Meeting with Dr. McKenzie

Great meeting with Dr. Mckenzie

     My tumor is about the size of a grape and their is every indication that it has not spread. The stage is not clear at this point in time due to the location on the Pancreas.  It was rated as a stage one or possible stage two because it may have attached to the vein. 
   My team will be following the MD Anderson protocol. They will first attack the tumor with chemotherapy to shrink and keep the tumor from spreading. That will be accompanied by radiation.  We anticipate this treatment to last for 3 months.  If there is no sign of growth we will proceed with the Whipple surgery to remove the tumor.
   I go into St. David's Central on Tuesday morning to have a port installed surgically by Dr. McKenzie for chemotherapy.  I then meet with Dr. Hellerstadt of Texas Oncology that afternoon to discuss chemo treatment and radiation. My Advocate, Peggy Smith will join Us.
   I am feeling very confident in my medical team and blessed to be supported by so many caring people.
Thank God for the power of prayer!

Love, Cindy

The fight is on!

We have sent all tests, scans, labs, blood work, radiology, and pathology down to M.D. Anderson.
We want a second opinion, and another set of eyes on Cindy's case. Now we're waiting for an appointment hopefully next week, and still meeting with the Austin team on Friday (tomorrow)
Thank you for the continued prayers and support!
-Paul

Update

Pathology in, and the mass has been found to be cancerous. We will be fighting back aggressively. At 9am on Friday morning we will meet with her new advocate, Peggy, her surgeon Dr. McKenzie, and the oncology team at St. David's Central to form a plan.
Please keep the prayers flowing! Today is our 31st wedding anniversary, and I pray for at least 30 more! -Paul

Update

We made it to the hospital by 6:30 in a driving rain. Procedure started promptly at 8:30 am and everything went very smoothly. Dr Srygley took pictures and gathered the Biopsy. We should have results by Thursday afternoon. Mass
Looked suspicious but pathology will define treatment.
   We are on our way home now to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary 5/28/1983
Cindy needs to take it easy and regain her strength. Liver and pancreas still very angry and inflamed. Keep the prayers coming!
-Paul

Update

Got the early bird special.  Endoscope is at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.  Hoping for results as early as Thursday morning.
Had a great weekend with family and friends including a pedi 👏.   Watched a very sweet get well video from my class. Thank you Kim White .❤️ -Cindy

From Cindy

First night home was great! Loved on the pups and tried to watch a movie but fell asleep early. Slept well too.  Only woke up once for some meds. Woke up later with an appetite and attacked the cut up watermelon in the fridge. Able to decrease pain meds too. Now if  I can just keep myself from doing too much. You know me, always finding something that needs organized or cleaned.  Dove into the "boredom basket" my wonderful team gave me. Not sure if I want to read or just color. Hmmm, why not a little of both.  Although I'm not out of the woods completely I feel as though the clearing is just up ahead.  Prayers for next week!
Love you all,
Cindy

Update

She's home! Discharged at 4p and is resting comfortably with Paisley. She's very excited to be able to rest at home. Pain is manageable, though not much of an appetite.
She would love to have visitors over the weekend! Spirits are high but friends make it easier. Come and visit and talk about anything besides the past week! Haha
Thank you everyone for your continued love and support!

Coming Home!

Cindy is coming home tonight after a week long stay in the hospital. She was admitted for gallstones and pancreatitis last Friday morning. The stones have been removed and stints placed so she is no longer jaundiced. 
There was a mass found on her pancreas that will be biopsied next Tuesday, but this is good news because it was caught so early. They already have a plan of action should they need to go further.
Cindy's medical team has been fantastic, and St. David's has been excellent. 

"Thanks to my nurses: Katie, Clara, Marcie, Amber, Will, and Matt. And to doctors: Robinson, Srygley, Benevich, McKenzie, and Sular. Thanks to my amazing support group who sent flowers, love, and prayed with me through this challenging time. My family, school team, and friends, thank you!" -Cindy

Please continue your prayers and support, as they are greatly appreciated!