Our journey over the last almost 10 months has included many highs and lows. Today we were able to celebrate some good test results. As we left Cancer Care today Rob made a comment to me about how good it feels to leave smiling and I wholeheartedly agree!
Rob had a follow up with the Radiation Oncologist Dr. Butler today to get the results of the CT Scan that was done on January 16th. We had assumed if the scan showed something bad they would have called us in sooner but there are still thoughts and worries that creep in. As we have said before the waiting and not knowing is often the worst part. We went there today not anticipating bad news but until we heard the words that the scan was clear we were a little anxious. As I reflected afterwards on how I felt this morning before we went I had a sense of peace and was able to sleep well last night but we have been told bad news before when we didn't expect it so our human nature kicks in and we worry. We got called in and at first we met with the nurse and shared some concerns. He told us Dr. Butler had a resident today and he would see us first. I figured we wouldn't hear the test results until Dr. Butler came in but I was pleasantly surprised when the resident came in with a smile and said he was coming to share good news with us. The CT Scan had come back saying the lymph nodes from the September scan (before the second surgery) were gone and there were no new abnormalities! PRAISE THE LORD!!! What a huge answer to prayer! As soon as we heard those words the weight that I didn't even realize I had was lifted off my shoulders. I could have hugged him and danced up and down the hallways but thought maybe I shouldn't! He did the rest of his exam and left us in the room rejoicing and smiling. Dr. Butler came in after that and shared how pleased he is with how Rob is doing but added that he will be monitoring him closely and would do another scan in 3 months. This does not mean that Rob is out of the woods yet but it means that it looks like all the cancer is gone and we pray that God has healed him and it never comes back. We will celebrate this good news and give all the glory to God for His goodness!
Rob also talked to the doctor today about the stiffness in his neck. One of the side effects of radiation and surgery, as we have said before, is muscle stiffness. Over the last week Rob has really noticed his neck stiffening up and has been trying to do his stretches more often. This is going to be a life long issue for Rob. We take for granted how easy it is to hold up our heads and have our shoulders in place but Rob will always have to make a conscious effort to do this. He also talked about the thrush he had over the last month and Dr. Butler feels that it is gone which is great news too!
Last week we met with Dr Hayakawa and he confirmed that debulking is needed for Rob. He explained the surgery to us in more detail so now we have an understanding of what will happen. Basically they open up the flap and take the extra tissue out and then place the skin back down. It is a day surgery and they just sedate Rob. I know Rob does not look forward to this but it will help him talk a little easier and even eat easier when he is all healed. This surgery will be booked last minute and won't be done until later in March, April or May. We had thought that Rob might be able to go back to work sometime in April but that will not be able to happen until after this surgery. So until then we wait for the phone call with the date.
On Wednesday this week we met with the dental specialist and learned more about new teeth for Rob. Unfortunately the news was not what we wanted to hear but it is good to know the reality and move forward with it. We had been hoping Rob would eventually be able to get implants but were told that a jaw bone that has had radiation can not be drilled into. There is too much of a risk of infection or it not healing so they will not even consider it. So option 2 is dentures...not exactly something a 32 year old wants to have but better then no teeth! Unfortunately when Rob's surgery was done they didn't leave the ridge where your teeth sit visible so there is no where for dentures to be placed. So next week we are meeting with an oral surgeon at HSC to discuss options. One thing that will be looked into is if when the debulking surgery is done if they can fix the flap so he can get dentures. This would mean that the surgery is much more extensive and recovery would be longer. At this point we are not really sure what is going to happen but we will take it step by step and see what the oral surgeon has to say. Please pray that we are able to get answers and that the team of specialist are able to figure something out.
A friend sent me this verse today from James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." I can't help but think of Rob as I read this verse. He has been such an example to me and to so many people around him of truly relying on God. I pray everyday that Isaac grows up to be a man like his father.
Thank you for celebrating some good news with us!
Love Karen
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