It's a Wonderful Care Package!

I hope each one of you had a great day!  Today was very productive for me!

14 days until surgery!

One Last MRI

Today Regina at the very busy Dr. O'Donnell's office called me to tell me that they are working to get insurance to approve my last MRI.  She told me that whenever there is an referral for an abdomen MRI, that insurance needs more information.  She told me that they are working to get it over to insurance and I should have the referral today.

About 1 hour later, Jessica at the Imaging center contacted me to schedule an appointment.  She told me that they are booked until next week.  For the MRI with the contrast fluid that I need, I need two time slots together.  The first available isn't until Monday.

Tomorrow, I will call around to more imaging centers to see if I can get a last minute appointment.  I was really hoping to have this last MRI completed before Friday's appointment.

Care Package

A few weeks ago, I received a box in the mail... and it was addressed to ME!!  I was totally a little kid on Christmas morning opening that box!  In the box were lots of goodies, each one labeled with hand written notes!!  It was a care package from my good friend Mike!!!!!

Mike is such a good guy and a great friend of Nate's, when Nate and I were still boyfriend/girlfriend, Mike and Nate were always hanging-out together that it took no time before Mike and I were friends too!!  About 4-5 years ago, Mike had to undergo knee surgery.  I wanted him to know how much I valued his friendship and to tell him that his surgery would be ok, so I put together a small care package for him.  Last year, at Mike's birthday, he pulled me aside to tell me how much that care package, I did for him so long ago, meant to him.  He thanked me so much.  What a sweet soul.

When Mike heard about my knee, he wasted no time putting this care package together for me.  Honestly, there is nothing like receiving a gift from someone who means so much and who took so much time to put it all together.  I can't wait to share the care package he did for me, with each of you...

Book on Leadership: 

"Because I know you love football and that no level of sickness will keep you from achieving your goals"

Tissues:

"For the days that might get a little overwhelming, and you feel like letting it all out"

Chocolate:

"Sometimes... All a girl needs is just a little bit of chocolate! :)"

Streamers:

"For the party we are going to throw when your battle is won!!"

Powerhouse Tickets x2:

"To be used in conjunction with the streamers for the celebration of all celebrations!! :)"

(Powerhouse is a local bar)

Energy Chews:

"For those tough days when you need just a little burst of energy :)"

A Winter Candle:

"To bring a smile to your face on those sleepless nights :)"

A Macadamia Nut Tree Pen:

"To help you document your path... and to bring a little Hawaii to you days :)"

Gatorade:

"For all those runs you will be busting out in rehab! :)"

Gum:

"For Nate... and just in case you are talking to a really cute Doctor! :)"

Hope bracelet, and smiley face

Isn't this SO thoughtful of Mike!?  I just love it!!

I hope you all have a great day tomorrow!!

The Countdown Begins...

I hope you all had a great Monday!

Mine felt like a whirlwind!

Family in Town

We had family in town all weekend!  I love having family in town for many reasons but, one BIG reason is because its IMPOSSIBLE to think about Cancer when family is around!  We had fun at Apple Hill, made lots of food at home, did some shopping, and laughed A LOT!!

The Countdown Begins

Today, I woke up worried.  It hit me... I will be having surgery in 16 days!  Holy Moly! Lots to do before then!!  Starting with my Radiation Consultation this Friday!  BEFORE Friday, I need to have TWO more MRI's.

Dr. O'Donnell ordered two MRI's, one of my abdomen and one of my pelvic region.  You'd think that they would just do one MRI of both regions.  Turns out that is not how the insurance companies work.  Another weird Insurance quirk... I have to have the MRI's done in two different days, Insurance won't allow both in one day just to get them over with.  Interesting, I had no idea.  I called the Imaging center in Sacramento this morning to see if they received my referral for the MRI's from Dr. O'Donnell (the Imaging Center that I found last week with the opening this week).  Jessica told me that they had not received it.  It just didn't sound like Regina at Dr. O'Donnell's office - she's always on top of it!  I must have left her three messages this morning before 9 am.  Seriously, I felt bad because at 9:30 Jessica at the Imaging center called me to schedule one of the MRI's, she told me that they had the referral last week but, they just didn't see it this morning when I called.

Working with facilities outside of UCSF, make me appreciate UCSF even MORE!!

Jessica was able to schedule me for an appointment at 3pm today!  When I got there I filled out more paperwork and then was taken in to a changing room.  I was given blue scrubs to wear and instructed to wait until the tech came to get me.

Ron came about 10 minutes later..  Just enough time for an Instagram #selfie @ST8FARMJEN!  A pelvic MRI is much different than a knee MRI!  I was strapped onto the MRI 'table' in more ways than one, then heavy cover over my pelvic region, then a metal cage over the heavy cover, then my feet were taped together (yes, taped) then I was covered with blankets!!  I was given ear plugs and shooting range type headphones.  I was moved inside the MRI machine and for a small moment alllllmost panicked.  I kinda felt like a trapped miner stuck in a cole mine!  But, I got over it quickly.

About 30 minutes into the imaging, Ron came in to give me the contrast fluid, Gadolinium.  Ron was the BEST at inserting the IV needle in my arm than ANYONE thus far.  To be honest, I didn't even KNOW the needle was in until he told me... I was still looking away! I told Ron over and over how good he did.  The rest of the images went quickly.

Read more about Gadolinium HERE.

Once Insurance approves my next MRI, I will get that scheduled quickly as well!

Huge Cancer Fighting Salad

Since my Surgeon and my Husband won't let me research my Cancer online, I've taken to researching diet and how I can help eliminate Cancer and prevent it from returning.  I'm in the process of getting assigned an Oncology Nutritionist.  I can't wait to share with you all of the information I receive.  Until then here is the deliciously HUGE cancer fighting salad, with over 25 cancer fighting ingredients, I had for dinner tonight (Raw Vegan).  It has been my go-to.

I hope you have a WONDERFUL week!

Love you all!

PET CT Scan - Results

Thursday came and went so quickly!!  Are you ready for FRIDAY !??

I was happy Dr. O'Donnell was able to fit us in the very next morning after my PET CT scan.  Typically, Thursdays are his new patient days.  He is very thorough so its easy for him to get behind in seeing new patients and doing a complete review.  My appointment today was scheduled for 8:30, and Dr. O'Donnell was able to fit me in at 11 am.  We didn't have anywhere else to be and we were very excited to hear about my results.

Once we were in the room, O'Donnell came right in.  He had already reviewed my PET CT scans with another Doctor and had already taken the time to type up my notes!!  He told us that my Myxoid Liposarcoma tumor is confirmed to be a really low grade!!!  He told us that it is rapidly changing but, that I caught this tumor early!!!  He told us that he might even be able to just treat my tumor with radiation during surgery and not have to do any follow-ups!!  We couldn't believe our ears and were SO excited!

He then went on to tell us that the PET CT reviled two areas on me that will need further testing.  The doctors noted one small mass in the lower lobe of my right lung, and a second small mass on my liver.  He told me not to worry at this stage.  I will need an MRI on my abdomen and my pelvic area.  Dr. O'Donnel asked me to have these exams done prior to my Radiation Consultation, which is scheduled for November 1st.  If these additional masses turn out to be something of concern, my radiation treatment will be different.  So its crucial to have the addition scans done prior to November 1st.

The first MRI appointment available with UCSF is on November 8th - which won't work.  One our drive back, I called around to different Imaging centers in the Sacramento area.  We were able to find one that has an opening early next week!!  I called Regina at UCSF and left her a message asking her to send the request over.

This is a fun part of our day... as we were about to leave the patient room, Dr. O'Donnell told us that one day, as a Dr. he will write a really good book on how to be a good patient.  He told me that he would like to reference us in the book!  He said that I am always so nice to the nurses and his assistant.  He told me that they always tell him about patients and that when you are nice, it goes over well with everyone!  Isn't Dr. O'Donnell the nicest?

Just a reminder... The Sarcoma Tumor Board will be meeting tomorrow about my very rare tumor in my knee!  Please pray for the Wisdom of these Surgeons, Doctors, and Nurses who will be reviewing my case.  Pray that they get excellent sleep tonight and are alert and ready to give excellent input tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

Love you all!

PET CT Scan... Completed!!

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday!

I had been waiting for this Wednesday for a long time.

Today, I got my PET CT scan out of the way!  See the way I look at it, is that each test, each appointment gets me one step closer to my surgery date and one step closer to the road of recovery!!

We woke up bright and early at 5:30 and got 'ready' for my doctors appointment.  I put ready in quotations because there isn't much to get ready for.  Mostly, pack-up the hotel room and get on the road.  Connected to the hotel was a Starbucks.  Nate stopped in to grab a latte and a warm blueberry scone.  I can't tell you how good a warm blueberry scone smells in the morning... especially when you are FASTING!!

We didn't have far to drive and before I knew it, we arrived at the parking structure.  China Basin (where my test was completed) is across the street from Giants Stadium!!

We found our suite in no time.  We were there 15 minutes before they even opened!  I snapped this photo of a tree made of origami cranes when we were waiting for the doors to open.  I remember my sister folding 100's of these cranes a while back.  I remember her telling me that they are supposed to bring good luck.  I instantly felt like she was there with us.

We were the first patients in imaging so as soon as we got there we were whisked directly into the CT room.  I sat in a side room and waited for the nurse to come in.  Each contact I had with a nurse, they would ask me if I was drinking water.  It is important that I have enough water in me so that the scans show up clear.  He set up the IV with some saline.  Then he left for a little bit and came back with a metal box that contained the next syringe.  This syringe was incased in metal.  I asked about it and he told me that it is Radioactive Sugars.  He told me that I shouldn't feel any different.  He went on to explain the half-life, etc.  He then walked Nate and I over to a waiting room.  I was instructed not to move, especially not to talk (Nate was laughing so hard at that instruction)!!  He told me that 1 hour will allow the sugars to metabolize in my body.  If I were to talk a lot, the sugars would settle in my jaw area.  He covered me with a warm blanket, and left.

About 15 minutes later, I started feeling so light headed, an sweaty.  I hurried quickly to the restroom where I threw-up.  Nate ran and got the nurse.  The nurse took me quickly to the nursing station where I laid down for the remaining time.

When the hour was up, I was taken back into the PET scan room and set-up on the table.  He strapped me in, covered me with a warm blanket and then injected my IV with Iodine.  Now that was a really strange feeling!!  Hot and suffocating all over, but the uncomfortable feeling ends within 3 minutes. The Nurse turned on Jack Johnson in the room and even brought Nate in the room.  In all honesty, I fell asleep for most of the scan.

When we were all done, I was instructed to drink a LOT of water to flush the chemicals out.

Afterwards, we walked around China Basin to find some breakfast.  We both choose a yummy bagel sandwich  from a local shop!

I must say that Im really thankful that my husband has a great job and a very understanding boss.  He is able to take me to my appointments and is able to work from another city!! Im SO grateful!

Yesterday afternoon, Regina called me to schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. O'Donnell Thursday morning at 8am.  Dr. O'Donnell wants to go over the results of my scans the very next day!!

I can't wait for my tomorrow morning appointment!  One step closer to surgery, then onto the road of recovery!

Thanks for reading!!

Staying in San Francisco

Time to start PACKING...

Staying in San Francisco

My PET CT scan is tomorrow morning at 7am, in San Francisco!!  Nate decided it would be best to stay the night in San Francisco.  Since I haven't been sleeping well, he thought it would be best if we woke up down the street from the Hospital, and only had to drive 5 minutes.

For those of you who know my husband, you know that he is very thrifty.  Using Priceline he was able to find a 4-star hotel in San Francisco, down the road from UCSF for only $180!  I thought that was such a good deal, that I wanted to share it with you in case you will be visiting the city in the future.  My husband has to work today then, we will drive out there.

We will be staying HERE.

Please pray that my scan goes well tomorrow.  Pray that the doctors are able to capture a clear image. Pray that cancer is only in my knee area.  Pray for calm nerves so that Im able to sleep well.

Love you all!

Fruit Basket

Good Morning!

I hope you have a great day planned!

Fruit Basket

I wanted to start sharing with you the incredibly nice things friends have done for me since my diagnosis.  This fruit Basket is from Rachael, Joey, Kevin, and The Better State Crew.  A little background... I do a lot of events to promote my Agency.  ALL of the events I do, I pair-up with The Better State Crew.  Joey and Kevin are the Top Dogs of the Crew.  Rachael (at the time), was Joey's girlfriend!  Since they sent me this basket, Joey proposed to Rachael!!!!!  I couldn't be MORE excited for this AWESOME couple.

I absolutely loved my fruit basket, and how thoughtful is there note..??   It was delicious!  I have certain diet restrictions since being diagnosed with Cancer and I could totally have this ENTIRE basket of fruit!  Thank you to The Better State Crew for thinking of me!

Have you been able to try a fruit basket from Edible Arrangements before?

Thanks for reading!!

My Fantasy Surgery TEAM!

I hope you had a great Monday!!

My apologies for no posts over the weekend, I had a really busy weekend with friends and catching up on sleep when ever I could!!  Here is a picture of Nate and I from this weekend... ALL SMILES!!

I truly believe that you can't control most of what happens to you, but you can control how you react.   That being said, I do my best to keep my posts always positive; It's important to me.  However, can I complain about one thing, just once? What I've grown to hate about having Cancer is that I'm always tired!  I wake up and I'm tired, I get home and I'm tired, and I'm tired all throughout the day too.  No matter how much coffee I have, I'm tired.  Get the picture, lol?  I've had to learn not push myself too hard.  Sometimes, that means that how I feel in the morning will dictate my day (forget making plans).  I can't do as much in one day as I've been able to do in the past.  I'm not superwoman.  There.  I said it.

Cancer Center Updates

Today, I heard from three different departments of the Cancer Center in San Francisco. I heard from Nurse, Carol today.  She prescribed me Valium for my PET scan on Wednesday.  It is a 3-4 hour exam in a small confined area, similar to a MRI.  I agreed, Valium would be just fine.  She also gave me as set of diet and activity instructions (below).

I also heard from Dr. Gottschalk's office.  He is the Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology and he is my new Radiation Doctor!  He will be in charge of my radiation during surgery and after surgery.  He is also located in the UCSF Cancer Center in San Francisco.  He too specializes in Sarcomas and is a specialist for putting the radiation in during surgery.  I have an appointment scheduled for Friday, November 1st!  I can't wait!  I've been writing down a ton of questions that I can't wait to ask!

Read more about my Radiation Doctor and his background HERE.

Fantasy Surgery Team

As big fans of football, my husband and I play fantasy football.  It consists of picking only the BEST players off of any given team to construct your own fantasy football team.  This week got me thinking about my surgery.  I feel as though every time UCSF adds another Surgeon or Specialist, that it is God creating a Fantasy Surgery Team for me!!  I feel with the team He's constructed, I can't lose!

Love you all, thanks for reading!!

Mark your calendars!

I have a surgery date!!

Regina called me again this morning (seriously, she is great)!  She told me that she got special approval from the Surgeon to go ahead and get my PET CT scan scheduled for next week!  Most of the time you can't get in for a PET CT scan this quickly!! She told me that Radiation is working to re-schedule appointments to fit me in next week.  She told me that by the end of the day she will have it scheduled for me and thanked me for being patient.  I was so thankful that SHE was working so hard to get me schedule in time.

While her and I were talking, she told me that Dr. O'Donnell just told her my surgery date!!  She asked me if I wanted to know it...?  YESSS!!  She told me that my surgery date will be Wednesday, November 13th.  My Surgery will be at UCSF Hospital.  She told me that I will stay at least one night at the hospital.

Later in the afternoon, she called back to tell me that my PET CT scan will be scheduled for next Wednesday, October 23rd!  Afterwards, I will meet with Dr. O'Donnell.

Can you believe Regina got all of this scheduled for me today?  So awesome!

Im still waiting to hear back from the Radiation for my consultation.  I should hear from them soon!  Hopefully, I could get a meeting with them also for next Wednesday...

Also, Regina was able to talk to Nurse, Carol about getting me a handicap placard for my car!  Lets just say that I will be THE woman to go Christmas shopping with this year.... Front-row parking!

Thank you for all your prayers!

A quick update

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

I wanted to post a quick update, to keep you all in the loop.

Good News!!!  It's official, after a long year of being a new Agent, Yesterday I signed my contract with State Farm!  Here is a picture of me signing the contract, and another with Therese (my sales leader) and I.

Yesterday morning, both Nurse, Caroll and Nurse, Regina called me before 11am!

Nurse, Caroll called to make sure I received Dr. O'Donnell's voice message and to see if I had any questions.  I told her that I appreciated her persistence in having Dr. O'Donnell call me in between surgeries on Wednesday.  I told her that my only question was about my x-rays.  I explained that Dr. O'Donnell didn't mention anything about it in his voicemail, so I was assuming that they weren't a concern..?  She told me that my chest x-rays came back clear.  Praise God!!

Nurse, Regina was calling to schedule me PET CT scan.  We played phone tag all morning.  I finally left her a message.  I told her to book my PET CT scan for the first available appointment.  I told her that I would make whatever date or time.  I believe the rush is to get this scan done before next Friday's Sarcoma Tumor Board meeting.

Yesterday, I got the chance to talk to a friend of mine who is in the Medical sales field.  She has been in on various Oncology Boards in the past.  She told me that when she attends, there were no sales involved, she was just there to listen in on the discussion.  She told me that only the best of the best are in these Boards.  She explained that they only discuss 3-4 cases and they typically meet once per month or twice.  She told me that only the rarest cases make it to the discussion.  She said that they will put all of the scans, notes, images, etc on a large power point in the front of the room and the surgeon will present all of the 'evidence' on the case.  Then she said, "This is where the Great Debate takes place."  She told me that surgeons will give their opinions on the best way to proceed with treatment and surgery.  They will cite medical journals, etc. in order to back what they think is the best!  She said that in some cases, they will even yell and argue with each other as to the best way to proceed!!

I feel so blessed to have so many doctors and surgeons reviewing my case!  There is knowledge in experience, and the more experience, the better!!

You can only control your attitude.  My attitude is one of strength and happiness!  I will come through this victorious!

Thank you for reading!

News from my Surgeon...

I hope your day was good!

Today, I got to celebrate my FIRST Boss's Day!  I can't tell you how weird it is to hear someone say that but, I have the very best Team who remembered!  They got me a thoughtful card and want to take me to lunch... How thoughtful!!!

I heard back from my Surgeon today!  In my book, any news is good news!  I called my Doctor yesterday and again today and just as I stepped into my afternoon appointment with my clients, I could hear my phone vibrating in my drawer!

Surgeon O'Donnell left me a rather long message.  He was in surgeries all day, and took the time to call me in between.  While I was hoping to hear that he made a mistake in my diagnosis, I was still glad to hear from him. I honestly believe that he is the very best Surgeon for my case.

He told me that he waited to talk to me until he talked to Pathology directly.  He told me that Pathology said that it is a Myxoid Liposarcoma.  This tumor is malignant.  He told me that they still considered it a low grade tumor but, made sure to tell me that until they get the tumor completely out and test it, are they entirely sure.

Read about a Myxoid Liposarcoma HERE.

Due to Pathology thinking it's low grade, he will proceed with low grade treatment, until he hears otherwise.  He told me that he recommends surgery and radiation therapy.  He told me that he will start the radiation treatment during my surgery and put it directly into my wound where the tumor was and sew me right up!  I will then need follow-up radiation treatment.  He sent me a referral to the Radiation therapy specialist.  He told me that they will get in touch with me to schedule a consultation appointment.

He told me that he will have his assistant schedule the PET CT scan and then that same day, I will go back in for an appointment with him to discuss my surgery. The PET CT scan will help Dr. O'Donnell get closer to confirming what stage the tumor is. Also, by having a picture early on, Radiation will be able to see week by week how the radiation therapy is progressing by comparing it to the initial image.

Read about a PET CT Scan HERE.

Then, he went on to tell me that since Sarcoma is so rare that prior to my surgery he will bring my case forward to the Sarcoma Tumor Board on Friday, October 25th.  This Board is composed of the very best in the Sarcoma arena.  They will discuss my case and together decide on the very best way to operate (I had no idea that this Board existed).  Wasn't that a loooooong message?!  I was so thankful that he took the time to leave this message for me.

Learn more about the Sarcoma Tumor Board HERE.

He didn't say anything about my x-rays.  I'm assuming he was busy in between his surgeries and that they must not have raised any red flags or he would have addressed them...?  (I'll be calling them again tomorrow)

Please continue to pray for me and my health.  Pray that they PET CT scan gets scheduled soon.  Pray that I am referred to the very best Radiation therapy.  Pray that the Sarcoma Tumor Board is on their very best next Friday for the review of my case. Pray that my surgery gets scheduled at the very best time for the surgeon after all of his research is done.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?  Luke 12:22-26

Patience

Paitence seems to be the theme when you have cancer!  Good Grief!  Waiting for the Surgeon, waiting for the Pathologist, waiting to hear back!  A woman could go nuts without the support from friends and family!

(Waiting for the Surgeon)

(Waiting for the Pathologist)

Last week the surgeon ordered a biopsy and x-rays.  He told me that I should hear back about the chest x-rays first and the biopsy early this week!  This seems to be the only thing occupying my mind!  After calling twice yesterday and leaving messages for his assistant, Regina (remember the lady who gave us the "raw" bar when we were in the waiting room?).  I decided to hold off on a third phone call until today.

The chest x-rays should give the Surgeon an indication if there are any other tumors in my body.  Recently, I've had chest and stomach pains but, I believe that it is just stress causing it!  My surgeon just wants to make sure.

The biopsy will tell the surgeon how to proceed with treatment.  For example, will I need radiation before or after or during surgery? How big will the surgeon make the incision?  These questions will be answered by Pathology.  Most importantly, they should be able to book my surgery date.

I hope to hear back really soon!  I will update you just as soon as I hear!

Thank you for praying for my husband - he's been feeling a lot better!

Please continue to pray for low grade tumor results with clear x-rays.  Pray the the Surgeon is in good health and continues to provide excellent treatment for other patients.  Please pray that I'm able to get in to surgery quickly.  Please pray for my Mom, she's sick with the flu.

Love you all!

Knee photos

We haven't heard back from my surgeon's office yet.  We should by early next week.  Here are some updated photos of my tumor.

It's hard to see my tumor from the front of my knee.  It starts in my thigh muscle towards the back of my leg and wraps around the front of my knee and then down into my calf muscle.  It is mostly inside muscle.

Here are photos I took this morning.  Here are my legs side, by side again.  The tumor is in my right leg, so when you look at the photo - its the leg on the left...

I turned my right leg out to the right, and with my left hand sort of put my hand on the top of the tumor so you can see where it begins.  I think it is more visible from the side.

This weekend has been really relaxing. Hearing on Thursday that the tumor is most likely low grade, has really allowed us to have a great weekend.  I've been feeling good, just really, really tired.  The surgeon said that this is normal.

Have a great sunday!!

Where to send notes, cards, flowers, etc...?

I've been asked frequently for my address to send notes, cards, flowers, etc...?

I appreciate lots of you wanting to do this, but please do not fell that you have to.  Just keep reading and supporting me, and I'll feel loved that way!  However, if you must... please send them to my Agency.

Jennifer Knighten, Agent
State Farm Insurance
4711 Manzanita Ave
Carmichael, Ca. 95608

I have an absolutely WONDERFUL team that is there Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm.  I go into the office frequently and have been picking up items that people have sent to me.

Again, please don't feel obligated - I get this question a lot so I figured I would post about it.

Love you all!

Happier Thoughts - Our Anniversary Trip

Our 3-year wedding anniversary was on Sept 10th.  If you've read my previous posts, you will know that on Sept 11th, the day AFTER our anniversary is when we found out that I had a tumor.

On our anniversary, I was at a seminar for a majority of the day.  When I got home, sitting in the table was something wrapped up with a big bow on top!  I ran over to the table, and ripped open the plastic bag.  Inside was a new wool coat!!  Nate got home and I thanked him over and over!  We both got ready for a nice dinner.  While at dinner, Nate told me that the coat was the first part of my surprise.  He told me that he booked a trip to New York for the week of New Years!!  A trip of a lifetime!  He got me the wool coat to wear while in New York!  I was on cloud-9!  He booked our flights and paid for our hotel that is located right in Times Square, right next to the ball drop!!

The next day we got news of my tumor...

This whole time, we have been worried that we wouldn't be able to go on the trip - the non-refundable trip!  Yesterday, we decided to ask my Surgeon if it is even remotely a possibility to still go on the trip?  If not, we wanted to get a doctors note and start the process of at least trying to get our trip re-scheduled.  Yesterday, Dr. O'Donnell told us that if I get surgery within the next month, that most likely it would take 6 weeks to walk again and that I should be back on my feet in time for the trip!!!!!!  He told me that he would make a gap in my treatment so that we could go on this trip! He made me promise that while on the airplane, that I would get-up and walk the isles so that I wouldn't get blood clots in my leg.  I told him I would!

This trip is symbolic of so many good things....  My husband booked this trip BEFORE we knew of any of this.  He booked this trip without a care in the world.  For the last month, I've said so many times that I wish we could go back to the way it was.  I wish none of this happened.  We were beyond happy that the Surgeon told us that there is a high probability that we could still go!  Time to plan our activities for this trip!  What a GREAT distraction/fun-time this will be!!  Nate has already bought tickets to see Wicked on Broadway, and the Rockettes!

Please continue to pray that my surgery gets scheduled within one month and that the tumor comes back low grade!

I want your help planning our trip!  What activities should we do while in New York during the holidays?

Love you all!!

Our Trip to UCSF Cancer Center

We had a great day with some great news!  As God continues to work in my life, I can't wait to tell you all about it!!

We woke up really early and left our house by 7am.  Nate and I had to fax 45 pages of the UCSF new patient packet and medical records over to UCSF.   Nurse Carol asked us to send it in early, so that the medical team could have everything in order by the time the Surgeon came in.  We went over to Staples and then afterwards went to Starbucks to get a coffee for the trip!

We were lucky enough to not hit any traffic, and had a very easy drive in!  It was really fun driving into the city and over the new bridge!
  

We got to the Cancer center by 11:30 for our 12:15 appointment, and we were lucky enough to get valet again!  Whoever thought up valet in these busy hospital areas is genius!

As we made our way in I paused.  I felt as though I didn't belong.  I didn't want to be there.  I wanted to turn back around and go back home to my normal life and my normal routine, the way it was!!  My eyes welled up with tears!  God gave me courage as I reached up and held my heart necklace.  I kept walking to the elevators and told myself that I am brave, that God and my husband are with me, and I can do this.  I got into the elevator and this was staring me right in the face!  My new Surgeon made the hospital's 'Honor Roll'!!

I was greeted at the front by a very nice woman who had me fill out a bunch more paperwork.  She told me that the appointment will take about 45  minutes.  She told me that since he is the top Surgeon at the Cancer center that his schedule is very busy, and told us never to be late (good thing we were early).  She also gave me Dr. O'Donnell's business card...  Check out his business card!  Orthopedic and Sarcoma??.. Could he be ANY more perfect or specialized for my situation??

Then, I got to meet Dr. O'Donnell's assistant, Regina. She made sure everything in our file was correct and seemed really nice (I think I'll be seeing a lot of her in the future)!  We asked her where we could get a quick snack.  It was already noon, and we could feel our stomachs grumbling.  Regina described where it was but, it seemed so far away, we decided to take a seat and not be late to the appointment!  Before we knew it, Regina came out into the waiting room and brought us a Raw Revolution bar from her purse (how thoughtful)!!!!  She told me that with everything going on that it is important for me to eat when I'm hungry.  The bar was really good too!  (Thanks Regina)

Right at 12:15 we were taken back to my exam room where we were greeted by a Resident.  He is a Doctor from New York who told us that he only wanted to train with the best.  He took lots of notes and asked lots of questions.  His job was to get a good outline going until Dr. O'Donnell was able to come in.  About 20 minutes later, Dr. O'Donnell came in.  He examined my knee and did a lot of typing.  He would ask a couple questions, then type.  Feel my tumor, then type.  He asked Nate some questions, then typed some more.  He was trying to be very thorough, so Nate and I sat very quietly and didn't interrupt.  When he was done.  He turned to us to discuss what he thinks and what my next steps should be.  He told me that at this point, the tumor could be anything from a low grade tumor to high grade.... in other words, he wasn't sure.  He told me that TODAY I was going to get a biopsy and x-rays.  He went over a couple 'what if' scenarios.  He explained to me that 'bad' tumors are really stiff, and 'not-so-bad' tumors are soft... mine is SOFT!!  He also told me that my tumor, on an MRI looks mostly homogeneous; picture vanilla ice cream with a couple almonds.  He told me 'bad' tumors look like rocky road ice cream (gross)!

I felt like our prayers had been answered.  He was truly an Angel.  He was very calming and to me, it seemed like he'd been there before.  I felt like I had a plan leaving there.  Off to get a biopsy!

After leaving the Cancer center, we walked directly over to Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) for my biopsy.  We walked in and were quickly checked in and taken to the procedure room where the doctor greeted us.  She went right to the lidocaine to get me numbed up.  She must have poked my knee about 10 times before I got white, clammy, and almost passed out!  She had to stop what she as doing and attend to me!  The woman with a freaking tumor in her leg can't stand to get numbing solution put inside it!  Nate and I laugh about it!  The Doctor got me a pillow, water, and laid my chair back.  Then she proceeded to poke my tumor another 5 times.  She told me that she gave me a 'horse-dose' of lidocaine because the tumor is right on my nerve.  She wrapped me up in a blanket before she left.  She told me that when you almost faint... that all the blood goes to your brain, so you end up being ice cold everywhere else!

Nate and I waited in the one procedure room for the other room with the ultrasound to open up.  After 40 minutes, I was good and numb and the other room with the ultrasound machine was ready! We were quickly moved in and set-up.  She performed the ultrasound, and then set-up her needle (it was 2 feet long!).  Good grief, at least I was laying down already!!  She put the needle directly in the center, and did this up and down motion, left and right - as though she was 'stirring' my tumor but keeping the needle in the same hole.  It was disgusting!  The location where the biopsy was taken from my tumor, one word = painful, yes even with lidocaine.  Right then and there, she put the sample onto a slide...

She turned around and told me that from what she can see..."I believe it is low grade."

I give God all the glory here.  Because of him, I will most likely not need to have Chemo Therapy!!!!  I will still need Radiation after surgery but, this means my hospital stay will be much shorter!!!!!!

After this news, Nate and I were very excited!  We went straight to get my x-rays completed.  The Doctor ordered x-rays on my knee and on my chest.  I believe my chest pains are from stress but, the Doctor wanted to be on the safe side!

Can you believe we did all of this today?  We were only planning on a 45 minute appointment.  By the time we left it was 4:30! We were so starving!  I told Nate that I really wanted Sourdough and a glass of wine!  We had received amazing 'Low Grade" news and we couldn't be happier!!!!  We had dinner at Boudin and left the city at 5:45.

Please continue to pray for my knee.  Pray that the biopsy comes back low grade, with no surprises.  Pray that the surgery gets scheduled with in the next month.  Pray that my chest x-ray comes back with nothing.  Please continue to pray for my husband's health... he's still not feeling 100%.

I appreciate that support from each one of you. 

Love you all!