5/27-Doctor's call

Hi Again,

We arrived here in DC with no problems. It's warm and humid here. It was amazing getting a real life glance at the Washington Monument at a distance. Can't wait to see it up close. Looking forward to the sight-seeing and attending the conference too!!

I got a call this morning while almost leaving California from Dr. Bushnell. (we were taxiing in the airplane) He said that the tumor is a Carcinoid. The next step is to have it removed. He said we can talk through all the details once we get home next week. So keep praying for a miracle all you prayer warriors!!

That's all for now...With much love, Peggy

5/26-Leaving to D.C.

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I have not written anything this week. I kept waiting to hear from the Doctor about the final Pathology report. I called this afternoon and talk to the nurse who said that a fax did come in and that Dr. Bushnell would need to review and call me later. He was in surgery at this point in the late afternoon. We still have not heard so I just decided to write since we leave in the a.m. for DC.

I have improved a lot over the course of the week. I have stopped the perscription pain pills all together and only use the over the counter stuff when I need it. Which is not too often. My biggest complaint would be that I still tire pretty easy. I was hoping to be 100% by this trip but...oh well! We will just have to take it all slow!! My breathing is a little wheezy too. I never had that before either. Must be more healing going on from the surgery.

I will send a new post from DC when we do indeed hear from the Dr. Keep praying and I know the Lord's Will will be done!! I love and appreciate each and everyone of you!!

Love and Blessings!! Peggy

5/18-Getting Closer

Hello Everyone,

Well, we are getting closer to knowing exactly what this is. But the Pathologists have sent this on to others to examine and render an opinion. Dr. Bushnell said this morning that it looks like it is either a Thymoma or a Carcinoid. The Carcinoid means "Cancer-like". I guess it means it could be cancer but isn't acting like normal cancer. This is a good thing. Both would be treated the same way by removing it. He said it is a low grade situation and it appears to be very slow growing. He was hesitant to call it benign because it being so big and where it is does cause a threat. That's why removal is what is next on the agenda. We won't be setting up the appointment until the final path report. But we did discuss it being somewhere right at the beginning of June. The surgery will be much more intense. Since this tumor is so big it will have to be quite a big incision and they remove it in whole. Recovery will involve a 5-7 post-op hospital stay. And 6 weeks of limited activity total. Keep praying!! If Jesus would like to do a miracle here, I'm totally open to that!! I know nothing is impossible for God! I will just go where He sends me. I continue to have a peace in my heart that all is going to be just fine.

Many Blessing on you all!! Your prayers have so much been felt!!

Lots of love, Peggy

5/17- X-ray Today

Each day I am feeling better. Less pain and less pain medicine. The pain medicine was giving me lots of nausea. So with some help I have been able to strike a balance between less nausea and less pain. Thank you Jesus for that. Today I went in for a chest x-ray to bring with me tomorrow to my appointment with Dr. Bushnell. It looked a lot the same except there is a fluid build up in the right lung. I thought there might be something in there. It has been fairly uncomfortable. We will see tomorrow am what the Doctor has to say about that. I am still feeling really confident that I will hear good news tomorrow with the biopsy results. Pray that they are indeed benign, conclusive and hopeful!!

Love to all, Peggy

P.S. Just got a call for Dr. Richardson and they said the the Uterine biopsy from a few weeks ago is all normal!! Praise God!!!

5/15 - Progress

Peggy continues to get better, although the pain is still there. She is reducing some of the Vicodin to see how she can manage on Advil alone. Grandma, Grandpa and others are helping with the kids (and even meals!) so that Peg doesn't have to worry about that. Today Peg & I had the rare treat of grocery shopping together!

Lexie (6) has turned into a great nurse, helping Peg with everything she needs. Trinity (4) has every day planned out as to who's house she will be sleeping over next! Josh (2) is oblivious to it all, walking in the house after staying at grandma & grandpa's house, saying, "hi mommy" and then promptly proceeding to his toys in the backyard.

We are praying that God would miraculously remove, shrink, destroy and alter the mass. Wednesday is her next X-Ray and Thursday is the follow-up appointment with Dr. Bushnell.

5/13 - Home Sweet Home

It's good to be home. It's quiet at the moment. The kids are elsewhere. I got a good night rest and I continue to feel better all the time. I am basically healing up so we can do it all again. It is encouraging that Dr. Bushnell is leaning even further toward this thing being benign now that he has seen it. But we will know for sure next week after pathology gets a good look at it. It's a good thing because our D.C. trip at the end of May is still on. Hooray!! Just Larry and I and no kids. Maybe we can take a trip with the kids out there when they get older. We are going to the Foursquare Pastors convention and will return in early June and then go for round two. The good thing is that this should be wrapping it all up, after they remove it. They will only have to monitor the spot with CT scans after the fact to make sure that it doesn't come back.

A big part of the peace that I have felt in this shadow of fear and death is that death is not really a scary thing if you have Jesus. Romans 10:9 says That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. I have no doubt where I will go when that time comes and that comforts me always. But I also have a peace that the job God has for me is not going to be complete any time soon. In Jeremiah 29:11 He has promised me a hope and future and I look forward to this too.

Thank you all for your prayers and all the help we have received is just so awesome!! God is so good and so are His people!! We will keep you all posted on future events and updates as they happen. Thanks for all the comments they are such a huge blessing to us.

Love you all, Peggy

5/12 - Going Home

We just got the word...the doctors are sending Peg home, saying "hospitals are for sick people and u don't qualify." She will probably be home later this afternoon or early tonight...she's doing good!

Larry (text message)

5/12 - Text From Peg

Up at 5 this morning. Chest xray, a washing, cath removed, sitting up in chair, talked 2 john. Going 2 be moved 2 the 6th flr after breakfast.

(text message from Peggy)

5/11 - Surgery Day

Well we arrived at CMH at 5:00 am this morning and realized that we were in for something bigger than we thought. I suppose it is the nurses and hospital workers jobs to tell you the worst case scenario, and it seemed a bit more serious surgery than a glorified "out patient" deal.

Peggy went in about 7:15 and was done about 10:30. Dr. Bushnell said everything went well and they were able to get some good samples of the mass. They made a 2" incision on the right side of her chest and were able to use a scope and instruments to inspect the mass and to get samples. The procedure was called a Thoracotomy. She is currently in the CCU at CMH and will probably be there until tomorrow morning. She might be in the hospital another day or so.

He said the mass seemed to be about the size of a grapefruit, not attached to any structure (lungs, ribs, heart, etc.), fairly encapsulated and contained in one area. Although it is pressing on the lung and touching the heart, it doesn't appear to be attaching to either. The lung is being slightly displaced which isn't too disconcerting in that people can live with only one lung, let alone a slightly displaced. He said the shape, the location, and these other factors lead him to believe it is benign and can be removed most likely fully intact.

The cells they have extracted will be tested by many pathologists both local and out of the area, possibly even pathologists at Stanford. Apparently they still do not know much about it, except it seems to be some sort of germ cell tumor. When asked about Chemo, Dr. Bushnell felt that was not necessary based on what he has seen thus far.

Thanks for all the prayers, love, help and support. The kids have been having fun sleeping over at various friends, family and grandma & grandpa's houses. Please pray for strong recovery for Peggy and for peace and a strong reliance of God's providence in our lives.

You can post your comments, thoughts and prayers, by clicking the "Comments" link below this blog. Love you all...Larry

5/9 - Upcoming Surgery Info.

Hello all, Well, today I did all my pre-op's. I've never had to do that before. But, it was really just getting things out of the way so you don't have to do them the day of the surgery. I will be having the surgical biopsy done at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura by Dr. Lamar Bushnell. I go in at 5am and I am slated to be the first operation at around 7am. That is unless a heart patient comes in and then I will go a little later. The procedure is expected to take about 1 1/2 hours. He will not only be able to collect the tissue that is needed, but he will also be able to see if this tumor is loose or connected to things. We are praying it is loose. It will be removed easier this way. However, I know that nothing is impossible for God. Larry will be there waiting for me along with his sister and my Mom. I will not know if I will be able to go home that day until after the surgery. He said a one night stay at most. I hope I can go home that day.

We have been and are being so blessed by so many of you helping us out in so many different way. The prayers, the kind words written and spoken have been precious to us. Also, where would we be without all of you who have helped with the children during all this. I have had so many appointments and procedures in this 3 week period of time. Thank you all so very much. God bless you all for all your acts kindness and sacrifices. We are so blessed to know you.

I was listening to the Christian radio the other day. And the song "I am Free" by the Newsboys came on and it made me cry. I knew it was God telling me...I am Free!! The artist spoke out the Isaiah 53 verse...by His stripes we are healed! Such a great healing scripture to claim and to keep before me at all times. Also he quoted John 8:36 "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed". I know this in my heart that He can and will heal me. Thank you all for standing in faith with us on this. It gets tough some days waiting. Your prayers have helped tremendously.

Love and blessings to you all Peggy, Larry and the kids!!!

5/8 - Procedure

Peggy received a call from the pulmonary specialist on Friday and it was confirmed, they did not get enough cells in the needle biopsy. She is scheduled for a "surgical biopsy" on Thursday morning, at 7:00 a.m. at CMH. We need to be there at 5:00 a.m. Tomorrow she goes for "pre-op" testing where they draw blood, do an EKG and other tests.

This weekend was very tiresome for us. We both felt a bit fatigued and exhausted. We had a lot of fun with the church at Dodger Stadium on Friday night, but getting off an emotionally draining week, it was nice to be able to rest a bit and get some bearing back.

We are confident that God is faithful to watch over us, to heal, to protect, to guard, to cultivate life in our bodies. We are trusting the Lord, through this process, that it will be easy, smooth, decisive and that God would get the glory! That doctors, nurses, techs and others would see the miraculous hand of God in the process.

Thanks for all the prayers, love and comments. Peggy & I have been very encouraged by how God is using others to speak to us.

5/4 - More Detail

Dear Awesome Prayer Warriors!!!

You guys are so great!! My brother-in-law Dennis is doing so good and already home, as most of you know. The Dr. I saw today helped with Dennis in some capacity (he does hearts and lungs). He told Larry and I that Dennis' recovery was miraculous. After that big of a heart attack and that long out, he said it was very rare for anyone to come back that strong and fast. Such a comfort for me, I know the same God is at work in me as He is in Dennis. Thank-you all for all of your faithful and believing prayers!!

Today Larry and I met with Dr. Bushnell. The results they received from the biopsy I had Friday were inconclusive. So basically, they still don't know what this is. They really need to know before they can take further action in removing it. I am in the process of setting up a surgical biopsy for next week. (possibly Thurs.) It will be either an out-patient thing the one day or maybe just an overnighter. I should be back on my feet quickly after the fact. From this they will be able to get a better idea of what is going on.

Things to specifically prayer for...

-for this mass to be benign (not cancerous)
-for this mass to be not connecting to any vital organ. (it doesn't appear to be but they are not sure)
-for continued sense of peace for me and my family
-for the Uterine biopsy to be clear of danger too (still have not heard)
-For this mass to be removed!!

I asked the Dr. how I would have been made aware of this had we not stumbled upon this. He said I would have eventually had difficulty with my breathing since it looks like it is already is displacing my lung. And it is already touching my heart but not causing any problems now. Further along it would have caused my hands and face to swell if this certain vein was compressed by it. So praise God we found it this way!! If anything is dangerous it would be an early stage. My body is not looking like it is being invaded. I do not have symptoms that would indicate an advanced stage of anything. So we can keep praying along the lines of this mass being benign and easy to remove!!

Most of you know that Larry set up this blog and I love reading the comments!! Thanks to all who have written. Your words really encourage me!!

Lot of love to all!!!
Peggy

5/4 - Dr. Visit

We met with Dr. Bushnell, who is a heart & lung surgeon. He said that there is a big mass, next to the lung on the right side. The needle biopsy did not yield enough cells to know for certain what is there. It did indicate that there were possibly neuroendocrine cells, which are nerve cell tissue. Next Thursday he would like to make a small 1" incision and extract more cells for testing. This surgical procedure will require a one night hospital stay.

He said it seems to be a germ cell tumor, doesn't look like it is attached to the chest, lung or heart, which is good. The tumor seems to be encapsulated (contained in one area), and doesn't seem to be malignant, and is less likely to be Thymoma. It seems to be growing relatively slowly and has been there a while and has not taken over any structures (this is also good).

He said it is great that this was found right now, since there are no outward signs of any problems with her body and that she is in good physical shape. Pray for healing for Peg, peace for all of us, wisdom for the doctors, and that they would easily be able to address this!

Peggy has been very touched by people's comments and prayers on the blog!!!

5/4 - Next Appointment

Today, at around 11:15 a.m. Peggy is going to see a Pulminary Surgen to discuss what appears to be a mass near her lung. So far the biposy results are inconclusive, and they may not have enough sample to do all the test they want to do.

Prayer for peace for us, wisdom for the doctors, and the healing power of Jesus to remove, reduce, and replace what appears to be near her lung.

We are also, awaiting the results of the cells removed from her uterus. We are trusting God that there will be nothing wrong, all cells will be normal!

Thanks for all the prayers & love!!!

5/2 - Pulmonary Specialist

Today Peggy went and saw the pulmonary specialist, Dr. Palladino. We reviewed what appeared to be a mass next to the lung (anterior growth) and appears to be around the size of a softball. He seemed a little puzzled as to exactly what it is, although he had some thoughts. He is awaiting the results of the lung biopsy, which will be available on Thursday.

He said it could be;
a) Germ Cell Tumor - would require Chemo
b) Thymoma Tumor - connected to the Thymus - removed by surgery - benign or malignant
c) Lymphoma - He said, "doesn't seem likely, it doesn't look like that"
c) Abnormal Thymus Growth - goiter - benign, still needs to be removed
d) Cyst? - Not likely, but not totally sure yet
e) Not really sure

The point is, he is not totally sure what it is, but nobody is panicking, so that is good. We talked about this being a sign, the fact that they are still testing, means they can't figure it out, which is good! This is just like the ovaries, they said there is something, then they re-tested with a different imaging devise and said, everything appears normal!

And with the monogram, they thought they saw something, and re-tested at different angles and new images, and they said, everything looks fine! We are believing God that in the end, surgery won't even be required! Thanks for all the prayers and support!!

5/1 - Collapsed Lung

Well Peggy went in today for a follow-up X-ray at Pueblo Imaging, and they said, "your collapsed lung is fine and properly inflated." WHAT?!?! Well she wasn't told on Friday that it was collapsed, but there was some pain, blood and general concern from the medical staff after the proceedure. Oh well, we are glad things are healing up well. We should see the results of the lung biopsy in the next 48 hours.

In the next 24 hours we should see the results of the uterian cells tests. We are believing that there is nothing of alarm in her uterus and that the mass near her lung will not require surgery to shrink, reduce or remove. Thank you Lord for your power flowing through Peggy's body and making every part whole.

God has been faithful and we have seen His guidance through this process. Thanks for all the prayers, love and support!