Tears of Hope

We had the appointment with the oncologist today. The final diagnosis wasn't a surprise. Every test, every conversation, had been paving the way to the diagnosis of Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer that had metastasized to the liver. It was not a surprise. It was confirmation.


What was a surprise was the doctor telling us that there are three types of pancreatic cancer when I had only read of two. He explained that Matt had a very rare type of pancreatic cancer. He emphasized this several times -- while I wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing. His tone seemed to indicate it could be a good thing. 


He went on to explain that since it was this very rare type of pancreatic cancer, surgery could be an option. He will be presenting the case to the surgeons in the next few days and then getting back with us by Friday. The proposed plan, should the surgeons concur, would be to remove a good portion of the pancreas, the tumors from the liver, the swollen spleen, and reconstruct the portal vein -- giving at least the hope of a cure. I felt tears welling up in my eyes at his words, tears of hope. 


We don't know what Friday will bring. Maybe the surgery will be a go. Maybe the surgeons will say it is not possible after viewing the CAT scan and MRI. What we do know is that God will be there right with us whatever the outcome. Thank you for your continued prayers.