First off, thank you EVERYONE for your thoughts and prayers as we begin this next stage of the journey. Your support and prayers have been so encouraging to us and have kept our faith and positive attitudes strong.

Yesterday at 3:30 we met with Dr. Johnston at Lancaster GI to discuss the results of the biopsy and the ‘course of action’ from this point forward. We learned some positive things, and some uncertain news as well.

The first thing that was confirmed was that this is definitely a malignant (cancerous) tumor in Kevin’s esophagus. The tumor is about 3 cm which is between a medium-large size for a tumor. We were not at all surprised by this news, and now that we know, we can finally begin to move forward.

The second piece of news we are waiting upon is classifying the type of cancer this is which will help determine treatment and length of treatment. Esophagael cancer is normally 1 classification, but in Kevin’s case, it is a very rare type of cancer this is still unknown to local pathologists. The biopsy sample was sent to John Hopkins to be further evaluated to find out what type of cancer this is. This is something we are praying for: that they can quickly determine the type of cancer and that we there are adequate doctors and treatments for this type.

The course of treatment at this point looks to be first surgery. We are meeting with a cardio-tharacic surgeon, Dr. Cope, next Thursday the 31st to get evaluated for the surgery and *hopefully* to schedule it. The surgery is difficult, but thankfully Kevin is young, and up until this point was very healthy and fit. Both of these factors makes him an excellent candidate for a very strong recovery. Most people dealing with this type of surgery/cancer are in their 60’s/70’s and 80’s. Kevin being just 36 makes him a great candidate for a great recovery. This is a blessing.

The only way the surgery would not be available is if the PET scan that is being done today, or the endo-ultrasound that is being done tomorrow, would show that cancer is anywhere other than the mass in the esophagus. If cancer is present outside of the tumor in the esphogus, the course of treatment would change to chemotherapy and radiation of the area. As a precaution, we are scheduled to meet with the oncologist on August 5th to discuss chemotherapy/radiation and to answer our questions about what this will do for our chances of having children. Please note that is chemotherapy/radiation is needed, we are willing and want to have any treatment the Dr’s deem necessary without hesitation despite what it will do our chances of having children. Our first and foremost concern is getting Kevin better!

We got a lot of answers to the questions and concerns that we had about the future treatments and evaluations. If Kevin does get the surgery, which at this point is expected, he will spend 2 weeks in the hospital and 2-3 months in recovery. Beyond that, the Dr. told that us he shouldn’t expect to be back to “normal” for at least a year after the surgery. The surgery would involve removing half of his esophagus as well as half his stomach. This is a very difficult surgery, and Dr. Cope, the surgeon, will refer us to a specialist if he does not feel he can get the best results.

It was very encouraging to find out the results, even though now we have a whole new set of questions that need answers. Our faith is strong and both of us have very positive attitudes. Pray especially for Kevin, that he can have alleviated pain as he has not been able to eat more than pudding/ensure in the past few days. He has also been drastically losing weight, and over the course of less than a month has lots 20 pounds. Pray for pain relief and weight gain to sustain him through this.

At this point, we are proceeding with the BBQ fundraiser on August 23rd at lunchtime at New Danville Mennonite Church. We want to thank everyone there for their support. I am still waiting for the confirmation from Charlie’s Chicken BBQ, but that should not be an issue. Ticket prices to be announced. Anyone who cannot attend and would like to donate, can do so

We will be having a separate 50/50 raffle.  If you would like to purchases these tickets please contact me-they will be $1. Leave a comment on here with your contact information if you would like to purchase any of the above or make a donation.

We are also working on donations for drinks/chips for the BBQ meals, so please pray this is successful. I need lots of people to sell tickets, so please leave a comment if you can help!

We thank you all for your prayers and support.