Here We Go Again

We're on the count down. Nate and I said goodbye to our kids on Saturday night, and left early Sunday morning for Boston. We arrived in Worcester on Sunday afternoon and checked into the Hope Lodge. Yesterday was a busy day full of pre-op appointments. We met with all three surgeons on the surgical team, anesthesiology, had a two hour pre-op consult, chest x ray, and a visit to the pharmacy. We started at 8 a.m. and finished at 4:20. I guess it's good practice for all the sitting and waiting we'll be doing over the next month or so. We were very happy with the two surgeons Dr. Lambert asked to be on her team, and are so grateful that she would consider asking specialists to assist her on the surgery. We know we're in very good hands. One of the Dr.'s is a liver transplant surgeon, and the other is a colo-rectal surgeon. 

Boston, MA LDS Temple

We had a great day today! After a good night's sleep, we traveled about an hour to the Boston, MA LDS Temple, where we spent a couple of hours before we headed to the airport to pick up Nate's mom and my sister. They'll be here until Saturday night and are staying here at the Hope Lodge with us. I'm so grateful to have them here with us. I'm glad to have their company as we sit and wait during the surgery. 

Nate has to check into the hospital at 7:15 tomorrow morning. Dr. Lambert has him scheduled for the entire day in the O.R. We knew this was going to be another long procedure, but we weren't expecting another 14 hour day. Dr. Lambert said this procedure will be very much the same as the June 2012 surgery. The team will start in the upper abdomen at the liver. There's a large tumor up behind the liver that may require a resection of the liver to remove. This is where the liver transplant surgeon will help out. Dr. Lambert will then move down through the abdomen until she reaches the lower pelvis. At that point, the colo-rectal surgeon will come in to assist to remove a large tumor by the colon. If Dr. Lambert feels that Nate can handle it, and if she can get all visible tumor out, she will administer the HIPEC again. She seemed more hopeful that this was a possibility than the last time we spoke with her. Nate left the appointments feeling more at ease, and I left feeling more anxious. Go figure. We balance each other out so nicely. 

Always ready with a smile!

Nate is doing really well. He's cheerful, energetic, and always optimistic. I admire him in so many ways and I recognize the blessing he is in my life. I know that he would do anything for me and our kids, and this surgery is just one more evidence of that. I'm grateful that he's willing to receive more treatment in order to extend his time with us. I love him more than ever, and I pray that he will receive a complete healing. Tomorrow is another big day in this more than 2 1/2 year long journey, and we're hoping that this one will do the trick. Thanks again for all of your thoughts, prayers, and combined faith on his behalf. We're so grateful for the support we feel and hope you all know of our gratitude. 

Wish us luck!!!