December 6, 2018

Today we heard some difficult news. I can't line it with roses, but I will do my best to convey what you all need to hear.

Cherie met with an oncologist today for a consult. There are some things we know now and some things we still don't know. I will share with you what we know and fill you in when we learn more.

Cherie has Stage 4 colon cancer. It is in her lymph nodes as well as outside her lymph nodes. When the surgeon removed the tumor he also removed the lesser omentum, which is the fatty apron of the abdomen, the protective system in the abdomen. The biopsy has shown it had cancer all in it. So now we know it has spread within the abdomen. Right now there is no evidence that it has spread to other organs, but we won't know that until Cherie gets a PET scan. The PET scan has not been scheduled yet. The oncologist is still waiting for the molecular tests to come back and that will tell him a lot more of the specifics he will need for treatment.

The good news is that the surgeon came in today and told Cherie that she may be able to go home tomorrow! She's going to eat some mashed potatoes and hopefully some ice cream and we'll see how her body tolerates it. Her vital signs are good, too, so most likely she will be going home tomorrow.

So what happens now?

First and foremost, the doctors want Cherie to recover and heal from the surgery. She will need a good few weeks, at least, to fully heal. At that point, her oncologist will come up with a plan for aggressive chemotherapy.

The road ahead is an unforeseen one for each of us, but we rest assured that God has a plan. He is the Maker and Creator of all things. He is mighty. Our hope is in Him. Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. May we be mindful of this as we continue to lift up Cherie daily in prayer.

I will send a list of prayer requests and praises, but I wanted to get this post out and give you all the information as soon as possible. The next post will contain those things that are needed.