Kat's health update - most recent from daughter

[Janet]

This was posted on another forum yesterday...6/15/09 by Kat's daughter Jenny. I thought you'd all want to know about our friend. I've spoken with Kat numerous times and just love her to pieces. Please keep her in your prayers.



I am sorry that I am not able to call everyone personally, I am heading to my sisters home this evening.

As everyone knows, Kat has been ill. Tomorrow, we are meeting with the the lung doctor (internal physician) for a follow up, who helped my mom in the hospital (he wants one or more or us to join her). I also discussed the results this evening with her primary care specialist, who just reviewed the most current hospital stay records, CT scan, and Pet scan.

There is a mass in the lung that is significantly larger than it was just last year. Of course, this greatly concerned me and being the "pitt bull" that I am known to be, I nagged him until I got an answer.

He stated there IS cell growth activity, and there is alarm for that fact. Now, realistically this could be a mass growing and harmless, but based on his experience and knowledge, her other tests, and history, he is planning to make an "official recommendation and diagnosis" tomorrow at 4pm.

We will have several options, and my mom is seriously against a biopsy which is extremely riskly, since she only has 28% of her full lung capacity now. This is a problem, because this will help to determine the exact type of mass we are dealing with.

She is in high spirits, but very tired. We really enjoyed my sisters wedding, but frankly the heat and activities were too much. You all know that she is a super trooper and a fierce warrior when need be (when my dad died she was a rock for us). This will carry through whatever we need to do...

I am not 100% that it is cancer, without the biopsy....but based on the professional opinion of the lung doctor, we are all ready to deal with that diagnosis. We will continue with faith, enjoying our friends and families and living to the fullest regardless. Each day is precious and we appreciate it and thank our Lord for it.

Please be supportive and encouraging....Kat will be fine. You all bring her smiles and such a sense of humor-keep it coming at this trying time....

I will continue to update this thread as I know concrete info or info that we have to decide on. Your prayers for peace, comfort and wisdow are appreciated.

Sincerely

Jennifer (aka dtr #1)
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[DianaB]

Oh, how sad. Kat, my thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!

Janet, I'd appreciate any updates that you hear of. Thanks for posting this.

[Janet]

I'll let you know anything I hear or read.

[donna1990]

I am so sorry to hear this, have been bad about not checking in.
Prayers for her.

[gja1000]

So sad to hear this - hope things go well Kat!

[judy]

My prayers are with you Kat. I will keep you in my heart. You know how you are loved, and how everyone will be praying for you.

[Mandy]

Kat we are all behind you!!

You are in my thoughts, and lots of prayers from everyone!

[katcarasella]

Thank you Janet for letting the 4WT Family know what has been going on....it's been a rough few weeks, but I'm not gonna give up....NO WAY JOSE!!!!

We did recieve the results yesterday, all 3 of my Girls were with me...Like I could stop them from coming with...

I now have 20% lung capacity, and yes there is a 1 inch lesion in the lower right lung...it is active, whatever the heck that means....my treatment options are few...they will not do a biopsy on my lung because it is too dangerous nor will they do any radiation or chemo, because I'm too weak.....didn't eat enough Wheaties evidently...
So the plan is to wait until September. and redo the Pet Scan and see if it has grown...
My dtr's asked the Doctor what he would do if it was HIS MOM and he said he definately would take the risk and wait....The fact that I went into the hospital with the diagnosis of pneuomonia (sp), nothing else, and it was treated so agressively with antibotics and steroids and was able to come home 8 days later is a good sign....so I am confident that all is well and if it ain't broke don't fix, if that makes sense....
I have not posted this on any other forum and will not...but as per usual I feel comfortable in sharing with all of you, so I am....I guess some things never change...There is no place like home.....Love to you all.....

[Janet]

Kat...I was going to post the info for the ladies here, but was so afraid I wouldn't get it all right, I didn't want to give any wrong information. I'm so glad you did.

You know I love ya!!!

[Marilyn]

Kat, just wanted you to know that I, too, will be praying for you and that the spot doesn't grow any more or cause you any problems. Sometimes the slow approach is the best and I'm sure your doctors know what they are doing. Let your daughters know that our prayers are with them as well. May they find the peace they need to be strong together for all of you while you wait for September.

[gja1000]

I think that sounds like a very sensible approach. I'm glad the doctor would recommend it for his mom - that should make everyone feel more comfortable about the plan. Take care of yourself, and try to get your strength built up (eat those wheaties ) so if treatment is needed later, you will be ready for it!

[DianaB]

I'm glad you feel comfortable to post on here with us. I'm so sorry, Kat, that you're going through this. Just listen to what the doctors and your daughter's say and get your strength built up. I'll be praying for you, my friend.

[Gina]

Oh Kat.. I have not been on here much and just read the post. My prayers are with you girlfriend.. Keep up the faith and think positive you are in my prayers. I am so happy that you have three wonderful daughters looking after you.. God Bless them and God Bless you!! Now you start eating those wheaties my dear got to build those muscles...Love ya!!

[HALEY]

Aww Kat, my prayers go out to you, sorry haven't been on here much, caught up in my own little Micah world right now... but sending prayers your way!