DOWNEY RANCH, Inc.
Registered & Commercial Angus Cattle in Wamego, KS
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Same song, second verse.

2/17/2017

14 Comments

 
Here we go again. Not too long after our ranch's annual November production sale, I had a regularly scheduled check up at MD Anderson. Since I violated the terms of my probation (when I developed a lung metastasis), I now have to go see the kind folks at MDA every 3 months instead of 6. I'm spending so much time down there, I'm developing a TX drawl. If I start calling myself a G%# D@^* Yankee, I'm going to know I've really gone too far. Geez, where was I? Oh, yeah. Back at MDA for monitoring tests. Every THREE months. Well, I am apparently the defiant type and even though they've got me on a short leash now, I still managed to go off-plan and have shown up with another spot. Last time it was the upper right lung. This time, it's lower left. Sigh.

Just like the first time, this could be a couple of things, only one of them being another rectal cancer metastasis. Remember, it could be an irritant, a tiny spot of infection, or some other scar. But, my money is it's one of TLB's minions. The procedure is to wait 3 months and scan again, evaluating the site for changes. Three months is Feb. 26th & 27th. I will have my blood drawn at 6:30 am, Sunday, Feb. 26th (yes, they run the CTs all day on Sundays) and then will have a CT scan prep starting at 7 am. Then on Monday morning, Joe and I will sit down with Dr. Kee and hear the report.

​

Scanxiety

They have a name for the worry that rears it's ugly head ahead of regular monitoring appointments. They call it "scanxiety." It is exacerbated when a spot has already shown up and now you have to wait 3 more months knowing that something is there but not knowing what it is and if it means you harm. Halt! Who goes there? Friend or foe? Fortunately, as I've said many times before, I'm not a worrier, but there have been some additional concerns to think about. Last time (the first metastasis in Sept), the Docs & I talked about doing additional chemo after the surgery. My gut surgeon recommended it but my lung surgeon suggested I wait until I really needed it. My medical oncologist and I talked about chemo after I'd seen the surgeons. In our discussions, I postulated that the lung tumor was already there when I was undergoing chemo the first time (after initial diagnosis). He did not disagree. I then postulated that the metastasis had laughed in the face of chemo the first time, so why would hitting it a second time be of much use? He again did not disagree. So, together we decided not to do more chemo. He left me with the caveat that if it showed up again in the next couple of years, we were going to have a different conversation. I'm guessing that having it show up again within 3 months means we're having that conversation.

Well, enough of that. There are 108 synchronized heifers and only about 40 of them have calved so far with only 3 days until the official due date. They are taking their sweet time! Joe just texted me to say he has at least 6 in active labor and 2 brand new ones on the ground, so they're getting down to business. It's 11pm and my shift is starting. Fortunatedly, it is unusually warm and (53 degrees) so you can't beat the weather conditions. It's not a bad job either. One of the prettiest sounds in nature is the special moo that a new momma makes only when meeting her calf for the first time. It is music to the soul.

I'll keep you all posted. Look for another report around March 1. Until then, peace be with you!

​
14 Comments
Sharon Lindell
2/18/2017 03:38:10 am

Persistent, isn't he, TLB. We're gonna pray you through this, too. I put my hope in God's UNFAILING love!

Reply
Randy Davis
2/18/2017 06:20:48 am

Barb, first, I truly understand your scanxiety, and great seeing you at NCBA! As an MDA 10th grader, I can't tell you how many lung spots have come and gone. Soooo, I got cocky, 18 again, not even a cancer survivor, BAAAM, back to face the C. In the 9th grade a spot that was always there from first after surgery scan started to change. Don't try to apply agriculture logic (AL) to this thing. I tried that....don't work.

I guess I am saying stuff I need to hear as well as tell you every spot is not cancer and as you know, some spots are. See, your lucky, your spot came around as a first grader, you can stay vigilant, live more healthy, Beat this thing, live forever... oh no, there is that dang AL again. But, oh that three or six or 12 month wait. Thanks for sharing in person your calmness when we visited in Nashville. Good luck, and God Bless you with plenty of bull calves and good health reports.

Your MDA brother with a current spot in the upper right lobe!

BTW, I think I will strive to graduate as a 40 something grader!


Randy

Reply
Michele Cropp
2/18/2017 07:13:49 am

Barb, we don't know each other but I feel like I know you. Youcandor and courage is powerful. I am a cancer repeater also. Bone cancer. Had it in my bones, my lungs and soft tissue. Six times. Right now it is in my right lung. I also go on, calving out heifers (had a bull calf born last night that was "supposed " to be a heifer but God had other plans), living life as it comes. However, YOU are an inspiration. Stay on your road! It is obviously a good one.

Reply
Dean Hawkins
2/18/2017 08:48:07 am

No backdown Barb!!
I still go to MDA every 8 weeks for MRI's and get to eat good seafood
Y'all should go visit HLSR in Feb

Reply
Robin R
2/18/2017 08:57:38 am

Hang in there & remember to say "Bless your heart" a time or two 😉

My loved one has brain cancer & totally get the scanxiety. The important thing to keep in mind is that it's knowledge & knowledge = more power over the TLB. If you can see the enemy coming, it's more likely you can knock them out. Best of luck!

Reply
Janet Bailey
2/18/2017 09:18:28 am

I got one quick hug in at NCBA as we each went about our evening. One wasn't enough. But my prayers are with you. You are one strong, empowered child of God and these spots are not as mighty as the sword of God. We continue to claim victory and you, Joe and the girls continue to have the love, support and prayers of the Bailey clan. You and Joe know where to stop in for a cup of coffee (sorry, mom doesn't know about lattes, but I will tell her to keep the powder handy) and be reminded constantly that you have a community in support of you and prayer for you. God is bigger and he is faithful. And, he needs all the Tabor Valley gals around for a long time!

Reply
Jo Beth Rood
2/18/2017 11:33:01 am

So glad to get an update from you. Have kept you in my thoughts and my prayers, hoping no news was healthy news. I am sorry for this turn in the road. I admire how you just keep going and don't give up and keep your head up. So glad you have the expertise at MD Anderson. I will continue to pray and look forward to hearing how you plan to kick this.

Reply
Memory Maginley
2/18/2017 06:32:41 pm

Keeping you in my prayers. You are definitely a strong, positive woman and role model for all of us. God be with you and your family.

Reply
Pam Klumpp
2/18/2017 08:06:42 pm

Please know our family is praying for you!💗

Reply
Alisa Ogden
2/18/2017 09:58:54 pm

Good luck with those heifers and the spot, darn that spot. Praying for good news.

Reply
Georgianna
2/19/2017 12:51:23 am

Bless your heart your lines and every other part of you dear Barb. The Heises are gathering tomorrow for Carissima's birthday we will pray for your health and peace!

Reply
Magdalana
2/19/2017 11:51:56 pm

Thank God for your strong faith and the calm that He has given you. Your faith and strength will get you through this. My daily thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope TLB understands the three strikes and he's out rule. Hopefully all your calves have arrived and are healthy so you can get some needed rest prior to your trip to Houston. Please call if there is anything I can do to help. Know that I have faith that God will help you through this. Peace be with you. Love, Magdalana

Reply
Shannan
2/20/2017 09:21:10 am

You've got your family and friends behind you. Whatever you need we're here. Doesn't the spot know he's trying to mess with a Downey? I agree that knowledge is power. We love you, Barb!

Reply
Virgetta Coffey
2/22/2017 09:44:15 pm

Prayers for you Barb from a MD Anderson alum. On the positive side, Houston is not as humid this time of year! 🌻

Reply



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    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
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