This is Brandy now giving you all an update of Tom's 2nd surgery. The past 2 1/2 weeks have gone by in a blur with moments of sadness and helplessness to feeling so blessed by the Lord's mercy and love for us!
We went back into same day surgery on Friday to remove the rest of the cancerous cells in Tom's armpit or axilla as the Dr's are calling it. By the way there are a ton of technical names and information being thrown at us so if I do not sound like I know what I am talking about it is probably because I don't! Still doing lots of reading to try to comprehend all that we are being told. In the first surgery they removed a lymph node or nodes about the size of a racquetball, this time they removed about another fist sized amount. He did great in the surgery and recovery and is still cracking jokes in pre and post op. Our surgeon had to come in and check on Tom's drain and was clearly not thrilled that the nurse could not take care of it and Tom joked as he left that he was just mad that he had to come back on his way to his Bingo tournament in his Hawaii five o shirt. This was just after he had really pushed and prodded with his very tender area that had just been sliced open.
The surgeon informed us that he is pretty sure that the other tissue he removed was cancerous as well which means that it is probably not contained in just this area. We will be having a PET/CT scan next Wednesday to determine if it has spread and where, then the oncologist will determine what the treatment plan will be.
On another note we are so completely overwhelmed and humbled at the amount of love and service that is being offered to our family! Everyday there have been tender mercies sent in the form of a call, text, meal, visit, or act of service and so many other things I cant even mention them all. Thank you so much for your prayers, love and positive thoughts! I know the only way we are staying strong and able to bear all of this is through the prayers that are being said on our behalf! We really cannot thank you enough or express how much all of your love means to us! We have been so humbled and feel so loved! Please keep praying for our family, we know that miracles happen and we are hopeful and know that our Father is very aware of us!
Tom (and Brandy). This is Josh Linton. I used to play ball with Tom. It has been a while. Danny Darais sent me your blog. I am saddened to hear about your situation. My wife has been battling Melanoma for 6 years (Stage IV since last January). You can read her story here joshalisa.blogspot.com. We (mostly my wife) have learned a lot about this disease and would be happy to share, discuss, or help in any way we can. We know what you are going through. Your attitude sounds great, that is key to fighting this disease. Good Luck! Prayers and best wishes to your family.
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