Blog Introduction

This blog was created to keep our family and friends informed about Gran's upcoming surgery. We will update it whenever possible.

For those of you who may need some clarification here is a little background information. Gran was diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis shortly before Christmas in 2009. This was the result of a metastasis from a previous colon cancer. She has been receiving infusion chemotherapy every other week throughout 2010 and into 2011. The M.D. Anderson Cancer Treatment Center in Houston Texas (a part of the University of Texas) has been coordinating her care. She has been receiving her chemotherapy at Baptist in Little Rock and traveling to Houston every 3rd month.

From the beginning we were aware of a powerful treatment for this type of secondary cancer known as Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). Recently, Gran's physicians determined that she is a viable candidate for this invasive 10-12 hour surgery.

Gran's surgery has been scheduled for February 11th. The physicians hope to perform a more routine surgery removing up to two cancerous sites. However, they feel that they may need to do the alternative treatment (if there are any more than 2 places with cancer or if they have any doubts). They will have the staff and equipment available to do the Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC if necessary.

Gran and Pop will be heading to Texas on Tuesday February 8th. She will be in Houston for 5-6 weeks. She will be in the hospital for 3 weeks. Pop and our family will be staying in a hotel in Houston near the hospital.

Please be in prayer.

Pray for Gran's health, the physicians' discernment, the ability of the staff to perform the necessary tasks, an infection free environment, a heart of peace for Gran and her family, the best post surgical care, etc.

Please feel free to leave a message here or to send an email to prayersfordee@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support and love for my dear Gran.

-Jill Womack