Dr. Appointment/Birmingham

We have just returned from the appointment with Dr. Holmes. He was immediately concerned with the swollen area and indicated to us that he did not think it was a salivary gland due to the location and the fact that Dad didn't have any pain in that area. Instead, he suspects a lymph node that may have cancer cells in it. Having said that, he did a biopsy and hopes to be able to identify that as the problem. In simple terms, he said that if there had been a cell left over after the tumor was removed, it may have tried to travel through the nodes on the left side and met congestion because of the radiation treatments. In response, it simply may have taken another route to a lymph node on the right side. If this is the case, the plan is to continue radiation treatments and include the right side of the face. If the biopsy is not able to accurately identify this as the problem, Dr. Holmes wants to go in and remove the swollen "whatever it is". The results should be back by Saturday and we will go from there. Dr. Holmes did indicate that he could be wrong and that it might indeed just be a swollen saliva gland, but he didn't think so. That being said, we have to be in prayer for a definite diagnosis so we can take care of it.

Although it is not the best news, I feel grateful that it has just appeared in the past week or so and we can identify it and move forward. I thank God for his subtle messages. It is like he gave Dad the swollen gland so that we and the doctors would know that we need to be treating a larger area. For that I am grateful.

Dad (and Mom) will need all of our prayers. Pray that their spirits be lifted and that they lean on God for every ounce of strength they need. Pray that they see JOY in all circumstances.

I will update once we hear the results and know the plan.

Love,
Michelle