My Daddy
Jim McDonald or Richard McDonald
(depending on when/where you met him)
Today’s appointment was at 2 p.m. We didn’t find out as much as we’d liked to, but we did find out more.
Main Prayer Requests:
For the Lord to give Daddy strength to QUIT SMOKING!
For an accurate diagnosis of the type of lymphoma.
For protection of Daddy during his surgery this Thursday, July 23, 2009 and for wisdom & discernment for all involved in the surgery, specifically Dr. DeMoville.
For Daddy to make healthy choices to aid in his healing (food, exercise, not smoking, etc.)
When does chemo start?
We don’t know yet. Read below.
Daddy is going to have surgery Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Hospital. He will be staying overnight, maybe two. Alicia is spending the night with him. (Isn’t that sweet!?)
The surgery is to put in the temporary tracheotomy and to debulk the mass in his throat. When the doctor is debulking the mass, he will send some tissue samples to pathology to determine what type of lymphoma Daddy is dealing with and also to be sure there is no squamous cell cancer. The needle biopsy from the lymph node is not adequate to get a complete diagnosis. This is why we don’t know yet. Also, if he finds NO cancer in the mass, then he will take a “slice” from the lymph node while Daddy is still sleeping. So when Daddy gets out of surgery, we should know exactly what we’re dealing with.
After surgery, his throat and tongue will be very sore (not shocking). I believe he said the surgery would be performed through his mouth not his neck.
If you are wondering why Dr. DeMoville is not removing all the mass, it is because it would not change the treatment as long as we are dealing only with lymphoma. If there is squamous cell cancer then I’m pretty sure the mass will need to be removed. That will be a much more intensive surgery which could result in permanent voice loss, etc. It would be handled at Vanderbilt.
Thank you for your continued prayers. They mean so much to all of us. Daddy continues to be full of faith not fear. Feel free to call here at the house or JA or Alicia. My family is here until August 3rd. We will be answering the phone, or the answering machine will get it. Daddy seems to feel great other than swallowing food.
Monday morning my sister, Michelle, read this verse on her daily calendar which so appropriately applies to this season in our lives:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Melinda for Richard & family
1 comment:
Just wanted to stop by and say hi! Hope your trip is going well!!! I am praying for your dad!I love all the new photos they are too cute! Virginia looks about 6 months old in the pictures at the park. She is still changing too! Stop by and say hi! I am still waiting to see pic. on your blog of her in her head band. I bet she is sooo cute! Is Emma wearing hers? It sure isn't the same with out you all at church! Blessings! ;0)
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