The end is in sight

Yesterday we visited Atlanta (James, Hannah and I). We saw James' oncologist, who was happy to report that James' counts were perfect! What a huge blessing and gift! I was supposed to ask the doctor about vancomycin (a favorite antibiotic for James during chemo) and hearing loss. But I forgot. So I will call and ask that questions, and may not get my answer til we visit again next month.

In the afternoon, we met with Dr. P, James' surgeon.

I think he asked me as many questions as I asked him. Well, almost.

He said James is doing everything he is supposed to be doing, but was quick to point out that there are no guarantees and that even though we put everything back together, there is still a chance it wouldn't work. He didn't try to paint any rosy picture. And I actually appreciate that.

If it 'doesn't work', then James would have to have another surgery and a permanent ostomy of some kind. But putting him back together should not be 'harmful' to James. So that is what we have decided to do.

At this point, we are scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, June 2nd. The day before (Jun 1st), James will have a contrast study of is colon to help Dr. P with his surgery plan and make sure things are good. If this goes well, we'll proceed with surgery on the 2nd. If not, then Dr. P will use the scheduled surgery time to do a visual exam with a scope.

I talked to Dr. P about using real food via g-tube if that is necessary and explained my reasons. He agreed and said that "you have all the backing and support you'll need". But then when we asked him about cloth diapers in the hospital, he said, "you can bring metal diapers, if you want." Some doctors are easier to read than others. If you know what I mean.

I'm still not certain about recovery time. At our last meeting in December, he said to plan on a two week hospital stay. This time, he told the scheduler that worked with us to plan on a 5-7 day hospital stay. We will plan on weeks and hope for 5-7 days (as long as that is what is best for James.

We have a lot to do to get ready. I don't guess we'll be squeezing in too much extra.

Lord willing, James only has 10 more days of re-feeding and one or two days of flushing left.

Hopefully, for good.

As always, we are grateful for your prayers!