updated letter from my sister Michelle

This is a letter Michelle sent out and she does such a great job of updating everyone and the details, I thought I would let you all read it too. have a great weekend. Love Lisa

Michelle's letter:

Hello all,

I don’t remember where I left off but here is an update on all that has been happening in the family.

Lisa—after her surgery and biopsy, her tumor was larger than expected (but still small); it was recommended that she have chemo. I was able to be with her in Cincinnati for her first treatment in Jan. She has completed 3 out of 6 treatments and doing very well. She feels a bit crummy after the 2nd or 3rd day and then tired for the next 6 or 7 days and then is good for about 10-12 before the next treatment. They are every three weeks ending the first week of May. Other wise she is doing very well. She has gone back to work, and works around her chemo schedule. From what I hear, everyone has been so gracious to her and her family supporting them through all of this. I know she is ready for the whole thing to be done—as you can well imagine. I know that some big celebrating will be happening in May!!!!

Michelle and Lisa---Lisa decided to have the genetic testing done to see if she had any of the cancer genes. (BRCA 1 and 2). The results of this test were going to determine more treatment for her and myself. Yesterday the results finally came in and all of her tests came back NORMAL! She does not have any cancer genes. That is great news for all of us including her daughter Shannon. What the news means for me is that I do not have to be tested and when I meet with my oncologist in April, I will most likely be put on a treatment of a Tamoxifin-type drug as a preventative measure. I am so happy not to have to go thru anymore testing and surgeries in the future at this point. I will be monitored closely other wise for my annual check-ups etc. The same goes for Lisa too. She may have a little bit more to do for other things but nothing too major.

My Dad—I don’t think anyone knew but while I was getting ready to go to see Lisa, my dad had a biopsy on a spot on his lung. It turned out to be lung cancer, so while he was under, the doctor took out the top left lobe of his lung. He was in the hospital for 9 days and came home on oxygen. Lisa and I were able to drive up and see him the day before he went home and then spend another two days with him before I had to go back to Washington. His prognosis is very good. He has stopped smoking and so has my mom. This is wonderful for everyone. He was taken off the oxygen at the end of February and is pretty much back to work also. My mom was a wonderful caregiver for him and I know they also had a wonderful support group surrounding them. My brother Mark flew in the day after the surgery and stayed with my mom for the week my dad was in the hospital. I know he made it much easier for my mom by just being there. ‘Thanks again, Mark!”

All in all, we have come through this better and stronger. God is amazing and a great comfort. I feel blessed and thankful for all our recoveries and for all the people who have been there for all of us---family—friends—medical personnel etc.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and thinking of us through all of this. May the rest of 2009 be healthy and relaxing.

Hugs and Love,
Michelle