Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Light at the end...


It is amazing how our life, in general calm and predictable, turned into a roller coaster when Jud was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.



Our latest episode took place at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto,California, where we learned about SBRT radiation therapy, a form of treatment in which very specific radiation is delivered to the site of the cancer. 


Stanford Cancer Center is a beautiful place...the California version of Mayo Hospital. There is beautiful art on the walls and the waiting rooms all face toward the gardens outdoors. We liked the doctor and we felt the treatment offered some hope. Jud, however, needed to not have any other cancer in his body to qualify. We were anxious to get home but...


...the Midwest was in the middle of a blizzard and we were stranded in Denver. As luck would have it, Jud's parents had just arrived in Colorado Springs that morning and we had a wonderful twenty-four hours together. 


Jud and his two lovely sisters and amazing parents.


This one includes our niece, great nephews, great nephew-in-law and me.


Before we left. Jud took this beautiful picture of the sunset from his sister, Joan's, back porch.


We returned to the Twin Cities on Monday and today, Jud had a Pet Scan. We had some good news a couple of hours ago. The Pet Scan was negative, no cancer at any other place in his body except the pancreas. We met with the lovely Melissa, his doctor, and she was enthusiastic about the Stanford program. 

Jud will start chemotherapy on Thursday. Around January 6, we will head back to Stanford and he will have SBRT treatment. We will be there for three weeks, then come back here for three more weeks of chemotherapy. After that, they will do another scan to see if the tumor has shrunk enough to do a Whipple procedure, a surgery that could extend his life. 

Thanks be to God. 

25 comments:

  1. That is so encouraging and good news!
    I will be praying for both of you!
    Take care Suz...
    Much love, Laura

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey Sweetie!
    You and your family are in my Prayers and thoughts!
    My Step Dad and my Favorite Cousin both had Pancreatic Cancer. I'm encouraged to hear there are new treatments! I'm glad that you all have new options,,,,,,and I will truly Pray for the Best!
    Ohhhhh, SOOOOOO Big Hugs and Love,
    Shell

    ReplyDelete
  3. Suz you and Jud are very strong and how thankful that you are reviewing every possible action. Prayers will continue...
    Beautiful sunset and wonderful photos of family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That was very good news indeed! I will keep you in my prayers! So nice you could have special family time!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Suz...I'm so glad things went so well at Stanford--it IS a beautiful place. I've been there many times for my in-laws. So glad you'll be there! We'll talk later...

    What a blessing that there's no other cancer! And I just read in your earlier post about his friend on the board...these things are never coincidences, are they?!

    I hope you're feeling some peace again...life really can be a roller coaster, can't it?

    Thanks for your sweet visit and comments, my friend...wishing you a restful and peaceful night...

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, SUZ!!!! Amazing news!!!!!! Hallelujah!!! whooopppeeee!!!!
    I was wondering what was happening to you with your travels and all the snow..glad you were able to spend time with family.
    Tons of love to you
    lynn

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm sure that having an action plan has brought you some comfort- you're in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I learned very late in life as a Catholic when receiving communion not to say "Amen" after the priest says, "Thanks be to God". It seems God always has the final word. No other is needed. Thanks be to God! Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sounds like good news, I keep you in my prayers!
    sounds like a nice place to spend a few weeks of winter!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That sounds like very good news and I will keep your family and Jud's doctors in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. And the plan begins. I am so glad. I am really ready for come treatment for that cancer. You guys have done everything so well. You researched. You have cried. you have loved.

    You have inspired...

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm trying to catch up with your last several posts. I hope and pray that Jud will be able to kick cancer to the curb! You are in capable hands...the doctors and God's! Praying for you daily.
    xoxo
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  13. I really like the sounds of this...great progress... and A PLAN...wonderful to be moving forward...what a ride you two are on indeed!

    Precious family reunion!

    Sending healing energy
    Peace and Love
    All ways
    oxo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Excellent news Suz, so glad to read that the cancer is contained. GREAT news. I'm sending the best of wishes and lots of love. Hang in there, and keep breathing. Love, Riki

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such wonderful news about the cancer being contained! What a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad for this bit of good news! xo suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes! I love it when a plan comes together! Continue to be the "whisperers" and believe in yourselves, in your ability to control the situation and bring the beast to heel (and even heal). Hugs and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  18. wonderful! sending you continued prayers my friend. I havent had a computer (its sent out to be fixed) so I'm just catching up here, but I want you to know I'm always thinking of you. May you and Jud have a very blessed Christmas!
    xo nat

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh Suz, I'm so happy to hear all your good news!

    And how wonderful that the blizzard was timed perfectly so that you were able to spend time with Jud's family. I'm so glad that these small blessings continue to come your way in the midst of these very difficult times.

    Continuing to keep you and Jud and Kat in my prayers...

    Warm Christmas wishes,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sending you love and gratitude for the GREAT news!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dear Heart,
    Sending you a huge hug and dose of loving thoughts. I'm praying daily for you. When I look upon the faces in your pictures I can see and feel all the love and care you have for each other. I pray you will gather strength. Love, love, really love you. Blessings, Katie

    ReplyDelete
  22. That's good news! It is! And it's serendipitous that you got a layover that allowed you time with more family. Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete