December 16

Judy, Audrey, and I met with Dr. Ahmed today for Judy's oncology review. The meeting has been delayed because Dr. Ahmed has been fighting a cold. This is what we know: 1. A CT scan was taken a week before Judy had her surgery on October 7. Judy and I have known since the day before the operation that Judy has cancer in her liver. We have sat on this news because Judy wanted to protect others. You know Judy...comforting those who are falling apart trying to comfort her. 2. A second scan was taken in early November. The CT revealed there was some growth in the lesions in Judy's liver. 3. A subsequent CT has revealed there are more spots on the liver. The plan going forward is for Judy to recover from the fistula that is causing contents of the intestine to enter the urethra or the bladder to combine with urine that, in turn, drains out the catheter. Sorry for the convoluted sentence. Judy is still on sipping water for another 2-3 weeks. She is also taking a drug that slows down the action of the intestine. The goal is for the fistula to heal. The healing is more likely if there is less content in the intestine. Once the fistula has been remedied, there is the possibility of further chemo to limit the growth of the lesions in the liver. I know this is hard news for readers of this blog, but rest assured Judy is still full of fight. My cousin, Gord, has give Judy a name that she is proud of..."Tough Little Westsider". She is an inspiration to all who know her. She is mighty and brave. She says she did not come through three major surgeries in five months just to give up. While we live, we hope. We live on hope. You don't know what tomorrow will bring. Sure, there may be bad news tomorrow, but the news may be good. We cannot live in fear. We must live in today. We always leave a door open for the miraculous to come in. This much I know today: Judy is feeling well enough to come home this Saturday to spend a day with the girls and me in front of our Christmas tree. Judy will also be here on December 23 to help the girls decorate Christmas cookies. On that same day, David will arrive with his gift of hopefulness. After yesterday, we are confident Judy will be able to handle being home for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the family who will revel in having Mrs. Christmas in their midst. For these things, we thank God and rejoice. Beyond Christmas Day, all I know is we will all have one another. Thank you, God, for all my family, friends, neighbors, and everyone else who surrounds us with the love and support that is inspired by You and is born from You. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.