| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 19 2024 : 12:24:21 PM
UPDATE: 11/21-CT scan was done after a period of down time about 5 weeks and the results came in yesterday. The mass has not changed at all even after 9 sessions of chemo and 15 radiation therapy sessions. We are dumbfounded, but GREATLY relieved to know the cancer has NOT spread to other organs. We meet with the cancer dr.'s next week for labs and consultation as to what happens next. Bruce is feeling fine-maintaining his weight and that awful fatigue he was experiencing has almost disappeared. He also is doing some work at the office with very limited hours. I am so glad about that and thankful the cancer has not spread.
Wishing all my farmgirls a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING and I will update again.
Love, Mel
UPDATE: Cancer Stage III - We were informed this morning after the fourth biopsy results were reviewed. We will head to the oncologist locally, tomorrow morning to develop a chemo regimen to begin immediately. I am stunned. Since February we have been trying to get a diagnosis once in Green Bay with an 11 day stay in hospital with severe pancreatitis, twice out at Mayo and then to Milwaukee at Froedtert-who ultimately was able to get a biopsy that actually contained cancer cells. So now the journey really begins. I am so scared. Please continue your prayers sweet farmgirls-we will need every voice. I will keep you updated. Thank you so much, Love Mel
we are going thru a difficult time these last few weeks with scans and a multitude of tests and tomorrow another scan to determine what a 2.5 cm mass is doing inside my husbands pancreas. He is asymptomatic other than some gi issues and has lost 40 pounds in six months. All other gi scans came back clear until they found this on a CT scan last week.
I am scared to death--having a terrible time trying to gain control of my crying so that I can be a supportive wife. I consider myself a strong no nonsense kind of woman, but I am floundering.
Anyone out there experiencing a similar situation? Any advice would be grateful.
Mel |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 12 2024 : 11:14:40 AM
Melody, I am sorry that the latest news was not what was wanted. Pancreatic Cancer is an awful disease for sure. As you move onward to radiation, I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers as you work to take things one day at a time. I am glad to hear that you have been able to be at home for a break so that you can just rest and breathe without the constant treatments schedules . I understand how hard it is for you being a homebody and rarely being able to be home to enjoy it. Keep us posted as these new treatments begin. Take care and keep in touch when time allows and you feel up to it.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| melody |
Posted - Sep 11 2024 : 7:41:41 PM
CJ, I don't have the attention span to read like I used to-but I have picked up my knitting now that there is a definite hint of fall in the air up here in the Great North Woods. I have and always have been a homebody-I miss being secluded in the house-all of the appointments and chemo sessions where I am exposed to so many people at first I found disconcerting. I'm very private by nature-but the nurses and our doctors have been just WONDERFUL, caring and genuinely compassionate-it's basically restored my faith in humanity. I am constantly learning new things and between Nan, my daughter and I we've become pretty adept at asking some very pertinent questions-its fun to see the look of surprise on their faces, but they are so appreciative that we have taken a solid interest in our dear ones care. We hear stories where some patients come in all alone with no one by their side. Anyway, that's what I do while sitting quietly, recovering and resting CJ. You take care dear one and thank you so much for the continued prayers and virtual HUGS!! Love you CJ- Mel |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Sep 11 2024 : 7:05:41 PM
Oh Mel, I'm so sorry to hear your latest news! How frustrating and discouraging. I wish there was more I could do, but I do and will continue praying.
What kind of things can you do while "sitting quietly, recovering resting"?
PRAYERS, LOVE and HUGS coming your way!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
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| Jokamartell |
Posted - Sep 10 2024 : 8:14:36 PM
Mel, I’m so sorry that the news isn’t what you wanted to hear. You and your hubby will be in my prayers. Sending you big hugs and lots of love. :)
Karen :)
To quote one of my past preschoolers “Not one of those Karens, but a good Karen”! Haha |
| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Sep 10 2024 : 6:20:23 PM
(((Mel))) -- So sorry about the bad news but hopeful that the radiation will get rid of this horrible thing.
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21 6/24
I'm old and I wear purple |
| melody |
Posted - Sep 10 2024 : 6:07:51 PM
home now. not good news-surgery is no longer an option-the tumor has shrunk a bit, but there are veins involved and completely surrounded by the tumor-aggressive radiation will begin shortly every day for two-three weeks-we are hoping we can have the treatment locally, but our dr. at froedtert would prefer this particular type of aggressive radiation treatment to be done in Milwaukee-which means we would have to live down there while he completes the sessions-after radiation then another CT scan and then he would prefer us to have 6 weeks of sitting quietly and recovering and a bit of a rest. we were stunned-and did a lot of crying when we left the hospital-bruce as allways upbeat and very, very brave. I prayed for acceptance of what might be and the grace to bear the news. now we move forward. what a horror of a disease. we are all exhausted but home-and soon will start planning for the new protocol of radiation. thank you ladies for all of your well wishes, thoughts and prayers. I am so glad I have you to talk to and take such good advice from-it's very humbling. I will keep you posted. Love and big, big hugs-Mel |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Sep 09 2024 : 05:11:07 AM
Prayers for you and your husband for a good outcome on all the tests and that the tumor has shrunk. Big hugs being sent to you Mel.
~Denise
Sister #43~
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured." 
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Sep 08 2024 : 6:16:29 PM
Your hubby looks great Mel and happy. I will continue to pray that all goes well and lots of good news.
Big Hugs,
Debbie
#1582
Blessed in Oregon
With Colorado on My Mind
Farmgirl of the Month September 2012, February 2018, September 2022
“My altars are My Mountains
and the Ocean.” Lord Byron”
When I am Old I Shall Wear Purple, I am Old now!!
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| nndairy |
Posted - Sep 08 2024 : 6:10:36 PM
Thank you for taking the time to update us Melody! I'll be adding my prayers as well. You are both incredibly strong and brave.
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 08 2024 : 4:01:37 PM
Melody, I am happy that chemo is now over and I will keep you and your brave and loving hubby in my prayers for the decisions that lay ahead.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| Wanda Sue |
Posted - Sep 07 2024 : 12:07:04 AM
What a good picture Melody, he does look like he is in good spirits, and a good sport to pose for a picture. We are continuing to pray for healing, strength and guidance. Love and hugs sent your way.
A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel.
Farm Girl #3677
Farmgirl of the Month: Aug/2022
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| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Sep 06 2024 : 10:11:45 PM
Hugs and love and good thoughts for the both of you. He is looking very positive.
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21 6/24
I'm old and I wear purple |
| melody |
Posted - Sep 06 2024 : 10:51:43 AM
He looks tired. He is the bravest man I have had the joy to be with for over 33 years...
Mel |
| melody |
Posted - Sep 06 2024 : 10:47:38 AM
Update: 8th chemo session completed this Wednesday-on Monday we will travel to Froedtert Hospital for extensive cancer antigen testing as well as a plethora of other blood tests and also a CAT scan to determine if the tumor has shrunk enough for surgery with Dr. Evans (world renowned.) I can't tell you how nervous and anxious I am-I am praying for strength and guidance and to accept what God has in store for us-For someone who has always had trust issues this is a very difficult thing for me to do-but, I am sincerely trying to let go of this burden and have Him carry this. Please pray for us-I will update next week with the news. Thank you so much ladies for all of the prayers and support it has sustained us thru this horror of a disease. Love you, Mel |
| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Aug 23 2024 : 6:23:23 PM
Melody -- He looks like he is keeping a good attitude. Hildegard (that was the name of our cow) might want to stay home next time. My sister had a similar episode with a blood transfusion that left the room looking like an ax murder had taken place. Keeping you and your husband in my thoughts.
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21 6/24
I'm old and I wear purple |
| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Aug 23 2024 : 08:25:48 AM
So happy everything turned out alright Mel I know it was so worrisome for all of you. Happy things are better and back on track.
Happy you like the card too Mel. Thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers.
Big Hugs,
Debbie
#1582
Blessed in Oregon
With Colorado on My Mind
Farmgirl of the Month September 2012, February 2018, September 2022
“My altars are My Mountains
and the Ocean.” Lord Byron”
When I am Old I Shall Wear Purple, I am Old now!!
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| Wanda Sue |
Posted - Aug 23 2024 : 02:58:00 AM
Melody thank you for the update, I bet that port mishap was so scary. Prayers that the CT scan shows much improvement. Take care.
A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel.
Farm Girl #3677
Farmgirl of the Month: Aug/2022
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| melody |
Posted - Aug 22 2024 : 9:13:31 PM
Chemo session #7 - one more to go then CT scan to see if that sucker has shrunk. I get a pit in my stomach just thinking about it. Had a bit of an incident this morning with his fanny pack of chemo and his port--went to go for a drive with our Hildegard an 80 plus pound shelter mutt-just happened to jump up and pull his port line right out of his port-now we have toxic chemo fluids-daughter raced him to the cancer center-thank goodness it was a weekday and had them re-attach the line and check to see if the port was still where it should be---Good grief always some drama going on here at the house and he was feeling so GOOD this morning being chemo week and all. Came home in tip top shape-port and port line secured. Anyway...just wanted to give my girls an update.
One more thing!! Thank you DEBBIE for the lovely card and thoughts-you sure know how to bring a smile to this farmgirls face....Love, Mel |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 09 2024 : 3:56:57 PM
Melody, thank-you for your tastes update. I am glad that chemo is almost finished. Will be keeping you both in my prayers that the medicine has done its work and surgery can be the next step. Gosh, hint of early fall sounds wonderful to me down here in Florida where we are trying to move past the wreckage of Hurricane Debby left as it blew through Sunday night. Enjoy those little hints of fall as they can be so beautiful and uplifting. Take care and Thanks for stopping by here!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 9:05:27 PM
Melody -- Thank you for the update. Healthy appetite and gaining weight are good signs. Continuing to send good thoughts for both of you.
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21, 6/24
I'm old and I do wear purple |
| melody |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 8:11:14 PM
It seems the closer we get to the 8th chemo session with CT to follow the more anxious I become--The CT will reveal if the tumor has shrunk enough to do surgery to remove the tumor. He just completed his 6th round with very limited side effects-mostly cold sensitivity in his hands and he is very fatigued-one bright spot he has put on a few pounds and his appetite is still very good. His hair is definitely getting thinner and he misses being back at the office. Our summer here in the great north woods seems to be winding up and I have noticed a tinge of color already-I am dreading winter-it's always difficult here. I want to say thank you ladies for all of the encouragement we have received-and all of the prayers. We appreciate it very, very much. I will continue to post updates-Take care. Love, Mel |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Aug 03 2024 : 12:02:29 PM
Prayers continue, Mel! Sending lot of virtual hugs and love too!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
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| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jul 30 2024 : 05:30:16 AM
Mel still praying as you and your husband continue on this journey.
~Denise
Sister #43~
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured."
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jul 29 2024 : 4:22:06 PM
Melody, it is good to hear from you and I am sorry to hear that July has been so rough. Keeping you and hubby in my thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. Thanks for stopping by and giving us an update.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| Jokamartell |
Posted - Jul 25 2024 : 7:32:00 PM
Continuing to pray, Mel. :)
Karen :)
To quote one of my past preschoolers “Not one of those Karens, but a good Karen”! Haha |
