Dear Friends and Family,

It hard to follow my last post with such encouragement.  Kevin came out of surgery last night a bit before 3 am.  We got a call around 1am informing us they had only just drained the lungs, and were then entering the “meat” of the surgery in doing the esophagectomy.  Kevin came out and did GREAT.  However, the surgery did not go as originally planned.  Although they were able to put in a feeding tube, remove the heart catheter for drainage, drain his lungs, and do the esophagectomy, they were unable to remove the tumor.  It was with great disappointment, that the Dr informed us the tumor is almost growing outside the area, and is possibly connecting to the liver.  Being that his surgeon deals mostly with esophagus issues, he did not feel comfortable removing the tumor for fear Kevin would not do well afterwards.

The risks now are high, I will not sugar coat.  However, today is encouraging.  Kevin is out of sedation, and they are slowly weaning him off of his ventilator.  They hope to have him off of it by tomorrow.  If not, they will have to consider doing a traecheotomy and using the ventilator that way.  We want to avoid this, and so far Kevin is adjusting well to being less sedated and being weened off.  We are just having difficulties in communication as Kevin does not have the strength to write, and we cannot read his lips with the tube in his throat.  It is frustrating to say the least.

They did biopsy the tumor while they were in surgery, and are now evaluating what the tumor may be.  Although, they are still leaning towards GIST, nothing is confirmed.  Just more questions, and less answers.

Kevin’s mom and I are now here alone, but my family was able to be with us throughout the surgery and into this morning for support.  It was very encouraging.  They will all be down again to visit tomorrow.  We ask that no one except family visit for the time being.  Kevin is easily aggitated in this state.

We are very uncertain of what lies ahead.  The next week will most likely be filled with complications, but are optimistic of God’s love and direction.  The only answers we have, are that he survived the surgery, and is so far, doing well!  And to us, that is the most important.  We trust God’s hands to guide the Dr’s and pathologists to finally diagnose this mystery tumor.  We pray for there to be a CURE.  We are asking for a CURE.  We know we have an extremely rough road ahead, but we are faithful.  I prayed with Kevin this morning, and although he is frustrated, we are staying positive and faithful together.

Here are our prayer requests that we lie before you Lord:

Healing and a Cure for Kevin

Understanding and strength for us and family and loved ones

Housing that is inexpensive while we’re here

Money to support us so that I can be here with Kevin

Safety in travel as Ken travels down here from Winnipeg with our friend Marty

Guidance for the Dr’s and pathologists as they determine the type of cancer and its treatment

A deep understanding of God’s plan and direction for our lives

We ask this of you Lord..be with us now. car rentals .