Day 5

Mom is still busy working her way through surgery recovery. The last 24+ hours have been a bit rough, but we are pushing through it.

Dr. Leverton visited us this morning with the biopsy results we were waiting on. She confirmed that the cancer was early Stage 3 (1 out of 17 lymph nodes tested were positive for cancer) and chemo will be required after Mom is fully recovered from the surgery (3-5 weeks).

We are hoping to bring Mom back to our house this Thursday, but do not know for sure yet. Nick will help us work with MD Anderson to get her set up with an oncologist to finalize the treatment plan for Mom's return to Houston (looking like early November at this point).

Please note that it is very hard for Mom to talk on the phone still, so it is really best to send emails/texts at this point.

xoxox
Monica~

Day 2

First, I want to thank EVERYONE for all the wonderful emails, posts, texts, phone calls, visits and flowers... it has been unbelievably amazing to see so many people support my Mom and our family in such a way.

Mom has overcome the first hurdle with the grace and strength we all know and love her for... Dr. Leverton was very pleased at how well the surgery went, particularly that it was completed using the laparoscopic method (which Mom wanted). MD Anderson in Houston told us that their surgeons would not even attempt the laparoscopic colon resectioning surgery (open surgery is the standard procedure for colon resection).

Some of the common advantages of "Laparoscopic" vs. "open" surgery are:

• Colon function normalizes faster
• Faster recovery time and shorter hospitalization
• Less postoperative pain
• Smaller incisions (also smaller scars)

Laparoscopic colon surgery was only introduced about 12 years ago and currently only approximately 3% of all colon resections are performed using this method in the US. Explanations for this may include, surgeon resistance to accepting this procedure as comparable to traditional operations; lack of surgeon experience with minimally invasive techniques; that laparoscopic colon surgery is an advanced procedure that takes a long period of time to master.

The role of laparoscopic techniques in the treatment of colon cancer is currently still being examined by the National Cancer Institute, however, results thus far have been favorable or equal when comparing laparoscopic to open surgeries (this technique has not yet been approved by NCI).

Standard procedure is to biopsy at least 12 nearby lymph nodes surrounding the tumor during the surgery, we expect these results early next week and this will tell us if the cancer was late stage 2 or early stage 3 and assist in the treatment plan moving forward.

I understand that for some of you this may clearly be far too much information, however, it is important to some and therefore I feel compelled to provide it.

Mom had a really good day today (actually as good as could be expected the day after an extremely painful surgery), she walked around the 6th floor twice today and drank a little veggie broth for dinner tonight. She will not be running any footraces this week, however, honestly she is being such a trooper, especially for someone who absolutely hates hospitals!

Much love to all,
Monica~

P.S. For those of you who know my Mom well, you will be comforted to know she is still crackin jokes!

NO TEQUILA !!!!!

As of 10:47 AM on Sat Sept 27 ,2008:

Sia has sat up a couple of times and even taken a short walk around the 6th floor. The down side is NO TEQUILA on the menu!!! But seems all is going very well will up date you more as I get the info. But I figure if she is joking about NO TEQUILA on the menu then all must be well at the moment. Someone take her a VANILLA BOTTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL Much Love and Hugs Sias Lil Sis Sue (ALOHA LEE)

room info

OK EVERYBODY,just to let you know Sia is doing well went thru surgery beautifully, and is now in her own room. Even thought she still pretty out of it this is to be expected.Here is the info for her room . PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL 6200 W. PARKER RD. ROOM #677C-TOWER, PLANO TX 75093.more info to come tomorrow much love Sue(Aloha Lee)

officially started

At 2:14 pm friday sept 26 2008,
surgery started about 45 min ago. they just came out with an up date .all is going as planed so far, we will have another up date around 3:00 pm .

as of 3:04 pm LAPROSCOPY SUCCESSFUL . AS OF 3:53 PM SIA is OUT of SURGERY not quite awake but doning fine . which we all knew she would more updates as they come.

Sharing is caring.

Surgery is schedule to begin between 12-12:30 and is expected to last approximately 3-5 hours. We have been told that an OR nurses will come out to provide updates to us at least every 2 hours. Unfortunately none of us get cell service in hospital (we have to walk all the way out of the hospital) and there have been so many emails coming in wanting phone calls or emails following the surgery and there is simply not a way for me to accommodate, however, Aloha Suzanne (my wonderful Aunt Sue) will be updating this blog later today to let everyone know how Mom is doing.

Gordon, Mom, E, Garrett and I will be leaving for the hospital in a couple hours... my Grandmother will also meet us there. Nick, Chris, Gosia, and Sue will be driving up later this afternoon from Houston and we have worked out a system to keep my oldest brother Daniel, who is in Brazil and really hating being so far right now, informed throughout the day (he is definitely here with us in spirit!) My youngest brother David will be working in Houston through the weekend, but will come up later next week (which will provide some much appreciated help to E and me after everyone else has gone home).

Instead of me telling you guys how clear Mom's head is or how strong her heart is, please read the below note from her:

Today is the day for surgery and thanks to all of you and a very loving God, I feel strong and hopeful (my hair and nails look great too!) :)

I am so very blessed with the greatest kids, family and friends that anyone could ever ask for. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging - I can never thank you enough. Especially Gordon, Monica and Ros who really did go above and beyond (my twisted arm is healing nicely - thank you). As much as I hate to admit it.. the Blog was really a great idea!

First of all it was a great idea, because it provided an excellent tool to keep everyone informed, without completely overloading Monica and Gordon. But even more so, it was great because it forced me to share. I have always loved to share good things... but it is really difficult to share needs or hurt. Since I was "forced" to share and to reach out to my wonderful "network" - I have gained so much strength from all of you.

Not long ago, I finally finished writing my "Mission Statement". It was something I started quite some time ago as a result of reading the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People". This may seem strange to some of you, but one of my greatest desires is to live simply. That is not an easy thing to do in this world where everything seems so urgent and so important. When a serious illness comes into your life, it suddenly makes it much easier to see your priorities. This is definitely a good time for me to sit back emotionally and evaluate. For that I am thankful. One of my friends said last night that this experience should be worth at least one song! :)

The first point on my mission statement was to glorify God, to "let His light shine". I remember hearing as a young child, that the light from one candle can be seen from a long distance when it is dark outside. It's a little dark right now for me, but I can see so much of His light shining through each of you, in your wonderful words of encouragement. By sharing my "darkness" - I've been blessed with your light! You guys really are the best!

I'm sure that there will be lots of information posted later about the surgery (My sister is in on it too now!)

Thank you for sharing the journey with me.

All my love and gratitude...

Sia

PS. Can't wait to eat some haggis, neeps and tatties!

We had a pedicure party tonight...

E (my little sister Elizabeth) and I took Mom to get pedicures tonight, so she is officially ready for the extended visit to the hospital (Hair – check. New PJs – check. Nails – check.)

Mom has thoroughly enjoyed having us read these comments to her, so please keep sending them… it makes her so happy to hear from all of you!

Much love,
Monica~