Thanks, everyone. We met with the surgeon yesterday, but we still really don't know any more than we did before we went. It was more of a consultation visit than anything. Our family physician called before we went to the appointment with the surgeon and said that the CT scan did not show anything significant, and the surgeon reaffirmed that, saying that looked good. He wants Tim to have an ultrasound of the area to determine how deep it is. If it isn't too deep the next likely thing to happen would be radiation. Radiation could help to shrink the tumor, and possibly even make it shrink completely. The area would also be tattooed in the even that the tumor was completely shrunken so that the area could be biopsied to determine if there are any cancer cells left. If after radiation, some of the tumor still remains, then he would have to have surgery.

They told us the ultrasound wouldn't be able to be done for two more weeks, but the surgeon said that is unacceptable and he would see himself if it could be done any sooner. In the meantime, Tim was going to call our family physician to see if he could go anywhere else to have the procedure done. Nothing can move forward until this ultrasound is done.

The next meeting is on Monday, with the oncologist, for another consultation type visit. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for keeping Tim in your prayers.

Pam, I am SO sorry I missed this post. I feel just terrible about Tim, and that this is happening now after all you've been through. I will be praying for his recovery. And I hope they can get him in sooner for his ultrasound! Please continue to keep us updated. ((((HUGS))))

Since I posted this morning, Tim ended up being able to get in for an ultrasound tomorrow morning. So, we are very happy about that. I think it's great that things are moving fast. The hardest part is waiting and the unexpected. Once we know exactly what's going on, I think we can deal with things a little better.

Oh, that's wonderful news, Pam!!!! You will be in my prayers, especially tomorrow morning. Keep us updated on what you find out.

I'm thrilled things are moving along quickly. I'm sure the waiting and not knowing is hard. We'll keep praying.

Let us know if you need anything.

I'll Keep Praying

Pam, thinking of you and Tim during this time...please let us know how he is doing.

We are already back from his procedure. It didn't take long at all. The dr. did tell us that the tumor did go outside the bowel a little bit and into the lymph node, so not the best news, but not the worst news either. He said they will do radiation and chemo, and then surgery if needed, depending how much the tumor shrinks. He sees the oncologist on Monday, then the team of doctors get together and make a plan. I can't believe it has been less than a week since we found out and things have moved as quickly as they have.

I appreciate all of your support so very much. And Rhonda, you are an inspiration whether you realize it or not. Knowing what you have been through yourself and knowing that you are an 11 year cancer survivor, that gives me more hope than you know. You are a wonderful lady.

Try to stay positive and we'll keep praying. I'll put Tim's name up in prayer tomorrow when we're at church and ask the prayer circle to add him to their daily prayers.

Let me know if you need anything.

I'm so glad that things are moving right along. I hate the waiting game. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.(((hugs)))

That is great that things are moving along quickly. The sooner the treatment begins the better. I will continue to pray for Tim.

Pam, how did the appt. with the oncologist go?

We found out yesterday that he will have to undergo 6 weeks of both chemo and radiation, M-F, probably starting next week. The oncologist says that he is likely eligible for a research study where they give half the patiets the traditional method of chemo, and the other half a newer chemo drug that is in pill form. He says he would only agree to participate if that meant treatment wouldn't be held up. We both just want to get going on this, but I'll support whatever he decides. After chemo, they'll take another look at the tumor and then decide what to do as far as surgery goes. After surgery, possibly more chemo, depending on how things go.

Thank you so much for the update, Pam. You and Tim have been in my prayers every day, and will continue to be. {{{Pam}}}

Love,
Savannah

Thanks for the update Pam. Your family continues to be in our prayers.

I'm SO sorry I'm only catching up with this post now, Pam, but please know both you and Tim are in my thoughts and prayers. Glad things are moving quickly. Just wanted to let you know surgery isn't a bad thing in itself. I had my colon removed 20 years ago and although it's a life-changing operation in itself, it doesn't make any difference to the quality of life.

Please God, the cancer treatment won't have too adverse an effect. I'll light a candle for you both at church on Saturday evening.

We're all with you, Pam.

I will continue to pray for Tim as well. I'm so glad that things are moving along quickly as well. {{HUGS}}.

I'm very sorry to learn this. you and your husband will be in my thoughts

Yes, I think it is a good thing to participate in the study. It may help patients in the future because they may not have to have the port inserted. It sounds like it would be so much easier to be able to take the chemo in capsule form. I hadn't realized the port is something that sometimes stays in place. The kids preschool teacher went through colon cancer and had a port inserted for chemo a couple years ago, and she called Tim yesterday and said that she still has the port.

It looks like he'll start radiation next Thursday, with a trial run on Wednesday. It's delayed a bit because of getting going with the study.

He is also supposed to participate in another study that deals with fatigue associated with chemo and what works and what doesn't. It makes him feel good to be able to participate.

Pam I've been following this but only just posting. I'm glad you have good Doctors wanting to jump right in and help.
I have a cousin who is on some experimental drugs. Its certainly done some good for him. He has had good luck with what he is taking.
He came to Houston (MD Anderson) to get the ok to be in the study and they accepted him.
I'm keeping this in prayer. We are all walking beside you in this!

Thank you, Gin.