Monday, December 15, 2008

Update With Test results

I have waited to post this until after today's appointment. Amy's appointment was post-poned since her pathology has been sent to different labs for treatment options.

Wednesday after the surgery the surgeon and pathologist both agreed that the masses are cancerous. I talked to the surgeon and requested that Amy not be told of her condition until her follow up appointment. This was done out of love because I did not want her to worry until the tests were completed. It was very hard to keep this information from her but I thought it was the best thing to do. It was also one of the hardest thing I have had to do so far.

The surgeon called Amy today to tell her about the delay with the tests for follow up care and forgot that we were keeping the diagnosis quite until Amy's appointment. So needless to say it has been a long day.

For now we are concentrating on Amy healing from a very difficult surgery.

My wife is the strongest person I have ever met. We will fight and win this battle together.

Thanks
Jim

31 comments:

Heather said...

Jim,
I'm so sorry that your family is having to go through this enormous challenge. I agree that Amy is one of the strongest people I have ever had the blessing of getting to know. If anyone can make it through this challenge and come out stronger than ever, it's Amy. Our prayers are with your family daily.
Heather

ixtapacheryl said...

My prayers are continuing for all of you. Just keep reminding Amy that treatment will definitely work - my husband's a prime example of that. Without treatment he would have died this past September. He started his treatment in July - and it ended Sept. 2. The brain tumor is GONE.

Keep the faith and keep reassuring Amy. We'll keep up the prayers.

Amy Dungan said...

I'm so sorry to hear the diagnosis. We will continue to pray!! Thank you for the update!

Stacy said...

Oh my goodness! It's like the blows just keep coming. But from what I have read about Amy she is a very strong woman. She is always in my prayers. I know she can overcome this!

He & Me + 3 said...

Jim,

I am so saddened & sorry to hear the news. I have been sharing this story with some of my prayer warrior friends. Know that there are people in Michigan praying for your family.
Praying daily,
Mimi

larkswing said...

I am sorry to hear that diagnosis for you guys and to know you have been carrying this alone. I remember when my mom came out of surgery and her first question was was it cancer. We tried to change the subject since the pathology report was not back, but she insisted and we had to tell her it was. It is a fight (one that my mom overcame 7 years ago now - yay) and hang in there. I pray that you find the same peace she found during this time. And know you will continue to be in my prayers and thoughts!

Jane In The Jungle said...

Jim, thanks for the update. It's not what we had hoped to hear, but something that we will all pray her through! Take care of yourself and let her know we're all here for her and the rest of your family.

Christy said...

I am praying for all of you. I pray you feel this is not your burden to carry alone, from all of us, to the Lord our God who will help you through each and every day.

Deni ~Denesia Christine said...

Jim (and Amy)
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.... my prayers are with you... I wish I had words to offer that might help.. but all I have is love.

Grace said...

Jimmy... you are selling yourself short... you also one of the top 5 strongest persons I know (you and your beautiful wife). To hold this info inside by yourself... takes quite a strong man. I can understand you did it out of your love for Amy, if she hasn't already... I'm sure she will understand this soon.

You are spot on with that you WILL fight and WIN this battle TOGETHER.

Amy and Jim... you both are absolutely amazing, strong, and full of love. I am very blessed to know you both! Hugs to you both and all the kids!

Sassy Cass said...

Jim, You family is constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry that yall are dealing with so much right now. Hang in there and give Amy get well wishes.

Gran to Angels said...

Hi Jim!
Tell Amy that she can call my Jim anytime she wants! He can teach her how to kick this in the butt!
Prayers without ceasing for all of you!! You will win this fight...I'm sure of it!

eske said...

I ditto Gran - "Prayers without ceasing"

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear the news. Praying for you!!

malucas said...

You both are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that you will get through these rough times. And you will both be stronger for it. Cancer has changed me forever.(for good) And it has brought my family even closer to God. I will continue to lift your family and esp. Philip in prayer daily. Your Friend, Anita

Lisa said...

Jim,

I don't know Amy personally (just through her blog) and I can tell that she is one unbelievably strong person that has been through alot. You, Amy and Philip have been on my mind so much lately and I have been praying for healing, comfort and peace for you all. It is strange that we have to go through trials and tribulations to get to that rainbow, but I believe that you all will be reaching that rainbow very soon. Trust in God and lean on one another and I will keep you all in my prayers!!

Love & Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I know Amy B is a strong woman and will endure! Jim you are a loving husband and father and I am glad you are at her side. Our prayers are with you guys every day!

Beacher

bluesuede said...

Amy, it was my "daily blessing" to hear your sweet voice ...

Anonymous said...

Hi Jim & Amy,
Prayers to you and your family. Amy, you are so strong - take the time you need to heal. I look forward to seeing you online again - but understand you need to rest. Cyber hugs!

Pam & Hunter

Davisix said...

Jim ~ I have to admit that tears are streaming as I read this post. I am SO SORRY. Please know that we will continue to pray...my entire family prays for yours. Keep the faith. Ang

Anonymous said...

amy you have my prayers and heart for both you and philip.
cb/marianne

Lisa said...

I was just praying for Amy and Philip on the treadmill at the gym this morning. I will pray for them everyday and will check back for good reports, God is our healer and He loves you, when fear knocks at your door answer it with faith.
there is also a book by Dodie Osteen called Healed of Cancer, Dodie looked up all the scriptures in the Bible and posted them everywhere in her home where she could see them daily. God healed her of terminal liver cancer, He is able to heal both Amy and Philip. If you cannot find this book I would be happy to send it to you just email me your address at Porcalla@comcast.net.
Love and prayers.

Charmaine said...

Amy & Jim,
I was so saddened to hear the results and my heart just ached for you both and your family. You are right Amy is a very strong woman and has touched so many of us with her strength, but her strength also comes from having a husband by her side that gives her strength and courage and fortitude. I will continue to send prayers for your family, for a healing, for strength to go through whatever God has planned and that in the end you will stand in victory over this hideous diesease and that you will be stronger and closer to God.

Us said...

Jim, I am so sorry about the diagnosis. God will pull you through this! We will continue to pray for healing and comfort for Amy. We will also be praying for Philip. Just know that you are not alone. Love Keli

April said...

Jim,

I heard about your wife on my blogging friend, Ang's, blog. I was so moved by your story and felt compelled to write. I lost my mom to breast cancer in 2000, my brother to stomach cancer in 2002, and my dad to a stroke in 2006. Just yesterday, I learned that my brother, my only sibling, has been diagnosed with Melanoma. Through all of this, one of the passages in the Bible that has brought me great comfort is from Habakkuk 3:17-19. It's about unwavering faith in God.

I am trusting that God will see you and your family through everything you're facing right now. God Bless all of you...my prayers are with you.

Susie said...

Jim and Amy - This is the first time I have visited your blog. I am praying for your family. My husband has recently been declared cancer free from neck cancer that was discovered in February. The treatments were grueling, but with a lot of prayer, we made it through. One bit of advice that I wish he would have taken, if Amy needs radiation around the neck, please advise her to get a feeding tube. I wish my husband had taken that advise (he lost 40+ pounds in a month and it will take a lot to get his strength back up).

I will continue to pray for your family for healing. Don't lose hope, keep going for treatments even when you want to stop. Ask for help when you need it. Jim, make sure to take care of yourself. Cancer does not affect one person, it hits the whole family (I wish I had been warned of this before).

Again, I pray for you and your family.

Leslie Godwin said...

Jim,
Thanks for updating the blog. Please tell Amy that I a praying for her and her "babies" and you. I know Amy online and have a 3.5 year old son Tristan that I may not have had without Amy's gift to me of some magical fertility socks :)
Love and hugs to you guys,
Leslie in Calabasas, CA

Tara said...

Jim,

I've known Amy online since she was pregnant with Cole. I was pregnant with my twins at the same time. There are not words to describe how strong and bright and hopeful she can be. She will get through this recover better than anyone else. I truly believe that. Take care.

Unknown said...

Amy, I went through this exactly 2 years ago this month. Diagnosis: cancer. Be strong, research your options, pray. I know you can beat this.

Hugs to you and your family. Praying for you daily.

Amy Fichtner said...

Wow, Amy is lucky to have such a faithful husband.

The Muse said...

thoughts and prayers from someone who has been there and someone who cares.