Not-so good.

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday, Blake had a diagnostic laparoscopy & colonoscopy. The Oncologist & Surgeon felt this was the next step necessary to figure out what is causing his on-going discomfort.

After only 45 minutes, I was asked to meet the surgeon in the consultation room. The sweet hospital lady said, "this is usually good news." Ya, right. Nice try. I'm sure she was responding to the absolute fear I had on my face.

The surgeon came in & said - well, I have good news & bad news. The good news is that I've found what was probably causing the pain. The bad news is it's colon cancer in the peritoneum (stomach lining.) He also found a section in the colon where scar tissue had been causing the colon to twist upon itself. This is what they believe caused Blake's horrific pain back in May. (For those of you who saw him .... you know what I mean.) I'm guessing this had somewhat resolved itself because the pain was still there but not near as bad as back in May.

This is what has always suspected and Blakes treatment was based on this suspicion. Last fall he had several tumors in his messentary/peritoneum but, NOTHING has shown up on the scans since November! Including a PET just a couple of weeks ago! The surgeon took a picture of a tumor that is about the size of a man’s thumbnail. This should have shown up on a scan!! btw, his CEA is 2 and has decreased every month for the last several (6?) months! Normal is 0-5.

Just after Dr. Kim (Surgeon) and I began talking Dr. Whisenant (Oncologist) returned Dr. Kim's call. Dr. Kim excused himself but came back and told me how frustrated they were. Just how are they going to track this cancer (beast!) Dr. Kim was so kind, gentle & sweet with me. I'm surprised I didn't turn into a a wet noodle on the floor. If this had been a total surprise, I probably would have.... We were so very hopeful that all the cancer was really gone!

For those of you who don't know Dr. Kim or Dr. Whisenant; they are absolutely terrific. I know Blake is in the best hands possible. Dr. Kim said - don't worry about following up with me unless he has trouble with his incisions; your time needs to be spent with Dr. Whisenant. Wow, not many docs want to give up that co-pay!

We see Dr. Whisenant tomorrow afternoon and will update later. I know one thing.... Blake is not afraid of a fight!! He keeps winning the battles so, bring it on!

Any help, encouragement, prayers, vibes, etc. are really appreciated right now.

Thanks everyone. With love,

Kathy

P.S. On a happier note..........

I gave Blake tickets to the Utah/Notre Dame game for his birthday! To be honest, I really didn't have much to do with it.... Notre Dames business department donated the tickets to us. Thank you, Father "what-a-waste!" (I guess this is his nickname because he is "apparently" very handsome!)

And, a big thanks to our dear friend who arranged it all. We are very grateful. It's wonderful to have something to look forward to!