Two days in a row of crushing news deserves to be followed by some good news, right? I completely agree.
We had our first Oncology appointment today (lots of firsts this week!) at 8:00 a.m. Let me start by saying that Rafat Ansari, MD, is the most amazing man. He walked in the room, shook Johnny's hand saying, "You must be John." Then he looked at me and said, "And how are you, my dear?" From there he told us some things we needed to hear today.
First, it is a tumor in the sigmoid colon. Second, there are lymph nodes involved. Third, there are mutliple lesions in the liver.
Now for the good part: the largest lesion in the liver is only 35 millimeters. That is SMALL! Do you know how little 35 mm is? Go find a ruler and look. I'll wait . . . . . . . . . . See? That is so little! I can beat up that little spot!
We have some more testing to do on the liver before our plan is put into action. Dr. Ansari wants to know exactly how many lesions we are talking about (the CT report only said "multiple" -- what is multiple? 3? 5? 7? 42?) so Johnny will have a PET scan and an MRI on Monday and Tuesday to clear up that question.
We will still meet with the surgeon on Monday as well. Dr. Ansari would actually like to start chemo before having the tumor from the colon removed. He feels that this will start to shrink/eliminate some of the lesions in the liver and start to reduce the size of the colon tumor as well. We will still need surgery, obviously, so we will meet him and he and Dr. Ansari can put their heads together for the best plan.
We see Dr. Ansari again next Thursday and give our plan some wheels. I'll feel better when there is some chemo traveling to that liver and killing the evil little critters that are wreaking so much havoc in there!
So, we are breathing today. It has been several hours since I have cried, and I feel like I can move on to the next step. We know that the tough times are far from being over, but today is good and we are both empowered from today's information to take another step.
Johnny just said to someone on the phone, "Today is a peak; I'm staying here as long as I can. I know the valleys are still coming, but I'm not in a hurry to get there."
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Pam and Johnny,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to drop a note to let you know that your are in our thoughts and prayers. You will beat this. Please know that your family is strong and your friends are here for you. Johnny is a fighter and has an entire community backing him up.
God Bless,
The Nichols Family
Ok, I just got off the phone with you but want to celebrate this victory with you by saying YOU ARE A PILLAR of STRENGTH!!!! You sound wonderful and I am glad to hear you and Johnny are looking at the positives that this can bring. I remember with my cancer laughter came more frequently, believe it or not.
ReplyDeleteYou all are very much loved!!!
Molly
It sounds like you guys are well on your well to putting together a plan to fight this and win!We are sending positive thoughts to you and will keep you in our daily prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
The Clutter Family
Johnny, Pam, Jake, and Quinn: We wanted you guys to know how much you are loved. You are in the hands of some great doctors that will lead you through this fight. That is what it is . . a fight. You need to be strong, be positive and throw every punch you got. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. Your friends and family will be there for you in any aspect that you need them. Thank you Pam for taking the time to write this blog.
ReplyDeleteWe love you all very much.
XOXO
Rick, Sheryl, Abby, and Megan McKeel
Thanks for all of the updates, you two are amazing! Johnny, here is a quick story to make you smile and realize how much people love you! Yesterday, Keegan was over with Mitch and I asked him who his coach was this season. He replies, "Johnny Brawley. He's the best coach ever." Just wanted you to know that even the little kids are on your side! Embrace that love and strength and bring it out when you need it most!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Education is power and a plan made by competent physicians is worth more than gold!
ReplyDeleteWe are praying that the peak you reached today is just one in a long line of "ups".
When there are lows, we'll be lifting you all!
We love you and kicking cancer's ass just happens to be one of our specialties.....
hearts and prayers always,
george ann, derek, chad and ryne nolan
Just had to write to let you know that you
ReplyDeleteare in our thoughts and prayers. You have
a good group of doctors on your side. Ansari is amazing and gets right to the point.
Thanks for the updates, you have a lot of people cheering for your peaks.
Love to you,
Joyce, Herb, Beth, Kyle, Matt and Brad Miller
Pam, it's Erin, Heather's friend....I could sit here all day and never find the right words to write, so i'm not going to try. I just want you to know my heart goes out to you, johnny, the boys and your entire family. The "true love" you and johnny have is an inspiration to us all. If anyone can "LIVE STRONG"...it's the Brawleys!
ReplyDeleteBrawley’s
ReplyDeleteI heard the news yesterday and have been speechless. I can appreciate that your life has been turned upside down to say the least. You probably feel as though the world has been ripped from beneath your feet and that you can’t seem to get any ground under you as hard as you grasp. It will take some time, but the ground will return under your feet little by little as each day passes. There will be times when you loose your footing along this path that you all are on – just know that we are all here for you in anyway that we can. You both have wonderful families and friends who will make a great support system for all of you. Know that Dennis and I are here for you to cheer you on, lend support when weary, and lend a listening ear when you need to talk.
Love & Prayers, Amy, Dennis, and Carinna.