News from Philly

Good News! Prayers are being answered!

#1: Results of blood work for CA19-9 last Thursday came back today. It is now 309.6. It was 572 on April 3rd. It's not 200, but Dr is pleased.

#2: CT Scan from March 23 shows there is no involvement with the main blood supply that runs thru the pancreas near where the tumor is located. This was a huge concern.

The above were the two things that would have made Earl's cancer inoperable. If the number had not dropped and the tumor had spread to involve the blood supply.

Recent scans show there is "something" in the liver. We know that has been there for several years. Former Dr. had run CTs and kept watch on it. Always said it was not anything to be concerned about. Philly radiologist wants to do an MRI, just to make sure it is "nothing".

Overall, Dr. Watson (Philly surgeon) said he was pleased with what he is seeing. Stated that if not for the liver thing, he would have Earl up for surgery asap.

Dr. Watson faxing orders for the MRI. He will be out of his office rest of this week returning next Monday. As soon as they get results of MRI and confirm that situation, he is talking about getting Earl back to Philly for surgery!!

We have appt. with Oncologist in Knoxville on Friday, May 4th @ 3:15 p.m. He is the same doctor who did my year of chemo when I had colon cancer. Will be good to see him again.

MRI is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Friday.

Thank you for all your prayers, emails, cards, blog comments & phone calls. Every contact is just great. Thank you for keeping in touch.

Please continue to remember us as MRI is done, plans progress, and we take up the battle with the insurance company to try to get the out of network surgery done "in-network".

Lillian

Blog note

The first posting below is a compilation of emails, notes, etc. that covers the last month or so. You may have already read most of it thru emails. I have copied and pasted everything to this blog in an effort to let our family and friends know what is going on with us.

Thank you for your prayers and the love that has been shown in so many ways. At this time, every prayer, every word of encouragement, the smiles, even tears shared... all are precious. Everything lets us know we are not alone in this. Thank you!

Note that comments can be left for Earl to read. Just click on the comment link below each posting. You can also email a posting to others by clicking on the email envelope.

We plan to fly to Philadelphia Wed. morning and return Wed evening or Thurs morning. Since we are not flying commercial, we can be somewhat flexible as to when we travel. (We are so grateful that one of Earl's clients is providing transportation by flying us up in his plane. Thank you RD and JE)