Some Results

I don't usually do this, writing a blog post live. I normally draft a post in advance by a day or two. Then edit it live and publish it. Not today.

Some of you have been following this blog frequently. Some not. But this is for my regular followers.

We spent Wednesday in clinicals for diagnosing and consulting Rocky's throat cancer. It was a long day, but one of hope and promise. Here are more details.

We listened closely to learn results of earlier tests. We didn't get that information. But then we were not talking directly to our surgeon who ordered the tests. Instead, we spoke with other attending physicians who told us of their intended procedures, protocols and what the likely results will be. We underwent more tests, imaging and such. We talked with speech therapists and pre-op medical techs.

We listened to what was not being said. We watched facial expressions. Body language, too.

We learned that all systems are go for surgery. The date will likely be in the second week of July. We met the people who will do follow up with Rocky in teaching him how to speak with electronic gadgets, and maybe graduate to an easier, more natural form much later. But that will require more surgery.

We also learned teaching support will help Rocky learn to breathe through a neck tube (stoma) and how to keep it clean and healthy. Rocky will be taught how to eat differently once the surgery is healed. In the meantime he will be fed through a temporary feeding tube directly into the stomach. We learned that smell will be mostly absent, and that taste will subsequently be diminished. He will learn how to keep sinuses clear and healthy, too, now that breathing through the nose is not possible.

Tests taken that day have produced results: iron deficiency is enough to require infusions prior to surgery; two infusions, and they have both been arranged at our local hospital; another imaging session showed partially blocked carotid artery which will need attention later, but not before surgery.

All in all, we learned the medical team is confident of going ahead. And that gives us confidence. And hope.

We are feeling good right now and appreciate all the care, thoughts and prayers from all of you.  We are grateful and humbled.

Thank you!

June 21, 2019