Well, a few weeks ago my mom went to her usual quarterly doctor’s appointment for her diabetes check up. As usual, the doctor palpated her abdomen and not like usual he felt a mass. No biggie, stay calm we will do an ultra sound… twice. No news so then it was a CT scan. There was indeed a mass. It was about the size of my fist or an orange. This was not good.
My mom is an optimist and didn’t freak out on the outside – maybe she did on the inside. She just stayed brave and kept going like this from the brave girls club..
She was referred to an oncologist but then they determined that it would be logical to get a biopsy before talking to the oncologist. They determined that a CT biopsy wouldn’t work and they referred her to a surgeon. The surgeon took a look and said that it wouldn’t be sensible to take a surgical biopsy without just taking the whole thing. However, the surgeon in Topeka, while nice and informed, listed several pretty negative possibilities. “Most likely you will have a transfusion.” “Might have to take all or part of your spleen, pancreas and colon.’ Ack! So a second opinion was in order! (Small aside that after the last four years, of medical mayhem in our family we are fans of the second opinion.) The nice Topeka doctor referred her to a specialist at KU Medical Center.
This doctor specializes in abdominal surgeries. Yay! Liver transplants and other complicated abdominal surgeries. The CT scan and the surgeon were pretty sure that it was a liposarcoma – a cancerous tumor – rapidly growing but usually not metastasizing. The surgeon said no problem! He said he wouldn’t have to touch the spleen, most likely he would get the entire mass and he might not have to touch the pancreas at all either. He did think he might have to take some colon but assured us that the colon and digestive system would adjust. We felt positive about it and she scheduled the surgery for Monday.
It went great!! Cutting to the almost end of this story, the surgery was successful. The surgeon feels confident that he got the whole thing. He didn’t touch any other organ except a bit off the colon and left nothing behind. The initial discussion is that it was benign and that it is OUT! Amazing! She does have a seriously bad ass incision and 30 (at least) staples up and down on her abdomen. She is, however, walking, talking and staying positive! She is such an awesome mom. She is a good friend and mentor and I love her SOOOO much! She is such a part of my daily, weekly life with calls and conversation. I am always impressed that her friends are so great. She has had good support and plenty of support will continue when she is home. She will most likely return home tomorrow! I am so happy that I don’t have words to express myself about my relief that she is well. It is true that there may be additional follow up treatment but for now, WHEW!!
Love my mom in her happy hat, a gift from her friend Donna. It makes her smile and it makes others smile. She is an awesome mom and friend! I am thankful that this has gone well and I believe that all the prayers, well wishes and positive energy made a great difference.
Blessed.
Love and prayers for well being and strong positive attitudes are going out from me to all of you.
~ Denise
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