Thought I would update you all on what is happening.
On May 5th, we went to the James Cancer Center in Columbus at Ohio State. We met with an oncologist and a thoracic surgeon. I have to tell you that this place is an amazing hospital. Everyone was so wonderful! The first dr. we saw was Dr. Villalona, he is the head of the lung cancer facility. He told us that the mass in Eric's lung was a higher number and that he was recommending us to see Dr. Ross, who is the second dr. we saw. He is the head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery. To make a long story short...we are headed over to Columbus tomorrow for 2 tests, a PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) and an OPAC test, which I can't remember what it actually stands for. Both tests are pre-op tests for the surgeries that we have planned.
On June 1st, we will be having the first surgery, Auto Fluoroscopic Bronchoscope, Endeobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy and possible Mediastinoscopy. Yeah, I know, I about crapped. They will put him to sleep, go down his throat and take a needle biopsy of the lymph nodes in his chest. There will be 3 pathologists in the surgery room reading these biopsies. If they cannot get a good reading, they will make a small incision in his throat and remove 2-3 lymph nodes to study. If the needle biopsy shows that it is cancer, they will stop and proceed to the next surgery. They will not cut his throat. We hopefully, will know something that day. We also will not know if they will have to cut him that day going into the surgery. Depending on the outcome of the 1st, will determine the next surgery, which is scheduled 7 days later.
On June 8th, we will go back for Left video assisted thoroscopic surgery, possible thoractomy, possible wedge, possible left lower lobe. What that means is that if what we find on the 1st is cancer, they will take out half of his left lung. If it is NOT cancer, they will take only the part of the lung that the mass is in. Either way, he will have some of his left lung taken out.
Cancer, as you know, is determined in stages. We were told that if it is cancer, we are hoping for Stage 1 - Stage 3a. That means that it is still operable and treatable. Stage 3b or stage 4, well, we just will have to wait to see what the best treatment will be from there. Chemo and radiation will probably be in the future no matter what the outcome.
I hope that you all followed that. Believe me, I have learned more things in the past month than I ever thought I would.
The railroad called last week and have denied our appeal. So going back there is out.
Please keep us in your thoughts. Eric gets tired quickly and is having some pain, nothing he can't handle right now though. I think our mental and emotional status is a little crazy right now, but we are doing ok. Jackson keeps us going. Thank God.
I will keep you all posted.
1 comment:
You, Eric and Jackson will be in more than just our thoughts -- you will be in our prayers (you already have been). If there is ANYTHING, and we mean ANYTHING, you need us to do --- please call -- (812-240-9279). Take care of yourself -- and give this to the Lord -- and let your church cover you in prayer and be there for you. I know it is hard to ask for help -- but please let people do even the smallest of tasks for you -- they get the opportunity to have Christ work through them and feel His Love & Compassion -- and that gets passed on to you! We love you, Eric and Jackson!!
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