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Today has been quite an emotional day. We'll start with the good news. As planned, the surgeon made a small incision and examined the liver to find no signs of cancer! We are so thankful for that! He then proceeded with the Whipple procedure. However, upon visual examination he realized the tumor was too advanced to operate. It had grown too tightly around the arteries leading into the pancreas. Therefore, there was too great a risk to perform the operation. He closed the incision and informed the family. While this was not the news we had hoped for, we are focusing our energy toward discovering the best treatment options available. It will take approximately 3 weeks for Gary to heal from today's surgery, then he will begin chemo and radiation.
When he came out of the anesthesia, Gary was in high spirits. He was very thankful to God that the cancer had not spread. He was joking with all of his family and friends and, as usual, was more concerned with how everyone was doing rather than with himself.
We are praying for wisdom and guidance as we wade through the unfamiliar terminology and treatment options inherent to the diagnosis of cancer. The calls, visits, prayers, and support continue to be encouraging to Gary and sustaining to the family. Thank you for the kindness you continue to show us. We will try to keep you posted.
Gary will be at Missouri Baptist Hospital, Room 678 for the next 3-4 days, then will return home to Sikeston to continue his recovery there.
