SCOTT hamilton

Update . . . (I lost count)

As many of you have seen at church, Tess is getting around pretty well. Although, her energy level drops off pretty quickly in the afternoon.

We received great news from the Oncologist (people who treat cancer patients). Initially we were given the options of a lumpectomy with chemo/radiation, or mastectomy with hormone therapy. Both paths had their pros and cons and was like comparing apples to oranges. We prayed like crazy that God would guide us in this decision (novel idea...) and were clearly led to a bi-lateral mastectomy followed by 5 years of hormone therapy (fraught with risks itself - stroke, menopause, cervical cancer, etc. . . ).

Friday we went into the oncologist and were told that we were done. Tess needed no further treatment. After questioning the doctor (which he didn't seem to take well) it sunk in that God had healed her completely. Since it was caught early and we were very aggressive in treatment there was no need for the hormone therapy. She is 99.9% breast cancer free.

We had to celebrate

By the way ladies I'm going to get up on my soap box and encourage you to get your mammogram done! The earlier you catch anything the easier it becomes to treat it. I know many ladies are afraid they will find something but that's the point. You owe it to your loved ones.

Tha Bane of the American Church

 

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(Image courtesy: http://www.polyp.org.uk/cartoons/consumerism/polyp_cartoon_Rat_Race.jpg)

Update 11

We're Home!!

It's good to be in familiar surroundings. Now we just need to figure out a routine for Tess.

Check out the slippers

Update 10

Well a happy birthday to me indeed. The doc came in, looked everything over, and OK’d us to go home. They have unhooked all the tubes, wires, probes, monitors, battery cables, drip lines, and gas pumps. Tess is feeling like a bird set free. Yesterday she walked the hall three times, she’s on regular foods, and having spurts of orneriness. I can't thank you all enough for your support and especially your prayers. She will spend the next 4-6 weeks regaining her strength and mobility. So, selfishly I beg for your continued prayers.

The best news just came. During surgery they took a few lymph nodes and sent those along with some breast tissue to the pathologist. They checked for any additional cancer. The report came back that she is cancer free,.

Howdy doody and happy birthday to me!

Through this I’ve learned a couple of things:
1. God is good
2. He loves us
3. He has blessed us with incredible community
4. He allowed us the privilege of being used by him to bring glory to his name
5. God is good

OK I knew those before – I just know them a little deeper now

Update 9

Tess is doing OK. She had a coughing attack which spiked her pain. They want to get her walking today and relocated into a different room.

Thank you for your prayers. You mean more to us than you know!

Update 8 (sorry I'm behind)

The surgery is complete. Both docs said everything went very well. I can't help but think of what Paul wrote to the Philippians (Phil 1:19 NIV) for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. God heard each and every one of your prayers and responded to what you asked of your Heavenly Father. Tess and I have been absolutely blown away with God's blessing of you in our lives.

Tess is currently in ICU. She should be here for a couple of days. I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to spend the night with her but Tess' nurse hooked me up with a recliner right next to her bed. I'm a happy camper as long as I'm within arm's reach of her. They had her for 14 hours which was long enough - I just want to be close to my sweetheart.

Tess' nurse Amy. She's been fabulous!

I don't think the doctors and nurses realize how much they have been prayed up. Even after a grueling day the doctors came out of surgery looking fresh. I truly believe your faithful God answered your prayers! Please continue to pray for healing and minimal pain.

Update 7 - New Date, New Time

Well we got a call from the doctors office this morning rescheduling the surgery until Monday of next week (the 15th).  The waiting hasn't been the most fun thing and it looks like we have just a little more to do now.  (If you're praying that God will teach me patience please stop . . . just kidding.)

I know there were some of you planning to be at the hospital with us.  I'm sorry if this messes up your schedule.  If you know of anyone planning on being there can you let them know the date has changed.  I'd feel so badly if someone showed up this Wednesday for nothing.

New Date: Dec. 15th, Monday
New Time: 6:30am

Update 6

We finally got the surgery scheduled.  It will start in the am on Dec. 10th.  It should last 5-8 hours.  Afterward Tess will be in the hospital a minimum of 4 days and then be at home 4-6 weeks before heading back to work.  All of you have been so incredibly encouraging and supportive.  I am humbled and both Tess and I feel so blessed.

Update 5

We have made one of the most difficult decisions we’ve ever faced.  We have decided to have a bilateral mastectomy.  This will give Tess the lowest chance of reoccurrence.  We informed the doctors this evening and will await the scheduling of the surgery.  Hopefully it will happen soon.  We consulted with the plastic surgeon today and decided that she will also have reconstructive surgery at the same time.  It will be a traumatic operation and she will be laid up for several weeks afterward, but this plan gives her the best shot at remaining cancer free and living a normal life.

 

We still see God working through all of this in the lives of others but mostly in ours.  He has drawn us closer to him and to each other.  Tess said, “It feels like we hit the lottery in prayer.”  God has truly blessed us with the people he allows us to do life with.

Update 4

WOOHOOO! Praise God. The results of the last three biopsies came back non-cancerous. So now we just have to deal with the original spot. Tomorrow is the big info day. At the advice of another lady who went through something similar we are taking my sister-in-law Malany with us to help take notes and keep us on track. At least three times a day either Tess or I will look at the other and comment about how blessed we are with the people God has let us do life with. Of all the the ways I've seen God move through this that is by far the biggest.