After beginning the surgery,
doctors were very surprised to find two areas of cancer. Multiple tests,
biopsies, etc from the last few months all came back clear, making this
an unexpected discovery. If cancer was present only in the left bile
duct and left blood supply, or only in the right bile duct and right
blood supply, doctors could have surgically removed the cancerous side.
However, cancer was found in the left duct and the right blood supply.
This combination is inoperable.
You probably have two main
questions - how is Sandy doing, physically, with healing from this
operation? And what next? Sandy is in recovery from surgery, which was
much less intensive than originally planned. She is awake but still
coming off the anesthesia. She may be released Wednesday or Thursday.
At this point there is a bit
of a scramble going on as to what to do next. There is word of a
clinical trial with a combo of radiation and chemo at Mayo. All of the
doctors who have been involved in Sandy's care will discuss options and
come up with a plan in the next several days. It sounds like there is an
option to insert a metal stent that ought to last longer than the
previous ones have lasted, though that has to be done endoscopically (as
with all previous stent placements); it couldn't be done during today's
operation. While it would be great to have a longer lasting stent,
it does not take care of the cancer; it merely addresses a symptom of
the cancer.
This is definitely not what we
had hoped for. However, a few things remain unchanged. God is big. God
is good. God has a plan that is not thrown off course by today's
development. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy - not just in
matters of life and death, sickness and health, but also in each moment.
But He who is in us is stronger - so we do not have to succumb to fears
or run-away worrisome thoughts. We can choose joy, choose to see
blessings, choose to enjoy each of the easy-to-overlook blessings that
constantly surround us.
Please keep praying for
healing, wisdom, quick recovery, fresh perspective, and peace. Just as
we did not anticipate this seemingly downward turn of events, neither
can we know what direction things will go from here. God is still in the
miracle business!
God is indeed in the business of miracles, and your entire family's grace, determination, and hope is proof of that. My love and prayers go out to Sandy, her family, and her medical team. Thank you for this update, however unexpected and painful it might be. And thank you for choosing joy. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update Melissa. I'm sorry to read of the unexpected cancer diagnosis, but comforted knowing that God was not surprised or caught off guard and that He has already gone before and orchestrated the details of the days and months to come. Will be in prayer for Sandy's recovery and treatment, wisdom for the doctors, and peace for her and the family. May you all feel God's love and comfort as you choose to rest in Him and may others come to know Christ more fully through your testimonies during this trial. Much love to you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update, even though it is not what we want to hear. We have seen God work in so many amazing ways and His timing never seems to match mine and His plans are always bigger than mine. Faith shows us so much more, His love for us is overwhelming. I pray that you feel His peace and strength. Love and prayers for Sandy and all of you.
ReplyDeleteLaura Bergman