We thought Tim would have his surgery and be done. We thought he would be coming to Duke this week to get stitches out and for a routine follow up.
The call came late last week that this occurrence of melanoma was more serious than we thought. The pathology report on the removed tissue showed quite a bit of melanoma cells. Over the phone, chemo and radiation were mentioned. Today we meet with the surgeon, the medical oncologist and the radiation oncologist.
In our own research, the chemo drug suggested has lots of side effects with a less than stellar success rates. We haven't seen anything that has shown radiation to be effective for melanoma. We will see what the Drs. have to say this morning.
We are continuing to research alternative approaches. There are many out there that appear to have better sucess rates without the serious side effects.There are many decisions ahead of us.
We have been blessed by the support we have received, in many forms, from our friends, family, church, and co-workers. This is a scary road to walk down. Your love and support has made it easier and taken some of the stress from us during this time.
Thank you.
Oh Stephanie! I am sooooo sorry to hear this news. Please know Paul and I are thinking about you guys and hoping you find peace and wellness at the end of this difficult path!!
ReplyDeleteOh NO! You and Tim and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteSteph, have been keeping up with you through facebook. I am so sorry you guys are going through this. Will be praying and thinking of you.
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