We have just returned from Dad's follow up appointment in Birmingham. Dad had a picture taken of his mouth and evaluated by Dr. Holmes. The flap is doing very well and healing as it should. The sutures are falling out naturally as they should and the swelling shrinks daily, again, as it should. He checked out the new bone and assured dad that he had "good bone" to attach the teeth to. Very nice! The arm cast came off and...well, lets just say "it wasn't pretty", but also healing very nicely and Dr. Holmes was pleased. He gave Dad a few exercises to help strengthen the bone back and some ointment and gauze to help new skin continue to heal. I think Dad was shocked at how painful just doing little things (like picking up a tea glass) could be once the wrist support was taken off. Dr. Holmes said that it would take about 12 weeks for the bone to completely heal and strengthen.
We discussed the pathology report and Dr. Holmes explained that they took a good parameter around the tumor and that part looked good. They did tell us at the time of surgery that they would take several lymph nodes as a precaution and PRAISE GOD that they did! When reviewing the pathology report we found out that one of the lymph nodes taken out did show evidence of cancer. At this point, Dr. Holmes explained that many had gone through this before him and left it at that, but if it were him, he would consider radiation to make sure there are no more cancer cells hanging out in that area. It took no discussion on our part. Radiation it is! We had already expected this anyway so here we go. We are going to meet with the radiologist here in Decatur some time before the end of the week to go over the pathology report and plan the radiation treatments. So please, please, please pray that that was all there was and radiation will be the end of it! Papa is in good spirits and just ready to get it done. Pray for radiation itself, that it be as easy as it possibly can and for the doctors that they are knowledgeable and do the right things for Papa. Above all, praise God for all the He has done for us so far. We are so blessed and so thankful. Our entire family is especially thankful for all of you. All your concerns, love, friendships and prayers!
I will post again once we meet with the radiologist.
Michelle
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Mike and I are truly amazed and yet don't doubt Ernie's strong will to get this behind him and get on with life!! Again, the entire family is a great testimony for the Lord!! We will certainly continue to pray for the radiation treatments to be a success!!
Marilyn & Mike Hagen
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