An Update on my friend Liz

Dear Janice,Here's an update on my appt tomorrow and future plans: I found out tomorrow will only be diagnostic in nature, no surgery or removal of tumor will be done. I will be having what they call an "EUS", which is a ultrasound done of the tumor by means of an Endoscope. Since my tumor is in my duodenum (small intestine) they go through the mouth down to the stomach. It doesn't hurt at all. It will take about 30 minutes but I will be there for 2 hours in recovery. It's an outpatient procedure at the the Frank S. Baker Center across from the Tacoma General Hospital. After much prayer and recommendations from my gastroenterologist, we believe surgery is the only option to a cure at this stage of Cancer. The tumor is very small because it was found early, making surgery a perfect option for a cure. The only possible problem is it the ultrasound discovers it is distant (spread to the pancreas, lymph nodes, etc.) which could make a cure hard to come by. So we have decided to seek further treatments or surgery back at Virginia Mason Seattle, including any referrals for an Oncologist. But I did agree to a follow-up appt on Jan 14th with the Gastroenterologist to go over the ultrasound's data on the tumor's depth, size, location and whether it has spread. Then, we will be seeing my surgeon on Jan 26th at Virginia Mason in Federal Way for consultation and further info about surgery. " May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy...Colossians 1:11" I am quickly learning that patience for the patient is my greatest need right now (hence, the bible verse)! And by the way, we got our first bill for the Octreotide Scan and we had sticker shock! It was equal to over 6 months of Rob's wages! Insurance is pending payment but Blue Cross should pay 80%, less the deductible of $600. But even with the insurance payment the balance will need to be paid with payments over several months if not a year. So, please pray for Rob to get more hours at work to bring in more money to pay for all of this! I am so thankful for God's provision over the last five years which made it possible for us to pay off all are credit cards and close them. I know He will provide for us now as He has done before. God is faithful!!! God is good. Those who seek him will lack no good thing! (Psalm 34) I love you ...Liz