Back Home from Iowa City

I am not going to say that I am not scared. I am very scared and I have to remember to trust God and keep being strong.

Today I went to Iowa City Cancer Center to visit with the surgeon who will be doing my surgery. My sister Dyanne took me, my mind isn't on driving right now and it is better for me not to drive that far. We left home at 7:30 a.m., allowing extra time to stop and eat. We decided to eat at Ihop, of course we ate too much but it was good at the time. My appointment was at 12:00 p.m. The doctor, Dr. Howe, came in along with his assistant. He asked me what I had been told so far by the other doctors and then explained to me what he was going to do for me. He left me with no questions because he explained it very well to me. I also had my physical done today, blood work, exam, EKG and visit with the anesthesiologist. We were there for four hours.

What they are going to do is an open surgery. They will have to remove half of my stomach, reroute my intestines and remove the tumor. They will also burn the part of the liver that has a spot on it. They told me all the things that could happen because that is what they have to do. If they find that this is removable once they get in there they will take it out, if not then it will be a different kind of cancer that cannot be removed.

I am having the surgery in Iowa City and they told me I will be there for a week, then sent home to recuperate for 6-8 weeks. After they have tested the tumor they will determine how to treat it.

I am tired tonight, been a very long day. My mind is so full of information and thoughts. I have so much to do before the surgery. I am drained and very tired tonight. Surgery is scheduled for November 17. I will keep you all informed.