So, about 2 weeks ago, Dan's oncologist called and said that she presented his case to the Stanford Tumor Board (surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, etc). Rather than wanting to do Cyberknife, the Board felt that now is a "window of opportunity" to remove all of the cancer.
That is good news in that there is a possibility of a cure! However, "removing" means surgery.
Dan and I just met with the surgical oncologist and the plans have been made for Dan to have a Whipple procedure on January 8th. Basically, that involves removing the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, some of the stomach and some of the intestine then reattaching passageways for enzymes, bile and food. Along with the Whipple, the surgeon also wants to resect the cancer on his liver. Some of the tumors will be removed in this surgery and the rest will be removed 6 weeks later in a separate surgery.
This surgery carries with it many risks and is accompanied by complications in 50% of patients. Fortunately, Dan is young, healthy and resilient--a combination that usually makes recovery a bit easier. Dan will be in the hospital for around 10 days and then will need to lay low for a while.
At this point, we are trying to enjoy our time with family and friends. It's a blessing to be able to spend the holidays with everyone.
Please be in prayer that this surgery is the right thing to do and that it will be successful.
There are several scenarios in which the surgery would be cancelled: tumors "hiding" from the CT scans, more severe disease in the liver, etc. Pray against these complications.
Pray that the recovery period is free of complications and fairly quick.
Pray that Dan would be able to finish his teaching credential by next year and that I would be able to graduate on time.
Finally, pray that God brings us peace in this situation.
Pray for wisdom as we decide when to return to Southern California.
I will be updating this blog often during and after the surgery.
Stay tuned.
Staying tuned. May God be with you, guiding you in wisdom and peace. And may he be gracious in both providing healing and allowing you to continue living relatively uninterrupted lives in the process.
ReplyDeleteMarla
My comment is this: Let's take them buggers out and squash them!
ReplyDeleteDan,
ReplyDeleteYou can do this and you will do this. We never face an opponent without planning and preparing for the game. You of all people know the mind set it takes to overcome fear and replace it with courage and confidence. You were and still are the best center Elliot Football has ever had because you never quit, you never complained (well except for that one dude from Calvary that the whole team couldn't seem to block)and you always believed you could get the job done. Now if you could do all that and your just Dan Howen, what do you think our God can do? Now is the time to let Him carry the ball. Now is the time to remember what He has already done.
Our family is praying for you and Ashley.