Thursday, December 6, 2012

December 6:  My gastroenterologist very thoughtfully and kindly called me at home early this morning to share the results of the biopsy that was done on me on Tuesday.  The tumor on the pancreas was found to be malignant.  However, some abnormal lymph nodes that were identified 'in the gastrohepatic ligament' were found to be benign.  In addition, the suspicious 6.00 mm lesion in the left lobe of the liver which was detected during the endoscopy procedure, was also found to be benign.  These indications suggest that although I am definitely a 'borderline case' as far as medically determined treatable options are concerned, those options may now be available to me.  My next appointment with the gastroenterologist is tomorrow, Friday (December 7) at 1.00 p.m.  Amongst other things, the feasibility of treatable options will be discussed.   I want to also pay tribute to my beloved wife, Estelle, who is very intentionally providing me with the most healthful and fibrous diet that one can imagine.  My neighbor John, and I had a wonderful walk around adjacent neighborhoods yesterday while a late Fall outpouring of gorgeous sunshine poured down on us.  My energy level remains good.  My outlook is very positive.  My faith remains stedfast and secure in the Lord.  Please continue to join me and Estelle, and our family in prayer as this journey continues. 

4 comments:

  1. Pastor Birch
    You are ever the optimist I just got finished praying for you as you must still be in your in your Friday appointment or just got out moments ago. I'm sure the news is stressful but again we do serve an believable Heavenly Father and His son, our Savior Jesus thus regardless of the circumstances regarding the potential diagnosis or earthly outlook,the ultimate outlook is exceedingly positive for our future and that is the only thing that matters.

    With great deep love, Anthony, RoDawna Vaughan
    and kids Andrew & Sasha

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  2. So glad you are in the hands of the best Physician there is! You and Estelle are deeply loved by me:)

    Stay strong!
    Julie H

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  3. Alf and Estelle, There are no words to describe my thoughts as I have read your words these days. You are our family, and I am heart sick... I am very selfish and the possibility of life without you at some future date is unthinkable, and yet, I have no doubts about your faith and your trust in God, as well as my own, that He truly knows so much more than we...He truly has all of our best interests at heart, even if we may not understand them. In reading your last note, there is some good news in the benign attributes of your recent biopsies, the liver and lymph. Thank you to God for this bright spot. We just love you both dearly and are praying so hard that God will honor our selfishness and keep you with us a good while longer.... I especially am thinking of you and all you are enduring. I know you have many helpers and counselors to guide you, but should you ever need some reassurance or deciphering, PLEASE do not hesitate to call on me. All our love, Taree, Kim, Kathryn, Rachel

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