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A Walking Miracle

Today we finally moved out of limbo and have a plan of action! We met with Dr. Contreras again this morning who is a thoracic surgeon at Huntsman. We really like him as a person and as a professional. We've collectively made the decision to move forward with Sid getting the surgery done. If you're curious the procedure is specifically called an Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy. This will happen on June 5th. 

We were told that Sid is likely less than 1 or 2 percent of patients who have started with metastatic disease with response to treatment and now being treated as if it were a localized cancer. Sid responded that he fully attributes this to Divine intervention as a result of the many prayers said on his and our behalf. Dr. Contreras completely agreed. Truly a walking miracle. 


Generally, this surgery entails removing the lower third (more or less) of his esophagus, upper section of the stomach (which will permanently reshape the stomach into a tube shape), and the surrounding lymph nodes and blood vessels. It should go without saying that this is very intensive by nature. It's a month away, but already they have Sid doing things to prepare for it and he'll have even more strict instructions for the two weeks prior to the 5th.

We've been told to expect between 8-12 weeks before Sid will be up to all of his current day to day living. But even that was generous. Bodies need nutrition and hydration and a key section of that in Sid is going to be completely remodeled. He is going to be very tired for a very long time. With that in mind, it may be difficult to always respond when others reach out. The delay or lack of response is not a reflection of how we feel about the incredible love being extended our way; it is just a result of us trying to tread water. 

The most critical time will be the 2 weeks immediately after surgery. He will probably spend that entire time in the hospital. There are many benchmarks that he needs to reach to show that his body is healing properly. Only after he reaches those specific criteria will he be allowed to start eating and drinking orally again. And even then it will be slow, incremental adjustments to regain normal food and not just liquids. 

We fully expect this to be the hardest part of our journey thus far. However, we've managed to make it through some pretty tough stuff already and we know that with faith and support from friends and family we can do it again. 

"There is peace in Christ
When we learn of Him
Feel the love He felt for us 
When He bore our sins
Listen to His words
Let them come alive
If we know Him as He is
There is peace in Christ 

He gives us hope
When hope is gone
He gives us strength
When we can't go on
He gives us shelter
In the storms of life
When there's no peace on Earth 
There is peace in Christ"

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