Dear Friends,
Since the last time I shared, I have been gaining strength, venturing out more, and getting stronger in my abdomen and back. In general, I've felt great! In a past blog, I shared with you the nurses that touched my life during my stay in the hospital. I want to tell you about the wonderful doctors I've had as well. Dr. David Duncan is my general practitioner and the doctor that first put together that there was something seriously wrong with me. Dr. Peter Garbeff is my urologist and performed my surgery, sharing with us the joy that the cancer was all contained. Of course he left behind his mark in a 10" scar! Dr. Prasad Dighe is my oncologist and the one that will help us keep track of scans and of what the future holds. I have been most impressed with each of these doctors and how they have worked together to provide the best care for me.
That said, I had another CT Scan of my abdomen and chest this past Wednesday to see what was going on with the small mass near my right kidney. Dr. Garbeff had checked it out during surgery and felt that it did not show the same characteristics as the cancerous one that was removed. I received a call from Dr. Garbeff last night and Matt and I met with Dr. Dighe this morning about the results. The scan shows that the small mass is still there and has not changed since the last scan. However, there are several small tumors that have showed up in my lungs. As the doctor said, they are small enough that they look like speckles, but they are indeed cancerous, and stem from the kidney cancer. This, along with the mass in my right abdomen, will mean that I will most likely start a systemic treatment (a pill form of medication specifically for kidney cancer) in the very near future. While it is not chemotherapy, it does have some specific possible side effects, some that are mild and some that are more serious. I, of course, am not looking forward to this, but I will do what I need to do to live for my family. We also are setting up an appointment with a specialist at either UCSF or Stanford, depending on which one can see us the soonest. This will give us a second opinion, confirm what is going on, and perhaps provide us with other options.
I'm asking that your prayers continue for me and my family. While this has rocked our world again, I know that God has not changed. He still loves me, wants the best for my life, and is with me every step of the way. Satan is the one that is on the attack. Let your prayers surround my family as they all deal with what this might mean, and that they will continue to stand on the belief that this is for the glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We couldn't get through any of this without Him. And pray for me that I will be strong as I face the road ahead.
With love, Danene October 31, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Here's The Latest!
Hey, Everyone, sorry it's been so long since I've updated you on what's going on in our lives. Each day I'm getting a little stronger, eating a little better, realizing I still need to rest and let others help.
Matt and I saw the urologist, Dr. Garbeff, last Friday for the last time. He was very pleased with my progress after surgery, and with the appearance of my incision (then promptly started to rip the tape off that was covering it, telling me I had to move my hand or he couldn't do it! It stung!) He again shared that it appeared that all of the cancer had been removed with the kidney/tumor, and that there was no evidence of any cancer in the lymph nodes that had been taken. He did say that because of the size of the tumor, there would always be a need for regular scans in the future to assure that it does not recur. When we asked him about this further, he shared some things that we are thankful we did not know before the surgery, as it would have been hard to trust and to go into the surgery with a positive attitude. As Matt said during the appointment, God spared us from knowing something that is more than we could have handled. Apparently just recently there was a gentleman patient of Dr. Garbeff's that presented with the same symptoms as I had that did not make it through the hospital stay after the surgery. Based on that, and my findings as well as how much my health had deteriorated, the doctors' prognosis was 9-12 months. Now...well, God took over and spared my life, there is no evidence of cancer, and based on our appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Dighe, I will not need any additional therapy as there is no cancer still to fight. He will do a scan in a month to check on the smaller mass on the right side to see if it is receding or is gone, and we will see someone at UCSF just as a precaution for the future, but I would say that I am living a miracle. I am a little overwhelmed by all of this, but if ever you wondered at the power of the Living God, just look at my life. He not only saved me through the cross, but now has spared me again. I am thankful.
Danene Edalgo 10/15/08
Matt and I saw the urologist, Dr. Garbeff, last Friday for the last time. He was very pleased with my progress after surgery, and with the appearance of my incision (then promptly started to rip the tape off that was covering it, telling me I had to move my hand or he couldn't do it! It stung!) He again shared that it appeared that all of the cancer had been removed with the kidney/tumor, and that there was no evidence of any cancer in the lymph nodes that had been taken. He did say that because of the size of the tumor, there would always be a need for regular scans in the future to assure that it does not recur. When we asked him about this further, he shared some things that we are thankful we did not know before the surgery, as it would have been hard to trust and to go into the surgery with a positive attitude. As Matt said during the appointment, God spared us from knowing something that is more than we could have handled. Apparently just recently there was a gentleman patient of Dr. Garbeff's that presented with the same symptoms as I had that did not make it through the hospital stay after the surgery. Based on that, and my findings as well as how much my health had deteriorated, the doctors' prognosis was 9-12 months. Now...well, God took over and spared my life, there is no evidence of cancer, and based on our appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Dighe, I will not need any additional therapy as there is no cancer still to fight. He will do a scan in a month to check on the smaller mass on the right side to see if it is receding or is gone, and we will see someone at UCSF just as a precaution for the future, but I would say that I am living a miracle. I am a little overwhelmed by all of this, but if ever you wondered at the power of the Living God, just look at my life. He not only saved me through the cross, but now has spared me again. I am thankful.
Danene Edalgo 10/15/08
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Some Good News!!!
Hey, All! We had some good news Monday evening. My urologist, Dr. Garbeff, called with the pathology of the kidney and mass. First of all, it was indeed kidney cancer, and secondly, the cancer was completely encapsulated in the tumor that was removed, with no evidence in the lymph nodes he had removed with it. So, THANK YOU, JESUS! We meet with Dr. Garbeff on Friday at 11:30, and he’ll share more details then. Matt wants to know how big the tumor was and how much it weighed, and if there are any pictures. Hmm…I’m not sure I want to see them!
Many of you have also been asking about the cough I had for months, and if I still have it or not. When the anesthesiologist came to visit me the day before surgery, for some reason I had the thought to let him know about the cough. He asked many questions, and then let me know that he wanted to treat it as asthma. So over the course of the next twelve hours before surgery, I had four deep breathing treatments with albuterol, a steroid that helps open the bronchial passages, along with another steroid to open my lungs. It worked! The only coughing I’ve done since is what goes with clearing your lungs after surgery. I came home with an inhaler, which I’ve used two or three times, but have had no other problems.
Each day is a little better than the one before. I have to remind myself to rest, and my body is still figuring out how it feels as far as my left side. I can somewhat lay on my side when sleeping, which is a nice alternative to my back, but I still get some pains in the back, so am having to take it carefully. Again, thank you for your continued prayers. During those moments when I get a little down or overwhelmed, I remember all of you who are praying for me, and it truly does lift me and take me through those moments.
Danene, October 8, 2008
Many of you have also been asking about the cough I had for months, and if I still have it or not. When the anesthesiologist came to visit me the day before surgery, for some reason I had the thought to let him know about the cough. He asked many questions, and then let me know that he wanted to treat it as asthma. So over the course of the next twelve hours before surgery, I had four deep breathing treatments with albuterol, a steroid that helps open the bronchial passages, along with another steroid to open my lungs. It worked! The only coughing I’ve done since is what goes with clearing your lungs after surgery. I came home with an inhaler, which I’ve used two or three times, but have had no other problems.
Each day is a little better than the one before. I have to remind myself to rest, and my body is still figuring out how it feels as far as my left side. I can somewhat lay on my side when sleeping, which is a nice alternative to my back, but I still get some pains in the back, so am having to take it carefully. Again, thank you for your continued prayers. During those moments when I get a little down or overwhelmed, I remember all of you who are praying for me, and it truly does lift me and take me through those moments.
Danene, October 8, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
I'm Home!
Hi, Everyone, It's Danene-I'm Home! I left the hospital yesterday afternoon, looking forward to being with my family and starting to get back to normal, but also with a sadness at leaving the people that had helped me through one of the toughest times of my life. I was blessed with what I would consider to be some of the best nurses that I could have had-ones that God new I needed for those moments they were with me: Fe, who prayed with me in the night when I was having a low moment; Erika, who gave words of encouragement when something unexpected happened; June, who told it to me like it is so that I would let her do her job and take care of me with out apologies; Marion, who I had for four days and handled each situation with me in a way that made me feel comfortable and safe; the student nurse who provided me with a light moment when she was elected to give me a bath, and kind of didn’t know exactly how to begin; and our two angels, Sue, the charge nurse who first greeted me when I was admitted, put us in a private room when she saw what we were going through, was on vacation for a week, then came back the day I was discharged with a smile at my color and improvement, who you have no doubt is in charge, but opened her heart to us; and Erin, a student nurse who also was only there my first day and my last, but who cared for me with humor and efficiency, talked with me about personal things, laughed when I talked on the phone “like a teenager” with my aunt, and touched my heart with talk of her own children and the one she is expecting in a few months. When I was discharged, these two walked us all the way to the car, waved us off, and found a permanent place in my heart.
My family has been wonderful since I got home. Matt continues to help with my every need, especially finding things for me to eat, as I still don’t have a great appetite. This is something I would ask you to pray for, as I need to keep my calories up and gain back my strength, and many times nothing sounds good. He also helped me with my first shower in eleven days. Who would have thought washing my hair could feel so good! That really helped bolster my spirits. My kids are learning to adjust to mom being home, but not in the same way. They are pitching in, albeit not always wanting to, and helping with things I can’t do now.
Physically, I am working on sleeping in bed with my husband (what a wonderful thing!) and being comfortable as my side strengthens, resting, and walking to get strength. We await the pathology report on the kidney and tumor, and I will see the doctor later this week. Other than that, life goes on (thank you, Lord).
Matt and I will continue to keep you posted on what we find out, but for now I want to thank all of you for your prayers and your offers of help, your uplifting words, and sharing with us in our faith that our mighty God has spared me and will continue to work His will in my life. This has been an experience that has truly been life changing.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
My family has been wonderful since I got home. Matt continues to help with my every need, especially finding things for me to eat, as I still don’t have a great appetite. This is something I would ask you to pray for, as I need to keep my calories up and gain back my strength, and many times nothing sounds good. He also helped me with my first shower in eleven days. Who would have thought washing my hair could feel so good! That really helped bolster my spirits. My kids are learning to adjust to mom being home, but not in the same way. They are pitching in, albeit not always wanting to, and helping with things I can’t do now.
Physically, I am working on sleeping in bed with my husband (what a wonderful thing!) and being comfortable as my side strengthens, resting, and walking to get strength. We await the pathology report on the kidney and tumor, and I will see the doctor later this week. Other than that, life goes on (thank you, Lord).
Matt and I will continue to keep you posted on what we find out, but for now I want to thank all of you for your prayers and your offers of help, your uplifting words, and sharing with us in our faith that our mighty God has spared me and will continue to work His will in my life. This has been an experience that has truly been life changing.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Solid Food, Bring it ON!!!
Danene continues to gets better with every passing moment. This morning she was told that she gets to have clear liquids. Bring on something with some flavor (ice chips just don’t do that much for one hunger). She went for two walks today and she is getting so strong. She spent most of the day in the chair (the recliner that has been my bed the last 3-nights) sitting up. She got the great news that she will get to have real solid food on Friday.
Our kids were able to see her today for the first time since the surgery. They though that she look great. The family is doing well and the outpouring of people just blows us away. We all sometimes take for granted what we have with family and friends, but please take the time to say thanks more often.
Saturday may be the day that Danene gets to come home. There is a lot of work ahead to get her strong, but she a tough woman. She is very determined to get strong and healthy, and what she puts her mind to she gets done. Every hour of every day I see the hand of God touching her. Just today she is no longer required to have the continuous morphine drip. She now only uses it for pain when she is going to do a lot of movement. She is however getting tired of a sore back from the hospital bed. The doctor and staff are very pleased with the progress that she is making. The staff has been great and we see Jesus at work in a lot of the people that are working with her.
You all need to know that we have seen God’s work continually and Jesus hands touching the lives all around us. Just last night we found ourselves praying for someone in the room across the hall that was not doing well. There are so many people that need Gods help, so when God puts someone on your heart MAKE THE MOVE and God will bless you for it. God uses people like me and you; if you don’t move God will use and bless someone who is willing to be his hands. Danene and I have been learning a lot about just how GREAT GOD IS and about the POWER OF PRAYER. Thank you all for the prayers and thoughts that your have been offering on our behalf.
My God bless you all. Matt 12:50am 10/3/08
Our kids were able to see her today for the first time since the surgery. They though that she look great. The family is doing well and the outpouring of people just blows us away. We all sometimes take for granted what we have with family and friends, but please take the time to say thanks more often.
Saturday may be the day that Danene gets to come home. There is a lot of work ahead to get her strong, but she a tough woman. She is very determined to get strong and healthy, and what she puts her mind to she gets done. Every hour of every day I see the hand of God touching her. Just today she is no longer required to have the continuous morphine drip. She now only uses it for pain when she is going to do a lot of movement. She is however getting tired of a sore back from the hospital bed. The doctor and staff are very pleased with the progress that she is making. The staff has been great and we see Jesus at work in a lot of the people that are working with her.
You all need to know that we have seen God’s work continually and Jesus hands touching the lives all around us. Just last night we found ourselves praying for someone in the room across the hall that was not doing well. There are so many people that need Gods help, so when God puts someone on your heart MAKE THE MOVE and God will bless you for it. God uses people like me and you; if you don’t move God will use and bless someone who is willing to be his hands. Danene and I have been learning a lot about just how GREAT GOD IS and about the POWER OF PRAYER. Thank you all for the prayers and thoughts that your have been offering on our behalf.
My God bless you all. Matt 12:50am 10/3/08
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Oct. 1 update
Danene is doing very well. The pain has been getting better and she just look good. She was walking today and made to the end of the hall and back. She then sat in the recliner(my bed for the last two nights) for about an hour. He got a sponge bath and got her hair washed(big smile). The doctor said that she could have icechips (when she has one in her mouth she starts to smile and just makes my heart happy). Danene is just doing great, and has been resting well. With every hour she is getting stronger. I have been loving the time I have spent being Danene's personal nurse(she has said that I do a great job). I feel that she will be reddy to start seeing people Oct. 2. If you would like to visit her please give Velma or I a call first. I don't want to have to much traffic. All of the family is doing well and we are so thankful for all of the prayers that you have offered up to God on our behalf. Once again thank you so much for the love that you have shown to us.
Love Matt and Danene
Love Matt and Danene
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