you who have already responded to our call for help! You are the best! So far, we have received $290! We are that much closer!
For those of you who have not yet responded and want to, please use the "Donate" button on the right or mail a check payable to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala
MEDICAL DONATIONS ACCOUNT
3719 Pacific Court, #175
Benbrook, TX 76109
God bless you all for your kindness and generosity!
Mary and Abraham
Abraham and I want to thank those of you who have already responded to our call for help! You are the best! So far, we have received $290! We are that much closer!
Needed: -$1500Thanks for helping us pay the August COBRA premium.
Received: $340
Still Need: -$1160
For those of you who have not yet responded and want to, please use the "Donate" button on the right or mail a check payable to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala
MEDICAL DONATIONS ACCOUNT
3719 Pacific Court, #175
Benbrook, TX 76109
God bless you all for your kindness and generosity!
Mary and Abraham
Friday, July 11, 2008
SCAN RESULTS AND CONCERNS
PET SCAN RESULTS
We saw Dr. Xiong yesterday to get the results of the PET scan I underwent last week. The PET scan is a little like a CT scan with a couple of exceptions. First, instead of picture “slices” taken from front to back through my body, these are taken from head to toe parallel to the floor. Second, a radioactive isotope is used to show where the most rapid new growth is taking place. Cancer grows quickly and absorbs a lot of the isotope so it shows up as a “hot spot” on the scan.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Dr. Xiong was concerned by the results. He said the scan shows cancer cells that were dormant in the lymph nodes at the base of my lungs and toward my back are now showing “activity.” These nodes are usually so small that they are not visible on the scan. He found several on the scan that are the size of grapes. He said that indicates that tumors have begun to grow there. He also said that, because these were not an issue before, he believes tumor growth was being held in check by the chemotherapy and wants to restart chemo in the next few weeks.
We are surprised, concerned and a bit disappointed. I feel a little overwhelmed. Abraham was not happy with the doctor’s report. However, we choose to believe that the devil is a liar, that I am cancer-free and that I will remain cancer-free.
OTHER CONCERNS
Although I think I have developed another blood clot, this one in my left inner thigh, the swelling has improved. And I am still experiencing some shortness of breath. Dr. Xiong stated that the scan also showed that I did have some fluid in my lungs (pleural effusion), but not so much that I would have to undergo the procedure to remove the fluid. (It’s a big, long needle inserted through the chest into the base of the lung which they then use to draw the fluid out of the lung sack. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?) He wants me to continue on the Lasix for another week. We will re-evaluate at that time. I have an appointment next Thursday at 9 a.m.
In the last week, I have been able to get closer to a regular sleeping and waking schedule that is more like normal. This is good.
COBRA INSURANCE PREMIUMS
I am very concerned about finances. I told you all before that my family could no longer help with medical expenses. They managed to pool their resources and pay our COBRA insurance premiums through this month. However, they have stated that they cannot help with August and September. The COBRA extension expires 09/24/08. Completing the full 18 months on COBRA makes me eligible to purchase insurance through the Texas Insurance Risk Pool (high risk insurance).
We need to keep the insurance in force:
SOME GOOD NEWS
We do have some good news, even though it comes kind of late. Although Abraham will finally start a new job Monday (Woo Hoo!), his first paycheck won’t be enough to cover the August insurance payment AND he won’t get it in time to even contribute toward the payment.
We need a miracle. It is critical that we keep the insurance in force, but we don’t have the resources, personally, to do it. Please be aware that asking for help is not something I do easily. I prefer to be the one providing the help, so being the one needing the help is very uncomfortable for me. That is why I sincerely hope this is the last time I must plead for help. We would like to, again, ask you to pray about helping financially with this urgent need.
If God wants you to give, please email me and let me know. You can make your donation through PayPal by clicking the “Donate” button in the right column.
We love you all and appreciate everything that you all have done to help us thus far—especially your prayers! Please let me hear from you soon!
Mary and Abraham
We saw Dr. Xiong yesterday to get the results of the PET scan I underwent last week. The PET scan is a little like a CT scan with a couple of exceptions. First, instead of picture “slices” taken from front to back through my body, these are taken from head to toe parallel to the floor. Second, a radioactive isotope is used to show where the most rapid new growth is taking place. Cancer grows quickly and absorbs a lot of the isotope so it shows up as a “hot spot” on the scan.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Dr. Xiong was concerned by the results. He said the scan shows cancer cells that were dormant in the lymph nodes at the base of my lungs and toward my back are now showing “activity.” These nodes are usually so small that they are not visible on the scan. He found several on the scan that are the size of grapes. He said that indicates that tumors have begun to grow there. He also said that, because these were not an issue before, he believes tumor growth was being held in check by the chemotherapy and wants to restart chemo in the next few weeks.
We are surprised, concerned and a bit disappointed. I feel a little overwhelmed. Abraham was not happy with the doctor’s report. However, we choose to believe that the devil is a liar, that I am cancer-free and that I will remain cancer-free.
OTHER CONCERNS
Although I think I have developed another blood clot, this one in my left inner thigh, the swelling has improved. And I am still experiencing some shortness of breath. Dr. Xiong stated that the scan also showed that I did have some fluid in my lungs (pleural effusion), but not so much that I would have to undergo the procedure to remove the fluid. (It’s a big, long needle inserted through the chest into the base of the lung which they then use to draw the fluid out of the lung sack. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?) He wants me to continue on the Lasix for another week. We will re-evaluate at that time. I have an appointment next Thursday at 9 a.m.
In the last week, I have been able to get closer to a regular sleeping and waking schedule that is more like normal. This is good.
COBRA INSURANCE PREMIUMS
I am very concerned about finances. I told you all before that my family could no longer help with medical expenses. They managed to pool their resources and pay our COBRA insurance premiums through this month. However, they have stated that they cannot help with August and September. The COBRA extension expires 09/24/08. Completing the full 18 months on COBRA makes me eligible to purchase insurance through the Texas Insurance Risk Pool (high risk insurance).
We need to keep the insurance in force:
1. So I am eligible for the high risk policyThe monthly premium is just under $1500 and is due by the last day of the prior month, so the August payment is due by 07/31/08. If we are late with the payment, the COBRA policy automatically cancels with no way to renew. We don’t have the money to pay it and we have no way of coming up with it. We need $1500 by 07/31/08.
2. To pay the doctor, prescription and chemo expenses for the next two months (Chemo can be $10,000 per treatment, depending on the drugs selected!)
SOME GOOD NEWS
We do have some good news, even though it comes kind of late. Although Abraham will finally start a new job Monday (Woo Hoo!), his first paycheck won’t be enough to cover the August insurance payment AND he won’t get it in time to even contribute toward the payment.
We need a miracle. It is critical that we keep the insurance in force, but we don’t have the resources, personally, to do it. Please be aware that asking for help is not something I do easily. I prefer to be the one providing the help, so being the one needing the help is very uncomfortable for me. That is why I sincerely hope this is the last time I must plead for help. We would like to, again, ask you to pray about helping financially with this urgent need.
If God wants you to give, please email me and let me know. You can make your donation through PayPal by clicking the “Donate” button in the right column.
We love you all and appreciate everything that you all have done to help us thus far—especially your prayers! Please let me hear from you soon!
Mary and Abraham
Friday, June 13, 2008
YOU & ME AMERICA’S MEDICAL MAGAZINE
COLON CANCER DEATH SENTENCE REVERSED
I am excited to tell you that an article I wrote about the first half of my fight with cancer has been posted on the web! I wrote it for a magazine which is published for patients, not doctors.
The link to the article is in the column on the right. It looks very nice. I hope you enjoy it!
That’s the latest! I’ll keep you posted!
Mary
I am excited to tell you that an article I wrote about the first half of my fight with cancer has been posted on the web! I wrote it for a magazine which is published for patients, not doctors.
The link to the article is in the column on the right. It looks very nice. I hope you enjoy it!
That’s the latest! I’ll keep you posted!
Mary
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
THE LATEST NEWS...
MY MOST RECENT TRIP TO SEE DR. XIONG
I saw Dr. Xiong today and asked him about the blood clot(s) on my right side. He did inform me there was more than one. In fact, there are three: in my jugular vein, in the axillary vein and in the subclavian vein (where the port-o-cath is located). I have to continue giving myself two injections per day of the clot-dissolving drug.
He noted that I have also developed anemia and need to take Iron supplements three times a day. He also wants to have a PET scan done to make sure there are no cancerous growths anywhere in my torso. I will have that done in three weeks.
Still having trouble with pain and sleep. Dr. Xiong gave me something to help until I can see the pain management specialist at the end of the month. Dr. Rutledge suggested I see one since I really can’t take any of the opiate pain meds anymore without side effects.
Dr. Xiong was pleased with my progress thus far and that is good news!
That’s the latest! I’ll keep you posted!
Mary
I saw Dr. Xiong today and asked him about the blood clot(s) on my right side. He did inform me there was more than one. In fact, there are three: in my jugular vein, in the axillary vein and in the subclavian vein (where the port-o-cath is located). I have to continue giving myself two injections per day of the clot-dissolving drug.
He noted that I have also developed anemia and need to take Iron supplements three times a day. He also wants to have a PET scan done to make sure there are no cancerous growths anywhere in my torso. I will have that done in three weeks.
Still having trouble with pain and sleep. Dr. Xiong gave me something to help until I can see the pain management specialist at the end of the month. Dr. Rutledge suggested I see one since I really can’t take any of the opiate pain meds anymore without side effects.
Dr. Xiong was pleased with my progress thus far and that is good news!
That’s the latest! I’ll keep you posted!
Mary
Monday, May 19, 2008
ALL TESTS CONFIRM I AM CANCER-FREE!!!
ENDING THE LONG SILENCE…
I am sorry that it has been more than a month since my last posting. A lot has happened in that time.
All the post-operative testing confirms that I am completely cancer-free! I am excited but haven’t really been able to celebrate due to all the complications. I am getting stronger, but still feel very tired most of the time.
I did undergo the final hepatic resection operation on 03/26/08. We had a great deal of difficulty getting the pain management doctors to cooperate and reduce the amounts of pain meds they were giving me. One made me so weak that I could not stand. Another one gave me a palsy which made it impossible for me to feed myself. It was frightening and frustrating at the same time.
INCORRECTLY BALANCED BED
We discovered that there was a problem with the pitch of the hospital bed I was in. My liver is on the right side of my body. The epidural works with gravity, so to get both sides of my torso numb, the bed has to be completely level.
I began to have increasing pain in the incision and the area of the operation and additional doses of the epidural pain meds did not help. Finally, I noticed that when the mattress inflated, cycled, then deflated, the bed kept my right side at least 6” higher than my left. The pain management doctor came and confirmed that I was numb where I did not need to be and could feel in the areas where I needed to be numb.
Because no one knew how to operate the bed and change the pitch to make the mattress completely level, they stuffed pillows under the left side of my mattress. It worked, but not as fast as it would have if they had corrected the bed. The pillows made me uncomfortable in the bed. I could not win for losing!
ABRAHAM WAS A GREAT ADVOCATE!
Thank God Abraham was there with me. On many occasions he fought to keep them from giving me too much of those meds. He also ran the nurses aids out several times when they showed up to take my vital signs only moments after I had finally fallen asleep.
By 03/31/08, I had demanded that epidural pain meds be disconnected because of the adverse effects. As soon as those were out of my system, I was clear-headed, steady and able to stand and walk. I took only oral pain meds.
DISCHARGED!
Because I was off the epidural pain meds and able to get around, they finally released me 04/02/08 and scheduled an office post-op visit for Friday. I looked forward to going home Friday after the appointment.
Resting in the hotel, I was not able to keep my feet elevated enough, I guess. Also had problems keeping things “regular,” shall we say. There was so much pressure in my abdomen. If I ate, I felt bloated. By the time my appointment arrived Friday, I did not feel well at all. I had to have Abraham take me over in a wheel chair.
POST-OP APPOINTMENT
Dr. Abdalla and his staff were not happy to see my condition. The nurse said the incision did not look right. When Dr. A arrived, he had me recline on the exam table. Using a long Q-tip, he pressed in the center of the section of incision that did not look right. Pink fluid began to spurt from the newly opened hole. Immediately, I felt relief from the pressure.
The two fellows working with him began rushing to grab gauze to absorb the surprisingly large amount of fluid pouring from the incision. Dr. A opened pair of sterile scissors and clipped stitches continuing to open the incision and drain the fluid that had collected.
When it was over, he had drained more that one liter of fluid from the wound and reopened a gaping hole in my abdomen that was fully 9” long, 5” wide and 4” inches deep. I asked what his plan was.
THE WOUND VAC
He told me that he could not take a chance closing the wound again because the fluid would only build up again. He said that he wanted to use a wound vac to keep the fluid drained and pull the wound together so it could heal. The wound vac is a small, portable vacuum unit attached to a hose with a round disc at the end which has small openings with which to vacuum the fluid.
To use the vac, the nurse stuffed sterile foam mesh down into the entire wound, then taped that in place. Then she placed the disc on top of the foam and taped it into position. After everything was securely in place, she turned the unit on. It was pretty strong and actually was uncomfortable for a few minutes. It has to be worn no less than 22 hours daily. If it is off for more than two hours, the patient is supposed to remove the foam dressing and use regular sterile gauze and tape until the next appointment with the wound care nurse who would clean the wound, measure it, take photographs and place a new vac dressing.
BACK TO THE HOSPITAL
I still was ready to leave for Fort Worth. If I am going to be uncomfortable, I want to at least be at home. But, that was not Dr. A’s plan. Because the swelling was so bad, he wanted to admit me and treat with Lasix to drain off the excess fluid. At the same time, he wanted to watch the incision and treat with antibiotics to prevent infection. Also, my nutritional lab reports showed several of the key components were way off, so he wanted to administer supplements to get those number back in normal ranges. And there was the “regularity” issue that had to be addressed. So, back to the hospital I went.
I think it took two days of Lasix, but finally all the fluid was gone and everything was working like it was supposed to. Except for the lab results.
DISCHARGED…AGAIN!
Part of the discharge process was getting the portable wound vac, arranging for Dr. Rutledge to supervise the wound care, getting an appointment at the approved wound care facility and get some of the vac supplies to take home. Getting all that arranged was no small feat. I am glad the hospital assigned a nurse caseworker to take care of it!
Finally, 04/11/08, I was released to go home! It was late in the day, so we decided we would stay over night to rest. Saturday, we would get a good breakfast, pack and then leave. The discharge nurse was supposed to give me a stack of prescriptions to be filled. She filed them in the chart! It took 2 hours and intervention by Dr. Chang (Dr. A’s associate who had been following my progress) to get the prescriptions so we could take them to Walgreen’s. Unbelievable!
IT FELT SO GOOD TO BE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!
Seventeen days in the hospital is entirely too long! I was so glad to be in the hotel. I slept in four or five hour stretches. It was wonderful to sleep without having someone wake me up to poke me and give me a sleeping pill! I think that was the best thing!
Saturday, we packed and had a late breakfast before getting on the road. We had to stop a couple of times so I could stretch, so it took a while for us to get home. Once we arrived, Abraham unloaded the van while I unpacked the necessities we needed for the night.
It was difficult to get comfortable in the bed, but once I did, I was out! My legs began to swell on the trip, so I slept with my feet elevated as much as possible. Sunday and Monday, I kept my feet elevated and ate grapefruit as a diuretic. By Monday night, the swelling was gone.
WOUND CARE
The following Tuesday was the first appointment with the wound care nurse. Friday 04/18/08 was my next appointment. I noticed that my face was swelling like it did when I was young and having an allergic reaction to different kinds of pollen. The nurse mentioned it. I told her about my childhood history and she dismissed it. I started taking Benedryl and seemed okay.
The next week, I went to my next appointments on Monday and Wednesday. The swelling was worsening. I had begun to have trouble breathing and was having to sleep sitting almost straight up. I also had a rash that was itching badly. I was so swollen from my chest up, My arms felt so heavy, my face looked like a moon. My neck was so thick it looked like a tree stump! I couldn’t imagine why I was having such a hard time. The weather man didn’t indicate that the pollen counts were unusually elevated.
ALLERGIC REACTION
On the morning of Thursday, 04/24/08, I needed to call the company which was leasing the wound vac to me, so I had to look in the instruction manual for the number. While looking for the number, I came across the allergy warning:
“Allergic reactions are possible in people who may be allergic to certain kinds of glue. If you develop a rash, itching, swelling or trouble breathing, please call 911.”
Wasn’t that special? None of the professionals working with the vac had any knowledge of potential allergic reactions; so consequently, they could not warn me. It is a good thing that I happened upon the warning or things could have gone really wrong.
I disconnected myself, placed a regular sterile dressing on the wound and began making my phone calls. Leigh Samp, Dr. A’s Physician’s Assistant. Kathy Parker, his nurse. Dr. Xiong and his nurse. The wound care nurses.
I was able to see Dr. Xiong’s nurse practitioner who gave me steroids to help me breathe.
Even though I had been eating the grapefruit trying to clear the fluid, I was still very, very swollen Monday, 02/28/08. Dr. X’s office worked me in Tuesday morning. While he was glad to see me, he was distressed by my condition. He gave me Lasix to get rid of the fluid and scheduled me for an Ultrasound/Doppler study looking for blood clots. He said with the amount and location of the swelling, he thought there might be a blood clot somewhere.
Since I wasn’t using the vac, I only had to see the would care nurse once each week, so we left Dr. X’s and went to the wound care facility and had the dressing changed and the wound measured, photographed, etc.
TESTING FOR BLOOD CLOTS
On Monday, 05/05/08, I had the ultrasound/Doppler study performed. They got the results to Dr. X early enough that he called to make an appointment for me Tuesday. He informed me that there is at least one blood clot. He put me back on the clot-buster therapy I was on last May when I had a clot in the port-o-cath. I am giving myself two injections each day.
Around this time, I spoke to Leigh Samp, Dr. Abdalla’s Physician’s Assistant. She informed me that he wanted me to return to Houston so that he could debride the wound. “Debride” (pronounced “dee-breed) means to remove dead tissue or matter that would slow the healing of the wound. It only takes about 15 minutes. I told Leigh I would have to call her back with an answer.
Traveling to Houston right now would be a tremendous financial burden for us. We used that last of our resources for the extra 8 days in the hospital April 4-11. However, I found a solution that will achieve everyone's goals.
OUTPATIENT SURGERY PERFORMED 05/15/08
I contacted my local thoracic surgeon, Dr. David Rutledge, and explained the situation to him. He saw me here in his office yesterday to debride the wound. After examining the wound, he recommended an outpatient procedure.
The mesh at the bottom of the wound is holding dead tissue behind it preventing the wound from healing from the bottom up the way it is supposed to heal. The sides of the wound are coming together on top of the mesh and gunk.
Dr. Rutledge cut out the mesh and stitches which were visible through the opening to expose fresh, healthy tissue. Then he trimmed the scar tissue from the sides to expose fresh tissue. He said he could have done it in the office but he wanted to be safe. He wanted to be in OR in case he found something other than healthy tissue behind the mesh. If he had found another hernia, he wanted to be in OR where he could deal with it instead of being in the office and not be able to address it right away.
He did not close the wound, so I will continue to change the dressings and see the wound care nurses.
When he removed the scar tissue, Dr. R exposed some nerve endings that are not happy when I move. Consequently, it has been hard to sleep. The slightest move can feel like a stabbing pain that will wake me from sleep.
So, now you are up to date! I will keep you informed.
I am sorry that it has been more than a month since my last posting. A lot has happened in that time.
All the post-operative testing confirms that I am completely cancer-free! I am excited but haven’t really been able to celebrate due to all the complications. I am getting stronger, but still feel very tired most of the time.
I did undergo the final hepatic resection operation on 03/26/08. We had a great deal of difficulty getting the pain management doctors to cooperate and reduce the amounts of pain meds they were giving me. One made me so weak that I could not stand. Another one gave me a palsy which made it impossible for me to feed myself. It was frightening and frustrating at the same time.
INCORRECTLY BALANCED BED
We discovered that there was a problem with the pitch of the hospital bed I was in. My liver is on the right side of my body. The epidural works with gravity, so to get both sides of my torso numb, the bed has to be completely level.
I began to have increasing pain in the incision and the area of the operation and additional doses of the epidural pain meds did not help. Finally, I noticed that when the mattress inflated, cycled, then deflated, the bed kept my right side at least 6” higher than my left. The pain management doctor came and confirmed that I was numb where I did not need to be and could feel in the areas where I needed to be numb.
Because no one knew how to operate the bed and change the pitch to make the mattress completely level, they stuffed pillows under the left side of my mattress. It worked, but not as fast as it would have if they had corrected the bed. The pillows made me uncomfortable in the bed. I could not win for losing!
ABRAHAM WAS A GREAT ADVOCATE!
Thank God Abraham was there with me. On many occasions he fought to keep them from giving me too much of those meds. He also ran the nurses aids out several times when they showed up to take my vital signs only moments after I had finally fallen asleep.
By 03/31/08, I had demanded that epidural pain meds be disconnected because of the adverse effects. As soon as those were out of my system, I was clear-headed, steady and able to stand and walk. I took only oral pain meds.
DISCHARGED!
Because I was off the epidural pain meds and able to get around, they finally released me 04/02/08 and scheduled an office post-op visit for Friday. I looked forward to going home Friday after the appointment.
Resting in the hotel, I was not able to keep my feet elevated enough, I guess. Also had problems keeping things “regular,” shall we say. There was so much pressure in my abdomen. If I ate, I felt bloated. By the time my appointment arrived Friday, I did not feel well at all. I had to have Abraham take me over in a wheel chair.
POST-OP APPOINTMENT
Dr. Abdalla and his staff were not happy to see my condition. The nurse said the incision did not look right. When Dr. A arrived, he had me recline on the exam table. Using a long Q-tip, he pressed in the center of the section of incision that did not look right. Pink fluid began to spurt from the newly opened hole. Immediately, I felt relief from the pressure.
The two fellows working with him began rushing to grab gauze to absorb the surprisingly large amount of fluid pouring from the incision. Dr. A opened pair of sterile scissors and clipped stitches continuing to open the incision and drain the fluid that had collected.
When it was over, he had drained more that one liter of fluid from the wound and reopened a gaping hole in my abdomen that was fully 9” long, 5” wide and 4” inches deep. I asked what his plan was.
THE WOUND VAC
He told me that he could not take a chance closing the wound again because the fluid would only build up again. He said that he wanted to use a wound vac to keep the fluid drained and pull the wound together so it could heal. The wound vac is a small, portable vacuum unit attached to a hose with a round disc at the end which has small openings with which to vacuum the fluid.
To use the vac, the nurse stuffed sterile foam mesh down into the entire wound, then taped that in place. Then she placed the disc on top of the foam and taped it into position. After everything was securely in place, she turned the unit on. It was pretty strong and actually was uncomfortable for a few minutes. It has to be worn no less than 22 hours daily. If it is off for more than two hours, the patient is supposed to remove the foam dressing and use regular sterile gauze and tape until the next appointment with the wound care nurse who would clean the wound, measure it, take photographs and place a new vac dressing.
BACK TO THE HOSPITAL
I still was ready to leave for Fort Worth. If I am going to be uncomfortable, I want to at least be at home. But, that was not Dr. A’s plan. Because the swelling was so bad, he wanted to admit me and treat with Lasix to drain off the excess fluid. At the same time, he wanted to watch the incision and treat with antibiotics to prevent infection. Also, my nutritional lab reports showed several of the key components were way off, so he wanted to administer supplements to get those number back in normal ranges. And there was the “regularity” issue that had to be addressed. So, back to the hospital I went.
I think it took two days of Lasix, but finally all the fluid was gone and everything was working like it was supposed to. Except for the lab results.
DISCHARGED…AGAIN!
Part of the discharge process was getting the portable wound vac, arranging for Dr. Rutledge to supervise the wound care, getting an appointment at the approved wound care facility and get some of the vac supplies to take home. Getting all that arranged was no small feat. I am glad the hospital assigned a nurse caseworker to take care of it!
Finally, 04/11/08, I was released to go home! It was late in the day, so we decided we would stay over night to rest. Saturday, we would get a good breakfast, pack and then leave. The discharge nurse was supposed to give me a stack of prescriptions to be filled. She filed them in the chart! It took 2 hours and intervention by Dr. Chang (Dr. A’s associate who had been following my progress) to get the prescriptions so we could take them to Walgreen’s. Unbelievable!
IT FELT SO GOOD TO BE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!
Seventeen days in the hospital is entirely too long! I was so glad to be in the hotel. I slept in four or five hour stretches. It was wonderful to sleep without having someone wake me up to poke me and give me a sleeping pill! I think that was the best thing!
Saturday, we packed and had a late breakfast before getting on the road. We had to stop a couple of times so I could stretch, so it took a while for us to get home. Once we arrived, Abraham unloaded the van while I unpacked the necessities we needed for the night.
It was difficult to get comfortable in the bed, but once I did, I was out! My legs began to swell on the trip, so I slept with my feet elevated as much as possible. Sunday and Monday, I kept my feet elevated and ate grapefruit as a diuretic. By Monday night, the swelling was gone.
WOUND CARE
The following Tuesday was the first appointment with the wound care nurse. Friday 04/18/08 was my next appointment. I noticed that my face was swelling like it did when I was young and having an allergic reaction to different kinds of pollen. The nurse mentioned it. I told her about my childhood history and she dismissed it. I started taking Benedryl and seemed okay.
The next week, I went to my next appointments on Monday and Wednesday. The swelling was worsening. I had begun to have trouble breathing and was having to sleep sitting almost straight up. I also had a rash that was itching badly. I was so swollen from my chest up, My arms felt so heavy, my face looked like a moon. My neck was so thick it looked like a tree stump! I couldn’t imagine why I was having such a hard time. The weather man didn’t indicate that the pollen counts were unusually elevated.
ALLERGIC REACTION
On the morning of Thursday, 04/24/08, I needed to call the company which was leasing the wound vac to me, so I had to look in the instruction manual for the number. While looking for the number, I came across the allergy warning:
“Allergic reactions are possible in people who may be allergic to certain kinds of glue. If you develop a rash, itching, swelling or trouble breathing, please call 911.”
Wasn’t that special? None of the professionals working with the vac had any knowledge of potential allergic reactions; so consequently, they could not warn me. It is a good thing that I happened upon the warning or things could have gone really wrong.
I disconnected myself, placed a regular sterile dressing on the wound and began making my phone calls. Leigh Samp, Dr. A’s Physician’s Assistant. Kathy Parker, his nurse. Dr. Xiong and his nurse. The wound care nurses.
I was able to see Dr. Xiong’s nurse practitioner who gave me steroids to help me breathe.
Even though I had been eating the grapefruit trying to clear the fluid, I was still very, very swollen Monday, 02/28/08. Dr. X’s office worked me in Tuesday morning. While he was glad to see me, he was distressed by my condition. He gave me Lasix to get rid of the fluid and scheduled me for an Ultrasound/Doppler study looking for blood clots. He said with the amount and location of the swelling, he thought there might be a blood clot somewhere.
Since I wasn’t using the vac, I only had to see the would care nurse once each week, so we left Dr. X’s and went to the wound care facility and had the dressing changed and the wound measured, photographed, etc.
TESTING FOR BLOOD CLOTS
On Monday, 05/05/08, I had the ultrasound/Doppler study performed. They got the results to Dr. X early enough that he called to make an appointment for me Tuesday. He informed me that there is at least one blood clot. He put me back on the clot-buster therapy I was on last May when I had a clot in the port-o-cath. I am giving myself two injections each day.
Around this time, I spoke to Leigh Samp, Dr. Abdalla’s Physician’s Assistant. She informed me that he wanted me to return to Houston so that he could debride the wound. “Debride” (pronounced “dee-breed) means to remove dead tissue or matter that would slow the healing of the wound. It only takes about 15 minutes. I told Leigh I would have to call her back with an answer.
Traveling to Houston right now would be a tremendous financial burden for us. We used that last of our resources for the extra 8 days in the hospital April 4-11. However, I found a solution that will achieve everyone's goals.
OUTPATIENT SURGERY PERFORMED 05/15/08
I contacted my local thoracic surgeon, Dr. David Rutledge, and explained the situation to him. He saw me here in his office yesterday to debride the wound. After examining the wound, he recommended an outpatient procedure.
The mesh at the bottom of the wound is holding dead tissue behind it preventing the wound from healing from the bottom up the way it is supposed to heal. The sides of the wound are coming together on top of the mesh and gunk.
Dr. Rutledge cut out the mesh and stitches which were visible through the opening to expose fresh, healthy tissue. Then he trimmed the scar tissue from the sides to expose fresh tissue. He said he could have done it in the office but he wanted to be safe. He wanted to be in OR in case he found something other than healthy tissue behind the mesh. If he had found another hernia, he wanted to be in OR where he could deal with it instead of being in the office and not be able to address it right away.
He did not close the wound, so I will continue to change the dressings and see the wound care nurses.
When he removed the scar tissue, Dr. R exposed some nerve endings that are not happy when I move. Consequently, it has been hard to sleep. The slightest move can feel like a stabbing pain that will wake me from sleep.
So, now you are up to date! I will keep you informed.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
FIRST ON THE SCHEDULE TOMORROW
PRAYER FOCUS
I am the first case of the day tomorrow. I report at 6 am for the 8:30 procedure time.
Tomorrow is the day and I will need your prayers, just the same as before:
Abraham and I thank you so much for your prayers. I will update as soon as possible!
Mary and Abraham
I am the first case of the day tomorrow. I report at 6 am for the 8:30 procedure time.
Tomorrow is the day and I will need your prayers, just the same as before:
• It can be very hard to find my veins for the first IV, so please pray that the person doing it gets it the first time, no digging around.
• Please pray specifically that Jesus guides Dr. Abdalla's hands during surgery,
• Pease pray that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills the operating room and keeps the entire surgical team focused and sharp.
• Please pray that all the surgical equipment functions properly.
• Pease pray that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills the recovery room and keeps the entire recovery team focused and sharp.
• Please pray that all the recovery equipment functions properly.
• Pease pray that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills my hospital room and keeps the entire nursing team focused and sharp.
• Please pray that all the monitoring and IV equipment functions properly.
• Please pray that I have a painless, infection-free recovery.
• Please pray that Abraham is able to rest and stays well and strong because I will definitely need his help!
Abraham and I thank you so much for your prayers. I will update as soon as possible!
Mary and Abraham
Saturday, March 22, 2008
ALMOST CANCER-FREE!
ALMOST CANCER-FREE!
NO COINCIDENCE
That we are leaving town on Resurrection Day headed for Houston and my last operation to be cancer-free has not escaped my notice. I know that it is no coincidence because -- with God -- there is no such thing!
AN INDELLIBLE MEMORY
A few days ago I meditated on the passage from Isaiah 53. I remember the 1977 Franco Zeffirelli mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth.” Lawrence Olivier played the role of Nicodemus. I’m sure you remember it. For many years, it was shown each year during week before Easter.
Zeffirelli used that character to recite this passage from Isaiah as a soliloquy set against the backdrop of the Passion and Crucifixion as it unfolded. It was indelibly etched into my memory from the first time I saw and heard it. I believe the Holy Spirit gave Olivier inspiration and insight, then anointed the performance because He had a message to convey. From that brief part of the series, I gained an understanding of the verse which I did not have prior to seeing it. (And that was five years before I was filled with the Holy Spirit!)
Even now as I describe it to you I feel the same sense of awe and reverence that I felt 31 years ago! I watched each year and each year the Lord deepened my insight into this verse. In the summer of 1982, I invited the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart. Consequently, the next spring -- when the mini-series ran again -- I got even more insight into not only this verse, but every part of the Bible I read!
Although I have not seen the mini-series in several years, I still remember that soliloquy. In fact, anytime I read that passage, I hear it in Olivier’s voice!
Anyway, I was drawn to meditate on this verse again this week. Having lived through the personal challenges of the last 2 years, I read with a new eyes.
OUR COLON CANCER TIMELINE
Just to refresh your memory of my timeline, it was Wednesday, March 23, 2006, I left work because I felt so bad. The next day was my appointment with the GI doctor who sent me to ER. The ER doctor sent me home with laxatives. Friday, the laxatives did not work, so I returned to ER and was admitted. March 29, the GI performed an emergency colonoscopy and discovered the blockage. March 30 was the day Dr. Rutledge operated and saved my life. That was also the day we all learned that the blockage was cancerous and had spread to my liver.
March 23, 2006, was the beginning of our colon cancer odyssey. March 23, 2008 begins the last phase of our odyssey of defeating cancer.
SHARING INSIGHTS
With all that in mind, I would like to share the passage from Isaiah 53 with you.
“He is despised and rejected of men … we hid … [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
I remember at the beginning of 2007, I had just started seeing Dr. Xiong and taking the Camptosar. It upset my stomach terribly and made my hair thin. During that time, I frequently wore ball caps when I left the apartment. I couldn’t get out very much, but when I did, not everyone was welcoming. Many times I could feel people staring at me and judging my appearance without any clue regarding the reason. I could relate a little more to how Jesus must have felt as He was being despised and rejected.
“a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief … ”
I remember vividly the waves of sorrow and grief that crashed on me when the results of each test showed that Jesus had not healed me outright. I remember several times when Abraham and I just held each other and wept. The prospect of not being together…let’s just say, neither of us was ready to be without the other.
I remember my very first appointment with Dr. Abdalla. I remember looking at the CT images on the computer screen. I remember the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I saw the “bubble gum machine” locations of all the many tumors, not just the three large ones. Even before he said anything, I new I was not a surgical candidate. I remember walking across the sky bridge back to the hotel. I said to my mother, “Instead of delivering me out of this, I guess God is going to deliver me through it.” I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry. Somehow, I knew that if I gave in to that feeling, it was over. Instead, I chose to hold my head high, keep walking … and keep trusting.
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”
I drew comfort from that fact that Jesus had already carried that grief and sorrow. He had already experienced everything that I was feeling … and he pressed on, mindful of but not surrendering to the disdain of those who looked upon Him and only saw a loser on his way to death.
“But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities … ”
It was comforting to realize that God did not give me cancer to punish or teach me or to get my attention. Any parent who would make their child sick to discipline or teach them or get their attention would be arrested for child abuse. No matter what mistakes I have made in my life, Jesus was wounded and bruised for them all. He took my punishment so I could receive his inheritance. That was a regular source of comfort and encouragement.
“ … the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him … ”
The word “peace” in this verse comes from the Hebrew word, “shalom” which means “nothing missing, nothing broken.” Everything that could keep me from being whole, Jesus has already addressed. He made is possible for me to be whole in my body, soul and spirit.
“ … and with his stripes we are healed.”
This verse has been in my arsenal for many years. There have been many times when the only way I could get relief from pain of some kind was by declaring this verse over myself. The “stripes” mentioned are the wounds caused by the Cat-o’-Nine-Tails. This was a favorite tool used by the Romans to torture people. It was a whip, but unlike a bullwhip, or other whips with a single strand of leather. Instead, it was made with several strands of leather measuring between two and three feet long. The end of each strand is knotted to create greater impact. In many cases, bits of bone or metal were tied into the knots. This way, the strands did not just lash the back of the transgressor, the bone or metal would dig into the flesh. When the soldier drew the whip back to inflict another lash, the bits would tear the flesh. Any more than just a few lashes with one of these would literally tear the recipient’s flesh to ribbons. (I have linked to a photo of a replica on display in a British museum.)
Jesus was beaten with one of those. And because he was wounded, I am healed. I was healed. I am healed. Because he was tortured mercilessly, I am healed of cancer.
A PARADOX
I know. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to a natural mind. It seems such a paradox. How can I be healed by a beating someone else took? It’s because the someone wasn’t just anyone. He was the Only One who could do it. He was the perfect man. And only the perfect man could take on all the imperfection of a fallen world and give peace, healing, wholeness and forgiveness in return.
If you have never experienced Jesus in the way I have described, you can. All you have to do is talk to him the way you would talk to a friend. Just say, “Jesus, I want to experience you and know you the way Mary does.” That’s all it takes. He is really not as complicated as many people try to make him!
You all have given so much to Abraham and to me during this ordeal. It is our hope that this update has given something back to you, that this has given you something to ponder this Resurrection Day … and each day.
May this Resurrection Day be the most powerful one ever for you!
Mary and Abraham
NO COINCIDENCE
That we are leaving town on Resurrection Day headed for Houston and my last operation to be cancer-free has not escaped my notice. I know that it is no coincidence because -- with God -- there is no such thing!
AN INDELLIBLE MEMORY
A few days ago I meditated on the passage from Isaiah 53. I remember the 1977 Franco Zeffirelli mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth.” Lawrence Olivier played the role of Nicodemus. I’m sure you remember it. For many years, it was shown each year during week before Easter.
Zeffirelli used that character to recite this passage from Isaiah as a soliloquy set against the backdrop of the Passion and Crucifixion as it unfolded. It was indelibly etched into my memory from the first time I saw and heard it. I believe the Holy Spirit gave Olivier inspiration and insight, then anointed the performance because He had a message to convey. From that brief part of the series, I gained an understanding of the verse which I did not have prior to seeing it. (And that was five years before I was filled with the Holy Spirit!)
Even now as I describe it to you I feel the same sense of awe and reverence that I felt 31 years ago! I watched each year and each year the Lord deepened my insight into this verse. In the summer of 1982, I invited the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart. Consequently, the next spring -- when the mini-series ran again -- I got even more insight into not only this verse, but every part of the Bible I read!
Although I have not seen the mini-series in several years, I still remember that soliloquy. In fact, anytime I read that passage, I hear it in Olivier’s voice!
Anyway, I was drawn to meditate on this verse again this week. Having lived through the personal challenges of the last 2 years, I read with a new eyes.
OUR COLON CANCER TIMELINE
Just to refresh your memory of my timeline, it was Wednesday, March 23, 2006, I left work because I felt so bad. The next day was my appointment with the GI doctor who sent me to ER. The ER doctor sent me home with laxatives. Friday, the laxatives did not work, so I returned to ER and was admitted. March 29, the GI performed an emergency colonoscopy and discovered the blockage. March 30 was the day Dr. Rutledge operated and saved my life. That was also the day we all learned that the blockage was cancerous and had spread to my liver.
March 23, 2006, was the beginning of our colon cancer odyssey. March 23, 2008 begins the last phase of our odyssey of defeating cancer.
SHARING INSIGHTS
With all that in mind, I would like to share the passage from Isaiah 53 with you.
3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid … [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
“He is despised and rejected of men … we hid … [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
I remember at the beginning of 2007, I had just started seeing Dr. Xiong and taking the Camptosar. It upset my stomach terribly and made my hair thin. During that time, I frequently wore ball caps when I left the apartment. I couldn’t get out very much, but when I did, not everyone was welcoming. Many times I could feel people staring at me and judging my appearance without any clue regarding the reason. I could relate a little more to how Jesus must have felt as He was being despised and rejected.
“a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief … ”
I remember vividly the waves of sorrow and grief that crashed on me when the results of each test showed that Jesus had not healed me outright. I remember several times when Abraham and I just held each other and wept. The prospect of not being together…let’s just say, neither of us was ready to be without the other.
I remember my very first appointment with Dr. Abdalla. I remember looking at the CT images on the computer screen. I remember the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I saw the “bubble gum machine” locations of all the many tumors, not just the three large ones. Even before he said anything, I new I was not a surgical candidate. I remember walking across the sky bridge back to the hotel. I said to my mother, “Instead of delivering me out of this, I guess God is going to deliver me through it.” I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry. Somehow, I knew that if I gave in to that feeling, it was over. Instead, I chose to hold my head high, keep walking … and keep trusting.
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”
I drew comfort from that fact that Jesus had already carried that grief and sorrow. He had already experienced everything that I was feeling … and he pressed on, mindful of but not surrendering to the disdain of those who looked upon Him and only saw a loser on his way to death.
“But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities … ”
It was comforting to realize that God did not give me cancer to punish or teach me or to get my attention. Any parent who would make their child sick to discipline or teach them or get their attention would be arrested for child abuse. No matter what mistakes I have made in my life, Jesus was wounded and bruised for them all. He took my punishment so I could receive his inheritance. That was a regular source of comfort and encouragement.
“ … the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him … ”
The word “peace” in this verse comes from the Hebrew word, “shalom” which means “nothing missing, nothing broken.” Everything that could keep me from being whole, Jesus has already addressed. He made is possible for me to be whole in my body, soul and spirit.
“ … and with his stripes we are healed.”
This verse has been in my arsenal for many years. There have been many times when the only way I could get relief from pain of some kind was by declaring this verse over myself. The “stripes” mentioned are the wounds caused by the Cat-o’-Nine-Tails. This was a favorite tool used by the Romans to torture people. It was a whip, but unlike a bullwhip, or other whips with a single strand of leather. Instead, it was made with several strands of leather measuring between two and three feet long. The end of each strand is knotted to create greater impact. In many cases, bits of bone or metal were tied into the knots. This way, the strands did not just lash the back of the transgressor, the bone or metal would dig into the flesh. When the soldier drew the whip back to inflict another lash, the bits would tear the flesh. Any more than just a few lashes with one of these would literally tear the recipient’s flesh to ribbons. (I have linked to a photo of a replica on display in a British museum.)
Jesus was beaten with one of those. And because he was wounded, I am healed. I was healed. I am healed. Because he was tortured mercilessly, I am healed of cancer.
A PARADOX
I know. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to a natural mind. It seems such a paradox. How can I be healed by a beating someone else took? It’s because the someone wasn’t just anyone. He was the Only One who could do it. He was the perfect man. And only the perfect man could take on all the imperfection of a fallen world and give peace, healing, wholeness and forgiveness in return.
If you have never experienced Jesus in the way I have described, you can. All you have to do is talk to him the way you would talk to a friend. Just say, “Jesus, I want to experience you and know you the way Mary does.” That’s all it takes. He is really not as complicated as many people try to make him!
You all have given so much to Abraham and to me during this ordeal. It is our hope that this update has given something back to you, that this has given you something to ponder this Resurrection Day … and each day.
May this Resurrection Day be the most powerful one ever for you!
Mary and Abraham
Sunday, March 16, 2008
LAST TRIP TO HOUSTON!
FINAL OPERATION TO BE CANCER-FREE!
One week from today, we will leave Fort Worth for what we hope will be our last visit to Houston. I will have the last operation in the series of procedures I have undergone to be cancer-free. That goal has kept me going!
A MONTH OF SILENCE…
It has been one month since I updated this blog because it has been that long since I felt strong enough to do it! The radiologist who performed the procedure said I “might have a few flu-like symptoms” resulting from that part of the liver “getting angry” because the blood supply had been cut off.
PVE HARDER ON ME THAN THE FIRST BIG OPERATION!
The PVE was not a big procedure, but it has been harder for me to recover from it, than it was for me to recover from removing 80% of my liver. Imagine that! Even before we left the hospital, I was having trouble. I had begun to have muscle spasms in my back where the puncture wound was (where they inserted the needle). They gave me Valium to relax those muscles so I could sleep overnight in the hospital.
We spent one night in the hospital, then spent the second night in the hotel, hoping that we could sleep and be more rested for the trip home the next day. I had a really hard time finding a position that was comfortable enough for sleep. We had a mountain of pillows stacked on my side of the bed so I could sit slightly reclined. It was a rough night.
The trip home was rather uncomfortable for the same reasons. It was difficult to find a comfortable position. Upon arrival home, we unpacked the necessities only, showered and tried to get some sleep. I was taking medication for the pain and Valium trying to prevent the muscles spasms in my back. Abraham said I got sick to my stomach. I don’t remember that happening.
FINALLY STARTING TO FEEL BETTER
I have had a few brief energy spurts this week and took care of things that must be addressed promptly. Monday, I reconciled our bank statement. I did our taxes Tuesday and Wednesday during my energy spurts. Today was the first day that I have felt good enough to do much of anything for more than just an hour.
A PLEA FOR ADDITIONAL HELP
I am pleased to tell you that my insurance company has reimbursed us for some of the expenses incurred on the previous trips. We used the reimbursement from the Jan-Feb trip to pay for the PVE trip. But—even with the reimbursements—we still need about $1000 toward the hotel bill, copays, gas and food for the trip next week.
It pains me to have to ask for your help, but we have nowhere else to turn. If you thought about helping us before but, for some reason didn’t, please take a moment to do it now. You can click the “Chip In” link on the right to make a donation using a debit or credit card. Or you can mail your check payable to Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account
c/o Frost Bank
5561 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, TX 76132
There is no way to thank you for helping to save my life. Your help is deeply appreciated!
SCHEDULE FOR THE NEXT TRIP…
We will leave Fort Worth Sunday morning (3/23) to give us time to get settled into our room at the Rotary House. Monday (3/24), I have appointments for all the diagnostic tests: blood work, x-rays and another CT scan. Tuesday (3/25), we will see Dr. Abdalla and the anesthesiologist. Wednesday (3/26), is the day of the operation, but I won’t know what time exactly until Tuesday afternoon. I will email everyone to let them know. Now that we know what to expect and have worked out some of the issues with the medications, I expect this hospital stay to be shorter than after the first operation. I hope to be home around April 7 or 8.
Without your prayers and financial assistance, I would not be here. Abraham and I thank you.
Mary and Abraham
One week from today, we will leave Fort Worth for what we hope will be our last visit to Houston. I will have the last operation in the series of procedures I have undergone to be cancer-free. That goal has kept me going!
A MONTH OF SILENCE…
It has been one month since I updated this blog because it has been that long since I felt strong enough to do it! The radiologist who performed the procedure said I “might have a few flu-like symptoms” resulting from that part of the liver “getting angry” because the blood supply had been cut off.
PVE HARDER ON ME THAN THE FIRST BIG OPERATION!
The PVE was not a big procedure, but it has been harder for me to recover from it, than it was for me to recover from removing 80% of my liver. Imagine that! Even before we left the hospital, I was having trouble. I had begun to have muscle spasms in my back where the puncture wound was (where they inserted the needle). They gave me Valium to relax those muscles so I could sleep overnight in the hospital.
We spent one night in the hospital, then spent the second night in the hotel, hoping that we could sleep and be more rested for the trip home the next day. I had a really hard time finding a position that was comfortable enough for sleep. We had a mountain of pillows stacked on my side of the bed so I could sit slightly reclined. It was a rough night.
The trip home was rather uncomfortable for the same reasons. It was difficult to find a comfortable position. Upon arrival home, we unpacked the necessities only, showered and tried to get some sleep. I was taking medication for the pain and Valium trying to prevent the muscles spasms in my back. Abraham said I got sick to my stomach. I don’t remember that happening.
FINALLY STARTING TO FEEL BETTER
I have had a few brief energy spurts this week and took care of things that must be addressed promptly. Monday, I reconciled our bank statement. I did our taxes Tuesday and Wednesday during my energy spurts. Today was the first day that I have felt good enough to do much of anything for more than just an hour.
A PLEA FOR ADDITIONAL HELP
I am pleased to tell you that my insurance company has reimbursed us for some of the expenses incurred on the previous trips. We used the reimbursement from the Jan-Feb trip to pay for the PVE trip. But—even with the reimbursements—we still need about $1000 toward the hotel bill, copays, gas and food for the trip next week.
It pains me to have to ask for your help, but we have nowhere else to turn. If you thought about helping us before but, for some reason didn’t, please take a moment to do it now. You can click the “Chip In” link on the right to make a donation using a debit or credit card. Or you can mail your check payable to Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account
c/o Frost Bank
5561 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, TX 76132
There is no way to thank you for helping to save my life. Your help is deeply appreciated!
SCHEDULE FOR THE NEXT TRIP…
We will leave Fort Worth Sunday morning (3/23) to give us time to get settled into our room at the Rotary House. Monday (3/24), I have appointments for all the diagnostic tests: blood work, x-rays and another CT scan. Tuesday (3/25), we will see Dr. Abdalla and the anesthesiologist. Wednesday (3/26), is the day of the operation, but I won’t know what time exactly until Tuesday afternoon. I will email everyone to let them know. Now that we know what to expect and have worked out some of the issues with the medications, I expect this hospital stay to be shorter than after the first operation. I hope to be home around April 7 or 8.
Without your prayers and financial assistance, I would not be here. Abraham and I thank you.
Mary and Abraham
Saturday, February 16, 2008
HALFWAY THROUGH THE HOME STRETCH!
RETURN TO HOUSTON
We are leaving tomorrow returning to Houston for the Portal Vein Embolization procedure on Tuesday.
I have to have the lab work done before the CT scan, so I have to have that done Sunday afternoon following our arrival. Why Sunday? Because I am schedule to begin the CT prep at 6:30 a.m. Monday morning! The scan itself is scheduled for 8 a.m., followed by an assessment appointment in Radiology at 9 a.m., anesthesia assessment at 9:45 a.m. and finally, a follow-up visit in the GI center at 1:30 p.m.
According to the schedule, I have to check-in Tuesday at 8 a.m. for the procedure at 10 a.m. I will have to spend the night at the hospital Tuesday night. We expect to be released sometime Wednesday. And since, I know better than to expect to sleep Tuesday night, we will stay in the hotel Wednesday night to make sure we are rested for the return trip Thursday.
We are staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Old Spanish Trail. We inspected the rooms there before reserving on to make sure that they were clean. (It is operated by Holiday Inn.)
The following information is from M. D. Anderson’s website:
PORTAL VEIN EMBOLIZATION
Major resections of the liver can be performed provided the post-operative residual liver is adequate in size and function. Portal vein embolization involves the insertion of a catheter into the portal vein through the liver. Contrast material ("dye") is injected to define the anatomy of the portal venous system. Selective branches of the portal vein are then blocked with small particles and metal coils until the flow of blood is stopped.
Growth of the non-embolized portion of the liver usually takes 3-4 weeks and CT is used to document the change. You can expect to remain in the hospital for 1-2 days following the procedure.
According to what Dr. Abdalla told us before we left, the procedure takes about three hours, and because I have to be still all that time, I will be knocked out. When it’s over, I will be admitted for overnight observation.
BACK HOME THURSDAY
We expect to return to Fort Worth Thursday. We will keep you posted.
Mary and Abraham
We are leaving tomorrow returning to Houston for the Portal Vein Embolization procedure on Tuesday.
I have to have the lab work done before the CT scan, so I have to have that done Sunday afternoon following our arrival. Why Sunday? Because I am schedule to begin the CT prep at 6:30 a.m. Monday morning! The scan itself is scheduled for 8 a.m., followed by an assessment appointment in Radiology at 9 a.m., anesthesia assessment at 9:45 a.m. and finally, a follow-up visit in the GI center at 1:30 p.m.
According to the schedule, I have to check-in Tuesday at 8 a.m. for the procedure at 10 a.m. I will have to spend the night at the hospital Tuesday night. We expect to be released sometime Wednesday. And since, I know better than to expect to sleep Tuesday night, we will stay in the hotel Wednesday night to make sure we are rested for the return trip Thursday.
We are staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Old Spanish Trail. We inspected the rooms there before reserving on to make sure that they were clean. (It is operated by Holiday Inn.)
The following information is from M. D. Anderson’s website:
PORTAL VEIN EMBOLIZATION
Major resections of the liver can be performed provided the post-operative residual liver is adequate in size and function. Portal vein embolization involves the insertion of a catheter into the portal vein through the liver. Contrast material ("dye") is injected to define the anatomy of the portal venous system. Selective branches of the portal vein are then blocked with small particles and metal coils until the flow of blood is stopped.
Growth of the non-embolized portion of the liver usually takes 3-4 weeks and CT is used to document the change. You can expect to remain in the hospital for 1-2 days following the procedure.
According to what Dr. Abdalla told us before we left, the procedure takes about three hours, and because I have to be still all that time, I will be knocked out. When it’s over, I will be admitted for overnight observation.
BACK HOME THURSDAY
We expect to return to Fort Worth Thursday. We will keep you posted.
Mary and Abraham
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
THE LATEST NEWS…
SURGICAL DETAILS
I realized that I incorrectly dated my last update because I was tired. I forgot that it was January when we left, so when I checked the date on my calendar, I looked at January, not February. That’s why I put 02/11/08 instead of 02/08/08. I decided to get some sleep before sending another update! So, now that I have gotten caught up on my rest, so it’s time to get you caught up on the details of our most recent trip to Houston.
On January 26, I told you that Dr. Abdalla listed three options for surgery. Once he got me opened up (kind of like open heart surgery, only without breaking my breastbone), he decided on a fourth option: remove the entire left lobe first! He did say my liver was gorgeous! That’s not something you hear everyday!
To remove the liver tissue yet leave the circulatory structures, Dr. Abdalla used a water scalpel that is normally used in brain surgery. It dissolves the tissue without destroying the veins to facilitate regeneration. He said he performed brain surgery on my liver!
He also said that I had developed a hernia at the site of one of my other scars where the muscles had become separated. He repaired that and used a sheet of mesh to have something to anchor all the stitches to.
NEXT TRIP IN JUST A FEW DAYS
We are preparing to return to Houston in just a few days. We leave Sunday. I will have all new tests and see the doctors Monday, undergo the portal vein embolization Tuesday, spend the night in the hospital Tuesday night and be released Wednesday. Since I am certain that they won’t let us sleep much, we are planning to stay in town Wednesday night and leave Thursday morning after we have gotten some rest.
Before we left Houston last time, we checked out several hotels. We discovered that any place charging less that $100 per night was a roach motel. Rotary House is booked for the month of February, so we will stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites. This chain is operated by Holiday Inn. We inspected a room and found it to be quite clean and fresh. They have daily housekeeping, hot breakfast and high-speed internet. It will end up costing the same as the Rotary House room we had last time, but we are relieved that we don’t have to stay in Hotel Hell!
FINAL TRIP...HOPEFULLY!
Before we left, Dr. Abdalla talked about possibly two more trips after the PVE trip next week. Yesterday, I learned that we may have only one more trip. We will return, hopefully the last time, on Sunday, March 23. I will have all new tests Monday, see the doctors Tuesday and be admitted for the second operation Wednesday. We hope to be home again by April 9.
Now that I know which drugs work and to which ones I am allergic, I think I will have a better post-op experience. It is also good to know what to expect this time. We will be more prepared.
The good news for that trip is that we have a reservation at Rotary House! That means we can walk to all my appointments and not have to deal with traffic or parking or bad weather. It will make everything much easier and more comfortable.
STOP THE INSANITY!
The people in the parking buildings are nuts! Patients and employees share limited facilities. When the employees are late and trying to find a quick parking place, they got vicious! One man wanted to fist-fight Abraham for a parking place. Insane! And they drive around the parking building like it’s the Gran Prix. Our van was actually damaged by these crazy people!
Overall, I am feeling pretty well, However, I am having some gastric distress when I eat. The last couple of days, it seems that no matter what I eat or how little I eat, I have sharp stomach cramps. Have to call the nurse about that!
Thanks for your continued prayers. We’ll be in touch again soon!
Mary and Abraham
I realized that I incorrectly dated my last update because I was tired. I forgot that it was January when we left, so when I checked the date on my calendar, I looked at January, not February. That’s why I put 02/11/08 instead of 02/08/08. I decided to get some sleep before sending another update! So, now that I have gotten caught up on my rest, so it’s time to get you caught up on the details of our most recent trip to Houston.
On January 26, I told you that Dr. Abdalla listed three options for surgery. Once he got me opened up (kind of like open heart surgery, only without breaking my breastbone), he decided on a fourth option: remove the entire left lobe first! He did say my liver was gorgeous! That’s not something you hear everyday!
To remove the liver tissue yet leave the circulatory structures, Dr. Abdalla used a water scalpel that is normally used in brain surgery. It dissolves the tissue without destroying the veins to facilitate regeneration. He said he performed brain surgery on my liver!
He also said that I had developed a hernia at the site of one of my other scars where the muscles had become separated. He repaired that and used a sheet of mesh to have something to anchor all the stitches to.
NEXT TRIP IN JUST A FEW DAYS
We are preparing to return to Houston in just a few days. We leave Sunday. I will have all new tests and see the doctors Monday, undergo the portal vein embolization Tuesday, spend the night in the hospital Tuesday night and be released Wednesday. Since I am certain that they won’t let us sleep much, we are planning to stay in town Wednesday night and leave Thursday morning after we have gotten some rest.
Before we left Houston last time, we checked out several hotels. We discovered that any place charging less that $100 per night was a roach motel. Rotary House is booked for the month of February, so we will stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites. This chain is operated by Holiday Inn. We inspected a room and found it to be quite clean and fresh. They have daily housekeeping, hot breakfast and high-speed internet. It will end up costing the same as the Rotary House room we had last time, but we are relieved that we don’t have to stay in Hotel Hell!
FINAL TRIP...HOPEFULLY!
Before we left, Dr. Abdalla talked about possibly two more trips after the PVE trip next week. Yesterday, I learned that we may have only one more trip. We will return, hopefully the last time, on Sunday, March 23. I will have all new tests Monday, see the doctors Tuesday and be admitted for the second operation Wednesday. We hope to be home again by April 9.
Now that I know which drugs work and to which ones I am allergic, I think I will have a better post-op experience. It is also good to know what to expect this time. We will be more prepared.
The good news for that trip is that we have a reservation at Rotary House! That means we can walk to all my appointments and not have to deal with traffic or parking or bad weather. It will make everything much easier and more comfortable.
STOP THE INSANITY!
The people in the parking buildings are nuts! Patients and employees share limited facilities. When the employees are late and trying to find a quick parking place, they got vicious! One man wanted to fist-fight Abraham for a parking place. Insane! And they drive around the parking building like it’s the Gran Prix. Our van was actually damaged by these crazy people!
Overall, I am feeling pretty well, However, I am having some gastric distress when I eat. The last couple of days, it seems that no matter what I eat or how little I eat, I have sharp stomach cramps. Have to call the nurse about that!
Thanks for your continued prayers. We’ll be in touch again soon!
Mary and Abraham
Sunday, January 27, 2008
GOOD NEWS FROM THE DOCTOR!
A THIRD OPTION FOR SURGERY
Previously, the doctor listed an option A and an option B. Option A was two operations. The first would remove the diseased tissue from the right lobe of my liver and clot the hepatic artery, directing all the blood to the remnant of the right lobe to accelerate regeneration. A month later, I would return and have the diseased portion of the left lobe removed. That was called the Gold Standard.
Option B would remove the same portion of the right lobe and only the bottom portion of the left lobe in one operation.
Friday, he mentioned a third option. He told us that once he has made the incision he is going to look around. Then he will perform and ultrasound scan of my liver to reveal anything that may be there that the other tests did not show. Depending on what he finds, and if my liver is healthy enough, he could remove all the diseased tissue in one operation. With this option C, we would get the Gold Standard in one operation! This would be great!
I believe that my liver is healthy enough. I am asking you all to agree with us that everything works for option C.
SURGICAL SCHEDULE
I am to report for pre-op prep tomorrow at 9 a.m. I don’t know exactly how long it will take. I have to get my pretty little ID bracelet and get into the gown with the flow-through ventilation. They have to start an IV and I’m not sure what else before they take me to OR.
All that will take time, I just don’t know exactly how much.
Next, the doctor will begin the incision, a process that will, in itself, take 45 minutes. Once the incision is made, everything is retracted and the area is prepped, he can finally start his inspection of my inner most parts. After looking around, he will perform the ultrasound scan of my liver.
Based on what he sees in his inspection and in the ultrasound, he will finally decide which option he wants to pursue and begin to work on my liver. He said the procedure will be a minimum of four hours. When he is finished with whatever he does, they have to clean the area, close me up, staple the new addition to my abdominal roadmap, and “wake me up.” I am not sure how conscious I will be in the 23-hour recovery.
PRAYER FOCUS
Tomorrow I will need your prayers.
Abraham and I thank you so much for your prayers. I will update as soon as possible!
Mary and Abraham
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
Previously, the doctor listed an option A and an option B. Option A was two operations. The first would remove the diseased tissue from the right lobe of my liver and clot the hepatic artery, directing all the blood to the remnant of the right lobe to accelerate regeneration. A month later, I would return and have the diseased portion of the left lobe removed. That was called the Gold Standard.
Option B would remove the same portion of the right lobe and only the bottom portion of the left lobe in one operation.
Friday, he mentioned a third option. He told us that once he has made the incision he is going to look around. Then he will perform and ultrasound scan of my liver to reveal anything that may be there that the other tests did not show. Depending on what he finds, and if my liver is healthy enough, he could remove all the diseased tissue in one operation. With this option C, we would get the Gold Standard in one operation! This would be great!
I believe that my liver is healthy enough. I am asking you all to agree with us that everything works for option C.
SURGICAL SCHEDULE
I am to report for pre-op prep tomorrow at 9 a.m. I don’t know exactly how long it will take. I have to get my pretty little ID bracelet and get into the gown with the flow-through ventilation. They have to start an IV and I’m not sure what else before they take me to OR.
• Once I am in OR, they will:
• Use the first IV to knock me out while they finish the prep
• Place the epidural catheter (for pain management) in my back
• Place the Foley catheter to collect urine
• Secure my arms and legs to keep me still
• Start another IV in my carotid artery or jugular vein for delivery of fluids
• Entubate me so I can breathe
• Then fully anesthetize me for the operation itself
All that will take time, I just don’t know exactly how much.
Next, the doctor will begin the incision, a process that will, in itself, take 45 minutes. Once the incision is made, everything is retracted and the area is prepped, he can finally start his inspection of my inner most parts. After looking around, he will perform the ultrasound scan of my liver.
Based on what he sees in his inspection and in the ultrasound, he will finally decide which option he wants to pursue and begin to work on my liver. He said the procedure will be a minimum of four hours. When he is finished with whatever he does, they have to clean the area, close me up, staple the new addition to my abdominal roadmap, and “wake me up.” I am not sure how conscious I will be in the 23-hour recovery.
PRAYER FOCUS
Tomorrow I will need your prayers.
• It can be very hard to find my veins for the first IV, so please pray that the person doing it gets it the first time, no digging around.
• Please pray specifically that Jesus guides Dr. Abdalla's hands during surgery,
• Pease pray that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills the operating room and keeps the entire surgical team focused and sharp.
• Please pray that all the surgical equipment functions properly.
• Pease pray that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills the 23-hour recovery room and keeps the entire recovery team focused and sharp.
• Please pray that all the recovery equipment functions properly.
• Pease pray that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills my hospital room and keeps the entire nursing team focused and sharp.
• Please pray that all the monitoring and IV equipment functions properly.
• Please pray that I have a painless, infection-free recovery.
• Please pray that Abraham is able to rest and stays well and strong because I will definitely need his help!
Abraham and I thank you so much for your prayers. I will update as soon as possible!
Mary and Abraham
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
Monday, January 21, 2008
TO FREEZE OR NOT TO FREEZE…URGENT NEED FOR PRAYER!
TRAVEL TO HOUSTON WEDNESDAY
When we were married eight years ago this coming weekend, the Ark-La-Tex area was hit by a huge ice storm that closed the roads for several days.
We have seen forecasts predicting ice on Wednesday (our travel day), while others have said it “might” be overcast and misty, but no ice. The truth is, they don’t know!
We are asking you to agree with us that:
My apologies, I forgot about the email/text message test Friday, so we’ll do it now! I will send a text message to all the cell phone numbers I have to verify that I have your correct cell phone number. If you don’t receive the text message, just email or call me and we’ll get it corrected before we start sending the text message updates on my condition.
More soon!
Mary and Abraham
When we were married eight years ago this coming weekend, the Ark-La-Tex area was hit by a huge ice storm that closed the roads for several days.
We have seen forecasts predicting ice on Wednesday (our travel day), while others have said it “might” be overcast and misty, but no ice. The truth is, they don’t know!
We are asking you to agree with us that:
1. The weather Wednesday will be good for travelTEXT MESSAGE UPDATE TEST
2. We will have a safe trip
3. Everyone on the road will be safe
4. Our room at the hotel will be ready
My apologies, I forgot about the email/text message test Friday, so we’ll do it now! I will send a text message to all the cell phone numbers I have to verify that I have your correct cell phone number. If you don’t receive the text message, just email or call me and we’ll get it corrected before we start sending the text message updates on my condition.
More soon!
Mary and Abraham
Sunday, January 20, 2008
FIGHTING COLON CANCER: URGENT NEED FOR ADDITIONAL HELP
WE ARE GETTING DOWN TO THE WIRE…
So many of you have made donations…we are so grateful! Those of you who have made donations should have received your e-Thank You notes by now.
Everyone has been incredibly generous, but it’s not nearly enough. We still need a big chunk of money to pay for our lodging (which could be $3200 to $4400 depending on the length of the stay).
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT!
We still need your help. If you have thought about making a donation but have not yet done so, we are asking you to please go ahead and do that.
COMPLICATIONS OF TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
If, at any time, the “Chip In” widget does not appear, it is due to trouble on their site (which is beyond my control). Should that occur, please use one of these alternative methods to make your donations.
1. MAKE A DONATION ONLINE THROUGH PAYPAL’S SECURE SERVER:
- Click here to open PayPal.
- Click on the Send Money link at the top of the page.
- Copy this email address: ColonCancerDeathSentenceReversed@yahoo.com
- Paste the above email address into the To field.
- Enter the amount of your donation into the Amount field.
- Click the Service/Other button.
- Click the Continue button.
- In the next window, Review Your Payment to make sure everything is correct.
- If you want to include the optional message, list the subject and enter the message.
- Click the Send Money button to complete the transaction.
2. MAKE A DONATION IN PERSON:
- Make your check payable to the Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account.
- Deliver in person Tuesday (Monday is MLK Day) to any Frost Bank location in Texas.
- Call or email me to let me know.
3. MAKE A DONATION BY MAIL:
- Make your check payable to the Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account.
- Mail your check to:
THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING IN MY MIRACLE!
I believe that God has already created a medical miracle for me. I believe that He is still working on a monetary miracle for me. By participating in the monetary miracle, you become part of the medical miracle. Without your help, I cannot finish this race…and this is a race I desperately want to finish! Thanks so much for your help! God bless you!
So many of you have made donations…we are so grateful! Those of you who have made donations should have received your e-Thank You notes by now.
Everyone has been incredibly generous, but it’s not nearly enough. We still need a big chunk of money to pay for our lodging (which could be $3200 to $4400 depending on the length of the stay).
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT!
We still need your help. If you have thought about making a donation but have not yet done so, we are asking you to please go ahead and do that.
COMPLICATIONS OF TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
If, at any time, the “Chip In” widget does not appear, it is due to trouble on their site (which is beyond my control). Should that occur, please use one of these alternative methods to make your donations.
1. MAKE A DONATION ONLINE THROUGH PAYPAL’S SECURE SERVER:
- Click here to open PayPal.
- Click on the Send Money link at the top of the page.
- Copy this email address: ColonCancerDeathSentenceReversed@yahoo.com
- Paste the above email address into the To field.
- Enter the amount of your donation into the Amount field.
- Click the Service/Other button.
- Click the Continue button.
- In the next window, Review Your Payment to make sure everything is correct.
- If you want to include the optional message, list the subject and enter the message.
- Click the Send Money button to complete the transaction.
2. MAKE A DONATION IN PERSON:
- Make your check payable to the Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account.
- Deliver in person Tuesday (Monday is MLK Day) to any Frost Bank location in Texas.
- Call or email me to let me know.
3. MAKE A DONATION BY MAIL:
- Make your check payable to the Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account.
- Mail your check to:
Frost Bank- Call or email me to let me know.
5561 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, TX 76132
THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING IN MY MIRACLE!
I believe that God has already created a medical miracle for me. I believe that He is still working on a monetary miracle for me. By participating in the monetary miracle, you become part of the medical miracle. Without your help, I cannot finish this race…and this is a race I desperately want to finish! Thanks so much for your help! God bless you!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG POST
ALREADY HAVE ENOUGH TO REMEMBER?
I am sure you already have enough to remember in your daily lives without trying to remember to visit my blog to see what’s new! I have a fantastic shortcut for you. You can subscribe to the post and receive email notifications whenever I update it!
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
I hope you’ll take advantage of this free service!
Until next time!
Mary
I am sure you already have enough to remember in your daily lives without trying to remember to visit my blog to see what’s new! I have a fantastic shortcut for you. You can subscribe to the post and receive email notifications whenever I update it!
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
1. Scroll all the way down to the very bottom of the page where you’ll see “Subscribe to: Posts(Atom).”Quite simple…and quite painless. And you will automatically receive an email containing a link to the new post next time I update the blog.
2. Click “Posts(Atom), which will open a subscription window.
3. Click “Subscribe,” and you are finished!
I hope you’ll take advantage of this free service!
Until next time!
Mary
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
CHANGE OF FOCUS
CHANGE OF FOCUS
Thanks for sending your cell numbers! I am also working on the possibility of emailing from my phone to those whose cell phones don’t text. I know my phone can do it. I just need to figure out how!
Abraham and I have discovered that the internet business is not going to help us like we had hoped. It seems that we would not have immediate access to our part of the money. We need the money in hand (or at least in the Medical Donations Account) next week when we leave town.
For that reason, we are shifting our focus from attempts to earn money to an all-out plea for help. Donations will be the only way to quickly gather the cash we need. Several of you have already made your donations, for which we are very grateful! You should have received your e-Thank You notes.
NEED FOR PRAYER…AND ACTION
We are asking you to pray for the people to whom God has already spoken about giving, that they follow through without hesitation. You can make secure donations through this site (see sidebar) or make donations directly to Frost Bank in person at any location or mail donations payable to:
If you have already made your donation, you already have our thanks! If you have not already made your donation, please take a moment to take care of it. We thank you in advance for helping save my life!
REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG POST
I hope you’ll take advantage of this free service!
Thanks for sending your cell numbers! I am also working on the possibility of emailing from my phone to those whose cell phones don’t text. I know my phone can do it. I just need to figure out how!
Abraham and I have discovered that the internet business is not going to help us like we had hoped. It seems that we would not have immediate access to our part of the money. We need the money in hand (or at least in the Medical Donations Account) next week when we leave town.
For that reason, we are shifting our focus from attempts to earn money to an all-out plea for help. Donations will be the only way to quickly gather the cash we need. Several of you have already made your donations, for which we are very grateful! You should have received your e-Thank You notes.
NEED FOR PRAYER…AND ACTION
We are asking you to pray for the people to whom God has already spoken about giving, that they follow through without hesitation. You can make secure donations through this site (see sidebar) or make donations directly to Frost Bank in person at any location or mail donations payable to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations AccountIf you do mail your donation to Frost, please email or call me to let me know. Those donations will be deposited without records of the sources, so unless you give me the heads up, I won’t be able to send you an e-Thank You note.
c/o Frost Bank
5561 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, TX 76132
If you have already made your donation, you already have our thanks! If you have not already made your donation, please take a moment to take care of it. We thank you in advance for helping save my life!
REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG POST
1. Scroll all the way down to the very bottom of the page where you’ll see “Subscribe to: Posts(Atom).”Quite simple…and quite painless. And you will automatically receive an email containing a link to the new post next time I update the blog.
2. Click “Posts(Atom), which will open a subscription window.
3. Click “Subscribe,” and you are finished!
I hope you’ll take advantage of this free service!
INTERIM COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS WHILE I AM INCOMMUNICADO
Abraham and I have been working on ways to keep everyone updated while I am knocked out. Especially, while I am in 23-hour-observation immediately following surgery, text messaging will be the best way to contact you all. So, until I feel up to email, we have developed a series of text messages which Abraham will send from my phone to everyone who wants to receive them.
I have cell phone numbers for many of you, but not all of you. If you want to receive the email updates, please email your cell phone numbers to me. I will enter them into my phone this week and prepare a list for Abraham so he knows who to include in the recipient list.
TEXT MESSAGE TEST THIS FRIDAY
We have received several new cell numbers which I have programmed into my phone. I plan to send a test email Friday. I will first send an email to everyone, alerting them of the test. Then, I will send a brief text message to everyone who has thus far requested inclusion in the list. If you do not receive a text message and would like to, call, text or email to let me know and give me your cell number.
PHONE CALLS BEFORE…AND AFTER
You are, of course, welcome to contact me via phone any time before surgery on Monday, January 28. Following surgery, I will let you know when I feel up to phone calls. We will probably text message everyone. Then I will wait for you to contact me when it’s convenient for you. And I will look forward to hearing from you!
Abraham and I have been working on ways to keep everyone updated while I am knocked out. Especially, while I am in 23-hour-observation immediately following surgery, text messaging will be the best way to contact you all. So, until I feel up to email, we have developed a series of text messages which Abraham will send from my phone to everyone who wants to receive them.
I have cell phone numbers for many of you, but not all of you. If you want to receive the email updates, please email your cell phone numbers to me. I will enter them into my phone this week and prepare a list for Abraham so he knows who to include in the recipient list.
TEXT MESSAGE TEST THIS FRIDAY
We have received several new cell numbers which I have programmed into my phone. I plan to send a test email Friday. I will first send an email to everyone, alerting them of the test. Then, I will send a brief text message to everyone who has thus far requested inclusion in the list. If you do not receive a text message and would like to, call, text or email to let me know and give me your cell number.
PHONE CALLS BEFORE…AND AFTER
You are, of course, welcome to contact me via phone any time before surgery on Monday, January 28. Following surgery, I will let you know when I feel up to phone calls. We will probably text message everyone. Then I will wait for you to contact me when it’s convenient for you. And I will look forward to hearing from you!
Friday, January 11, 2008
SURGICAL EXPECTATIONS
SURGICAL EXPECTATIONS
Before we left Houston, Dr. Abdalla gave us a packet of information giving details of how to prepare for surgery, what to expect, what will happen the day of surgery, immediately after surgery, what happens after surgery and what I must do toward my own recovery. I want to share it with you so you will also know what to expect…and where you can focus your prayers. The information is very detailed, but I will try to keep it short and understandable!
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Right now, my part of the preparation is to eat protein-rich foods as part of my balanced diet. I am also trying to get enough rest, even though sleeping has been a challenge of late!
On January 24, I must undergo all the tests again: blood work, EKG, CT scan, chest x-rays, so the doctors have the latest images to work with. I will see the doctors the next day, Friday. Saturday will be my “day off,” so we are planning to visit the museum again. (I really want to see those sculptures again!)
Sunday will be another “fun” day, since I have to clear my colon for surgery. That day I will have only clear liquids and laxatives. Mmm, mmm, good!
OPERATION DAY: PRE-OP
I haven’t received the actual appointment time yet. I probably won’t get that until after I see the doctors Friday, but it will probably be early. Once I arrive at the hospital holding area, I have to get into one of those breezy little gowns we all know and love!
They will monitor my blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation, so I will have the blood pressure cuff, electrodes and the glowing red “ET phone home” finger clamp. Fluids and the initial “sleepy juice” will be introduced through an IV in my hand. Abraham will be in the holding area with me until they actually take me into the operating room.
IN THE OPERATING ROOM
Once in OR, the will transfer me to the operating table to finish sedating me. My arms and legs will be secured. Once I am out, they will entubate me, start a larger IV in my carotid artery and place protective lubricant in my eyes. (The carotid IV will remain until I can actually drink enough fluids.)
Up to this point, the prep is expected to take a couple of hours. The actual operation is expected to last four hours or so.
While I am sedated, they will place an epidural catheter to deliver pain medication directly to my spine. It will be taped into place so I can move around. According to the anesthesiologist, it will address the pain without making me so loopy or knocking me out completely. I will have a button to dispense the medication as I need it.
I will also have a Foley catheter to constantly drain urine and one of three different contraptions to prevent blood clots in my legs. After the catheters and several drainage tubes have been placed, they will bring me out of sedation.
23-HOUR OBSERVATION
Once I leave OR, I will not go to a regular recovery room. Instead, I will be closely monitored in the 23-hour observation unit for, guess how many hours…23! During that time, Abraham will be able to visit me in limited increments.
CELEBRATING OUR ANNIVERSARY…BY MOVING TO MY HOSPITAL ROOM?
We will celebrate our 8th anniversary on January 29 by moving from observation to a room where I will enjoy the delights of a clear liquid diet for three days.
To prevent lung infections, I have to do breathing exercises every six minutes! And I have to cough three times an hour. With a huge incision just above my diaphragm! Woo hoo! They suggest hugging a pillow over the staples when I cough. Newsflash: Not a lot of help! Coughing in March 2006 with 50 staples zipping my belly shut was not easy—even with the pillow!
POST-OP DAY ONE
THE WEEK IN THE HOTEL
The week in the hotel will be like the last few days at the hospital. I have to sit, walk, eat, drink, potty, change the dressing on the wound, monitor my vital signs and check my temperature. And, let’s hope I can sleep!
ONE WEEK POST-DISCHARGE APPOINTMENT
Seven days after leaving the hospital, I will return to see Dr. Abdalla. He will check the incision and make sure I am ready to travel. If all is well, we will be able to leave. If he thinks I’m not ready, we will have to stay longer…maybe another week. We won’t know until then.
QUITE AN ORDEAL!
It will be quite an ordeal for both of us. Abraham has already planned to pack his timer so he can coach me on the breathing and coughing exercises! Even though it will be challenging, we both believe it will be worth it for the increased opportunity to be cancer-free.
Just so you know, my “sitting” exercises will be performed while typing updates to keep you all informed!
Mary and Abraham
Before we left Houston, Dr. Abdalla gave us a packet of information giving details of how to prepare for surgery, what to expect, what will happen the day of surgery, immediately after surgery, what happens after surgery and what I must do toward my own recovery. I want to share it with you so you will also know what to expect…and where you can focus your prayers. The information is very detailed, but I will try to keep it short and understandable!
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Right now, my part of the preparation is to eat protein-rich foods as part of my balanced diet. I am also trying to get enough rest, even though sleeping has been a challenge of late!
On January 24, I must undergo all the tests again: blood work, EKG, CT scan, chest x-rays, so the doctors have the latest images to work with. I will see the doctors the next day, Friday. Saturday will be my “day off,” so we are planning to visit the museum again. (I really want to see those sculptures again!)
Sunday will be another “fun” day, since I have to clear my colon for surgery. That day I will have only clear liquids and laxatives. Mmm, mmm, good!
OPERATION DAY: PRE-OP
I haven’t received the actual appointment time yet. I probably won’t get that until after I see the doctors Friday, but it will probably be early. Once I arrive at the hospital holding area, I have to get into one of those breezy little gowns we all know and love!
They will monitor my blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation, so I will have the blood pressure cuff, electrodes and the glowing red “ET phone home” finger clamp. Fluids and the initial “sleepy juice” will be introduced through an IV in my hand. Abraham will be in the holding area with me until they actually take me into the operating room.
IN THE OPERATING ROOM
Once in OR, the will transfer me to the operating table to finish sedating me. My arms and legs will be secured. Once I am out, they will entubate me, start a larger IV in my carotid artery and place protective lubricant in my eyes. (The carotid IV will remain until I can actually drink enough fluids.)
Up to this point, the prep is expected to take a couple of hours. The actual operation is expected to last four hours or so.
While I am sedated, they will place an epidural catheter to deliver pain medication directly to my spine. It will be taped into place so I can move around. According to the anesthesiologist, it will address the pain without making me so loopy or knocking me out completely. I will have a button to dispense the medication as I need it.
I will also have a Foley catheter to constantly drain urine and one of three different contraptions to prevent blood clots in my legs. After the catheters and several drainage tubes have been placed, they will bring me out of sedation.
23-HOUR OBSERVATION
Once I leave OR, I will not go to a regular recovery room. Instead, I will be closely monitored in the 23-hour observation unit for, guess how many hours…23! During that time, Abraham will be able to visit me in limited increments.
CELEBRATING OUR ANNIVERSARY…BY MOVING TO MY HOSPITAL ROOM?
We will celebrate our 8th anniversary on January 29 by moving from observation to a room where I will enjoy the delights of a clear liquid diet for three days.
To prevent lung infections, I have to do breathing exercises every six minutes! And I have to cough three times an hour. With a huge incision just above my diaphragm! Woo hoo! They suggest hugging a pillow over the staples when I cough. Newsflash: Not a lot of help! Coughing in March 2006 with 50 staples zipping my belly shut was not easy—even with the pillow!
POST-OP DAY ONE
• The dressing on my incision will be removed.POST-OP DAY TWO
• I will start drinking clear liquids. (By now it has probably been more than 48 hours since I “ate” my last clear liquid!)
• I will walk the hall three times and sit in a chair (no time length specified).
• While in bed, I will wear the gadget boots that prevent blood clots.
• As I am able to drink more fluids, the volume of IV liquids will be reduced.POST-OP DAY THREE
• I get to sit in the chair longer than Day One.
• If I will walk the hall three times daily, I can ditch the gadget boots. Yea!!
• If I can tolerate it, I can start a regular diet. Bring it on! Remember, the last day I had solid food was Sunday morning—FIVE days ago!POST-OP DAY FOUR
• I get to sit in the chair even longer and walk as much as possible.
• Continue breathing exercises and walking.POST-OP DAY FIVE
• I must eat frequent small high-protein meals (4-6 daily).
• I will begin the transition from the IV pain meds to the oral meds.
• I may be able to ditch the Foley catheter.
• Continue breathing exercises and walking.POST-OP DAY SIX
• Continue eating 4-6 small high-protein meals daily.
• I will finish the transition from the IV pain meds to the oral meds.
• IV fluids will be stopped, but the IV access will remain.
• We’ll talk about going home (to the hotel).
• Continue breathing exercises and walking.POST-OP DAY SEVEN
• Continue eating 4-6 small high-protein meals daily.
• The drain tubes will be removed.
• Continue breathing exercises and walking.I’LL BE READY TO LEAVE THE HOSPITAL WHEN I CAN:
• Continue eating 4-6 small high-protein meals daily.
• IV will be completely removed.
• Get discharge prescriptions and instructions and schedule one week appointment.
• Relocate to the hotel.
• Walk and sit.As long as I do not have fever and Dr. Abdalla believes I am ready, I will be able to leave the hospital.
• Eat my regular diet.
• Go to the bathroom or pass gas.
• Control the pain with oral meds.
• Care for the wound (lots of experience with that).
THE WEEK IN THE HOTEL
The week in the hotel will be like the last few days at the hospital. I have to sit, walk, eat, drink, potty, change the dressing on the wound, monitor my vital signs and check my temperature. And, let’s hope I can sleep!
ONE WEEK POST-DISCHARGE APPOINTMENT
Seven days after leaving the hospital, I will return to see Dr. Abdalla. He will check the incision and make sure I am ready to travel. If all is well, we will be able to leave. If he thinks I’m not ready, we will have to stay longer…maybe another week. We won’t know until then.
QUITE AN ORDEAL!
It will be quite an ordeal for both of us. Abraham has already planned to pack his timer so he can coach me on the breathing and coughing exercises! Even though it will be challenging, we both believe it will be worth it for the increased opportunity to be cancer-free.
Just so you know, my “sitting” exercises will be performed while typing updates to keep you all informed!
Mary and Abraham
Thursday, January 3, 2008
MY STORY: COLON CANCER DEATH SENTENCE REVERSED!
WHAT A PEACEFUL DREAM...
FIGHTING THROUGH TO MORPHINE HAZE
Finally managing to lift my eyelids, I gaze into the weary eyes of my husband, Abraham, now haggard from lack of sleep. He takes my right hand in his, as he did the day we were married. "Honey," he says sweetly, his brown eyes filling with pools of love and deep concern, "You’re okay. You’re in the hospital. You had to have emergency surgery to remove a blockage from your colon."
"Dr. Dewar performed an exploratory colonoscopy and found a tumor that had completely blocked your colon," he continued. "You needed emergency surgery. He called Dr. Rutledge, who removed the tumor and a section of your colon. He couldn't reconnect your colon right now, so he gave you a colostomy."
TOTAL HELPLESSNESS
The oncologist arrived next. Cold and inattentive, he blurts, "Yes, it’s colon cancer, and it’s spread to your liver. Come to my office, and we’ll start chemo." With a flourish of his white lab coat, he turned on one heel and disappeared. I did not like him. I felt helpless.
Get a second opinion, I reasoned. Surely they can remove lesions from my liver, or even remove part of the liver itself, allowing it to
re-grow cancer-free. The CT machine in Houston, however, produced more hopeless details, multiple lesions. My liver looked like a gumball machine, filled with tumors. The operation was a no-go. I was crushed.
AT LAST, A RAY OF HOPE!
The doctors at The University of Texas M. C. Anderson Cancer Center were the first to offer hope. They instructed me to proceed with chemotherapy with the goal of allowing the chemo to shrink and eliminate as many tumors as possible, then return for re-evaluation. I eventually switched oncologists, so that they could collaborate with a former colleague who had relocated to Fort Worth.
Their 12-month customized treatment plan – although physically grueling and financially draining – has cleared all but three tumors from my liver. I am now a candidate for surgery! Two final operations will remove the diseased tissue and allow my liver
to re-grow cancer-free.
NEED FOR SURGERY
Without these operations, I may live for another couple of years, but the tumors will definitely return. Where they reappear determines how long I will live.
Until now, no one who has had the disease in such advanced stages as I once did has responded to treatment well enough to even be considered for these operations. Most people with advanced Stage IV colon cancer are considered beyond help and usually die within 6-12 months of diagnosis.
ONE FOR THE MEDICAL RECORD BOOKS!
Having already outlived the average Stage IV patient, I will be in the medical record books! What’s more, I have an opportunity to have surgery to be cancer-free! And although Dr. Abdalla can’t guarantee I will remain cancer-free forever, he is confident these operations will tremendously increase my odds--giving me a fighting chance to live a long and healthy life.
I was not ready to die at the time of the initial diagnosis, and I am not ready to die now! Abraham is not ready for me to die, either, and has laid down his career to help me live. Our personal financial resources were exhausted more than 18 months ago. Only through my family’s generosity have we made it this far. Unfortunately, their financial resources are now exhausted, as well.
URGENT NEED FOR ASSISTANCE
I am tentatively scheduled for the first of two operations at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center on January 28.
Here’s how you can help us pay for the operations I need to save my life:
1. Pray. If God chooses to heal me through this rather than deliver me out of it, please pray specifically that Jesus guides Dr. Abdalla's hands during surgery, that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills the operating room and keeps the entire surgical team focused and sharp, that all the equipment functions properly and that I have a painless recovery.
2. Make an individual donation online through PayPal's secure server.
- Copy this email address: ColonCancerDeathSentenceReversed@yahoo.com.
- Click here to open PayPal.
- Click on the Send Money link at the top of the page.
- Paste the above email address into the To field.
- Type your email address into the From field.
- Enter the amount of your donation into the Amount field.
- Click the Service/Other button.
- Click Continue to complete the transaction.3. Make an individual donation in person.
- Call us at 817-569-7621 or click here to email us for more information. Every prayer counts. Every dollar counts. Both are greatly appreciated.
God bless your gracious generosity!
Mary and Abraham
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
Gentle waves rock me to that place you go just before falling asleep. The sun soothes my skin, as the wind whispers her lullaby of rest. I don’t have to be anywhere anytime soon. Here on my imaginary raft, everything is warm, soft, peaceful, comfortable…perfect.Later, hovering in the place between sleeping and waking, I am aware of a strange sensation near my belly button. Still dazed with anesthesia, I notice discomfort radiating from my abdomen. What is this? Struggling to reach full consciousness, I move both hands toward my abdominal area. It’s lumpy…What is that? I wonder. Except for the pain in my stomach lately, I have always been in good health.
FIGHTING THROUGH TO MORPHINE HAZE
Finally managing to lift my eyelids, I gaze into the weary eyes of my husband, Abraham, now haggard from lack of sleep. He takes my right hand in his, as he did the day we were married. "Honey," he says sweetly, his brown eyes filling with pools of love and deep concern, "You’re okay. You’re in the hospital. You had to have emergency surgery to remove a blockage from your colon."
"Dr. Dewar performed an exploratory colonoscopy and found a tumor that had completely blocked your colon," he continued. "You needed emergency surgery. He called Dr. Rutledge, who removed the tumor and a section of your colon. He couldn't reconnect your colon right now, so he gave you a colostomy."
TOTAL HELPLESSNESS
The oncologist arrived next. Cold and inattentive, he blurts, "Yes, it’s colon cancer, and it’s spread to your liver. Come to my office, and we’ll start chemo." With a flourish of his white lab coat, he turned on one heel and disappeared. I did not like him. I felt helpless.
Get a second opinion, I reasoned. Surely they can remove lesions from my liver, or even remove part of the liver itself, allowing it to
re-grow cancer-free. The CT machine in Houston, however, produced more hopeless details, multiple lesions. My liver looked like a gumball machine, filled with tumors. The operation was a no-go. I was crushed.
AT LAST, A RAY OF HOPE!
The doctors at The University of Texas M. C. Anderson Cancer Center were the first to offer hope. They instructed me to proceed with chemotherapy with the goal of allowing the chemo to shrink and eliminate as many tumors as possible, then return for re-evaluation. I eventually switched oncologists, so that they could collaborate with a former colleague who had relocated to Fort Worth.
Their 12-month customized treatment plan – although physically grueling and financially draining – has cleared all but three tumors from my liver. I am now a candidate for surgery! Two final operations will remove the diseased tissue and allow my liver
to re-grow cancer-free.
NEED FOR SURGERY
Without these operations, I may live for another couple of years, but the tumors will definitely return. Where they reappear determines how long I will live.
Until now, no one who has had the disease in such advanced stages as I once did has responded to treatment well enough to even be considered for these operations. Most people with advanced Stage IV colon cancer are considered beyond help and usually die within 6-12 months of diagnosis.
ONE FOR THE MEDICAL RECORD BOOKS!
Having already outlived the average Stage IV patient, I will be in the medical record books! What’s more, I have an opportunity to have surgery to be cancer-free! And although Dr. Abdalla can’t guarantee I will remain cancer-free forever, he is confident these operations will tremendously increase my odds--giving me a fighting chance to live a long and healthy life.
I was not ready to die at the time of the initial diagnosis, and I am not ready to die now! Abraham is not ready for me to die, either, and has laid down his career to help me live. Our personal financial resources were exhausted more than 18 months ago. Only through my family’s generosity have we made it this far. Unfortunately, their financial resources are now exhausted, as well.
URGENT NEED FOR ASSISTANCE
I am tentatively scheduled for the first of two operations at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center on January 28.
Here’s how you can help us pay for the operations I need to save my life:
1. Pray. If God chooses to heal me through this rather than deliver me out of it, please pray specifically that Jesus guides Dr. Abdalla's hands during surgery, that the Holy Spirit tangibly fills the operating room and keeps the entire surgical team focused and sharp, that all the equipment functions properly and that I have a painless recovery.
2. Make an individual donation online through PayPal's secure server.
- Copy this email address: ColonCancerDeathSentenceReversed@yahoo.com.
- Click here to open PayPal.
- Click on the Send Money link at the top of the page.
- Paste the above email address into the To field.
- Type your email address into the From field.
- Enter the amount of your donation into the Amount field.
- Click the Service/Other button.
- Click Continue to complete the transaction.3. Make an individual donation in person.
- Deliver your check made payable to:4. Make an individual donation by mail.
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account
to any Frost Bank location in Texas, the only bank we found to give same day deposit credit.
- Mail your check made payable to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala Medical Donations Account
c/o Frost Bank
5561 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, TX 76132
- Call us at 817-569-7621 or click here to email us for more information. Every prayer counts. Every dollar counts. Both are greatly appreciated.
God bless your gracious generosity!
Mary and Abraham
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
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