DOWNEY RANCH, Inc.
Registered & Commercial Angus Cattle in Wamego, KS
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Back in the Saddle Again

4/21/2015

 
     I arrived back here in Houston Sunday, April 19 for a whole ream of appointments ahead of Friday's surgery.  I am officially back in that time-warp known as MD Anderson where time drags in the moment but entire days disappear without me knowing it.  So far, two days have dragged/disappeared.  Yesterday (Monday), I had CT and MRI scans along with blood work.  Today (Tues), I met with my lead doc, surgeon Dr. Rodriguez-Bigas, and we took a look at what TLB has been up to since we last saw his ugly face.  And in that most rare of blog posts, I'm going to make this short and sweet.  I (you) hope.
     TLB appears to be about half his former size, but still precariously close to the anus.  Doc wouldn't say, but my money's on a 50/50 chance at saving it (the anus, not TLB).  Even if they save it, there's not enough margin to use the stapler.  What does that mean, you ask?  Fortunately for you, I asked too.  It means the reconnection of the colon to the anus will have to be done with hand stitches, which means much more collateral tissue damage.  I still have one definite hot lymph node out of the 3 original, but of course they will take all of those and a dozen more for safety.  In light of the modest regression, this means traditional chemo afterwards, so Mary Ann - the P-POP (Pray for Pill Over Port) campaign is probably out.
    
Tomorrow (Wednesday), I meet with the robotic surgeon, Dr. Nancy You.  My lead doc says she'll be the boss in the operating room, as long as robotics are how we're proceeding.  If they have to open me up all the way, Dr. R-B will take over.  I don't expect anything earth-shattering at her evaluation tomorrow; in my mind, I was most anxious for the read on the scans and I have those now.  Joe, the girls and my Mom & Dad arrive early on Thursday with the surgery first thing Friday morning.  And with that, we are through with today's headlines,
     In other news, the weather is GORGEOUS.  I have been on 2 runs and plenty of walks.  I decided since I started the first trip down here with a run, the 2nd one should start the same way.  Lots of outdoor exercise.  I'm going to have to figure out a way to get my hospital bed outside come Saturday.    
      I'm about to pack up and walk over to Rice Village for cocktails and dinner and some people watchin
g.  I am really glad to be back down here and taking action against TLB.  In the words of Inigo Montoya (again?!), prepare to die!
Becky Newell
4/21/2015 10:06:02 am

Go get 'em, Barb!!!!

DebbieLB
4/21/2015 11:35:23 am

Still praying. The final say will happen as they look TLB in the eye and cut him out...we will see what that means on Friday! We are with you in spirit, Barb!!

Bill Miller
4/21/2015 12:45:10 pm

We're praying that everything goes perfectly on Friday, Barb.

Mary Mertz
4/21/2015 12:54:16 pm

You are where you need to be...Beans is home safe and sound...your family and friends love you! Prayers, prayers, prayers!

Brian Bertelsen
4/21/2015 01:55:40 pm

still praying for you!

Melissa Gier
4/21/2015 02:25:30 pm

Go get 'em, Barb! We've got your back(side? LOL)! Praying all goes amazingly textbook with the surgery. And I hope you at least get a window with a view while you're stuck in bed.

Pam Bellaver
4/21/2015 02:27:18 pm

Thanks for the update. Praying for the abolition of TLB. Godspeed.

Heather Welch
4/21/2015 02:49:38 pm

I will offer my adoration hour for you, Barb. I will offer them all! Love you and go get that LB. - Heather

Elaine
4/21/2015 04:07:15 pm

Praying for you Barb and the family!

Kara Burns
4/22/2015 02:22:15 am

You have this Barb! Ready To kick TLB! Prayers coming your way! Positive thoughts and love to you and your family!

Magdalana Heise
4/22/2015 06:05:03 pm

Barb, you continue to be in our daily thoughts and prayers. Aunt Cathy will be storming heaven for you on Friday. Everyone here in NM will be praying that your surgery will be a great success and that you will soon be completely cancer free. Have faith that God will see you through this. Love, Your family in New Mexico.

Sis
4/23/2015 06:38:28 am

God bless you, your family, and your healthcare team. We are praying for you.


Comments are closed.

    Barb Downey

    On Dec. 5, 2014, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. And that's where we start. If you're here for the first time, you'll have to read from the bottom (no pun intended!) up. Go to Dec 2014 and scroll to the bottom of the page...

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Downey Ranch, Inc.
Joe Carpenter & Barb Downey
37929 Wabaunsee Rd.
Wamego, KS  66547

(785) 456-8160 - Ranch
(785) 556-8160 - Barb mobile
(785) 556-8161 - Joe mobile


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