Thursday, March 6, 2008

Update...

Well we had our meeting with the surgeon and our Dr. this morning. Many of you may remember that I had talked to the surgeon before we went to NY. Unfortunately Diane couldn't make that meeting. I came away from that meeting feeling good about what he said. Today, we both had a chance to sit down and talk to him. I can't speak for Diane but I think she feels more confident that he gives Cody the best chance of getting through this. He seemed to have many of the right answers when asked by Diane. He explained that when he first starts the procedure he will explore many lymph nodes to see if there is any sign of tumors starting in other places. If there are signs that too much cancer is present in other places then he will probably won't proceed. Often times small tumors are present but they don't show up on the scans. It was agreed by all of us involved today that we proceed ASAP with the surgery. Cody will then have to wait about 6 weeks before he can have any other treatments such as chemo, radiation or antibody treatment. We will know in 4 to 5 days whether his liver is going to get through this. Again, the doctor says that Cody's liver is already showing signs of regenerating so he is fairly confident that this will work. He is, if not the best liver surgeon on the east coast, one of the best. Dr. Abu-Ghosh is comfortable with him so that goes a long way with Diane. We both trust Dr. Abu-Ghosh immensely.
So here it is. Cody goes in on Tuesday morning for surgery at Georgetown. He could be intubated for a couple of days after the procedure and have a feeding tube for a couple more days. It is essential that he gets the nutrition needed to help his liver heal.
Do we feel totally confident that this will go without a hitch? Of course not. This is a very complicated and risky surgery. But, we feel that we have the best person performing it and it is absolutely the right choice. Will Cody be cancer free after this? Probably not and he will have to endure more treatments when he is able. The cancer Cody has is one of the absolute worst childhood cancers known to man. We just pray that he gets more time and they find a cure before it possibly comes back. History says it probably will return. But one thing I can say, "this cancer doesn't know who it's messing with." "Our boy is one tough dude!"

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you and Diane feel the best with
this DR.,I'll try to feel that way
also.You can bet I'll be waiting to
hear from you as soon as you are able to let me know anything... I
keep telling my self he is going to come thru with flying colors...
Will you be taking him in the night before? I just wish I knew
what to say besides we'll all be
praying and hoping for the very best.There are many prayers being
made for the whole family.
LOVE AS USUAL,
MOM

Anonymous said...

I love the attitude especially the last line. Fight on.

Kirk

Anonymous said...

You are right, it doesn't know what who it is messing with. Cody is the strongest and most stubborn fighter I know. Praying for ya'll.

Susan and Jonathan

Kentucky USATF said...

All this sounds pretty encouraging. Building on your last lines I've heard the following expression:

"God has no idea how big our problems are." When the truth is really that "Our problems have no idea how big our God is."

Enjoy the time together until Tuesday.


Dottie

Monica Cassier said...

I love what Dottie said - wonderful. And keep fighting... KEEP STRONG!!! And keep the faith.

monica

Anonymous said...

Pray is a powerful thing. I update everyone I know and there isnt a day that goes by that all of you are not thought of. Keeping you all in prayer.
Love ya


Mc

elizabethnyc said...

What they said... :-)

Cody is a spunky little boy - I can tell by the sparkle in his eyes in the pix - and sounds like you have a plan of attack, and trusted docs on your side. All positives for sure!

We'll keep the prayers coming, and you all have a great weekend together before the next stage begins.

Hugs to all,
ElizabethNYC

Anonymous said...

Strength and Prayers to everyone! God is already showing his glory by placing you with the best Drs. He will continue to get you throught this.
God Bless
BGrunner

Anonymous said...

Prayers for Cody at this time! May God watch over him. Be strong!

Karen

Anonymous said...

Your strength and love for Cody is overflowing to everyone that reads this blog. That strength and love keeps the two of you getting up everyday. We are all learning from Cody just how strong we can be when the situation presents itself. Cody will come out on the other end of this surgery with a liver that's ready to regenerate itself into a very health one.

Mickey and Diane, please give each other a hug for me.

Hugs to Cody, Pat (ACCA-NCC)

Anonymous said...

You have a wonderful outlook on all of this! And you are right about Cody! He sure is a fighter. I love how children do not have a defeatist attitude, don't you?

Here are a couple of Bible verses that I thought would encourage your heart!

Jer 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Jer 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

I continue to lift you and your family in prayer and especially on Tuesday!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to send our family's continued good thoughts and prayers for Cody. This doctor sounds excellent, and we'll continue thinking "Never Give Up," through this next chapter in Cody's treatment.

Kazz

Anonymous said...

This little pirate will be victorious !! I'm so glad the doctor was patient and detailed in explaining everything to you. Your strength as a family gives extra strength to Cody. You are all amazing!! Positive thoughts and prayers continue. G2G

Anonymous said...

We are all praying for you Cody. There is no outcome but victory. God Bless You.

Mysol
Greg

Anonymous said...

Keep that fighting spirit!
There is one thing in life over which we have complete control: our attitudes. A positive outlook is a powerful tool that can help us overcome many challenges.

Stay strong.

Wolfman

Anonymous said...

I am putting Cody on our prayer list here in Van, TX at Pruitt Baptist Church.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7