Good News & Bad News

I always like to start with the bad news so I have something good at the end. We met with Dr. Bienvenu today to go over the results from Dad's lung biopsy.

Lung Biopsy Done

Dad had the lung biopsy done yesterday morning. Everything went well and Dad is feeling fine. No soreness. I'll update again next week after we meet with the doctor to go over the results.

Angel

Biopsy Scheduled

Just a quick note that the lung biopsy is scheduled for January 10, 2019. We have an appointment with Dr. Bienvenu on January 14, 2019, to go over the results of the biopsy.

I'll update again after we meet with the doctor on the 14th.

Angel

PET Scan Results & Meeting with Medical Oncologist

We received the initial PET scan results early evening on Christmas Eve through MyChart, which is a portal for patients and providers to keep in contact with each other. Of course, the report was written in doctor speak but some of the words looked kinda scary. Hypermetabolic. Neoplasm. Mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Pulmonary nodules. And on and on. Some with measurements and others without.

First Meeting with Oncology

We met with the radiation oncologist on December 17th. Her name is Dr. Wang (pronounced Wong). She said that because the melanoma had spread from the initial location on Dad’s cheek into the neck, it was definitely Stage 3 melanoma, at a minimum. Dad has to have a full body PET scan to see if it has spread more and so we know exactly what stage we are dealing with and what plan of action to take.

A New Journey - Another One We Don't Want to Take

We've recently been given some words no one wants to hear. Mass. Cancer. Malignant. Metastatic. Melanoma.  God, how I hate those words. And now, cancer has reared it's nasty head again in my family. This time, it's my dad.

Happy 12th Birthday, Caleb

12 years ago today, this miracle came into my life and changed everything I thought I knew about myself. He taught me a greater capacity to love and to be loved. Every day with him was a miracle and a dream come true. Before he came into my life, I didn't know what kind of mom I would be. I wasn't sure I would be a good mom because I'd said for so many years that I didn't even want children. I hope I was a good mom to him and that he felt loved every day of his life. I loved deeper and more than I thought I ever could. I would have gladly taken his place if I could have. I miss him so much. Happy birthday, Caleb. I love you. #CalebIsMyHero #LovedToInfinityAndBeyond