Thursday, July 23, 2009

Pre-treatment diagnosis info

Hi All!
Much to my mother's dismay, I am starting a blog so she spends her time resting instead of on the phone updating you all ;)
I'm not entirely sure what I am supposed to write, so please bear with me as I figure it out.
For those of you who don't know, my mom found a small lump on her neck in June. After much poking and prodding, the Doctors determined that it is Large Diffuse B cell Lymphoma, a different form than she was originally treated for last year. Her most recent PET Scan showed that it has gone to her vertebrae and a lymph node in her groin, and a few more little lumps are popping up on various places on her body. She has gone to see a doctor at UCSD and most recently one at Stanford. Both have assured her that she is in good hands with Dr. Helton (who treated her last year) and her treatment plan is spot on. She loves her doctor and appreciates his office's proximity to our house.
I took her this morning to get her port in. It's petite and hardly noticeable and she is doing great. She's anxious to get the treatment started and get this behind her. She is in good spirits and is handling everything beautifully. She is the perfect patient- strong, optimistic, and maintaining that sense of humor!
That's about all for now! She starts chemo on Monday so send good thoughts her way! Ash is coming home so we'll all get to spend some time together as she gets her treatment.
Thanks to all of you for being such wonderful friends!

22 comments:

  1. This is so great Lauren! I'm so glad you're doing this even though mom doesn't want us to. We love you mom and we're just trying to take care of you;-)

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  2. Thinking about you guys a ton. Stay positive and as always "Happy Thoughts!!"

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  3. Sending all our love and good thoughts your way. Keep the laughter and smiles going. It's the best drug/cure out there! XOXO

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  4. hi debbie, i think this blogis great so we can end you prayers and wishes and not bother you with so many of the same questions.you have such great daughters. not forgetting a great hubby too!! love, susan

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  5. Thanks Lauren for putting this together. We think it is a wonderful way to show Debbie how much we care for her. Lots of happy thoughts and prayers!! Love Lindsey and Patty

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  6. "It is the character that's the strongest that God gives the most challenges to."

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  7. This is great blog to have to get updated and send support ! I have been wanting to help in some way,...but I know how challanging that is as Debbie is such an independent "fighter " !!!
    Key to success and remission tho ~

    Don't blame her,.been there ..done THAT ! Thx for including me ~

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  8. You are well cared for and loved by all. We will continue our prayers positive thoughts. Remember Deb, "that monkey will be in your pocket soon".
    Love, Nancy

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  9. Thanks Lauren for doing this. All my happiest and most positive thoughts and prayers to you Debbie. Lots and Lots of Love, Katie

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  10. Isn't it nice to have children who can keep us "old ones" in the current century. Deb, you know I am always here to help you with whatever you need. I know you are strong and will go through this ordeal with dignity and grace. It will be behind you soon and we will be taking our walks on Mission Bay. Love, Deb E.

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  11. Thanks for including me Lauren. Debbie, you are a strong lady and I know you will do great! If you need me to help you with anything, let me know. I'm close by.

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  12. What a great way to show you Debbie how much everyone cares and supports you. I was recently told by a friend of mine who is going through her own battle with cancer that the thing that has helped her most is her support system and her optimism. We all know what a positive person you are Debbie and I can see that your friends and family are right there by your side ;)I have and will continue to pray for you!!! I KNOW that you will get through this. You are truly an inspiration to all ;)

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  13. Sending love and support from both me and my mom. We love you Debbie!
    ~Kelly Duncan

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  14. Dear Debbie,
    I am so sorry for what you are about to go through...but you are such a strong lady I know you will get through it with with no trouble. You have such a strong support group behind you that nothing but good things can come your way. You know I LOVE YOU and am your biggest supporter. Be strong. I Love you, Cindy

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  15. Dear Debbie,
    Alex and I are thinking of you a lot, especially today as you start treatment. You have a wonderful family, lots of supportive friends, and great medical care. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are sending lots of positive energy your way. Hang in there! You can do this! Love, Linda Areyan

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  16. Lauren, thank you so much for doing this. As you know your mother has so many friends that it would be a full time job to try to return the calls
    or emails. We were out of town and so glad to get your update because Debbie has been in our thoughts everyday. She is definitely in good hands and now on a positive plan. Please let us know if we can help you with anything. We love you guys.
    Daryl, Greg and Jess

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  17. Lauren, you are the best for creating such a wonderful site to keep family and friends updated. Debbie you are in our thoughts and prayers always. We know you will come through this with flying colors. Pat and I are sending all of our positive energy your way. Having faced cancer also as a family we know how wonderful it is to have such a supportive community!! Please let us know if we can help in any way. Stay Strong!!! Love, Julie & Pat

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  18. Debbie,

    I am so happy that the girls got this blog going so we can stay updated. You are in our thoughts and our prayers. Stay strong....take care. Diane and Tom

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  19. Debbie, Well I guess you were on my mind because I had a dream last night that you had a dinner party for 6 people in a small room in my house...even though you lived 3 doors up the street from me! At the same time, I had 100 kids from school over for a swimming party! You kept on asking me to put on music for you guys, but the restaurant was attached to the house also, and I couldn't run the restaurant and find the music! ok...now you can think about that and when you figure out what it all means, let me know!
    just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you...obviously! Diane

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  20. Hi Debbie,
    I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad your 1st week of treatment went pretty well. Hopefully you'll have more good days than bad and soon you'll be able to join us at the gym!
    It was so great of your daughter to start this blog. You are blessed with such loving girls to help you.
    Love,
    Denise

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  21. Hi Debbie,
    Hope today is a good day! And you had a nice "outing". So sad about Shae...she was a good girl and I'm sorry that you lost her at this time...it's never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet.
    You know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day and I am so grateful to the girls for this blog to keep in touch...you're in good hands! Stay strong and feel the positive energy and love coming your way from your many friends.
    Missing you...Love, Lisa

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  22. Dear Debbie and family...
    Oh my...I found this blog through Ariel's and am so sad to hear about your illness. I think of you as such a strong capable woman and if anyone can kick Cancer's butt it's you. Thanks Lauren for putting out the blog. I will pray for your glowing health and wellness and know that loving energy is coming your way.
    love, Lisa

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