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Bridget
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Post Surgery Update on Amy: 2 February 2007
Amy had surgery to remove the angiosarcoma (cancer) on Wednesday the 31st. She is
now home recovering. It was our hope that because the scans showed a small and well-
formed tumor it would be as simple as removing it and possibly needing radiation therapy
to finish her treatment. The surgery revealed that the cancer had spread—undetected by
the scans. Typically, this is not how angiosarcomas behave so no one was expecting this
going into the surgery. (They only see this about 3 times a year in the US). The surgeon
discovered it by special technique called "lymphnode mapping," (a technique he pioneered
where a radioactive pharmaceutical and dye are injected into the tumor and then followed
to the lymph nodes) in two or possibly three lymph nodes. This necessitated the total
removal of all lymph nodes under her right arm.
The impact of this discovery is that she will need to undergo an aggressive post-
surgery course of therapy—both chemotherapy and radiation for the next seven months.
The purpose of this will be to destroy any possible remaining cancer cells in her body so
that she can be cured. Yes, the final outcome we were hoping for—a cure--remains
exactly the same despite this tremendous setback.
It cannot be overstated how providential the early detection of this cancer has been.
Even at its relatively small size it was acting in an aggressive manner and beginning to
spread. It was detectable because it was near the surface. We live in Tampa right by this
world class cancer treatment center, and someone at MacDill AFB decided, although they
didn't have to, that care should be transferred to there before they really knew what was
going on. Had surgery been done, when it was originally scheduled at MacDill, they would
have ignored the lymph nodes.
We have had two parallel chains of events occurring simultaneously: a diagnosis that got
worse and worse all the time, and God's providence that has saved us from disaster at
every step of the way. This providence has two dimensions: the temporal that I have
described above, and the eternal which has been an unprecedented shield of prayer and
providential meetings that continue to see us through. We have received prayers from five
continents, nearly 40 masses offered, countless chaplets and novenas, prayers in Jewish
temples, Protestant churches, and the list goes on. We are grateful beyond words, and will
never be able to repay these kindnesses shown to us.
As of now there have been additional post-surgery scans necessitated by the unhappy
discovery of the cancer's spread. These have shown no additional cancer in Amy, and that
greatly lightens the load, especially when our nerves are so raw. There will be more tests,
and a conference among the doctors next Thursday to fully review all results and
pathologies. When Amy has recovered sufficiently from the surgery, in two or three
weeks, the chemotherapy will begin on an in-patient basis. To add to the heartbreak, Amy
must wean little Anna who is only five months old in this short time before chemo begins.
This has all been a great shock to Amy and I. We have not yet had time to form our
logistical plan of attack now that we are in this fight for the long haul. We are currently
inundated with calls and requests to visit and bring food and any and all support needed.
We are grateful, but as of now between the care of Amy's surgical wounds, the difficult
process of weaning Anna, and the general care of the children there is no time for phone
calls and visits, well meaning as they are. It is our desire to keep things as normal for the
children as we can, and we feel it is especially important to not have them overhearing the
scary details each time we talk to someone on the phone. Above and beyond that, Amy
needs to keep her spirits up, and re-living it all over and over is counterproductive. We
are fortunate to have Amy's mother here and my parents as well, so we are covered for the
time being. Your continued prayers are the best help right now. Once we've come up with
a plan we will welcome additional help. We are currently investigating updating everyone
via a website and/or call-in messaging service. We are also finalizing plans with a dear
friend who has offered to take on the task of "operations officer" (or cruise director if you
like) to organized meals, playdates and updates. Again, we are absolutely grateful for
every kindness; it has actually become an embarrassment of riches because we are so
blessed by friends, neighbors, coworkers and family. As soon as we have a plan we'll let
you know.
Thank you again for everything. Despite this setback or any still to come, we will emerge
victorious! God bless and reward you all!
Phil
__________________
God Bless,
Bridget, happily married to Kevin, mom to 8 on earth and a small army in heaven
Our Magnum Opus
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Angie Mc
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I am awed, Bridget. Thank you for sharing. Our prayers continue.
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
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Paula in MN
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Thanks. Bridget. I will continue to pray for everyone involved.
__________________
 Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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ladybugs
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Praying!
__________________
Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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teamgriswold
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We're praying here!
__________________
X-Hail
Wife to Mark '97 Mommy to Robby '98, Patrick '01, Abigail '03 and John-Paul '08
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ALmom
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Prayers for Amy and the whole family.
Janet
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cathhomeschool
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Texas Bluebonnets
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Thank you so much for the update, Bridget! Amy and her family continue in our prayers.
__________________
Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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stacykay
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Praying!
God Bless,
Stacy in MI
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Leonie
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Praying and praying..
__________________
Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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momwats8
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prayers for them all
__________________
Mary- Wife to Mike and Mother to Austin(92), Mikey(95), R.J.(97), Benedict(98), Kolbe(00), Ignatius(02), Christian(03), Margaret(05),&4 angels in heaven
http://www.momwats8.blogspot.com
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momwats8
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prayers for them all
__________________
Mary- Wife to Mike and Mother to Austin(92), Mikey(95), R.J.(97), Benedict(98), Kolbe(00), Ignatius(02), Christian(03), Margaret(05),&4 angels in heaven
http://www.momwats8.blogspot.com
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Chari
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Praying, Bridget!
__________________
Chari...Take Up & Read
Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11
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shartlesville
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Praying!
Blessings,
Krisann
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Krisann
DH Cris;
DC John, Elizabeth, Lilyann ^i^, Emily, Kate, Julia, Sam, & Jack;
DGC Kira, Auston, Travis, & Sarah.
My Blog: Isla del Esperanza
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4Real Forums : We Pray to the Lord
Topic: Amy - cancer update - keep praying
