Saw one of the Mayo oncologists today and he called my tumor a rare type of non aggressive cancer. He made plans for me to see the surgeon on September 5 with a scan prior and then again the first part of October with another scan and then surgery. You know all those prayers you’ve been saying for me? THEY WORKED!!
“You have a bad situation in that you have a tumor but you have a good situation as it does not appear to be aggressive.” Dr. Robinson, Mayo Oncologist
Oh, all the cards that you’ve sent have been a delight and an unbelievable occurrence every time I go to the mailbox. Thanks so very much! One that came today said this:
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Now before I can post reader photos I need time to upload and post so hang in there, give me a little time and just pray there isn’t an update in the meantime.
God is GOOD!!!
Hi Mary- I’m sorry I haven’t commented before now- we’ve had my granddaughter visiting and she’s a very busy 4 year-old who keeps us on our toes and away from social media! I’m sorry that you do have a tumor but very grateful for it being anon-aggressive one. I’ve been praying for you daily. I’ll continue to keep you in my prayers.
Yes, God is good!! So good to hear “non aggressive “ and operable! Thanks for taking us with you on this journey! Our prayers will continue for your well being! Love and hugs!!
Rosemary – yes, it was good news for me!
I am happy to read that the cancer can be removed and that you have a plan to meet the surgery team soon…I will be praying that someone brilliant is going to be operating on you and that all will go well…
Yes–God is Good…..
Oh Mary. So thankful you have a plan!!
Our church family lost an awesome organist! He died in a fall in a construction accident! He was only 35 with eight children ranging 13 to 1. We heard the devastating news this morning. It is just so sad! He was such a talented organist and a great carpenter. But a fall from the scaffold took his life. My heart breaks for the family!
Joy – oh my gosh! That is tragic!!!! Those kids lost their dad at such young ages – how sad. And your church will certainly miss him – organists are hard to find. Oh so awful!
Thanks for sharing the news of your Tuesday appointment, Mary. We are grateful for the positive news regarding your tumor. Love and prayers still coming your way.
Mary I read all the comments and I’m so glad you finally know what you’re dealing with. One thing I will add to the note taking is to ask the doctor to show you the x-rays and ask to take a picture of it on your phone. My excuse was that my grandsons would want to see it. But really it for you so you can go back and have a reference point when they take another image. Down the line they may lose the images or remove them from your file. You then have the record and they do not show up on your portal. Also you had to pay for the x-ray. Ask the if they charged you for them, HA!
Love ya and take care.
Thank the Lord. So glad it is not aggressive and they can remove it. It is a long wait for surgery but hang in there. You will have time to get things organized at home before then. Tell Keeper to relax!
Polly – the only reason the surgeon is waiting is because of all that blood in my abdomen that needs to be absorbed first. By October my yard work will be nearly done – perfect timing!!!
The power of prayer comes through again. We are all sincere in saying we love you and need you around so do be kind to yourself too.
Mary – I’m so glad that you finally have answers! Cancer is scary, but if you have to have one, get one like yours! You have been in my prayers!
Two hips and a hooray, finally some good news. So happy for you, the future is looking much better.
Every comment echoes my feelings exactly.
You will be with us for a good long time to come.
Well this is good news. After all your waiting and worrying. Now you know the plan. And you’re in good hands. Glad you were able to find a new doctor to take your case and refer you to the Mayo.
Praise the Lord. We’re all glad to hear this.
God bless.
Mary – Thank you for letting us know the results and the treatment plan. Our combined love, prayers, and virtual hugs for you helped. Glad it’s non-aggressive cancer. Still, you must take care of yourself. 🤗
My great niece was just diagnosed with cancer. She’s 39 years old. She has an appointment with the doctor, oncologist, and surgeon August 30th. I am in disbelief that another family member is sick! It’s been a rough year!
Take care everyone.
Sharon G – no! Not another family member! This just doesn’t seem possible – like everyone tells me, pray and remain strong which is good advice but sometimes hard to do.
So thankful for good news. Yes God is good all the time🥰
So thankful for your good news! Hope this does not affect your wearing your bikini to mow the yard! 🙂
Tanya – haha! My bikini days have been over for quite some time – perhaps 50?
I kept checking my email yesterday but didn’t hear anything before going to bed. That was frustrating! I’m so glad to get your email finally today. Such a relief to have a diagnosis and a plan. I just wish they hadn’t kept you in limbo for so long. We will all continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers, Mary. Love you! Jan in MA
Praise the Lord!
Great news! A plan! Happy to read your news and know that you can now move forward. I joined with all others in suggesting a journal, even with info on the Portal!
Praise the Lord! What else can we say! A big virtual hug to you from everyone. And we need to thank your new dr. for getting you into Mayo in a timely manner. Just knowing what is going on is the biggest peace of mind!
Well, this certainly is good news! So glad to hear that your appointment went well and there’s a plan going forward. Praying for peace of mind as you anticipate what all of this means and how it will affect not only you but the people and animals around you.
Mary, I want to say I so agree with Lynette & others about getting copies of all tests & procedures in whatever form you can. My husband was diagnosed with a rare type of bladder cancer in 2009 & through his surgery & recovery I kept notes. Sort of like a journal. Through this it was helpful for new doctors to understand all that he went through. I kept very good notes as to who I talked to, their response, date & time. At times it came in very handy as in later years we dealt with Covid & things weren’t updated like they should have been! I had proof! Recently I found those notes & I have to say I don’t remember half of what happened, but I do remember having a heated dispute with a family Dr about changing my husband’s meds & causing serious problems! I think there were other people who had problems with that Dr as he’s no longer with that practice! We will continue to pray for you, Mary!
It is essential to keep a running log. There is so much to remember.
Amen to all that’s been said.
jan
Praise the Lord! Your good news makes my day!
Wonderful to hear your good news and will continue to pray for you. Glad that you finally have a plan to follow. Hugs!
At long last, you have some answers!! Yay!!🥳. You’re in my thoughts and prayers every day. Take care!!
Thank goodness, I’ve been checking my email all the time. So glad to hear the good news!!
Thank You Lord!!! And prayer continues for you and your Drs….
Thank you Jesus!
Yes! God is good all the time Mary. Glad you got your answers and have a plan.
You know we all will carry you on a sea of prayers as you travel this path laid before you.
So happy prayers are answered and we all can breathe again. I hope you can build up your strength and immune system to help you through surgery and recovery. Sending you love and thanks for sharing with us and enriching our lives!
We all love you Mary. This diagnosis will be very manageable. You can do it.
Good news for sure!
Mary, This is really good news, considering it is a cancerous tumor. I will continue to prayer for you. Did the doctor explain why you are sometime in really bad pain, i.e. the tumor location? Janice, Traverse City area
Janice B – I did ask that very question because I have no pain now. He said he couldn’t say for sure but the tumor may have shifted a bit but he didn’t sound too worried. I will be ever thankful to Bob and Marline who drove me up there to the ER when I was having pain. It’s what got me the appointment with Dr. Robinson. It’s become hard to get an appt at Mayo
God is good! I’m glad you received good news, at least they don’t consider it aggressive, but move a little faster guys! And don’t make people wait so darn long!! If it were them, they would want answers immediately. I know everyone is busy, but be considerate!
I do think you need to have a few words with your doctor and PA, they were the first step in this nightmare.
I will continue to pray for your peace, healing and only the very best results. Enjoy your critters without so much worry today. I have to take my beautiful buddy, my 13 year old black lab, to go to heaven today. He has been having some sort of episodes that scare him terribly and then he can’t get up for 30-45 minutes. I think it is mini strokes, because his eyes are wide when he starts to come around and he shakes his head from center to left, like he can’t turn it to the right. I love this big beautiful boy with all my heart and I know Nelson and Sammie will miss him – not as much as me.
Linda – OH, NO!!!! Sounds like my Maggie years ago. You’re doing the right thing for him , Linda, but it’s harder on you than him. He would thank you if he could – hold him while he goes, don’t leave him. Yes, those episodes could be tiny strokes and yes, he’s so afraid when he can’t stand again. Soon he’ll be running and playing with those who are already in Heaven. I am so sorry – especially since you’ve had to think about this and make that final decision. If you love him, you’ll do this for him and I know you do and will.
What wonderful news to wake up to! Yes all the prayers worked!
God is Good !! What wonderful news!
God IS good! Thank you for taking time out to send a post to keep us updated. I know the critters were so glad to see you! The Best news under the circumstances and now there is a plan. Praise God!
PRAYERS WILL CONTINUE!!!!!
I will echo something I read in another comment – get a notebook, get copies of EVERYTHING – blood work, x-rays, etc. Even when you have surgery, the op note and pathology report. Keep them all in the notebook. Also, bring a notebook and take notes during appointments. As you think of things at home, write them down so you don’t forget to discuss at your appointments. I was an oncology nurse for more years than I want to say out loud. You are your best advocate!!!!!!
Lynette – I have written down each and every visit, phone call, test on a file folder and always take it with me. I showed it to my first Dr. yesterday and her words were “you’ve been a real advocate for yourself – this is wonderful!” I’ve seen this work at Mayo with Rick – something happens in one exam room and they send you to another room for something else and the notes are already there. Everything is now online in the portal – all notes, all test results – I have had to learn how to operate this way. When a note is added, I get a notification.
What wonderful news Mary. Yes God is good and he definitely listens to our prayers. The unknown is always the scariest and it sounds like your doctors have a good plan. Peace be with you. 🙏
Hi Mary, glad we have good news at last!Be kind to yourself while you wait and keep records of meetings and phone calls.Rick and the fur babies will be pleased, have an iced tea to celebrate 🥳! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
So happy that you have good news with a plan. We were all praying for you and still will.
Mary, I am so glad that you have, in the circumstances, positive news, and also a treatment plan and trajectory that both sound fairly straightforward. And an oncologist who can communicate clearly! What a relief. Take care of yourself, and know you have us with you every step of the way.
This is wonderful news. So glad you found a good doctor.
Here’s a suggestion, from someone who typed medical reports for 20 years . . . Whatever scan or radiology study you undergo, make sure you get a copy in whichever form they can give you, I.e., on a CD, on a paper copy, whatever. Tests and reports get lost more than often when transitioning from one office to another.
San / Murphy, NC
San – every report is on the portal within minutes, I swear. It’s a whole new world following your records online. I was also handed a paper report when I left. Mayo would not leave this stone unturned. This is Mayo, not Mercy One, my local hospital.
That’s great news Mary and I hope it means that every physician who needs to review it can. Thank you for keeping us updated.
PTL! That is good news! Will continue to keep praying. He has provided the right doctors. HUGS to you and Rick.
Don’t overdo…know we are praying. You need to take care of yourself.
Much love to you. ❤️
Oh my, such encouraging, hopeful news! Thank you for your post. God is good and prayers are powerful! Take good care and know that we all love you. ❤️
So happy to see your message, Mary! Very happy that this is not an aggressive cancer. I’ll continue to remember you in my prayers. I know you are so relieved to finally have an answer & a plan in place! Take care.
That is great news and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Prayers work !!! We all will continue sending them !!
We’re with you.
Such great news!!
Echoing most everyone’s comments – Praise the Lord!
Will continue to keep you in prayer.
It’s too Weird to say it’s good you have a tumor, so how about Yay! You have a diagnosis and plan of action!!!!! Get it studied and photographed and get it gone!
You still need to take care of yourself 😁
PTL. we have always known that prayer works and this just confirms. so glad to hear ‘non–aggressive.’ now you know, you don’t have to wonder what is up, and you know when things will happen in the future. totally solves so many questions. i am so happy for you.
yesterday my back doc scheduled an x-ray and an mri (aug 24). will get approval for another injection -this time for L5/S1. ordered a lidocaine 5% patch, wear 12 hours, off 12 hours. first one lasted from 10 pm monday night until about 2:30 pm this afternoon. Progress!!!! have to get a new muscle relaxer which i hope works as well also. heart appt got moved from 4 pm to 11:30 am (20 min from phone call). more blood work and let’s change one of your heart meds. geesh! i’m so sick of ‘better living with pharmaceticals.’ enough. after 4 hours of sleep, i was totally brain fried yesterday. slept very good last night. crazy/emotional day today which was probably a hold over from the short sleep. tomorrow should be back to normal. at least i had less pain and for that i rejoice.
all in all, prayers have been answered and we all rejoice. hugs, patti in florida
Patti – wow! You have good news, too – I so hope your medical team can get rid of your back pain. Must be exhausting to be in such pain all the time. Progress, even if small, is always good!!
I have to admit- I was not looking forward to reading this but….WOW!!! the news is great. I’m so happy for you. Best news of the day! I’m sure you feel a major relief as do all of us.
Great, great news! You certainly have waited a long time for this. Thrilled that you know have a plan.
Such great news! God is good and hears and answers our prayers. Glad you now know and have a plan. You are still in my prayers. Now I have to get my tissues.
Mary, so glad it is not an aggressive type cancer. Wonderful the doctors have a plan. Will keep you in my prayers. You do not realize how many people you touch with your blog. We are expecting rain from Debbie, which will be a blessing to help with our severe drought. We have only mowed 1 time since May 27 and that was because some weeds were 18 inches tall. Hugs and will keep you in my prayers.
Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley Va
Oh, Mary! This is so good. Prayers of gratitude and thanks tonight! Such encouraging news… so why have my eyes suddenly sprung a leak?? ~Suzanne
Such a huge relief, Mary! Hopefully you can enjoy the rest of the summer, without so much worry and pain. Here’s to an ‘ice tea’ or two on the porch, relaxing with your furry friends and family! Good news tonight!!
Great News!!!
You will continue to be in my prayers. Take care of yourself. You will need to be strong.
So glad the news is positive, Mary. Have been thinking of you all day. Prayers will continue for you to be pain free and comfortable.
Great news! i hope the surgery is minimal and you can get back to your fun,busy life again! Sending prayers for more good news! Take care💕
Praise God! I pray that you will be free of pain through this process!
Best news I have heard all day Mary!! So thankful that you got answers and they now have a plan for you!!
Thank God! I’m so happy for you!
Indeed, God is good. So glad you have a plan. I too kept checking my email hoping to hear from you. We will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Yes God is good! Love and prayers!
PTL!
Oh Mary! What a relief! Now work the plan to get the cancer out & get well! So many who have prayed & now will be your cheerleaders through the treatment! ❤️
What wonderful news!
God is good all the time.
I’ll keep praying.
I know it is a relief to hear this news and have a plan.
Mary, so glad to hear the word, “non-aggressive” and to hear that appts. are already set in place to eliminate the problem. I have been anxiously watching my emails for word from you all day. God truly does listen to prayers and answers them. We’ll all keep the prayers going heavenward as you continue with the medical procedures, surgery, and then recovery. It has to be encouraging to know that you have prayer warriors all over the world praying for you. Hugs, Jeanne in Co.
Jeanne – not only encouraging, but absolutely the answer! Prayer warriors will get me through this – thank you.
So happy to hear the news! Kept checking all day and getting worried. You have an army pulling for you!
Great news for you and all of your followers!
Oh, thank goodness! Nobody wants any kind of tumor, but non-aggressive and operable is what you want to hear if you do have one. Prayers that all goes well and you will be feeling better soon!
So glad you finally got an answer. And we’ve all gotten an answer to our prayers. Continued prayers that you are able to be pain free and also prayers to your medical team that they have the knowledge to do what is best for you. Thank you Lord. Looks like you’re gonna need another pedicure before you’re laying in a hospital bed.
Such good news, Mary. Wishing you well.
So, so, so good to hear that news! God is good and our prayers have been answered. Being a Stage 4 cancer survivor myself, I am jubilant to hear your great news. Definitely celebrate!
It is amazing what an army of friends and pray can do.
Oh my gosh. That is good news. I was so worried. I can’t tell you how many times I checked e mail to see a post from you.
I hope everything from here on goes without a hitch.
Continued prayers and hugs.
Pat in Md
Wonderful news!
Non aggressive is probably the best news you could’ve ever gotten! The not knowing is the worse part. Now you have a plan and will conquer this. Great news today! 💗💗💗
Oh Mary that card is so correct, you are so loved. My husband and I just prayed for you in Jesus name! We are all on this road in this life. And I am very proud of you. I look up to you. Please take care, I think you are in good hands. Much love. Linda in Colorado
Praise the Lord!! And you and the doctors have a plan.
I echo your sentiments Martha. I am just overwhelmed to hear that these tests resulted in an outcome that can be managed with a lot of good teamwork.