Chapter 6 Wed April 9 to today April 14

Our appointment with the surgeon was for 10:00. Always up early, we stayed busy that morning, it seems like we ran around doing errands.

We were very excited and upbeat driving over and waiting in the office. We're hoping the surgery would be in a few days and hardly any of our plans for the spring and summer would change.

When the surgeon sat down, everything became beyond serious. This is a no nonsense doctor, he doesn't mince words, he tells it like it is.

He told us there are 4 types of cancer in this area of the body. Pancreas, duodenum, bile duct and ampullary. He told Brock, "You have the best one of the 4." He told us the chances for long term cure are 40 to 50%. He also said Brock would probably need chemo or radiation, or both. We are not scared of chemo after watching my stepmom go through it. At 85 years old and 90 pounds she did very well. It's tolerable. He began to explain the Whipple Procedure. I have no idea why they call it a procedure. It is surgery, a very serious surgery. I knew about it, but never thought after the diagnosis the day before that Brock would need it. I was way wrong.

He also told us straight out, 3 things could happen.
1. He will go in, see that the cancer has spread. He would then close.
2. He will go in, and at the 2 hour period, he will be at a critical point where he will have to work around 2 main blood vessels. If that doesn't go well, he would then close.
3. He will complete the surgery, which would be 6 hours.

After surgery, he will be in intensive care for 3 days and will be hospitalized for 10 days.

The surgeon said, at the 6 week point after the day of surgery he will turn a corner and start getting better.

So now we know where we stand, and so do you.

It's hard to take this all in, I know. We were stunned and a bit speechless.

The surgery was set for May 1. Three weeks away. A long time to wait, but in a way we were glad for the break. Maybe to have a bit of normalcy for a little while.
That was Wed. and on Sat. (2 days ago) Brock didn't feel good and began running a fever. The EUS doctor seemed to anticipate it because he gave us a prescription and said if he starts a fever, to begin taking it immediately. So we started the pills and by morning he was better and Sunday was a really great day.

Today we had another surprise. A call from the surgeon saying they had a cancellation for April 24 and could Brock come in for surgery that day? We were SO stunned! Brock wanted to say, "Well, let me check my calendar, I think I have a meeting that afternoon." We laughed so hard at that.

I pray the person who was scheduled is ok. I don't like thinking about it.

So we know where we stand and now, so do you.

A friend of Brock's from work blessed him with this article today from Tony Snow, the former Fox News correspondent and press secretary for President Bush. His words are a real encouragement to Brock and we hope you enjoy it.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=47315

You will hear from me periodically before the surgery. Right now, 8 hours after hearing the change in plans, we are just now starting to calm down, and catch our breath.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers and love.
We love you all!
Feel free to call or email or leave messages on this blog. We welcome them.


Our God is an AWESOME God!!
Chris