Boobs

By -
We haven't updated this blog in a while and perhaps that is a good thing.  Things are starting to be a bit more normal for us.  However, we wanted to share an update on the latest development related to Stephanie's lifelong battle with cancer.  

We have discussed Stephanie's genetic mutation that likely instigated her ovarian and kidney cancer. Her genetic mutation is strange and not much is known about it yet.  Genetic research is a burgeoning field of study that is just now in its infancy.  In 10 years, we will know much more about what her mutation could mean for her ongoing health and preventative treatments.  

What we do know is that her mutation makes her more likely to develop breast cancer.  Actually, her chance of developing breast cancer is stronger than her chance of developing ovarian and kidney cancer.  Just a few moments ago, Stephanie was taken back for a preventative surgery to help reduce her risk of developing breast cancer.  Stephanie is having her God given boobs removed.  Well... her team of physicians are removing the breast tissue under the skin.  But simply said, she is having her boobs removed.  
Stephanie anxiously listening to the pre-op instructions.
The decision to proactively have this procedure was not easy for Stephanie.  She has been through so much already and walking into yet another surgery was not something she truly wanted to do.  Surgery is never easy and recovery is tough on everyone around the patient.  However, I completely understand why she decided to move forward with the procedure.  The last two years for her have been a bombardment of things happening TO her beyond her control.  This proactive step is one way for Stephanie to feel as if she has some control over her battle with cancer.  Control of her life again.  

We appreciate the support many of you provide us.  Without your support, we would not be in the incredible position we are in now.  Please keep Stephanie in your prayers and thoughts as the procedure moves forward.  

Merry Christmas!  

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 21, 2016 at 3:43 PM

    Wise, wise woman... loving and strong husband. Best choice for sure! Praying for you all!!!!
    Brad DeVries

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownDecember 21, 2016 at 4:31 PM

    She is an amazing woman. So brave and so wise. My prayers will be for a speedy recovery. Please keep everyone updated on her progress.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownDecember 21, 2016 at 9:47 PM

    Stephanie, You are wise, and made a wise choice. Sending prayers along your way.
    God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mark RobertsJuly 17, 2018 at 6:59 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. lanlanDecember 6, 2018 at 1:56 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Surgery Update

By -
Image
Stephanie's surgery went very well yesterday afternoon.  It lasted about 2 hours and we arrived in her room at around 6:30 last night.  The biggest struggle for her so far is post operative nausea, which is to be expected. The doctor was able to do the entire surgery laparoscopically, which is completed without having to make major incisions.  Instead, she has 3 smaller incisions: 2 on her stomach and one in her side.  As expected, the mass was very small and the doctors were able to remove only a small portion of her kidney with the mass.  They placed a "JP Drain" which looks like a little grenade that you squeeze to create suction pressure in the would and it removes blood and fluid around the surgical site. The doctor confirmed that the mass looks malignant but he will not know with certainty what it is until pathologists disect and analyze the mass.  Fortunately, if it is malignant, the treatment/cure for most common kidney cancers is removal. ...
Read more

Steponme's 30!

By -
Today is Stephanie's 30th birthday.  A few months ago we certainly didn't expect that her 30th birthday would come after a very challenging start to her battle with Ovarian Cancer.  But the fact that she is here today healing and preparing to lose her last and final tube is a testament to what the last 30 years has built.  A strong willed, determined woman with the strength to take on whatever is thrown at her. I always knew that I married a very strong and independent woman but little did I know how strong she actually is.  Watching her push through all that she has endured over the last three months has been nothing short of painful.  What she has dealt with would have brought the toughest of tough to their knees begging for assistance.  Not Stephanie.  Stephanie, through each and every step, never let her spirit break and fought hard to get to the point she is at today. I am so proud that I am married to Stephanie and I love her with every fiber...
Read more

Pathologies

By -
Image
Just a housekeeping update.  We received the pathology results back from my partial nephrectomy (removing a piece of my kidney) and they were exactly what my doctors expected.  The spot on my kidney was a malignant tumor.  Specifically, it was Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. CCRCC is one of the most common types of kindey cancer.   This is exactly what my urologist was expecting, so no surprises for us.  He was able to get all of the tumor with clear margins so I was officially diagnosed and officially declared cured simultaneously. He will still continue to follow up with me and my CT scans that I get every six months through my gynecologist oncologist, although I statistically have little to no risk of developing kidney cancer again.  (But let be real, slim odds have kinda been my thing recently.  I told someone that I didn't win the billion dollar powerball because the odds weren't slim enough on this one) I met with my geneticist and she decided t...
Read more