I don't know if I should be writing this here or where...Sorry If I am wrong. But, I have had so many emailing me and PMing me about 'Jordan'(christa) that I thought I should give a quick update. They had attempted her surgery At U. of Wisconsin and when he found it near the Carotid he stopped the surgery and offered chemo.....
We were not satisfied with that so went to MD Anderson where they were going to do chemo and then reconsider for surgery. She wasn't even 10 days from the failed attempt at Wisc w/ Dr. Hartig. She also had been seen by Dr. Stenson at U. of Chicago. She looked and said it is totally resectable, but by now she would lose her tongue.
Well, there just happened to be a cancellation and opening the next day so on 8/15 Christa had her surgery. Clean margins, and today official path shows not even microscopic involment on edges. Hooray. However, she did have a total glossectomy. Has had a couple issues with her flap, and a near bleed out from a frail carotid resulting from all her prior radiation and infection post Wisc surgery. But, the good news is she is alive and at the moment cancer free! The Tumor Board meets tomorrow and will make the recommendation for next steps. Chemo/radiation.
What a horrible disease. What a horrible area for the stinkin' disease. Her friend set up a site on caringbridge that has offered much support for her and us during the past couple weeks. I will see if she want me to post it here. Otherwise, you who had messaged her before PM me here and I'll get you the info. K?
Brian, thanks for you support a couple weeks ago.
You are awesome to take her under your wing.....
This is misskate's friend she talks about on her blog. Thanks be that they became close.....
Linda

Please send her my love and best wishes Linda

I just re-read my post. We should never say 'cancer free' should we.... I looked at that tonight and thought I was so tired not thinking.

Oh, YES! DO say "cancer-free" and rejoice in being able to say that. Many cannot say it. We do hope that the disease doesn't return, but if all the knowledge available to you says that they feel that the cancer is gone, then yell "cancer-free" from the rooftops.

Of course, we all are aware that we will need careful surveillance always......but the longer we can say "cancer-free," the greater the chance that we will remain so.

I agree August. My doc told me just last week that there were no need for any further treatments so let me say it right here..
I AM CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!!

Yeah!!! I like the words cancer free....they are very empowering. It sounds like Christa had quite the journey and that she was surrounded by the incredible family and friends. We'll continue to pray for "Illinois girly-girl" as she is so affectionately referred to in MissKates blog.

God Bless,

As hard as cancer is to deal with when we have it...Why not take a moment to rejoice when it's been removed. Isn't that what we vie for?

I'm CaNcEr FrEe NoW & PrAy iT's 4eVeR!!!

Donna