Tuesday, April 15, 2008

2nd Opinion at Stanford

Today, Trisha was fortunate enough to meet with one of the top Oncologists in the Bay Area, Dr. Bob Carlson. After examining her, he changed Trisha's diagnosis. It turns out that Trisha has a very rare and aggressive form of cancer called Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). The cancer is diagnosed by how it looks (red, looks like the peel of an orange, etc) and feels. This type of cancer is usually late Stage 3 or Stage 4. Given this diagnosis, Trisha and Oak had to make a decision that no one ever wants to consider. They are going to terminate the pregnancy on Thursday so that Trisha can get the optimal care she needs for her well-being. It breaks my heart to have to report this, but I know you are all interested in how she's doing. She has a CT and Bone Scan on Friday at Stanford to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of her body. After she gets the results, she will be starting treatment at Stanford on Tuesday, April 22nd. As you can imagine, this is all happening so fast for all of us. Trisha is 100% committed to fighting this and she will do whatever it takes to get healthy. The next week is going to be unbearable. Please call first if you plan to visit and keep the visits short. Phone calls are always great too. I can always be reached at cfaggiolly@sbcglobal.net if you want to ask questions or check on her. Thank you all for your support and love. It is so very needed at this time.

11 comments:

Karen Rende said...

My prayers will be with you as continuously as I can send them. My heart breaks for you and for your family. This is a tough one. "Tough ones" require the concerted and concentrated efforts of the immediate team and of all your friends on your extended team. We love and cherish you. God bless. oxox Karen R.

Anonymous said...

Tricia and family,
I love you more than words can express, I am sending all of the power and love that I can to you and those close to you! I will be here for you anytime...day or night!
I love you!
Ginger

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family every moment of the day. I know that you will fight hard! Please know that I will be there at any moment that you need. I love you very much. Olga

Nurseferatu said...

Hello,
You don't know me, but I am a coworker of Chris Garcia and a Masters-prepared oncology RN for over 25 years. I've worked in every conceivable oncology setting and done consulting and teaching, so I guess you could say I've seen a few things.
Nothing is harder than what you're going through. I think you have been very wise to go to the university medical centers and get multiple consultations. Stanford is an excellent place to get treatment--those docs will be plugged into the latest options, and as you say, the resources there are extensive.
No matter how bad things get, most humans can't be sad 100% of the time. I hope you'll give your friends and family the privilege of helping you, both now and for the long haul. Lots of us are cheering for you and wish you the best of all possible results.
Sincerely,
Martha Silverspring, RN, MS, OCN (Oncology-Certified Nurse)

Bobby Jo said...

Dear Trisha, Oak and Caden,
Although we are far away, we are in contact almost daily with Claudia-we love you and are keeping the most positive thoughts, sending you strength in our prayers. Your sweet smile in the picture with Caden warms our hearts. You are all loved.
Bobby Jo and John Viksne

Jill said...

Hi Jane,
My heart goes out to you, your SIL and your family. My thoughts and prayers will be with them.
Thank you for your comments on my blog. I believe a positive attitude is necessary for healing, side by side with good nutrition, emotional and spiritual work, and healing modalities. It's a hollistic approach treating the whole person.
In answer to your question, in my opinion a vegan, raw foods diet rich in greens and vegetables is the way to go when you have cancer. Juicing and blending of vegetables is integral in this as well.
I highly recommend that you join Kris Carr's online community, my crazy, sexy life. It's an online haven for cancer survivors, their families, or anyone who leans toward a hollistic approach to health. It's a great resource!
http://my.crazysexylife.com/
Look me up when you get there and if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask.
Peace, love, and positive energy,
Jill

Jane said...

trish, i love you, i love you, i love you!! that's all i can say right now.

Anonymous said...

Patricia Angelina Faggiolly,
I have been in awe of your strength & courage over the past two weeks. Keep up the fight!
We love you.
Becky & Mike

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this trying time. You are a strong woman and we know you have the courage to fight this. When you need a little ray of sunshine our doors will be open for you, Oak and Caden to join us on Maui.
Sending lots of aloha your way,
Abby and Emmett

Rochelle said...

Tricia,
I can't get your big smile out of my head. I am sending you and your family all the love, prayers and strength that I have. Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us who care so much for you. I will be here for you.
Ro

Neil and Sue said...

Trish and Oak

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. As you know Neil is a cancer survivor, having been through a stem cell transplant at Stanford. The oncology team at Stanford is the best. We know you will get through this. The cure may seem to take forever, but in the big picture it will contribute to your longevity. Neil used a juicer during treatment, carrots, apples was his favorite, and a ton of green tea, which he still drinks. Feel free to ask any questions if needed, we are here for you, and on your health team!!!!