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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Kudos to the KMA Team

Introducing...two very important members of the KMA team that have been with me every step of the way through my treatment.

Karen Leo - Gamma Knife stereo-tactic coordinator


Kelly Forcucci - Neuro Nurse for Dr. Mittal

The Karmanos Team has become as close to me as our family and friends.  They even take my phone calls when they are on vacation. Over the last 16 months, they have provided much more than good medical care and we have shared some good laughs. The pictures above were taken at my 54th birthday party. As you can see, we thoroughly enjoy each other's company. This night in particular was special as it provided an opportunity to shed the usual hospital garb of scrubs and gowns and to see each other all gussied up. Perfect opportunity for them to show that they are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside.

Now that the tumor in my liver has increased from 2x2 cm to 5x5 cm, my 3rd IV chemo treatment scheduled for November 16th was cancelled. Additionally, my doctors have advised against proceeding with a 9th gamma knife assisted by Karen or a 3rd craniotomy assisted by Kelly. There will be no other treatments given at this time.

I know you’re sitting there thinking…”What can I do?” I have really appreciated all of the stories that have been shared via email over the last several months. Even though I have not been able to respond to each one individually, know that I have read them all (more than once) and thoroughly enjoyed the trip down memory lane. So…here comes my ‘ask’…do you have more stories to share? Have you held some back? Send them! The addresses are still the same – funny ones to (funnypeggystories@gmail.com) and any other sentiments you would like to express to peggystudz@gmail.com.


-- Peggy

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Approaching 2 Anniversaries

Next Tuesday, November 15th, is the one year anniversary of my second craniotomy. Believe it or not, this milestone may be commemorated by having another surgery.  Two cysts have formed around two older brain lesions. Their presence has created swelling and is putting major pressure on the motor and sensory areas of my brain, preventing me from moving independently. Fortunately, they are located in an area of my brain that is resectable and the problem can be resolved by removing them surgically.

The goal is to get me strong enough to have surgery in the next week or so. Ultimately, the decision on whether to proceed with surgery will be based on the following factors:

  • Evaluating whether IV chemo has either halted the spread of or shrunk the cancer in my liver.
  • Determining that no new areas have been affected.
  • Analyzing my white blood cell count to ensure it has rebounded back to a minimum acceptable level after the last round of IV chemo. This minimum level will be critical to helping the brain tissue heal after resection of the cysts and lesions.

I will continue to post updates to the blog as we finalize the game plan. The blog will be my main source of communication. Although I appreciate email, it is currently too much effort to respond individually. Please continue to share comments and support here!

The second anniversary coming up soon is on November 20th. Keith and I will celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary. HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!!!