Good News & Bad News

2/28/2017

This is going to be pretty darn quick. I know a number of you have been watching for the report and I didn't want you to have to wait any longer. I did have my doc appts. yesterday (Monday) and was supposed to fly home after that. I tried, but AA weather delays (the first re-booking), then mechanical issues (the 2nd re-booking) conspired to keep me in Houston one more day. In the Carpe Diem spirit, I found an airport hotel with a patio and pool which was quite nice. So nice I googled a nearby liquor store and scored me some pre-made margaritas. So, I watched the big jetliners leaving George Bush International and enjoyed cocktail hour. The alarm at 4am this morning came a little early for my tastes, but I arrived home with nary a problem.

First, the good news...

The lung spot appears to be resolving. Whatever it was, my body did what it was supposed to do and took care of the sucker. Boy, were Joe & I relieved to hear that news!

Now, the bad news...

There's a new tumor on the liver. Joe & I were a bit flabbergasted. I was resigned to fighting this in the lungs, but the liver was just a theoretical possibility I hadn't given much thought to. Suffice it to say, I am now. This time, there's no doubt about what it is. It has the signature characteristics and is relatively large for that short of an interval. Retrospectively, you can see some indications on the Nov. 2016 scan. The nugget here is that it's operable, and we're scheduled to go get it March 21. I have some additional explorations and considerations to do before that date, but for now, that's the plan.

I'm sorry my family and friends to be dragging you along on this, but I must say I'm sure glad you're here. I'll try to get a more thorough post of all the ins and outs about next steps done sometime before 3/21, but for now, that's all I've got.

28 Comments

Bill Miller

2/28/2017 09:36:59 pm

Thank you for the update, Barb. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to hear they got the LB on 3/21!

Ken Woods

2/28/2017 09:45:43 pm

You got this new little bastard. No doubt he will endure the same fate as the last. This one quite possible quicker as nothing is tougher than tequila in a strong willed woman!😛

DebbieLB

2/28/2017 10:32:33 pm

We are here because we want to be! We love you, darlin! Keep kicking butt, my friend!

Daren Williams

2/28/2017 10:34:54 pm

Hugs to you and Joe. Strength for the journey. Thanks for dragging us along :)

Julie S

2/28/2017 10:43:38 pm

I told Pastor to put you back on the prayers.
..... he is nt the lb he's a chicken shit. I mean the tumor.....and you know my thoughts on several things on this cancer........

Chuck Voelker

2/28/2017 10:51:43 pm

Will be praying for you. Keep up the good fight.

Beverly J Nittler

2/28/2017 10:53:44 pm

I have heard of way too much cancer today. I'm sorry that you were one of those that I heard about. Old friend of the Blythes and a former cancer victim. Those last 3 words are what I pray for you.

Katie Bruna

2/28/2017 11:05:54 pm

Prayers for you from the Hoppers and I.

Memory Maginley

2/28/2017 11:40:08 pm

Prayers and God Bless. Your are an inspiration to all.

Janette Halliday

2/28/2017 11:47:52 pm

Your sheer determination should be no match for this. You are a most resourceful person and you will find the method to eridicate this! We will continue the prayer vigil!

Fernando Delgado link

2/28/2017 11:53:34 pm

You are amazing! We continue to root for you and the medical staff administering care. And yes, continue to "drag us along" on this wild journey called life. Thinking of you...

Linda Cross

3/1/2017 03:23:14 am

Prayers for you

Gary Fike

3/1/2017 04:31:26 am

We live by faith. Prayers being lifted up......never lose heart! God bless you every step of this way.

Tim Flanary

3/1/2017 06:06:50 am

Of course we are with you and continue to lift you up in our prayers. Please let us know if we can help out in any way.

Karla Effland (White City)

3/1/2017 07:27:13 am

That tumor doesn't stand a chance with you. Go get it! You have many praying and encouraging and you have a supportive family and best friends. Sorry that you have to face it again, though.

Geff & Dawn Dawson

3/1/2017 11:23:53 am

Nothing works as good as the Power of Prayer so we will keep praying for your continued successes in health and life. God's got this!

Bill Spiegel

3/1/2017 11:48:31 am

Barb, the Spiegels' hearts are breaking for you. Love and prayers from us to you and your family.

cindy

3/1/2017 01:15:28 pm

Carpe the Fing DEMON
Thanks for the update now get to calving while we pray you thru this latest devil! Hugs Cowgirl

Lela Engel (Debbie and Duane's neighbor)

3/1/2017 02:29:47 pm

Been following your journey, Barb, and am so sorry to hear you have another C-challenge. So many are praying for you, so go get that tumor and let us cheer you on!

Thad

3/1/2017 06:30:09 pm

In my prayers daily. God has you and your family in his hand

Mary Mertz

3/2/2017 08:20:01 am

We love you, Barb, and continue to pray for you and your family!

Terry Anderson

3/2/2017 09:35:29 pm

Very sorry to get this unwelcome news. You keep fighting and we'll keep praying.

Kim Harms

3/3/2017 12:53:34 am

You continue to teach us all about the power of the glass half full, grace in strength and strength in grace, the positive aspects of being a stubborn cuss and the courage to let the world peer in the window of your fight! The legacy you are building for your daughters will inspire for generations. Proud to know you! Prayers... Kim

Rob and Stephanie Manes

3/3/2017 07:45:35 pm

I'll bet those were the two best-tasting margaritas you've ever had. Thanks for the update. We are here.

Bill & Kathy Hogue

3/7/2017 10:27:41 pm

You have show all of us that there is NOTHING!! YOU Cannot Handle! Once again we have the faith that you will come out a winner in this new challenge.

David Gazds

3/13/2017 09:18:17 am

Always in our prayers Barb!

Heise Family

3/19/2017 08:03:32 am

Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. We will be praying extra hard for you, your health care providers, and your family on March 21. We love you and are so sorry that you are having to fight this battle. May God continue to give you peace and courage during your healing process.

Anna link

6/30/2017 07:31:16 am

Nice post...

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...