Recovery, Dr. Visits, etc.

John has been doing nicely recovering here at home. This surgery has been easier than the one in Sept. 08 and we are really thankful for that. Still, it is not an easy process but he is a real trooper.

Yesterday, we saw our local oncologist - something I was dreading as it just seems like they never have good news. This visit went pretty well and we were somewhat encouraged. He is sending us to the Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis for a second opinion. He is not aware of other treatment options but since metastatic colorectal cancer is the IN Dr.'s specialty, he feels we should talk with him.

Dr. Romer (local oncologist) says that he has some patients that have had a recurrence but have remained cancer free after that. He also feels that the cells that grew into the latest tumors were there five years ago, which means it is likely slow growing which is good. With the removal of the tumors, Dr. Romer considers John to be disease free right now and we need to work on fighting a recurrence and that John is still curative. If the IN Dr. does not have a treatment plan, it is likely John will be put on oral Xeloda again.

Your prayers are important, needed and appreciated. Each day brings a new understanding of God, our relationship with Him and a deeper appreciation for one another.

Merry Christmas.