Crossing the Finish Line

Well, 35 radiation treatments, 2 chemotherapy treatments, 1 PEG surgery, and 6 weeks later, it is OVER!!!! Friday was a day of rejoicing as we went to UAB for radiation one last time. The wonderful staff presented Aaron with the "mask" he wore for daily treatment. It looks like something out of Star Wars!! He is going to hang it on the wall like a trophy, I think.
These last 6 weeks have seen like an eternity, but there have been many blessings along the way. Just a few things we are thankful for:
-safe travel to B'ham every day
-faithful drivers
-caring, compassionate staff, drs, etc.
-uninterrupted treatments
-no complications with PEG tube
-no extraordinary complications associated with treatments
-wonderful support of family and friends
-answered prayers

Here are a few things to continue to pray about:
-that cancer is completely gone
-for Aaron's swallowing ability to improve and get back to 100%
-for healing of skin, as well as tissue inside mouth and throat
-for Aaron's ability to speak again(he is only able to whisper)
-for patience and peace during recovery process

We will be going back for follow-up visits in 2 weeks, then 4 weeks. At some point (6 weeks?)drs. will scope his throat and do CT and PET scans to determine success of treatment. There remains the possibility of surgery to remove lymph node that has not completely gone down. PEG tube will probably remain in for 6-8 weeks.

Meanwhile, we are seeing improvement and healing of the radiated skin on his neck. He has felt good "in general", and the pain in throat is being "managed fairly well until he "practices" swallowing. We have been grateful for a few more restful nights recently. We look forward to NO treatment tomorrow and a full recovery in the weeks and months ahead!

As always, thanks for your interest and love for us. We will keep you posted.

FYI: My Dad is doing much better as he is recovering from surgery. He will have his lungs scoped and biopsied on Wed. to determine course of treatment. Please continue to pray for him.