December 4: Estelle and I have just returned home from AMC after I had undergone the gastro-endoscopy procedure. Based on my physician’s ‘impressions’ arising from the ultra sound probe of the pancreas and liver, his report, as follows: ‘2.90 x 2.72cm ill-defined mass in the neck/body of the pancreas, with associated involvement of the portal vein and SMV (Superior Mesenteric Vein). There appears to be extrinsic compression of the splenic vein. Preliminary results are suspicious for malignancy vs. chronic pancreatitis. Final results are pending. There does appear to be a suspicious 6.00 mm lesion in the left lobe of the liver, and final cytology is pending’. Recommendations: (a) Await cytology (biopsy) results, presumably by Thursday or Friday; (b) Follow up with a visit to my physician at 1:15 p.m. this Friday, December 17, to learn about medical treatment options, if any.

In recent days, Estelle and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of immense love and empathy of friends and loved ones from around the world. Scores and scores of emails and phone calls have been received expressing support for us and our precious children. Thank you so very much to all we’ve heard from in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and around the United States. Please understand that with our lives turned as upside down as they are at this time, that we are just not in a position to respond to every email. However, the support that is conveyed in your messages are truly uplifting. We feel near to all who who’ve been in touch with us. Just consider yourselves truly loved and hugged, despite the distances that separate us.

Our trust in God remains strong. I have a great sense of peace about my future. My beloved son, Ray, reminded me a few days ago that God always heals. Ray said, 'Dad, we just need to allow God’s sovereign will to determine whether he will heal you on this side of the curtain or the other side’!

Thanks for your ongoing prayers for me, Estelle, and the family. I’ll stay in touch as long as I’m able to. Alf