First Meetings with Oncologist and Surgeon

On Wednesday, April 23, I had an appointment with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Tualatin. WOW…amazing. My oncologist is top-notch. So friendly and genuinely concerned about my health and comfort. Anna came prepared to take notes, but they actually had a notetaker assigned to be in the room, so we could focus and hear things well. They were incredible and made sure to take the time to answer any questions we had.

At this appointment, we were told that the tumor is between stages 1 and 2; so I am saying 1.5. This is great news. My doctor said that the treatment is very good for this tumor.

On May 1, my oncologist will present my case before the ‘cancer board’. Every Thursday, all the doctors working on my case will meet together to discuss the best course of action for treatment for my cancer. She said this is a great approach, as I not only have her expertise but have the expertise of many more doctors.

I was told that the week of May 5th, I would have a port installed so I can receive IVs and get blood draws more easily. The port will stay in for as long as I am in treatment, I am told.

My oncologist said that she is looking to do chemotherapy first, and at the time, is not sure about radiation. She is hopeful that the tumor will respond well to the treatment.

On April 28, I had a meeting with a surgeon to discuss the option of surgery to remove the tumor. He was fantastic. Again, super friendly and very understanding. He is going to be a great addition to my team. He said he will not be recommending surgery at this point and to lean on my oncologist and the OHSU team’s wisdom. He did confirm the size of the tumor.

He said that surgery is not a good first option because of where it is located. Unfortunately, the tumor can’t just be removed. Surgery would entail cutting the rectum in about the middle and having to reconstruct. It would mean a bag for about 3 months after that, as it is healing. We are praying that I can be in about the 20 to 30 percent of patients where chemo and radiation completely kill the cancer before surgery is needed.

Please pray for us as we move into the next phase of this journey. The Lord is good and we are learning to see his provisions and faithfulness every day.

I would also like to ask for prayer that financial aid will be approved at OHSU and at The Oregon Clinic. Insurance is paying, but as you know, insurance doesn’t pay for everything. We know the Lord will provide in amazing ways.

My family has been so blessed by all your prayers, texts and calls. We know the Lord is in this and his glory will be shown through it all. Galatians 1:5: “All glory to God forever and ever!”

I’ll leave you with the face of joy that Anna insisted she take to commemorate some fun procedures that I had to undergo after this. I will say, this experience has been humble in many ways thus far.