UPDATE on Brendon....continued prayers.

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I don't have much time, so this will be short and to the point...

Pathology reports are not back yet. However, the oncologist did tell us that he is 99% sure it is cancer in the stomach lining.

They drained 5.5 liters of fluid off of Brendon's abdomin, and wow, he looked like a new man when he came out of radiology. He said he felt so relaxed. I was glad that he was not in any more pain. This was yesterday. This evening, he says he feels like he is getting "full" again.

We will be getting on a plane tomorrow at 1:40 to head to Pittsburgh. Yes, he is still going to be having surgery...but it's a different surgery than originally planned. (Not MIE)I don't have all the details yet...they are going to try to remove the tumor, scrape his stomach and get all the cancer and then shoot his stomach with heated chemo.

Without this surgery, the oncologist said Brendon had 1.5 years at best.

I prayed for a miracle. And then Dr. Luketich's team called our oncologist and said....get him on a plane!!!! Because Brendon is young and strong, he is a candidate for this different surgery. Our oncologist said that its an extremely tough surgery and extensive...so I am very thankful that God is putting us in the hands of Dr. Luketich this Friday. It is the miracle I prayed for because typically surgery won't be done if the cancer has spread.

It's going to be a long journey for us but I believe in the power of prayers. So I want to thank each and every one of you for the prayers, thoughts and kindness you have shown us over the past few months. I wish I could Thank You all in person....Hugs to each and every one of you.

Now it's time to get a good night's rest for the journey of a lifetime.

God Bless,
Susie

Comments

  • Gatoraid
    Gatoraid Member Posts: 66
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    I wish you the best
    It sounds like you both have a tough road ahead with the surgery and recovery. I've heard nothing but good things about your surgeon so you are in the best hands. Hopefully a month from now Brendon will well on his way to full recovery.
  • GerryS
    GerryS Member Posts: 227 Member
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    you have......
    our continued support and prayers. This is a hurdle but you are strong and positive and that will help carry you. Remember the prayer, "Footprints"

    Gerry
  • flmo
    flmo Member Posts: 65
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    Susie,
    So glad to hear that

    Susie,

    So glad to hear that Dr. Luketich will be operating on Brendon. He is the best! I'll be praying for you both and I'll be looking for you in Pittsburgh.

    Maureen
  • ArchTB
    ArchTB Member Posts: 150
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    Thinking of you
    Susie, good luck! You and Brendon are in our thoughts. Sounds like it is going to be a rough ride, but you have your strength and the best doctors on your side.
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
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    More prayers coming your way
    Susie,

    I am sad to hear the abdominal fluid may be cancer related but happy to hear that Brendon is still going to be able to have surgery. You are certainly going to the right place to get the best possible care.

    I will be praying for a good trip and good news after the surgery.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
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    Prayers for safe journey and successful treatment
    I am so sorry to hear the pathology report wasn't what was wanted. However, how wonderful it is that Brendon is getting to have surgery. Sounds like you will be there awhile. Even without the complications Brendon is facing, the esophagectomy, in any form, can be challenging. With the challenging recovery, it is easy to forget that you are healing. Actually, it is exciting to learn that there is a surgery possibility. Wow! Everyone is praying for the best possible results. I know your hands will be full, but when you have a chance, try to post and let us know how you both are doing. Sometimes as you recover from surgery, you have questions about medications, is what he's experiencing to be expected, etc., ask your questions--no question is wrong--and I know someone will try to be of help. God Bless You Susie and Brendon.
  • mrsbotch
    mrsbotch Member Posts: 349
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    Good Luck
    Susie

    I am so glad that Dr. Luketich will still be able to do surgury. That is wonderful. Please keep us updated as we are all praying for you guys


    Love

    barbara
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
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    mrsbotch said:

    Good Luck
    Susie

    I am so glad that Dr. Luketich will still be able to do surgury. That is wonderful. Please keep us updated as we are all praying for you guys


    Love

    barbara

    this is so great!!
    Susie,
    So glad he is in good hands and they are giving him the best chance possible. I will be praying for both of you. Just saw the heated chemo treatment on TV a couple of days ago and so happy Brendon is going to get it plus surgery when maybe a lot of other drs would have passed on it. Tell him to stay strong, he sure has one heck of a caregiver and so many people rooting for him. Good luck!!! take care,
    Donna70
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
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    Wow, This surgery is new to
    Wow, This surgery is new to me, but I thank the Lord for your good doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with you both as you start this next part of the journey. I pray for the surgeon , For God to surround him and guide him.
    Hugs and prayers, Sandra
  • JimboC
    JimboC Member Posts: 264
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    Susie, I can't tell you how
    Susie, I can't tell you how happy I am to read this. I am sad to read that it sounds like Brendon's cancer has spread. At the same time though, I am so so so happy to read that Brendon is still able to have surgery. I've mentioned before that I've felt a connection to you guys since we were close in age and diagnoses so I've been so worried the past few days. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Brendon as he goes into surgery and begins his recovery. I couldn't agree more on the Miracle.

    Brendon couldn't be in better hands. The MIE is what we all want but I've told my wife several times that if it turns out that I do require the open procedure, Dr. Luketich is who I would want to perform it. He seems to be a gifted man that will fight for his patients so hard.
  • hopper52
    hopper52 Member Posts: 108
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    PRAYING FOR YA'LL
    Susie,

    I happy that things may be looking up. I am continuing to pray for you both. I, for one believe in miracles and I pray that this is one God has in store for you both. Hang in there and God bless you

    Michael
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
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    Prayers are with you both
    Dear Susie and Brendon,

    Jim and my prayers are with you continually as you face these battles. I am so sorry that the cancer is in the lining of the stomach. I just know that you are both in God's hands and that Dr. Luketich is where you need to be. Our prayers will continue and we look forward to hearing how Brendon is doing when you are able. Please take care of you too Susie. This is a difficult journey as you so know and you have to stay strong. Our love to you both.

    Linda and Jim
  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
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    prayers for you both
    Susie--just saw your post---you & Brendon will continue to be in my prayers...Kim
  • rose20
    rose20 Member Posts: 258
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    Susie...
    Hoping this is the miracle you prayed for!!
  • cher76
    cher76 Member Posts: 292
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    You both are in our thoughts
    You both are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope all goes well.
    Cheryl
  • fredswilma
    fredswilma Member Posts: 185
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    Hi Susie
    Thinking of you and

    Hi Susie
    Thinking of you and Brendon, praying for a positive outcome, stay strong.
    Ann
  • dwhite0002
    dwhite0002 Member Posts: 126
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    May God bless you and keep
    May God bless you and keep you. I look forward to hearing of Brendon's recovery.