BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke

Subject: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 08:58 AM

So, the bad news was that my wife had to have emergency gall bladder surgery last month. The good news was that it went very well indeed.

Then the bad news - the pathologists found a small bit of cancer in the removed gall bladder - second opinion confirms.

Really bad news - gall bladder cancer has pretty awful statistics.

Good news - it's early Stage I - eminently curable

Bad news - more tests and surgery required

Good news, really exellent news - blood tests and PET scan all show "no sign of disease anywhere in her body."

CAT scan today and additional surgery to remove part of her liver and some lymph nodes sometime in the indefinite future.

It's been a roller coaster folks! Everything looks as positive as can be at this point, but we could use some positive thoughts, prayers, lit candles, whatever you care to do to help. We've got some great doctors, but I also know the power of the Mudcat people to pull off some incredible stuff, too!

Thanks for letting me share!

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 09:06 AM

Hey jeff.......Sounds more up than down. Hang in and we'll hold a good thought for you and your wife!!! Great title and post, brcasue that's the way life truly does play out.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 09:09 AM

We actually feel pretty lucky, because if she hadn't had the gallstones and subsequent surgery, that stuff would be still inside her undetected. Gall bladder cancer is usually not diagnosed until late Stage IV, when the patient has 3-6 months to live.

Hail to the gallstones!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 09:30 AM

Way-hey for the gallstones and Up the Healthy bits! Lots of good thoughts, meditations and thanks-givings from our hearts to yours, Jeff. May we know your wife's first name, please? It makes it easier to visualise/whathaveyou.

Holding you in the Light,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 09:37 AM

Of course! I should have included it. Her name is Bonnie Porterfield.

We really appreciate the whathaveyou.

jeff

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Mrrzy
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 10:36 AM

Wow - stay on the good news side!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 10:51 AM

Sorta know what you're going through, just had a lump taken out my jaw, but it turned out to be benign, but oh the hell of waiting for test results!! Sounds like Bonnie's prognosis is OK, love her and cherish her, it helps the healing process.
Slainthe.....Giok

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 11:01 AM

The rest of the surgery is for the "clear margin," the buffer of healthy tissue removed for "just in case" to be sure it had not spread any futher. Sounds like the timing was very lucky in this!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 11:56 AM

I love serendipity! Count on it. Smiles to you and Bonnie. :) :) :)

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Morticia
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 12:36 PM

giving off lots of healthy type vibes to Bonnie and to you Jeff.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: CarolC
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 05:07 PM

Best thoughts and wishes to you and your wife, jeffp.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 05:11 PM

Prayers and a candle for Bonnie. Continue to ride the roller coaster together and you will be fine.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 05:12 PM

Sending healthy, healing thoughts your way Bonnie. Jeff- you are a great, caring, loving person sounds like to me. Bonnie is lucky to have you by her side.
Peace. Rustic

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 07:03 PM

Best of luck PAL.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Tinker
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 10:08 PM

blessings and Prayers out to both of you this night.... Hold each other and hang on for the ride....

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Genie
Date: 18 Mar 03 - 12:26 AM

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Bonnie & Jeff}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: fat B****rd
Date: 18 Mar 03 - 02:55 AM

Good luck to you both.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Mar 03 - 07:43 AM

best wishes to you Bonnie & Jeff.

random act of fate?? or something/somebody looking after you??

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 18 Mar 03 - 08:05 AM

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts. The CAT scan is over now and we're just waiting for a surgery date. The waiting is the real PITA. Of course, she didn't enjoy the CAT scan much either. They make you drink a QUART of barium solution that tastes like nasty fake banana. Afterwards, it took a half-pound burger and some Guinness to wash that taste out. Her outlook is good, just not looking forward to recovering from surgery.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 19 Mar 03 - 12:40 PM

Well folks, we just got the date: Friday, March 28, in the morning. Everything is looking good heading up to it. We're nervous but confident and looking forward to it all being over.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Mar 03 - 01:36 PM

That has to be a good date, Jeff, it's my natal day!:-) Still holding you both in my thoughts and meditations, giving thanks for the best possible outcome. Thanks for keeping us posted.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 10:27 AM

More good news - CAT scan results are perfectly normal!!!! Still having the surgery, though.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: MMario
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 10:50 AM

good news indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Peg
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 10:56 AM

best of luck to you! I am happy this was caught in the early stages. Just lost a friend to melanoma which spreads more quickly than this type and it sounds like you've been fortunate with the timing on this one...my positive thoughts go with you.
If you want a bit of advice from the alternative side, however...It would be wise for her to cut junk food (like beef, sugar, packaged foods) and toxic stuff (like alcohol or cigarettes if she smokes, or coffee) down to a minimum or out of the diet completely for the duration of her treatment; holistic methods of healing cancer suggest a pure, wholefoods diet (lots of fruits and veggies) to help bolster immunity and detoxify the blood; this can be VERY important when the body is fighting with other poisons (including the cancer itself but also chemo drugs etc. and of course hospital food!) and will help her cope with the fatigue and other symptoms...
I'd also recommend herbal teas for strengthening the liver, like milk thistle. One simple yet effective liver tonic: squeeze fresh lemon juice into a cup of lukewarm water and drink before meals twice a day...best on an empty stomach...
good luck!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 09:57 AM

Well, it's happening tomorrow. We're looking forward to looking backward at it. Thanks to all of you for your good wishes and support.

Jeff and Bonnie

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Schantieman
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 04:10 PM

Good luck!!

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 04:44 PM

Good news on the CAT scan, Jeff. All the best to you and Bonnie. You've sure got the right attitude...looking back on it...looking forward.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 04:52 PM

Three cheers from here too!!!!!!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 08:00 AM

Well, the surgery went about as well as possible. She didn't need any extra blood, no trip to ICU, and she might come home as early as tonight. I'm SO relieved.............and exhausted.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Tinker
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 08:20 AM

Great news...Get some rest and care for yourself for a little while.... Blessings and light heading your way...

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 04 Apr 03 - 08:13 AM

She's Home!

I'm just back at work after taking care of her for a few days. Bonnie came home Monday night and is doing remarkably well. She's showering without assistance, sleeping 16-20 hours a day, and not TOO uncomfortable.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Apr 03 - 10:24 AM

Wonderful, Jeff. Glad to hear it and thanks for letting us know. Lots of hugs and good thoughts coming to you both!!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: CarolC
Date: 04 Apr 03 - 02:23 PM

Great news! Here's hoping she has a quick and easy recovery and things return to normal for both of you very soon.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 01:34 AM

Howya doing, Jeff? I've been thinking of you and Bonnie a lot in the past couple of weeks; giving thanks for returned health and strength. Hope all is well.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Mudlark
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 01:57 AM

Somehow missed this thread when it first came around. sending very positive, healthful thoughts to Bonny...and suppor to Jeff. Hope all is going well...

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 07:57 AM

Nothing but great news to report here. The biopsy was negative, pain level is amazingly low, she even has more energy than we ever expected at this stage of her recovery. We even got some work done in the garden on Saturday, me doing most of the labor, of course. One more visit with the surgeon next week and also with our new friend, the oncologist. We're expecting scans at six-month intervals, but no chemo or radiation unless something actually shows up.

Thanks so much for all your concern and prayers, good thoughts, etc. It's really been a help through all this.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 10:23 AM

WOW! That IS wonderful to hear, Jeff. Thanks for the update!!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: jeffp
Date: 23 Apr 03 - 10:09 AM

We saw the surgeon and oncologist yesterday and got the biopsy results -------







Drum roll, please

NO SIGN OF CANCER!!!!!!!!!!

No radiation, no chemo, see you in September for a scan and a chat.

HUZZAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everybody for the prayers, good thoughts, etc. I'm certain that it all helped. Now we can get on with what passes for normal life.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Apr 03 - 10:13 AM

YES!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Apr 03 - 01:52 PM

Lovely, indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Apr 03 - 05:39 PM

Wonderful news! Enjoy!

Subject: RE: BS: I'm living a good news bad news joke
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Apr 03 - 06:35 AM

That's great, Jeff!