After completeing four rounds of chemo , ( which isn’t very many mind you ) my fabulous Dr. Fanta walked in the room and told me not to be disappointed, but the chemo wasn’t shrinking the tumor is my lung. I was disappointed and I felt a lot like a kid who goes to the parent teacher conference expecting a great report card, just to be blindsided by the F she didn’t know she was getting. Wait… what? Dr. Fanta reminded us that is is early in the game, and that it was really too soon to tell if it was or was not working. However, he wanted to meet with the tumor board ( a group 20 or so doctors who meet and add input to each other cases) and see what they had to say, whether to continue with more treatment or to go ahead with surgery. Dr.Fanta told us it was unanimous, they all agreed to get it out, now. Because I tolerated the chemo well, and my blood counts were all good, docs want me in surgery while I am strong and healthy. I guess I should take this as a compliment.
Here’s the crazy catch: They will have to take my entire right lung. Now, I know this sounds very dramatic, but the truth is I am happy to let them. If you remember from my first blog post, the first call in the closet, where I was told that surgery was not an option. Well , guess what? It is! So take THAT ! And as it was in the beginning , the best news has always been that my tumor is in one location. So with each scan, if one little tiny cell had popped up on the scan anywhere else , I would not be getting this surgery. So you can quickly see how grateful I am that surgery is an option.
Last week, Jason and I meet with my surgeon. I like him for many reasons. His first name rhythms with his last name, which I like. He made a joke about having an NRA sticker on his car, which Jason liked. Oh and he’s the BEST thoracic surgeon in town. He’s confidant and he’s seasoned and I know God put me in the best hands. Surgery is now set for June 14th. This is the day I will get this cancer out of my body. There have been a few meetings where Jason and I have sat looking at images on a computer screen, seeing this large smudge that is now residing in my right lung. It is sobering and yet makes me all the more willing to let my lung go – just to get this thing gone. Life with one lung will be fine. Dr. P explained that the first few months, I will be tired and have shortness of breath as my left lung learns to compensate and do all the work. But that people go on to do just fine with one lung. In fact, most of the well meaning people who tell me about someone they know living with one lung, usually are old people. So these stories do help me and make me feel good about being young heading into this. He did say I will not do well in high altitudes , which is totally fine with me , as I am way more of a sea-level kinda gal anyway.
For my amazing prayer warriors, I will be counting on you June 14th. Please pray for a smooth and successful surgery. We want this out, and I know I will feel the strength and power of your prayers that day and it will be done. Dr. P says I will be in the hospital under his watch for about 5 or so days. He says he keeps me so he can come see me and watch me himself. He says if he sent me home, he would worry, so this way he doesn’t have to worry. Did I mention he’s Italian? They worry…it’s a thing.
In the meantime, I have two glorious weeks to enjoy feeling good again and doing normal life, which I am savoring every second of. Last weekend Jason planted fresh plants in the backyard as he said he wanted it to be extra pretty for me while I recover. Am I the luckiest gal or what? The kids are doing well. Since this isn’t our first rodeo, they know full well how Mom will get through this surgery and recovery. They know the enormous love and support we have, and they know God has us all in His firm grip. In the meantime, we celebrate the start of summer, and God’s daily reminders of His faithfulness and love. I want to thank each and every person who has commented, prayed, hugged, loved, talked, walked, cried, sighed, smiled and laughed, texted, called with me since this started. I consider each one of you a gift…. Sometimes it’s like you all got together and mapped out who would do what when. There is such a steady stream of support that it seems coordinated. Can I just talk about the cards for a minute? I have received the most touching , sweet and encouraging cards , ever. If I am every having a minute where I wonder how the heck I am going to get through this, I walk to my HUGE card collection and start reading the reminders from all of you wonderful cheerleaders. It’s amazing and I am humbled at the love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hon we will go….. maybe a little slower at first but on we will go.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged
because of this vast army
For The Battle is Not Yours But God’s”
2 Chronicles 20:15
All right then one lung Honor it will be! But a breathing, laughing, loving Honor is a gift to us all so praises on this news! Hugs and love to you!
Sending love and prayers to you every day!!
Love you so much, Honor. I will be attending a mass that morning, June 14, and will light a candle and pray for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for you. Hugs.
Thank you so much Hang – I cannot thank you enough. Im blessed to have you in my life.
Thinking of you daily and sending extra prayer and strength to you especially on the 14th!! You got this girl ❤️?
Hi Honor
You are in my prayers. This is an ugly disease but you got this! You know what my family has gone through with people with cancer so I know how you are feeling! Keep your head up and best of luck on your surgery! Love you tons
Kim
This is really good news! I’ll be praying for you every day Honor. I am in awe of your strength and spirit. You are an inspiration to us all! Love and big (but gentle) hugs!!!
JUST FANTANTASTIC !!! I am overjoyed knowing that you will prevail and conquer this Monster once and for all. I will be praying on June 14th as I have been praying daily for you my sweetest darling Daughter.
HON You Go !
Love,
Dad
You are one amazing girl! At this time you are giving me strength with something I’m going through and I just know God is with you and now you will be free of all this crap! And not have to go through treatments and can live your life with the cancer gone! God bless you and your beautiful family. Your going to be stronger than ever ❤️?
You are indeed an amazing woman with a great attitude on looking forward. You and your family will be in our prayers at the Robbins house.
You are the most inspiring woman I know ! Your optimism and love for life is not only contagious but it reminds the rest of us to stop and smell the roses and be grateful for life ! I think of you daily and will continue to pray for you and your family and team of dr’s ! Press ON !! On we go!!! Xoxo
Girrrrrrrlllll….We got this!!!! ?????? Continue to be inspired by your strength.
I am praying daily for our sweet Honor!
Honor,
Sending hugs and many, many prayers your way especially on June 14th. You are a true inspiration and an amazing and strong woman of faith facing a huge challenge with determination. You are wrapped in God’s love and care, sweet Honor ❤
Ephesians 6:10
Be strong in the Lord and in His great power.
You have more strength, love, and wisdom beyond your years! You have helped more then you can ever imagine with your beautiful take on life. Your words and attitude will forever help me as I deal with patients in your same shoes, love you cous – keep that beautiful chin up and heart right where it is!
Hi Honor,
This is Maureen , Natasha’s mom and I am so inspired by your faith and strength. My dad lived with one lung most of his life and did just fine. My prayers are with you and say hello to your mom. I have so many fun memories of days with you.
Cheers to one lung ?❤️ and one of the strongest women I have the pleasure of knowing. You got this ???????
Good plan! Everything we have two of we can spare one. Here’s to long life tho short breath!