Dan had his pre-op appointment yesterday with the anesthesiologist and everything is "go" for his surgery on Friday. Vital signs, lung sounds, labs...all great. The surgeon doesn't even seem too concerned about the cough, which is what we were worried about. So, now we wait.
As the blog title mentions, the fisticuffs (surgery) will begin at dawn-ish to remove the hoodlums (tumors). Hopefully, for good!
Everyone has been asking us: "Are you nervous?"
Dan's response: "Not so much nervous as I just want to get it done. Hopeful. Liking the prospects of being rid of the cancer."
Ashley's response: "Of course. This is huge surgery with lots of risks. I can't be excited about the possibility of a cancer-free Dan until Dan wakes up from surgery and recovers."
Both of us are glad the surgery is happening at Stanford with world-class doctors. Though we acknowledge that surgeons are just people, it is nice to know that Dan's doc has spent years as a fellow at Sloan Kettering and Johns Hopkins.
We are also very thankful for the support of our family and friends and know that it will become even more important during the recovery phase of the surgery. I will certainly be glad to be surrounded by people in the waiting room Friday morning.
For those who are wondering, I will be residing at Stanford with Dan while he's in the hospital. We both feel better being together, even if my bed is a chair for a while. The Sizeloves have graciously opened their home to us so that I can shower and nap here and there. Dan's mom will probably be staying there for a while so that she can be in the area.
Visits will be welcome after the first couple of days as long as you're not sick. Recovery will be pretty rough for a bit, so Dan will need all the rest he can get. Until visits become possible, prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Prayer Requests:
* The complete surgery goes off without a hitch--no complications, no surprise lesions/masses
* Dan only has to stay in the ICU for a day or two
* His digestive system kicks into gear quickly--Dan really likes to eat:)
* Pain is held at bay successfully.
* Recovery occurs much more quickly than the doctors predict
* Cancer is removed completely!
* The wife stays calm and gets some rest and doesn't snap :)
Definitely praying. Sorry you don't know me, but as believers we are family. I received a prayer request forwarded from a friend of Dan's mom. Please know that those who have received this request will lift you up and that our God is a mighty God, able to do exceedingly beyond what we ask or need. Be blessed, He is with you.
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