We just got back into town from Tucson where we meet with Dr. Stefanie Schlunder. We really liked her openness and honesty. She examined Matt and looked at his ct and pet scans and discussed with him how he is doing. She felt that he is in no immediate danger of having a blockage in his colon. Without this concern she felt that beginning with Chemotherapy was the best course of action for now, especially since his liver is full of cancers.
This was something we didn't know and was another blow to us. There are so many lesions that they are too many to count. The only thing that will stop them is chemotherapy. If Matt was to go in for surgery to remove the cancer in his colon right now, it would be at least 4 weeks before he would be able to begin chemo; and that is only IF everything goes smoothly. We told her of our plan to go to the Cancer Treatment Center in Goodyear and she was very kind and told us she was glad we were getting a second opinion and that we were taking our time so we can choose the best course of action for Matt. She set a colonscopy for Matt here in Safford for tomorrow. It will be done by a doctor who comes here from Tucson.
The colonscopy is the next step as the doctor will be able to take a biopsy of the liver and send it to a special lab where they will give it different chemo medicines and see which ones work the best. His appointment is early tomorrow morning and he will be well enough to go to Phoenix tomorrow evening for our appt on Wednesday morning with the Cancer Center.
It seems as if everything is falling into place for us and we feel good about the decisions we have made so far. A small, or maybe large blessing is that an opening came available with the doctor to do the colonscopy tomorrow. When Dr. Schlunder first called to schedule the procedure, they were totally booked. We hope that by having all of these tests performed before we get to the cancer center will make everything go a lot quicker and easier so Matt can begin his plan of action as soon as possible.
Thank you again to all of you for your messages of hope! You don't know how much they mean to us and how much they lift us up. We love you all!
Niki
Oh Niki, you guys are SOOO in our prayers. Michael requests for updates frequently, and I've called and put you guys on the Las Vegas prayer roll and will continue to do so. Please continue to update the blog, it's great to know how everything is going. PLEASE let me know if you need to send the kids up here (Henderson, NV) at any point simply for them to be distracted. We'd be happy to help in any way we can!
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing how we are blessed sometimes by the simplest things, such as an opening for a procedure. I know we are across town from Goodyear, but if you ever need a place to stay while you are down here, we have a spare bedroom. We will continue to keep you in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteMatt - you are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteNiki... having a missionary in the field, just want to know how Logan is doing? It's hard when they are away to know how they are feeling when they get news from home. We were just contacted Sunday by a member in Salto Uruguay, to let us know that Tylan's second companion committed suicide. Ty found out yesterday. I have been worried sick about Tylan over it all... I do know the mission president called Ty last night. I know Heavenly Father comforts these young men, and I'm sure feel our love and prayers from home. Blessings come when our sons serve! You will receive GREAT blessings! Hugs to you and Matt! Positive thoughts sent your way... be safe in your travels to Goodyear!
ReplyDeleteyou and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! I know it's hard to think of this now, but it is during situations like these that our faith and testimony increases and you are able to feel the love that our Heavenly Father has for you. You will have some of the most spiritual experiences, wich i'm sure you have already experienced and will continue to experience. We love you and think about you everyday. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help!
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