Happy Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving break is just about over, we had a great time at friends for the big day, then hosted some of Andi's college friends overnight, then some of Tori's friends the next, then over to other friends for a get together. I am thrilled to be back in the land of the living and regaining some normalcy. The pain is still managed by Advil and Percoset but I'm trying to pull back as much as I can. And considering I do get tired earlier than most, everyone was amazed when I made it to midnight during a mean game of Monopoly. There are many, many blessings this year - and I wish the same for all of you.

Made it to Starlighting!

I was concerned a week ago when I came home from the hospital that we would not be able to go to the annual Castle Rock Starlighting. But the week progressed, I was feeling better, and we DID make it again this year, albeit in a wheelchair. Although I can walk fine, I can't go very far without tiring. This way we were able to get around to all the streets and drink in the festivities, hear the carolers, see the long lines for the chili supper and sleigh rides. It was interesting to experience things from that vantage point though. There were curious looks but a lot of courtesy, smiles and "hellos". There was even two others in wheelchairs I caught eye contact with and shared an understanding smile and wave. Thanks to Doug for the push back UP the hill to the car, all 4 blocks. We were back in the neighborhood in time to hear the countdown from a distance, and to watch the Star light from a friends' deck. Truly magical. I love this town and its people, and this 73-year tradition. It signifies the beginning of the holidays, which will be even more special this year.

Metal-free

To the doctor’s office today, 45 minutes in the waiting room, my head on Doug’s shoulder as he read a Denver magazine. I alternated from reading over his shoulder, to closing my eyes, resting. Finally Dr. Brown was able to see us, with a medical student observing. We discussed a couple concerns, which turned out to be nothing, just normal. He removed the staples, this time into a quiet container. Not like the metal one 19 years ago when I had an ectopic pregnancy. Clink, clink, clink. I thanked him again for a successful surgery. He said much of the success can be contributed to me....! My build and being a woman with wider hips (than a man) made the area more accessible. As opposed to a big man, which would be like a long tunnel he’d have had to work in. Almost always they would end up with a permanent colostomy. A few more pleasantries and we were on our way. I’m still tender, but staple-free.

My next medical visit will be in about 3 weeks with Dr. Basche, the Medical Oncologist, for a CT scan to make sure all looks good, discuss the chemo plan and when it would begin. In about a year I’ll go back for another colonoscopy. If it’s all clear I'll be getting one every 3 years.

Post Surgery Progress

Yesterday a Home Health Nurse made her first visit. My vitals all look good, as does the incision area, which is good because tomorrow I get my staples removed! Among other things, I had concerns about extreme hot flashes to being very chilled... that's evidently common after surgery for a few weeks. She oversaw what Doug has to do for me, and asked questions from her forms generally meant for more senior patients (i.e. Have you fallen down since you returned home?, etc.). I'm one of the younger ones to get colorectal cancer, but it obviously can happen, so as I've hoped to stress all along this journey, if you haven't done so yet please get yourself checked.

Thanks to our friends and neighbors for the dinners brought by, and those yet to come. How wonderful! To Mary for the 15+ minutes of sunshine on your deck, and the items from the store. And to my Aunt Janice, Aunt Betty Tim, Mom, and sisters - I love you guys, and love hearing your inspirational comments so often!

I am home

Yesterday, Sunday we pulled in around 1pm, and it is so wonderful to be home with Doug, the kids, and the pets, oh and to sleep in my own bed... I'm able to waddle around the house slowly, and have been out for short walks up and back down the street drinking in the sunshine. My knees are a bit shaky but I have Doug's arm to hold onto.

The week in the hospital was long, but the results are exactly what we've all been praying for. It is truly amazing how much power prayer has, and the skill of the surgeon is evidence of that. I won't need a permanent collostomy, and what I have temporarily will obviously be an adjustment, but after a look in the mirror and a cleansing cry, I am ready to face the next few months.

I've been starting to read all the emails and comments, laughing and crying and knowing how thankful I am for so much. You all are my support, my rock.

Coming Home

Hi All,
It looks like Debbie may be coming home tomorrow (Sunday) after a very long hospital stay. These last days have been very emotional for her as I believe the gravity of what she's been through is really hitting home. Debbie has always been a very strong woman but the emotional drain of fighting cancer is tougher than most of the physical pain she's had to endure. While her progress has been wonderful it has been extremely long and painful and I know she's so ready to get her life back.

You all have been instrumental in keeping Debbie strong through the emotional struggle and for that our family is forever grateful. Now, I am so ready to get her home and get her through the healing. One more round and we will be victorious!! Praise God and thank you all.

Doug

Results... And now for the final period.

Hello All,
First off Deb is doing well in her recovery. She's been up and walking and Dr. Brown is very pleased with her determination and how far she's come.

We got Deb's pathology results and on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best, I'd say we scored an 8. There was a small amount of cancer where the tumor was (but it's been removed), so that means that we will be doing about 4 more months of chemotherapy probably beginning the first of the year to give the final blow to the cancer and insure it never returns.

Many of you know me as a hockey nut and thus my reference to the title of this blog. "After two periods of play, Debbie 2, Cancer 0". So with our family starting the third period, lets hope and pray that team Davis scores the final goal in the final period of this battle!!

As always we are so grateful to all of you for supporting "Team Davis" As the old sports cliche goes, "We couldn't have done it without all our support group"

-Doug

Recovery Day

Hello All, today Deb began her recovery. She got up twice, the first time was to just sit in a chair and a few hours later she walked to the door and took a couple of steps out in the hall. It was extremely hard and very painful for her but this is so important for her recovery. Her body needs to wake up and begin kicking back into gear. As painful as her walk was, this was very important. She's very wiped out tonight from her stroll's today and I feel she'll have another restful night.

Tomorrow we hear from pathology as to whether there was any cancer left and how much. If I may ask again for you all to pray that it comes back clean. Again, thanks for all the emails and phone calls checking in.

-Doug

Surgery day

I'll be going in just a few hours for the surgery. It's surreal, but needs to be done. God please guide the skillful hands of the surgeon, and give strength to my family until we all hear the word that everything went okay. And to everyone, as we've said all along, thank you so much for your kindness, support, and prayers. Doug will post as he hears news. Here we go.....

Debbie was rolled to surgery about 2:00 our time. I am now in a wait mode and it is the worst part. Dr. Brown told me that he assembled the best team he works with for Debbie's case today as opposed to docs he didn't know ( i guess that sometimes happens). Positive vibrations and praise God that he watches over Debbie.

It is now 9:30 PM and Debbie has finally made it to her room and I'm relieved and overjoyed to say she's doing great. The surgery turned out exactly as planned and according to Dr. Brown went as well as he could have expected. The relief is tremendous. It has been a long 3 1/2 months but I can start to believe we are over the toughest part of our journey. Praise to God for watching over Debbie and guiding Dr. Brown's hands in surgery and Dr. Acker's skill in radiation. To all of you, each and every one, for following this blog, and for supporting Debbie, my heartfelt thanks go to you. I'll write more tomorrow but I'm so very tired I'm going to lay next to my wife in my fancy barkalounger they have for me here at the hospital and drift off into the best sleep I've had in months.

Prep

Yesterday's appointment at the hospital (Presbyterian/St. Luke's) was with the stoma nurse, Carole. She measured and marked me, explained the use of the ileostomy and what to expect after surgery.

I've completed this last issue of the newsletters for '08 and arranged for their delivery the day after my surgery (thanks ladies). I've stocked up, paid and wrapped: groceries, bills and Christmas gifts as much as I could for now. The leaves are raked (thanks Tori & Alex), the checkbook balanced, and the laundry caught up. Now for the mental prep. The "other" prep comes on Sunday with the clear liquids, etc. Oh boy.

Benefit

Saturday night our family experienced an amazing act of generosity. A group of friends held a Halloween party which doubled as a benefit for us. Around a hundred friends gathered in a cozy, decorated barn with a DJ, dancing, food, drink, a silent auction and raffle prizes. A big "thank you" to Russ & Kristen, Michele & Garrett, Becky & Blair and Sharon & Rick who organized and hosted the event, and to all who attended, contributed and took part in any way. Your love and support will help us get through this time emotionally and financially. I was thrilled that I felt up to it and stayed almost to the end! It was wonderful to see everyone, we had such a great time – and if hugs were prayers then I have nothing to worry about in a week.

And on a side note, thank you to whomever left an unsigned card on the front door for us. We wish we knew who left it....