180 degree turn.....

I started my last post stating that I'd spent some time "thinking of what I wanted to say".  Well, I've really been "thinking" this time.

I had made the decision when I first started this blog that it wouldn't be just about what was happening in our lives, but what was happening as far as Roy's journey with the diagnosis of cancer.  That being said, we've had a pretty normal 3 weeks.  Going to ballgames, church, work and whatever else we have always done.

That changed this last week.  We were in Houston at the hospital for 3 days getting more information about surgery.  When we left the first of September it was a "done deal" that Roy would have the surgery.  The oncologist basically said there was no choice.  And, I gave the statistic in the last blog.  We got a call last week that surgery was set for Oct. 10th and that we had appointments with the surgeon and radiologist this week.

After visiting with both of them we came away thoroughly confused.  The surgeon gave us statistics that showed whether having surgery or just watching and monitoring the area of cancer did not make that much difference.  So, the chances of cancer coming back are basically the same either way....go figure.  If Roy chooses not to have surgery he will have a petscan and an endoscopy every 3 months for awhile then yearly.  If they find cancer they would do surgery immediately.  No radiation or chemo again.  The question is do we risk the chance of there still being cancer cells that didn't show up on the last test results and they multiply quickly.  Or does he have surgery, and we were told is not an easy surgery and a very long recovery on the chance of there being cancer...still.  Recovery from surgery can be as long as a year.  It would definitely be a 10 hospital stay with a feeding tube for an extended period...depending on how well he does.

Both of the doctors (surgeon and radiologist) said they supported whatever decision that he makes.  We have not cancelled the surgery, so he has about a week to make the decision.  I am trying really hard to let it be his decision. 

I appreciate what Shana has said.  Whatever the decision is we cannot 2nd guess what is decided.  And, that is so true.  I was getting dressed to go to the hospital the other morning and had an overwhelming feeling that the Lord said to me, "Just make a decision , I'm with you whatever you decide".  I have a tendancy to "humanize" God and when I hear His voice it's in a manor I can understand.  So, I think that Roy will decide and it will be good.  Pray for us....pray that we make the right decision and thank God for being with us through out the journey.

And, on a personal note, keep Justin in your prayers.  ACU played a team in Mississippi last night.  We could watch it on the computer and during the 2nd quarter we watched him pull his hamstring muscle.  It was very obvious. We both yelled "No"!! at the same time.  Roy talked to him this morning and it is just a pull not a tear.  Thank you Lord for that!

God is in control and holding our hand

Linda