Update on Angela's Condition Post Surgery

 February 2, 2025

Angela has had a remarkable recovery from surgery on Wednesday. The procedure included the removal of a lesion on her liver and the repair of her diaphragm after it was resectioned. Though she is in pain, she remains active and restless. Might need her "Angels" to advise her to slow down and follow the doctor's orders.

Surgery Results

 January 28, 2025

A little tear dripped down my face as the doctor just confidently told me surgery was a success. There is healing to be done but there is now light where it was once dark. Angela has taught me that when things are at their lowest is when you have to stand tall. #angelasangels

Surgery Rescheduled

 January 28, 2023

When you take life a day at a time without looking too far ahead the things that are way ahead of you always catch you off guard. It might seem shocking for me to say that my wife's surgery tomorrow snuck up on me but since she's been sick we both value every minute of every day as they come. In exactly 549 minutes from the time I'm writing this note, she will be in the hospital preparing to go into the OR. I'm hopeful she sleeps easily tonight and is not scared. I could call her a warrior, a fighter, a winner and while she is all of that and more what she is most to me is the love of my life. I ask that you please keep her in your thoughts and prayers tonight and tomorrow so that she may overcome this disease once and for all. #angelasangels

Surgery conflict

 January 10, 22025

Penn is an outstanding medical facility but like everything outstanding there is always opportunity for improvement. The medical professionals are some of the best in the world but the planning and scheduling team leaves a bit to be desired.

After a 5 hour wait due to rooms being over booked and another 1 hour prep time Angela was informed at 5:20 p.m. that an operating room was not available.

It's been a long day but based on the circumstances it was the right decision. She is disappointed and frustrated that surgery will have to wait until February but the safety of all involved as well as the quality of work is priority number one.

Surgery to remove cancer

 January 10, 2025

Today marks a crucial milestone in my wife's battle against cancer. Please keep her in your thoughts as she continues down the healing path. #angelasangels

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81Angela Bursler, Thomas Allen Bursler and 79 others

Pre-Surgery Facebook Post

 January 2, 2025

Well, my cancer journey continues. January marks 11 years of survival. I am scheduled to have surgery on January 10 for one particular area on my liver which continues to grow and shrink with chemo. Since this has been the only area where the cancer remains (other than a small area in my lung which they will radiate), they decided it would be a good idea to remove it and save me from starting chemo again. I had a nice break since my last chemo treatment but of course the lesion is growing again. There are a few different outcomes that may happen but they will not know until they get in and operate. I will have two amazing surgeons on hand along with a robot (which may work or may not depending on what they find). I can only hope for the best outcome. I thank everyone for your continued support and prayers which I will definitely need

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Facebook Post

September 1, 2024

I’d like to share a few thoughts as September brings awareness to Ovarian and several other cancers. Certainly, the disease has had an impact on everyone however the degree of that impact varies. A person diagnosed with the illness is best suited to share the challenge the disease presents with caretakers next in line. History doesn’t leave us with a lot of feel-good stories so for further disconnected an individual may be from the challenge of a cancer patient the less confident that person is of survival.

The initial diagnosis can be quite shocking. The stages of grief are certainly in play but there is no time to wait for acceptance before battling. At the very same time you are denying and angry you are defining a plan of action to battle. You have to be wise enough to understand that doctors have standard protocols that may or may not be effective & if they aren’t, you go somewhere else to find the extended versions of those protocols.

Real life doesn’t end because of a cancer diagnosis and people do not stop relying on you. You will find those who have compassion for you and those who don’t. You will run the gamut of emotions from anger to happiness but can never give up hope. There will most certainly be feelings of guilt because priorities have changed due to physical limitations but mentally you’re still sharp. All of the above emotions can challenge relationships but if you’re surrounded by those who love you most commitment won’t end because someone is sick.

At the end of the day, there will always be uncertainty attached to cancer but this generation has an opportunity to lay the groundwork for future generations to have hope.