Chemo #7 complete.

Well, It seems we have recovered a little energy after a somewhat stressful week. We made it to Dallas midweek prior to the FLOOD. Lots of rain down there. Imagine, already a nightmare when there is no weather. Add lots and lots of rain and it is worse than chaos. Lucky for us, our trip to the hospital was uneventful. And following chemo, we got out before the tornadoes came. Praise God.

We got a call early Wednesday from Dr. Lamont to tell us he would be referring Mark to a Gastroenterologist specializing in endoscopic ultrasound. Dr. Lamont plans for him to do a scope and give him more information about the characteristics of the largest liver tumor. Following that, Dr. Lamont t (surgeon) spoke with Dr. McCollum (oncologist). They devised a plan which includes doing more diagnostic testing of the tumor. During this time, the plan is for Mark to have 2 more rounds of chemo followed by a scan at the end of September. They would like to see the largest tumor shrink, thus making the surgery less complicated.

Mark has an appointment on Tuesday with Dr. Mallat (gastroenterologist) who is also at Baylor.
He is also scheduled for an EUS procedure (endoscopic ultrasound) that will involve passing a scope internally and using an ultrasound probe to better evaluate how involved the tumor is. A biopsy will possibly be included with this procedure as well. We will know the particulars after we meet with Dr. Mallat on Tuesday.

Each round of chemo is proving to be progressively more difficult to tolerate. Mark is trying really hard to keep positive. Strange as it may seem, he is really hoping for a surgery, so that he can have a break from the chemo! Thanks to everyone for thoughts, prayers and acts of kindness. As always, we are blessed by you. Much love, Missy

P.S. Uncle Danny wants everyone to know that we have all enjoyed a nice, relaxing, lazy day at his house! Thanks for the hospitality.