Backing up....

Wow! You guys are amazing! I have had so many positive comments about the blog..it is so encouraging to know so many people love and care for us! The blog has been forwarded to several people, SS classes, etc. and many have asked me to explain what it is exactly that Papa has been diagnosed with so here goes...(thanks for asking!)

About a month ago after several attempts to clear up what he thought was an infection or some gum problem, Papa was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer arises from the surface lining of the mouth, throat or other areas just as it can arise from the surface of the skin or other parts of the body. If it were to go untreated the tumor would grow and eventually shed cells to other parts of the body and therefore it is a malignant cancer. This cancer tends to spread through the lymph nodes. Dad had a PET scan and the report indicated that the cancer is localized in the spot of the tumor and there was no evidence of spreading. (PRAISE GOD!) Therefore the surgery was scheduled to remove the tumor.

The surgery is very extensive. It will take about 4-6 hours to remove the tumor and reconstruct the defect. Dr. Holmes does both the removal and reconstruction at the same time. He will use tissue and bone from his left arm/wrist to reconstruct the jaw/mouth. Dad is expected to be in ICU overnight on Thursday to recover and have some "one on one" care. We are thankful for that. Hopefully we will be in a room by Friday as planned.

Thanks again for all the prayers and well wishes! I will be in touch tomorrow morning!