mowissa1

Hello everyone! It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you my momma Sharon Kaye Smith passed away July 9th. Since January she had several stint complications, replacements, infections etc. On June 3rd we went to Dallas for a check up and we could tell over the prior few weeks, something wasn’t right. The pain was to great for her to have her MRI, she was admitted. The infection from her stent had caused a perforation of the bile duct, which caused severe infection in the abdomen. After a day of Iv antibiotics and pain meds, she had several tests which showed new mets to the liver. Dr Goldstien explained her options, 6mos hospital stay, bile duct reconstruction, open wounds before they could even treat the cancer. And with how fast the mets had presented themselves from our last test 45 days prior, well, the out come of no surgery and surgery appeared to be the same. She elected to stop treatment. I brought her home to northwest Arkansas where we entered a wonderful hospice facility and 30 days later she completed her journey here on earth. My point is to remind all of the newly diagnosed and the current fighters, that she was originally diagnosed in August 2004. Almost 9 years! HOPE. PRAYER. LOVE AND FAITH. You will know when it’s time, and until then, my family and I will be praying for you and yours, we will raise money and awareness of this tragic form of cancer, we are here for you and love each of you! I know now what a warrior looks like and thank God for every moment I spent with her. She was truly my best friend and always will be. She said “it’s not goodbye, its only ta-ta for now”. Knowing that is true helps to bring some comfort. All my love, Mel

Update: Blood work came back showing elevated GGT, AST, ALT, direct bilirubin of 5.5. We sent the results immediately to her specialist in Dallas, who in turn told us to leave first thing Weds and drive to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. We arrived yesterday around 1 and she was admitted. Ct scan with contrast this morning and now waiting for the treatment plan. They believe it is an obstructed bile duct. Her surgeon said, “we’ll locate it, fix it and send you back home”. Her blood work is perfect otherwise, heart rate and oxygen are all perfect. She feels good and is laughing and talking with all the hospital staff. Tumor marker shows no change. I’ll let you guys know when the treatment plan is set up. And I thank each of you for your support and encouragement and helping me to stop freaking out.

Melissa

Lainy & Marion, our appointment with the OC is set for Tuesday. Thank you both so much for your post. Your comments have helped to bring me out of the clouds. I don’t usually panic, I am calm and rational but this symptom sent me into full panic mode. I didn’t realize that the jaundice could be a result of something other than my worst fear. I thank you both for offering your support and words to help fear remain harnessed for the time being. I will keep you posted on the out come of our appointment.

Some back history, she was very very healthy before diagnosis in 2004 and in 2010 was walking between 5-7 miles a day and taking no medication for any other health issues. The worst issue she has had before the jaundice is the neuropathy in her legs from the chemo.

In the event of blockage or infection, can this be treated or relieved with medicine or will this be a hospital stay etc? (I am not asking you to diagnose or anything like that, just from you past experience, in what manner is it generally treated) Again, your words and support are so very helpful.

Melissa