I'm still hoping for some good news to report, but so far, we just keep getting more bad news...
I spoke to Mom last night and she got the results that the growth on her adrenale gland is also cancerous. She didn't hear any results from the lung tap, but since the cancer has spread to the adrenale gland, then that rules out surgery to remove her lung.
The next step is radiation treatment to hopefully reduce the size of the tumor in her left lung and allow it to function normally again. The concern there is fluid developing in the lung that can't get cleared because it's currently collapsed. After that, she'll start some type of chemotherapy regimen and should be able to do most of that from home.
Her spirits are high and she's going to hang onto every hope for a miracle so that's what we'll all have to hope for.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Tests were run as planned
I spoke to Mom last night, and she sounded good. They were able to do the two tests they had planned for yesterday. They drew some of the fluid that has collected around her left lung, and they did a biopsy of the growth on her adrenale gland. If these are negative for cancer cells, then they'll likely proceed with removing one or both of the left lobes. If they are positive for cancer cells, that means the cancer has spread and they'll move right to chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
We're hoping that the cancer HAS NOT spread, as surgery is the preferred option at this point. Gail read that the non-small cell cancer is slower to advance, but it sounds like this tumor has been growing for some time, and the doctors have just had difficulty in diagnosing it.
We'll just keep thinking positive and hope for the best. The test results should be back by tomorrow, but since they performed the test yesterday morning at 8.30a, then we might hear something back later today.
We're hoping that the cancer HAS NOT spread, as surgery is the preferred option at this point. Gail read that the non-small cell cancer is slower to advance, but it sounds like this tumor has been growing for some time, and the doctors have just had difficulty in diagnosing it.
We'll just keep thinking positive and hope for the best. The test results should be back by tomorrow, but since they performed the test yesterday morning at 8.30a, then we might hear something back later today.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Latest News
News from this past weekend. We got the news on Friday, and Mom had a lot of visitors this weekend. We got a lot of news, which clarified some earlier issues.
There is a tumor in her left lung which has closed off the windpipe, and the lung collapsed as a result. This made it difficult to determine how big the tumor is at this point. We heard yesterday that it is a non-small cell lung cancer, which is the type which is supposed to be slower to spread, but it's still questionable as to whether or not it has.
There is fluid around the lung which is not typically present, and there is a separate growth on her adrenale gland. Each of these things could be unrelated, or they could also be cancerous. Mom is having both of these tested today. They will be drawing fluid from the lung, and performing a biopsy of the growth on the adrenale gland.
We're hoping that these both come back as negative, which will mean that the cancer has not spread beyond the lung. If not, then it sounds like they plan to do a radiation treatment to reduce the size of the tumor to allow air into the lung. This will reduce the chance of pneumonia developing and allow them a better view of how big it is.
They will then proceed with removing the one or both lobes of the left lung. She has been breathing with one lung all week and by this past weekend, her body has seemed to adapt well, and her pulse ox was normal with no supplemental oxygen and just one lung!
If the cancer has spread, then they will proceed with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
The results of today's tests should be available by Wednesday and that will outline what the next steps are.
Please keep her in your prayers and we'll hope for the absolute best. She is determined to beat this and will need lots of support to do so.
Love
Craig
There is a tumor in her left lung which has closed off the windpipe, and the lung collapsed as a result. This made it difficult to determine how big the tumor is at this point. We heard yesterday that it is a non-small cell lung cancer, which is the type which is supposed to be slower to spread, but it's still questionable as to whether or not it has.
There is fluid around the lung which is not typically present, and there is a separate growth on her adrenale gland. Each of these things could be unrelated, or they could also be cancerous. Mom is having both of these tested today. They will be drawing fluid from the lung, and performing a biopsy of the growth on the adrenale gland.
We're hoping that these both come back as negative, which will mean that the cancer has not spread beyond the lung. If not, then it sounds like they plan to do a radiation treatment to reduce the size of the tumor to allow air into the lung. This will reduce the chance of pneumonia developing and allow them a better view of how big it is.
They will then proceed with removing the one or both lobes of the left lung. She has been breathing with one lung all week and by this past weekend, her body has seemed to adapt well, and her pulse ox was normal with no supplemental oxygen and just one lung!
If the cancer has spread, then they will proceed with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
The results of today's tests should be available by Wednesday and that will outline what the next steps are.
Please keep her in your prayers and we'll hope for the absolute best. She is determined to beat this and will need lots of support to do so.
Love
Craig
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Liz Backus updates
Well here we go again - this sucks. Anyhow - Liz was diagnosed with lung cancer late yesterday - the 7th. We were getting some conflicting information about having to remove her entire left lung and if or how they will do treatments.
The doctors have determined that the cancer has spread and therefore will NOT REmove her lung. So that doesn't sound good. However, they will be doing treatments chemo and probably radiation - I assume all over. We do not know where the cancer has spread at this time.
Liz is staying at FAxton - St. Luke's hosptial in Utica, NY and her room number is 173.
Please tell friends about this website that may know Liz. I realize most people that check may be our family - but we'll pass this along to the Backus gang as well.
Its important we keep her in our prayers - she's a wonderful woman and very strong. If anyone can beat this cancer- its Liz. She's a fighter and has a LOT to look forward to in life and she's young. So we are focusing on all those positives right now.
Love,
Gail
The doctors have determined that the cancer has spread and therefore will NOT REmove her lung. So that doesn't sound good. However, they will be doing treatments chemo and probably radiation - I assume all over. We do not know where the cancer has spread at this time.
Liz is staying at FAxton - St. Luke's hosptial in Utica, NY and her room number is 173.
Please tell friends about this website that may know Liz. I realize most people that check may be our family - but we'll pass this along to the Backus gang as well.
Its important we keep her in our prayers - she's a wonderful woman and very strong. If anyone can beat this cancer- its Liz. She's a fighter and has a LOT to look forward to in life and she's young. So we are focusing on all those positives right now.
Love,
Gail
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Woo HOo
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Wednesday, February 01, 2006
new year
Ok - a little late - but we have been running around in January.
Anyhow - you can check out Nate's 18 month pictures on the picture link. We are still going to download all the ones from the holidays.
Hope this new year is good to everyone so far.
Yes - Nate is 18 months - and starting the "terrible 2's" a little early. He's also teething - hence not as many happy smiles in his pictures this time around. He refused to pose. But enjoy - we have a few - bruises on the forehead and all. He's all over the place and a true boy! Its great.
Love,
Gail
Anyhow - you can check out Nate's 18 month pictures on the picture link. We are still going to download all the ones from the holidays.
Hope this new year is good to everyone so far.
Yes - Nate is 18 months - and starting the "terrible 2's" a little early. He's also teething - hence not as many happy smiles in his pictures this time around. He refused to pose. But enjoy - we have a few - bruises on the forehead and all. He's all over the place and a true boy! Its great.
Love,
Gail
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas!
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Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Merry Christmas
Well this is Nate's 2nd Christmas and he's totally not into Santa at all this year. He just looks at him like - who in the world are you Mr? Its cute and funny. We didn't push it - he held on to one of us with his death grip indicating - don't you dare put me closer to that guy!
anyhow - we are ready for the holidays - and just can't wait to spend some time with family and just chill out and relax. I have all next week off to spend with Nate and visiting friends and family.
We wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy (and safe) New Yaers!
love,
Gail, Craig and Nate (and even Fudd)
anyhow - we are ready for the holidays - and just can't wait to spend some time with family and just chill out and relax. I have all next week off to spend with Nate and visiting friends and family.
We wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy (and safe) New Yaers!
love,
Gail, Craig and Nate (and even Fudd)
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Mmmmm ice cream
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Thursday, December 01, 2005
First Hair Cut & More
Well Nate finally had enough hair that required a hair cut. We saved the special moment to do with grandma Backus and Aunt Jen in NY over Thanksgiving weekend. Nate really didn't care for it much at all - squirmed and cried. they really only cut the back a little bit and tried to get around the ears. It was cute - we have pictures somewhere at home of the fun.
We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving holiday with family, friends and loved ones. As I mentioned - we were in Ny with the Backus clan - it was fun. Just a LONG 12 hour drive home sunday. We are all trying to get caught up from that. Its amazing just sitting in a car makes you tired and worn out. Not fun.
This weekend we are hoping Nate won't be afraind of Santa - we are attending my works Breakfast with Santa party. It should be fun - sold out - so I'm sure TONS of kids! i can't wait. Hopefully my friend Barb's kids will help Nate visit Santa for a quick picture. Hopefully
Alright - just had to send a quick update. Other than all that - we joined a new church a few weeks ago - really happy about that. Work - its work for us both. Craig's swamped at his job - and me - just plugging along.
I'll hopefully post more this month.
We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving holiday with family, friends and loved ones. As I mentioned - we were in Ny with the Backus clan - it was fun. Just a LONG 12 hour drive home sunday. We are all trying to get caught up from that. Its amazing just sitting in a car makes you tired and worn out. Not fun.
This weekend we are hoping Nate won't be afraind of Santa - we are attending my works Breakfast with Santa party. It should be fun - sold out - so I'm sure TONS of kids! i can't wait. Hopefully my friend Barb's kids will help Nate visit Santa for a quick picture. Hopefully
Alright - just had to send a quick update. Other than all that - we joined a new church a few weeks ago - really happy about that. Work - its work for us both. Craig's swamped at his job - and me - just plugging along.
I'll hopefully post more this month.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
My new hat
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Saturday, November 05, 2005
Hi from Chicago
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Wednesday, November 02, 2005
New pictures
Ok - click on the "family photos' link over to your left. Then go to the albums
Nate 200509
Nate 200510
Click on each album to see all the new pictures inside.
In September - we all went camping with papa and uncle Marcus. Those pictures are from that trip and a trip to the Dominos Farm petting zoo.
In October - we went to two different apple orchards - the sunny and warm day - not very photo happy. The one with the Warner's and Price's - he had more smiles. We also have some pictures from our trip to the Detroit zoo toward the end of October.
I think that's about it - enjoy.
Oh - and the ADORABLE Hat - handmade by my cousin Kim - it looks GREAT! Thanks Kim.
Nate 200509
Nate 200510
Click on each album to see all the new pictures inside.
In September - we all went camping with papa and uncle Marcus. Those pictures are from that trip and a trip to the Dominos Farm petting zoo.
In October - we went to two different apple orchards - the sunny and warm day - not very photo happy. The one with the Warner's and Price's - he had more smiles. We also have some pictures from our trip to the Detroit zoo toward the end of October.
I think that's about it - enjoy.
Oh - and the ADORABLE Hat - handmade by my cousin Kim - it looks GREAT! Thanks Kim.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Update - finally
Well - yes its been a LONG time since we actually posted anything here - sorry for the long delay - life has been a little hectic. We are finally done with Nate's surgeries - both a sucess. But after the tubes - then the pink eye problems started. We hope that is all over for a while - he just needed stronger drops. Knock on wood - it hasn't come back yet. So that is good. Its just been one thing after another. Struggling to find help babysitting during the week when he's sick.
Teething is another fun time - I just look at the gums and the molars coming in - man it looks painful and its in my baby. So you have to feel bad.
Other than that - we are running around trying to keep up with Nate. Now with his ears finally clear he's talking a lot more. We may not always understand the babble - but he'll get his point across one way or another. Its fun.
His newest loves are any animail - he loves animals and the Wiggles - our newest TV show. They are usually the only things he'll do his nightly breathing treatments with.
Over the last few weeks - Nate even had his first over night trip to papa's house in Howell. He had a GREAT time as usual - so that is always fun. he'll be spending this Friday otu there too. He and his best friend Tommy are going to do a little trick or treating visit to great grandma's house - and he'll just stay the night out there. He'll have fun.
Us - well busy as you can see. Craig's work is going well - just stressful. MIne - its just another job at the moment. Picking up with another audit in February - so tryign to just get people back on track around here. So we'll see.
Marcus and dad are well too. Marcus' house is coming along very well. I haven't been out there in a while - but it was looking really good the last time I was out there. I think he's even staying there some now.
Other than that - life goes on as normal.
Look for more pictures to be uploaded in the next week or so.
Gail
Teething is another fun time - I just look at the gums and the molars coming in - man it looks painful and its in my baby. So you have to feel bad.
Other than that - we are running around trying to keep up with Nate. Now with his ears finally clear he's talking a lot more. We may not always understand the babble - but he'll get his point across one way or another. Its fun.
His newest loves are any animail - he loves animals and the Wiggles - our newest TV show. They are usually the only things he'll do his nightly breathing treatments with.
Over the last few weeks - Nate even had his first over night trip to papa's house in Howell. He had a GREAT time as usual - so that is always fun. he'll be spending this Friday otu there too. He and his best friend Tommy are going to do a little trick or treating visit to great grandma's house - and he'll just stay the night out there. He'll have fun.
Us - well busy as you can see. Craig's work is going well - just stressful. MIne - its just another job at the moment. Picking up with another audit in February - so tryign to just get people back on track around here. So we'll see.
Marcus and dad are well too. Marcus' house is coming along very well. I haven't been out there in a while - but it was looking really good the last time I was out there. I think he's even staying there some now.
Other than that - life goes on as normal.
Look for more pictures to be uploaded in the next week or so.
Gail
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Fun at the orchard
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