The surgery day 2.12.13...

We arrived at 5:45a for Jim's surgery to remove his left lung. After admittance paperwork, we were taken to his ICU room where a team of five nurses prepared Jim for the operation. Jim spoke with his doctor about the procedure.

Yesterday, we took the kids to build-a-bear and Jim bought Kristen a bear and Matt a dog. We wanted them to have something special to hug until Jim returned home from the hospital.

Jim was able to phone our youngest son Matt this morning; just before Matt left for school. Jim was able to visit with Kristen this morning before we left for the hospital. Jim talked by phone to Kira and Jessica. Dan is in England and I relayed Dan's messages to Jim.

Then, we wait. Jim was prepped and ready. Jim's surgeon was delayed, so we waited some more.

Jim went through the OR door at 1:11p. This was about two hours behind schedule. At 1:45p the nurse said the doctor "liked what he saw" and proceeded to remove the lung. 4:05p The nurse said that the lung was out and that the doctor was closing, then Jim would be in recovery.

At 5p I spoke with the surgeon. The cancerous tumor was huge, and more than expected. It had encroached on the heart sack and it was in the superior pulmonary vein. The doctor took all that he could but it was too close to the heart. Chemo and radiation will begin in the next 1-3 weeks. The next 24 hrs would be tricky. The doctor's biggest concerns right now are blood clots, heart attack, stroke. Blood thinners are being given to help prevent this.

The hospital seems to be managing Jim's pain well. Jim is resting the best he can, considering. A long night is still ahead. 11p 2.12.13 photos: before surgery, Matt visiting his dad after surgery.

 

Just one month ago…

It was only one month ago that everything seemed normal. All my “normal” was about to change. We found out on January 9^th, 2013, that my husband, Jim, had a mass in his lung. On January 17^th, we were told it was most likely cancer. This diagnosis was confirmed a few days later. After more tests we were told two encouraging bits of news: The cancer was non-small cell, and the cancer was contained to one area. Both of these were blessings to us. Jim is working with four doctors that he is very comfortable with. Four days from today, on February 12, just five short weeks after our first bit of information, Jim will have his entire left lung removed.

In the beginning we only told a few people about what Jim was dealing with, and we found in them a great source of love, prayer and encouragement. All of those conversations were very positive and uplifting. Once Jim was ready, we told the rest our friends and family. Most of those conversations were supportive and encouraging. Sadly, not all. 

I can’t speak for Jim, but for me it has been a roller coaster of emotions; worry, denial, and anger being the most prominent. Right now I am in a ‘just roll with it’ state of mind. It is out of my control. I can only react to it. I can’t predict what will happen. I can’t fix it. I can’t make it go away. It is what it is. We will play the cards that are dealt to us.

I am so thankful to those that have been praying for Jim, and for my family. I am thankful to those that have sent us words of encouragement. I am thankful that the cancer is not as bad as it could have been. I am thankful that the cancer was caught in time to do something about it. I am thankful that two of our adult children happened to be here to help us deal with the initial news. I am thankful that the survival rate for this surgery is very high (95%). I am thankful to my Facebook friends that have been so supportive. I am thankful for many things, even in the midst of all of this.

Surgery date set…

Today, Jim (and I) met with the surgeon. The date for Jim’s pneumonectomy (entire lung) has been set for Tuesday 12Feb2013. Jim will arrive bright and early and the procedure should start around 11:30a, and will last approximately five hours. Of course nerves are on edge, but Jim and I are both glad that there is an option for ridding his body of this cancer. We know that there are no guarantees, but we do have strong hope for a full recovery. Jim is tired of feeling sick and he is ready to begin his recovery. The doctor has said that Jim’s recovery will take 4-6 months, perhaps more… but it will all depend on his recovery rate of success. Some patients recover more quickly, some take longer, so we will just have to wait and see. Jim has always done things full-blast, and I would expect his recovery to reflect that same go-get-'em spirit. 

The lung cancer awareness ribbon is pearl. If you are so inclined, please post this photo on your Facebook or blog on Tuesday February 12th, 2013. You can simply copy and paste it, or swipe it from my fb page. 

If you'd like to order a magnet, here is the link that I found online here. 

And we wait...

My husband, Jim, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Jim had an appointment with a surgeon, but no surgery date has been set for his lung removal because that surgeon was called out of town. Later this week Jim will have another appointment with another surgeon. The educated guess is that the surgery will be within ten days. We are both relieved and stressed with this information; glad that the cancer will be removed from his body, but distressed that he has to have such an invasive surgery. Cancer is never good, but we are blessed that Jim’s cancer is no worse than it is. There are so many families that are suffering with so much more. We both appreciate your encouraging words and your prayers. Two phrases often repeated in our home: “It is what it is.” and “We’ll play the cards that are dealt to us.” 

Doctor called...

The doctor has called and confirmed that my husband, Jim, has lung cancer. (See previous posts for details.) We will be moving ahead quickly now. Jim will be having a PET  scan to be sure the cancer is only in the lung. If no new cancers, then surgery will be "soon". The doctor did not give a date/time, just "soon".  

Jim has told daughter Jessica, son Dan, daughter Kira, daughter Kristen, son Matt. Matt, age 11, took the news much better than we expected. Matt asked Jim if he was going to die. Jim answered "that is not my plan!" A few close friends and family know what we are dealing with. Jim will tell others in his own time. Thank you for your support. :) 

Today is the day...

Today is the day of Jim's first procedure (see previous post for details). It's not been a pleasant day so far. I'm sick with a stomach bug; son Matt has a bad cough. Luckily son Dan is visiting from England and he is looking after the kids.

11:15a We have checked in at the hospital and we are waiting in the waiting room. Jim is scheduled to begin at 1p. Jim is in good spirits despite the uncertainty. I wish that I felt better but it is what it is. I will try to update throughout the day, as long as I have power and Internet.

11:20a The nurse has taken Jim back to get him prepared. I am still waiting. 11:55 I'm now waiting with Jim.

12:35p Jim was just taken back. And now I wait. My cousin is here waiting with me. My mom joined us in the waiting room a bit later. This is Jim on his way into the procedure.

1:50p It was not the post surgery news we had hoped for. It is not an infection. The doctor's best guess is a cancer of some sort. Now we wait to find out the degree of concern. They are concerned about his weight loss. Surgery was briefly discussed. We will know more in a few days. :( Jim is now in recovery, joking and cutting up. This photo is Jim in recovery. We'll be going home any minute.

3:30p. We are home now. Jim is resting. I am still trying to process all the information. We will deal with whatever is thrown at us.