An Update on My Aunt, but a Chance for You to Update as Well
By Amber
@AmbiePam (85909)
United States
November 7, 2007 5:24pm CST
As some of you read my discussion a day or two ago about my aunt just being diagnosed with colon cancer, I have an update. They thought she would have to have her entire colon removed, but instead, they are only removing half of it. The surgery will be this Friday still, and they also plan to removed her ovaries as a precautionary move. She's 59, she could care less about keeping her ovaries. This way she won't ever have to worry about ovarian cancer either.
Tonight though they did discover she has a low blood count and not enough potassium. So she will have to endure an 8 hour blood transfusion tomorrow. They wanted her to do it tonight in the hospital, but as plucky as she is, she didn't want to spend the night in the hospital. I believe she will have a blood match because if all else fails, she has 13 other living brothers and sisters. One of them is bound to be a match.
So while I shared my update I would like to give other's the opportunity to share theirs. Sometimes we post, but feel awkward about doing another post updating the first. So if need be, feel free to share. I've read some recent updates, but in case anyone hasn't given one lately, go ahead. : )
9 people like this
17 responses
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
7 Nov 07
well i am really glad to hear that she only has to get half of it removed,but it is still a big procedure and i hope all goes well and i will be praying that day for her,and i will light a candle in my house for her as well. wow she has alot of siblings so i hope one of them will be her match if nessacary.god bless.pattie
@susieq223 (3742)
• United States
8 Nov 07
The fact that they only have to take half the colon sounds hopeful. Will she avoid having to have a colosotomy bag this way? I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers that all goes well.
There isn't much different to report on my husband. He has gained a little weight, but is still getting slightly weaker each day and having just a little more difficulty breathing. He isn't in any pain, however, which is great. Mostly bored because he can do so little.
1 person likes this
@susieq223 (3742)
• United States
11 Dec 07
Just wanted you to know I'm still thinking of you. Thanks for BR.
1 person likes this
@tess1960 (2385)
• United States
12 Dec 07
I pray all is well now with your Aunt. My hubby had part of colon removed in 1991, but his was not due to cancer. He has a colostomy bag for 3 months and was then hooked back up. I pray the same can be done for your Aunt. God Bless
@AmbiePam (85909)
• United States
14 Dec 07
Thank you for the well wishes. She is supposed to get chemo to make sure every trace of cancer is gone, but she wants it done now. She has gallstones, and they won't remove them until the chemo is done. I think they are soon going to remove her colostomy bag though.
@newzealtralian (3930)
• Australia
8 Nov 07
Well, that's good news I think! lol. Positive any way. As for the blood transfusion, I wouldn't want to spend a night in hospital either. Ok, so right now I would. hehehehe. Away from the tantrums of my kids and having time to do my cross stitch! lol. hhhhmmm, maybe I should break my neck! lol. no, hospitals aren't the nicest places to be. I came home the same day as giving birth with 2 of my kids! lol.
1 person likes this
@newzealtralian (3930)
• Australia
9 Nov 07
I believe the terms nuts, need my head read and totally insane were used! lol.
1 person likes this
@citygirl (1080)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Thanks for the update I was thinking about your aunt. Try not to worry to much. I had half of my colon removed over 25 years ago, and still doing great. Your aunt is still quite younge and sounds other wise healthy. I will pray for you and her. Keep your chin up and stay positive. Good luck and all the best to you and your aunt.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
I'm always scared reading about cancer topics, but this one I read just because you are my friend :) must be hard for your family to find out about the diagnose. At least she won't have much problem with blood match, it's very important for the surgery that they can find a match for her blood. I wish the best for her health
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Low hemoglobin and low potassium...? Goodness. If only we could have gotten her to eat more fruits, especially bananas, oranges, tomatoes. Well I'm still thinking of you all and wishing the best for your dear aunt Ambie. As for the blood match and the rest of the family, try to get them to increase their potassium diet and (carefully) make sure they get enough iron. Do not exceed when it comes to the iron though. Again, the best for you, your aunt and everyone. I'm hoping she'll get through this.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85909)
• United States
8 Nov 07
She eats oranges and tomatoes like they are going out of style, but she doesn't like bananas. But aren't they the best fruit source of potassium? She may have to learn to like them. : ) I'm anemic, and have struggled with that all my life, so I wonder if she has had that problem too. I assumed it came from my mom's side, but maybe it was from my dad's. Thanks for the good wishes. : )
@BlueStarMom1 (931)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Oh Ambie, I am so sorry to hear of her illness. I will pray for her return to health. You make her sound like a spunky lady and sometimes that can make all the difference in the world. I am sending her my love and prayers and please give her a big hug for me. Please keep us updated as to her condition. Tell her we are all praying for her.
And here is a hug for you to sweetie.
HUG
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Well I have nothing to update for myself, but I'm glad you gave an up-date on your aunt. Yes, she does sound plucky...LOL, but I don't blame her for not wanting to stay overnight at the hospital. I guess she figures with the upcoming operation, she'll be in the hospital long enough to recover. My prayers are still with your aunt (((hugs)))
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Nov 07
That is good news, AmbiePam..:) I really don't have an update on my life, just things going on in the world, so take care..:)
@peanutjar (5198)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Hi,i wish her all the best to get well and find a match for her.Dont feel awkward about reposting.
Peanutjar:)
1 person likes this
