My mother-in law was given a preliminary diagnosis of ovarian cancer at Thanksgiving time. I have taken care to protect my mother-in-law's privacy--since it is her story--after all. But since she doesn't have a blog and many of you have written or called to inquire of her, David thought that it would be okay to give you an update.
Glenda had surgery on December 20th. The tumor, which was malignant, was removed and many biopsies were taken. She was able to go home the day after Christmas. She has been weak but improving day by day.
She returned to the doctor's office with some trepidition yesterday while all of us waited for a call to hear the outcome of those biopsies. We were elated to hear that she had no positive biopsies! She was given a stage of 1C, meaning that she will be treated with chemotherapy as though positive cancer cells were found in the abdominal fluid. We were already expecting this because the tumor size necessitated the surgeons' opening and draining the growth before removal.
Glenda or both of David's parents have always managed to come for Zachary's birthday, which is the 17th of January. Zachary is old enough to understand the ramifications of such a diagnosis and has taken it very hard. We had been preparing him that this year it would be impossible for Grandma to come. But yesterday when I told him the news--that Grandma's chemo wouldn't begin until the 22nd--he whooped and hollered. "She has to come! I have to have Grandma here for my birthday."
We know that it is unlikely that Grandma will be able to come this month but we are praising God for such a great report and we'll expect her to come next year with bells on!
(The pic is of Zach and his Grandma Balty on his birthday, January, 19, 1997)
Comments
I could use some tips from you on birthday parties...you are amazing!
B-Day parties are fun but the best are the ones that are meaningful! I'm actually not that creative - just a good "copy -er"! Ty loves helping and he picks his "theme" every year - he announced on New Year's Day that he thinks his 8th birthday will be a "Lego" one (great - how we gonna do that?!). Oh well, we'll have fun trying! Anyway - I am sure that Zach's b-day will be awesome! Let me know if you need any help - from a few miles away!!lol
His grandma said last night that she wished she could come but is still worried about the trip. The flight is short but the whole process might really wear her out. I know that she realy wishes she could be here and if that were the case--he would be satisfied with that.
And you go with the candy...how fun!!