His Will

The results from the extensive follow up scans last week are in - no evidence of any cancer anywhere in Debbie's body! Deb ...being Deb... carried a faith inspired peace into the appointment. Dave...being Dave... let's just say he is trying hard to be more like Deb. Based on the positive results they started the monthly hormonal treatments yesterday and we'll see Dr. Szabo every 90 days for CAT scans. For those that have been following the blog from a number of states words can't express how much we appreciate your thought & prayers. From this point on 'no news' will be 'good news' as we thankfully wake up and gratefully try to make a difference every beautiful day. Closing with one of Deb's favorites: " Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever" Psalm 106:1 Take care and hug the ones you love.

Great News!

We were able to get out and enjoy a Jeremy Camp concert with the Howards last night and followed with great news today - No chemo! Dr. Szabo officially confirmed what we had been hoping and praying for - Deb's tumors were neuroendocrine islet cell cancer - and that's as good as it gets as far as pancreatic cancer prognosis is concerned. Indulge a grateful spouse some recently acquired medical knowledge. When tumors are removed they use the term 'margins' to indicate the space between healthy cells and cancerous and in Deb's surgery they were able to remove the tumors in the pancreas and the liver with at least 2 cm between the tumor and where they cut - also great news. ALL of Deb's cancerous tumors are out with with wide margins and no evidence of anything left behind. Next step is an octreoscan to again use nuclear/radiotive procedures to do a refined scan for specific types of islet cells anywhere else in her body. Since the pancreas serves 2 purposes - secreting enzymes for digestion and hormones such as insulin - there has been a lot of research and trials with hormonal therapy. In 2 weeks we begin a regimen of monthly sandostatin hormonal injections that was not available even a year ago. This new therapy has reduced the incidence of neuroendocrine cancer recurring by 70%! For the near future she will have 90 day CAT scans to catch anything suspicious at the earliest possible stage. Apparently as adults we don't really need a spleen and the small portion of her liver removed has already regenerated. Final medical note - Dr Staley assured her today the permanent titanium staples used to seal/suture her pancreas will not set off alarms at aiport security. She continues to gain strength each day and plans to make the baby showers for Jaime scheduled in Texas the first week of October. " My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most glady I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Simple Pleasures

It's a beautiful day out, Deb just took her first walk outside and is gaining strength each day. The girls were in from Texas this weekend and we may have set the recovery back a little laughing at old home videos late into the evening. Received an encouraging call from Dr. Szabo. With certain types of neuroendocrine cancers monthly hormonal treatment can greatly reduce the incidence of recurrence and some surgeons also suggest precautionary chemo even when all the cancer has been surgically removed. He'll have more information and recommendations for us next week. Thanks so much for helping us keep the faith!

Home!

Deb's home and has started the recovery process - one day at a time. We meet with both Doctors on the 14th to discuss next steps. Pray for my marginal caregiver skills to improve. "Count our blessings , name them one by one." Johnathan Oatman, 1897

This Is Deb Again - Going Home Tomorrow!

It's been a very good day. I have a lot more energy today, have been able to shower and eat regular meals for breakfast & lunch. Dr. Staley stopped by and has cleared me to go home in the morning. My girls will be in visiting from Texas this weekend and I'm excited to get some quality time with them. Once again I'm thankful for God's blessings and all my wonderful family and friends prayers & support.

Praise Him

Dr. Staley just stopped by the room with the official pathology report in hand- NEUROENDOCRINE! I can't describe the emotional impact one word can have. All the cancer was removed from the pancreas, liver and one lymph node, and this type of cancer usually does not require chemotherapy, but regular checks for recurrence. We'll know more about follow up when we meet with Dr Szabo next week. Some perspective: Of 1000 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, surgery is not an option for 900. Of the 100 surgical candidates, 85 will have an adenocarcinoma tumor. Less than 10% of these patients will live 5 years. The remaining 15 could have other types of tumors, including neuroendocrine. Less than 1% of the 1000 patients will have the rare combination of type, location & stage that Deb has and we absolutely believe He has a purpose for this blessing. " He has called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose."As one of our favorite songs says " He's not finished with her yet." The other great news is minutes after Dr Staley shared the good news with us Deb's digestive system kicked back in, paving the way to start easing her to solid food for the first time in 8 days. She is physically weak from a tough week but spiritually strong, and once we make sure she can process food we can get her home for recovery. Deb says " Your prayers have helped us in ways that can't be measured and God's amazing grace and unfailing love have comforted us during this difficult time."

A Big Day

Just a quick update because many of you have called. Pathology reports are due this afternoon and all indicators still point to neuroendocrine - which is treatable - keep the faith! Deb's digestive system has been slow to come back around on it's own after such invasive surgery so they may take some steps today to simulate activity. She had her best nights sleep since the surgery on the oral medication - I'll post more when we know.