After Lee's appointment with the EENT & MICRO-VASCULAR surgeons last Thursday, we were advised to wait for the confirmation call for the dates and times of the next surgical procedure. We understand the importance of coordinating all the different services to Lee's advantage; but the waiting is difficult. We find ourselves becoming impatient because we can observe that the cancer is getting larger on his scalp.
This second round of squamous cell carcinoma is almost as large as the first. We do not know if this is another primary tumor or if it is a branch from the one adjacent to it that was removed in June. I suppose we will get that answer when we go to Duke on August 19, for another Moh's procedure to determine the extent of the growth. We received an e-mail this morning confirming that appointment. Lee called to see if there was a surgical date scheduled for the graft surgery and was not able to get a confirmation on that.
We suspect that it will be on Wednesday following the Moh's procedure on Tuesday. We base that judgement on knowing that Wednesday is the date for EENT and Microscopic surgery. We cannot see them allowing the open surgical area to wait long after Tuesday's appointment.
Our plans will be to stay in Durham throughout the hospitalization period. We know that part of the vascular surgeon's protocol is to keep the patient in the hospital for a minimum of five nights. If the graft lives and has good blood supply for that amount of time, it may be a successful graft. We will leave on Monday afternoon, check in for at least a week, and be ready for the early morning Moh's procedure on Tuesday.
We are counting on this procedure to be as successful as the last. He will be having Proton Radiation for at least five weeks following the surgery. This is usually begun on the fourth post-op week. Looks like we will be back in Durham for the most of August and all of September! We are still planning on October at the beach! Wish us luck on that one!
Thanks for being there again, and for all your prayers. Lee is doing very well, otherwise. He is strong and continues to have a strong will, an undying determination, and an exhilarating love of life. As long as that continues, I believe he will go through this with flying colors, and once again return to a more normal lifestyle.
More Later.................................................Brenda
Hi Brenda, Just now read your Blog. You are an exceptional writer and a beautiful way with words. I have read your book "Now we have hope" and send good wishes to you both as you overcome the present encounter. Much Love to you both....Betty & John Houston.
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