Today was the most productive day since I was diagnosed. I woke up got ready took AJ to school. Then I baked cookies for all the nice nurses who pushed to get my apts to the first available.
Russ and I took the van in to get fixed. Then headed down to the surgeon’s office. The surgeon came in and did an exam. Said it was some sort of Lymphona. He explained that he would remove the lump on my neck. I will be put to sleep the he will make an inch incision and take out the lymph node. His guess is that it is the size of a golf ball. He also said there was a typo on the CT scan report that 3mm should be 3cm in my chest report.
We scheduled the surgery for Thursday. Then we went to get another CT. I had to drink another glass of barium. It didn’t taste that bad it was just hard to stomach and had a bad after taste.
Then we made the attempt to get a vein for the IV. First stick he gets the vein and then the vein blew. 2nd attempt same result. So we once again took the films with out the dye. This is bad b/c it is very hard to see the lymph nodes. We took the films right then and Russ had picked up the blood results and we headed down to the oncologist. Dr. Shiftan was very kind. He spent a lot of time answering our questions. He pulled the films out and showed us in detail what we where looking at. He also showed us that the new scans showed a mass by my liver. With all the info we have so far, his best guess is that this is Hogkin’s stage 3A. We will not know for sure until we get the biopsy results. We go in tomorrow to register for the surgery and maybe get a pet scan.
So on Thursday I have a biopsy surgery and next Tuesday we see the Doctor to go over the biopsy and get a bone marrow sample (not excited to do this test!), and then we will start treatment. If it is Hodgkins I start Chemo 1st then radiation. Doctor said I will loose my hair. So I need to start looking for scarves. At least I will save money on highlights & haircuts this year. I guess I will have to break that bad news to my hair dresser.
It was a very sobering experience to go into the chemo room and see all the patients getting treatments. It was shocking how many people have cancer. I feel blessed that I have a very treatable cancer. I’m scared of the treatments! I’m anxious and terrified all in one breath. I want the cancer stopped and wiped out ASAP. But I’m also fearful of the cure. It has been quite a day!!! I was hoping that I’d see the onclogist and he would tell me, “oh those silly people, this is just a spider bite.” But no luck. He was very confident in the prognosis. I have allot of things going for since I’m young and healthy (besides cancer) and I have so much support. I guess I can’t give weight watchers all my credit for my weight loss. over the last year (I recommend cancer for anyone who wants to loose weight. 
Well that’s my day in a wrap. Hope you day was……better.
For those who are curious about the specifics of the diagnosis (as I was):
Stage III is involvement of lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm. The absence of systemic symptoms is signified by adding ‘A’ to the stage.
Glad you were finally able to get some answers Susie — I guess its looking more and more like Cristina is going to have to shave her head to show solidarity huh? Poor girl.
I think all the guys in the Family should shave our heads in support. this is more involved for somone like me.. for when i did it in the past I looked like Goomba. Ryan i would not suggest it for you.. you look bad enough as it is
Susan! I will be up there when ever you want and I will bring a Razor. bic it sister! Love ya.
Susan! Long time no talk… Kevin has been keeping me updated though, i have been thinking about you a lot! Im glad everything seems to be moving smoothly and your on top of it all! I know this doesnt mean much, but if there is anything i can for you (besides whoop Kev’s butt) dont hesitate to let me know! I got your back, and lets be honest, what more do you need?
Dear Susan, just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and you are in my prayers. Your Mom has been keeping me posted. I have a good friend that has had this and she is 64 and doing just fine. Keep your chin up honey. Love, Aunt Linda
Dear Susan, Dan and I want you to know that the whole family has you in our prayers. The positive attitude is so important and you’ve got it right. It’s also important to feed those nurses, they can be your best friends. We love you, The Christiansens.
Susan,
You are so strong and I admire you for being so courageous. I hope you will lean on your family and friends and allow everyone to help. You do so much for others and we would love to help you in any way possible. Cancer SUCKS
Susan…I will be thinking of you this weekend when I’s doing the Contry Music Marathon in Nashville as part of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. My participation has so much more meaning now that I know my efforts will help someone close to our family. I’ll be raising money again for a marathon in Dublin next October. I’ll remember you every step I take in this journey and I’ll pray that my efforts will make your future much easier!! We love you!
I hate to be the one to bring this up but getting cancer to lose weight might be considered cheating on the goals. You’ll need to run that by your Grandma so she can check the rules and bylaws. Meanwhile, rent lots of funny movies because I’ve heard that can be very helpful….or just invite your brothers over more often…gosh on second thought maybe not, in fact have you considered that they might have caused it in the first place…gosh I’m getting confused here. I better go back to work….but you are never, ever out of my thoughts. Love, Aunt Marci
Hey Susie,
I see from previous comments that you will have company on your assumed mandetory marathon run once your in recovery. Good thing too because I was starting to think if I kid you about that anymore I would have to volunteer to train with you! (sigh of relief)
Kidding aside (if that’s possible for me), I’m soo glad that through your sweet personality you have caused so many to be drawn to you, so that now your dear friends and family can help hold you up through your trying times ahead. Long distance hugs and kisses, Amy
Just wanted to let you know that Blake and I are thinking about you and your family. Let us know if we can help in any way. And yes, I will convince Cristina that she needs to shave her head too!
You guys made me laugh and cry!!! Thanks for all your humor and love! Wish me luck tomorrow when they cut my neck open!!! AHHHHHHH
Susan, I know all will go well tomorrow morning. We will be thinking positive thoughts for you and the surgeon.
I also want to set the record straight, that I have already offered to shave my head. There will not need to be a lot of convincing me to do it. I believe when I said it though you (Susan) told me not to, but I want you to know I would do it in a heart beat. It is only hair and it will always grow back. Lots of love. See you when I get home. Cristina
Susan you really are a Jedi aren’t you? You are so amazing and unique just like a Jedi.
I think you are awesome and have the best attitude about everything. You will look gorgeous bald! I know it! I bet Judy and I will want to take pictures of you through this huge chapter of your life. Are you saying I should give up on the Weight Watchers? 