|
Author
|
Topic: Judy Giffin undergoes cancer surgery 3rd time
|
Wally Giffin
Member From: Tacoma, Wa USA
|
posted 11 October 2000 11:11 PM
profile
October 10,2000
This is to update all on Judy's Giffin's condition and to hopefully squash any false rumors that have already gotten out.
She underwent three and a half hours of surgery for colon cancer last Thursday and they were not able to get it all. This is the second time she has had colon cancer, the previous one being ten years ago. The cancer has spread to the bone area of the right hip and is not operable. It has not reached her liver yet.
We have been told that Judy has approximately eight months to one year to live without any treatment and up to two years with Chemotherapy.
Apparently the chemo for this is a mild one and does not make you lose all of your hair nor making you deathly sick.
She has already decided to try the chemo.
We both have many questions to ask of the doctors and need to get the answers before we make any major decisions, but under the circumstances Judy feels and looks really great . Out of all of her surgeries she said this time she feels the best after surgery compared to all of them. The outpouring of love, affection and concern has been phenomenal. We both really appreciate your thoughts and offers of help. I have to bring home some of the flowers today as there is no more room.
She was real weak yesterday and they gave her two pints of blood. They elected not to give her the blood while in surgery, but today she is much stronger and they might even give her some real food this afternoon.
She wants to go back to work and also says that she wants to work White Center Eagles on the 20th & 21st. I think that is pushing her luck just a little too much, but don't be surprised is she doesn't show up at Port Orchard on the 27th & 28th. When that girl wants to sing there is no stopping her. After her last cancer surgery I hauled a chair along for her to sit in and she did fine. In the meantime Candy has been filling in for Judy and doing a fantastic job.
She will be able to come on either Thursday or Friday of this week. However, she will have to have some one with here all the time for at least two weeks.
I guess you know this has not been the most favorite last two weeks of either our lives, but after about one more week maybe things will slow down for at least a little while. After we get the chance to really pin down some doctors and take our list of questions to them, we will have a much clearer picture of our options.
I have already received some suggestions for different types of therapy for cancer. Some that doctors do not usually recommend. If any of you know resources that I can go to for information, especially on the internet, I would appreciate it. If I am home, I do answer the phone, but otherwise the answering machine comes on after five rings. Please leave a message of where this info might be. Right now there is so much to do to prepare for her coming home and am trying to get all of those items taken care of.
This is the fifth time that doctors have told her that she was going to die, so neither of us have given up by any stretch of the imagination. We're just going to give her hell as long as we have any chance at all.
I just talked to Jude and asked her if she wanted to say anything in this message. Her smart ass comment was "Yea, tell 'em I wish they were here." So she already is getting back to her feisty old self. She is really looking forward to coming home and getting back to a normal routine.
I will continue to update as I get any more pertinent info.
Wally Giffin
Northwest Pedal Steel Jam
Tacoma Washington The REAL Washington
253-473-8557
wgiffin@uswest.net
|
BDBassett
Member From: Rimrock AZ
|
posted 12 October 2000 06:43 PM
profile
Hi Wally,
Tell Judy to keep up the good fight.
I know how hard the two of you worked on the NW steel guitar jam a couple years ago so I know y'all got it in ya.
Is she at Tacoma General?
All my best,
BD |
Pat Jenkins
Member From: Abingdon, VA, USA
|
posted 13 October 2000 08:54 AM
profile
Wally and Judy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, keep on keeping on...Pat. | |
The Steel Guitar Forum
