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