Bettyjo Update

Bettyjo will be having surgery on May 12th. Not sure what time yet. Dr. Willet will install a funnel and will attempt to fix the hole that is currently leaking. This procedure has a 50% chance of working, and is possibly the last known treatment for her condition. Anything else tried will be experimental. Hopefully the last infection did not do much damage and this will work.

My Grandfather is doing well under the circumstances. He has not been very sick, but is very tired after the chemo. He is now starting to loose his hair, which is to be expected. We will be traveling to North Creek Saturday for my Grandparents 67th anniversary party. Hopefully all will go well.

Bettyjo Update

The funnel is in, and Dr. Willet is going to work her into his schedule sometime over the next 1 to 1.5 weeks, as this will be about a three hour surgery. He will open her up and attach it at the top and bottom, and will attempt to close the current hole.

Bettyjo has had about three very bad days, and just wants to sleep all the time. She is going to our family Dr. tomorrow to find out why. I hope it is something simple.

My grandfather came through the chemo ok. He did not get as sick as I thought he might, but is very tired. Cancer was found in his lungs, stomach, lymph nodes and hip in addition to his prostrate gland. Hopefully the chemo has shrunk it.

Bettyjo Update

The funnel/tube that is supposed to divert saliva a down Bettyjo's esophagus did not come in this past week. Hopefully it will be in this week and Dr. Willet can install it early next week. We are a little disappointed that Dr. Alam has apparently not called Dr. Willet back. We were hoping the two of them could collaborate on Bettyjo's care, so that the very best action plan could be developed. As most of you know, Bettyjo has a feeding tube that goes directly into her stomach from the out side in. Last night it came out unexpectedly while I was on my way back from visiting my grandfather. Fortunately a lady from church was able to take her to Riverside ER where a new one was inserted. They did not get home until 2:30am. Thank you Karen.

On another note, my grand father starts chemo Monday, and will have it Tuesday, and Wednesday as well. With out the treatment he was given two to eight months. With the treatment, the doctor would not say. My mom and aunt are planning an anniversary party for my grandparents at the first of May, they have been married 67 years.

Thank you for all your notes, thoughts and prayers. We really do appreciate it.

Bettyjo Update

Bettyjo saw Dr. Willet yesterday. He is going to order the diversion funnel for Bettyjo, which should be in next week. Surgery will be the following week. He may have to open her up on the vertical, and if he does she will have a trach installed for at least the time she is in surgery and maybe a little longer. In addition to this possible complication, the hole is so high on her esophagus, very near the tongue that Dr. Willit is not sure that Bettyjo will be able to stand the funnel, as it may cause her to gag. The only bright spot to the Dr. appointment is that he said that he is not ready to give up.

On another note, a while back I had asked you to pray for my grandfather and some surgery he had. Well......a biopsy has shown very aggressive cancer. He will see an oncologist Monday for a more concrete diagnosis.