More Info + The Plan: Surgery Monday

Here’s a little more info behind the reason why last week was so great – we’ve all been researching like crazy and learned that MD Anderson in Houston is a nationally recognized cancer facility and one of the top ranking in the nation in terms melanoma cancer research and treatment. Given this, mom put in an application to see if there was any chance we could get a second opinion on Dad’s case. Barnes has been amazing, but Dad’s case is unique and we want to acquire as much information as possible and explore all treatment options in order to decide on the best plan of option – after all it is cancer we are dealing with here!

Long story short, but Mom got a call last Wednesday saying they had a cancelation the following day (which was huge, since they initially said the first opening would be mid-November) and that if Mom and Dad could make it there, they would see him and give their opinion. SO we scrambled to make arrangements and Mom, Dad and my Aunt NAK flew out first thing Thursday morning. Talk about FATE, prayers and miracles coming to fruition!!!

Similar to the Neurosurgeon and Oncologist at Barnes, MD Anderson suggested a second surgery to remove the remaining tumor, followed by radiation to ensure any cells in the brain are disseminated. Given Dad’s great health and the fact that there are no other visible signs of melanoma within/on his body, surgery is the “ideal” treatment option in the sense that it is the least time consuming and most effective in removing the tumor. However, after we tackle this tumor, Barnes suggests monitoring closely, where MD Anderson does provide PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS – this is huge! Again if there are no signs of cancer after we tackle the brain, Dad could essentially be in “remission” but the preventative treatment, in concept, is supposed to help ward off any evil cancer cells from showing up at a later date!

FOR now though, we are focusing on tackling this brain tumor! Dad is scheduled for a second craniotomy this coming Monday at Barnes. He preferred (and we all agreed) to use the same neurosurgeon who did such an amazing job on his first craniotomy.

I will post updates again surrounding his surgery, but for now thank you God and to all of your prayers – obviously they are working!!!!!! Also, big thanks to my aunt NAK for making the impromptu trip to TX with Mom and Dad last week and to my cousin Lynn for making time to bring them to and from the airport and hospital – so sweet of you.

More than ever – Prayers! Positive Thoughts! Prayers! Positive Thoughts as we approach surgery on Monday.