[CyberTOPS] Update

[vdaly]

Hi, folks, 

I had the follow-up visit with my surgeon today, and so many of
you have written to check in on me, that I thought this would be the easiest
way to respond. Apologies for the lack of one one one responses, but I hope
this will suffice!

First, good news:  The final pathology report does show
that the lymph nodes are indeed clear of any cancer, as is the tissue that was
surrounding the tumor. The tumor itself was encapsulated, and the surgeon
feels there was a clean removal of the tumor. Less good news is that the
cancer in the tumor is considered to be fairly aggressive, and that radiation
is almost guaranteed as follow-up treatment, and his guess is that my
oncologist will also recommend some degree of chemotherapy, since I am
considered borderline for that treatment. I will be meeting with the
oncologist on July 15, and will have an update for you after that meeting.
The only negative effects I've had so far from all of this is some discomfort
and minor pain in the surgical areas, and a lot of fatigue. This is our busy
season at camp, and everyone is running on high. I'm just finding that I run
out of fuel much earlier than I have before. I've been encouraged to take
things easier where I can, and I'm trying to do that; but as you all know,
there are always plenty of things that need to be cared for.

In the meantime,
here are some things I have learned.

First, I have the potential to become a
first rate hypochondriac.  Every twinge, little pain, mosquito bite, etc., is
obviously a sign that my body is riddled with disease. I not only annoy my
family, I am annoying myself. :-)  And next week I'll be seeing another
doctor, a GP who is to be my regular family physician, and I'll have a chance
to annoy him with my ever-growing list of symptoms of who-knows-what and
impress him with my hypochondriachal skills.

Second, surgery is exhausting,
and incisions don't heal in three days, no matter now many vitamins you take
or how many gallons of carrot juice you drink.

Third, the world holds an
amazingly high percentage of good, kind and loving people, and I am a
fortunate person to be at the receiving end of much of this goodness, kindness
and love. I have not been able to respond personally to many of your posts and
notes, but do know they have all been deeply appreciated. My husband and
daughter have been wonderfully supportive as I've had to deal with
appointments, recovery, etc., and our staff folks at camp have all jumped in
to help wherever needed. 

So, while I can say I'm not really looking forward
to what is to come next, I'm in a good place overall, and again, thanks to you
all for your care and concern.

Peace, Valerie