Just a Quick Update

Matthew just finished his fourth chemo on Friday, so now we just have his PT/CT scan and his surgery to think about. I'm really excited for the results of the scan because it will tell us so much about where T's cancer is and how it's reacting to the treatments. I'm also nervous though just because it's cancer and cancer is unpredictable. I think my family feels the same way, but with the way things have been going I am pretty positive that the results will be great. His scan is on Monday the 26th, and it should last about an hour. Dr. Williams (T's Oncologist) said that on Monday after the scan we can go over and see the results of his latest scan next to his first one to see the difference. We haven't even seen the first one because things were really bad in the beginning and we were scared, and nowhere close to emotionally prepared to see it. However, Dr. Williams promised that there will be great progress because he hasn't been on any kind of pain meds in weeks.

His surgery is Friday, December 7th at 7:30AM, and although they're not going to touch his heart, it is being performed by a heart surgeon because they are used to and the most qualified for this kind of procedure. During this operation, they have to make a big cut down his chest and break his sternum to get into the cavity where his pet lives. It's just like open heart surgery and should last about 4-6 hours. It's funny because T asked them if they would preserve his tumor in a jar for him to keep, but they said no. haha How gross would that be? He was totally serious too. It's so like him to ask for that though. He just wants his brother to see it. They told him that they need his tumor to dissect and study, but they might be able to take pictures of it for him when they get it out. I hope they do! That would also be gross, but I think it would be really cool to have. When the operation is over, they will wire his ribcage together and sew him back up. Matthew is really excited to get the tumor out because he can feel it and it hurts him sometimes when he stretches. He's also excited for the gnarly scar and the fact that he'll have wire wrapped in his ribcage. After the surgery he will be in the Phoenix Children's Hospital for 3-4 days, so he'll probably need some company. He will start chemo again the first of the new year. It finally feels like there is a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. There are many things to be thankful for this week. Happy Thanksgiving all! Enjoy your turkeys.

Arizona Turkey: