Good Morning

Good Morning to everyone.

I think I can actually see the computer screen this morning. My fingers will just have to wake up a little!

Yesterdays positive - We met another physician that we have a lot of confidence. That is really important to us. He was very concerned with doing what is best for Mark. The long and short of all this is that Mark is in need of a major heart surgery in addition to his needs for the cancer. Unfortunately, this is not something that physicians are faced with just a whole lot and certainly is not something that is prevalent enough to research. You might guess that that means, there are no definite decisions in place about what the right or best decision is for Mark's plan of care.

If we only had our crystal balls, we would look in there for some guidance. If we only knew which "problem" to take care of first. Heck, if they only knew for certain which medical risk was more pressing. So the steps to making a decision include weighing the risks, rolling the dice, playing the cards, and all those other things you do when you take chances.
Well. That's great if you are a gambler. Some of you know, I am not. Mark and I both are very much convinced that there is only one option. We take everything we have, our heart and soul, and lay it on the table for the dealer. God is going to have to give these physicians the inspiration. They cannot work miracles alone. We cannot expect them to give us answers to all of our questions. They just don't have them. When I suggest that they didn't say what we wanted to hear, it's because, in this case, they don't have the "authority" to do that. Only God does. And he is expecting us to take that leap of faith.

Sooooo, What next? Dr. Kourlis spent a great deal of time laying out every potential scenario for us. He discussed every possibility and answered every question we had. He defined every risk and then it was if he turned on his risk calculator in his head and gave us the "this is what I think you should do."

1. Proceed with Chemo and radiation as scheduled.
2. Have the colon surgery following a rest period after chemo and radiation.
3. Follow the colon surgery with 6 months of chemotherapy, and then do the heart surgery.
4. Have regular CT scans to monitor the status of the heart.

Everything is subject to change at any point. Of course, an emergency situation with his heart would put a hold on everything else. Also, the CT's will be used to monitor changes in his heart. If there are changes, The plan will again change. And lastly, Dr Kourlis highly recommended we speak to another physician regarding Mark's plan of care. He repeatedly encouraged us to see another surgeon, possibly Dr. Cooley that place Marks artificial heart valve many years ago. He was very interested for us to let him know if we received any different perspectives to consider.

Keep the prayers coming. It's the only way. I know he hears and is supporting us through all of you.
Love to all, Missy