I've briefly mentioned my friend Patti on an earlier post. I don't think I mentioned her by name but she's given me permission to share her story. Patti is a friend I met at the office. She is in the office right across the hall and I've missed her lately as she has been out in the fight for her life...literally. She's a single mom to two beautiful adolescent boys and all of her family is out of state. Thankfully, she has a network of friends and colleagues that have surrounded her with love and support.
Patti was diagnosed with rectal melanoma (very rare) about two months ago. Quickly, Patti was scheduled for surgery and her entire rectum removed (best chance for long-term survival), a colostomy bag put in and more scans done to see if the cancer had spread. Unfortunately, the news isn't good. There are nodules on her liver. In Patti's words "they say my liver is covered in cysts." Patti underwent biopsies of her liver and the tests came back positive for melanoma. The diagnosis: Stage 4 liver melanoma. Her medical team wasted no time explaining to Patti what her options are, gave her a grim prognosis, and immediately began the process of getting her set up to undergo an extremely strenuous treatment. Evidently, melanoma is typically resistant to chemotherapy. Patti has to check into the ICU for 7 days at a time while her body receives intravenous poisonous drugs every twelve hours. She has to be in the ICU because the medication is so strong that it tends to create havoc on the major organ systems and she has to be closely monitored to see how well her body tolerates the treatment.
I visited with Patti in the ICU during her first treatment. Other than being annoyed at the beeping machines she was connected to, she was in great spirits. I admire her for that. From day one, she has been positive, choosing to believe that she is strong (which she is) and is going to "kick cancer's ass." I probably drove her nuts during my visit because I had so many questions but the unknown is scary and it seems easier to support her when I know the specifics. Patti set her goal to handle all 14 treatments during her first ICU stay, a treatment every 8 hours. Patti tolerated 12 treatments like a champ! Her doctor and nurses say she holds the record for enduring the most treatments during one stay. Go Patti Pat!
Patti was able to be home with her boys for Christmas and reported that she had more energy than she expected and was able to rest and spend time with her children. God is good. Patti checked into the ICU earlier today after going through blood tests and scans to see how her body reacted to the first round. In Patti's words via text "OMG my oncologist just left. She confirmed significant reduction in my liver and she said my lungs had 3 or 4 nodules and now they're nearly gone. She (the doc) said that rarely happens. She (the doc) was really excited." The cool thing is that Patti has such a sense of humor that she is able to find the humor even in her fight against cancer. Patti said "the great news is that the treatment is helping, the not so great news is that I didn't even know I had cancer nodules on my lungs!" The even cooler thing is that Patti gives credit where credit is due: God.
As Patti begins this second round of treatment, I will continue to pray for her and her boys. I'll continue to believe that God answers prayers the best way he sees fit. I look forward to updating my blog on her progress and couldn't pass up an opportunity to write about something POSITIVE!! Thanks Patti for letting me share your story.
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