Living Life by the Drop

We finally have some information on the situation. This is always the worst part; knowing the cancer is there but not knowing what can be done about it. We actually saw his MRI on the computer screen. The tumor is very large. It measures 4.75 cm (approx. 2 inches) and is in the maxillary sinus cavity behind the left eye; moving into Denny's nasal area. That being said, the news was a bit grimmer than we had hoped. However, Denny does have options. Tomorrow at 10am he will be having a PET scan. The chemo doctor (Dr. Adkins) says that he, the ENT (Dr. Haughey) and Neurosurgeon (Dr. Chicoine) all want to confirm that the cancer has not spread anywhere else. Once the results of the PET are known, these become the possible options: 1) If the PET is clear, the ENT and Neurosurgeon will debate whether or not the tumor can be removed surgically. The ENT was adamant that the tumor is inoperable. The Neurosurgeon questions that. 2)The second option is that Denny receive chemotherapy whether the PET is clear or not. Chemo by itself will not cure or kill the cancer. If this option is chosen, Denny will have to be on some form of chemo the rest of his life; however long that may be. We are digging down deep to find a bright side and it is that at least he has options. The worst news we could have heard today is, "There is nothing we can do." We didn't hear that so there is always hope. Please say a prayer that the PET scan is clear. That is the first step in the right direction. When I called the kids tonight to tell them, I said, "We need to stay strong and keep going. We can't give cancer victory over us by making us less than we can be." The Stevie Ray Vaughan song "Life by the Drop" has been in my mind today. Some of the lyrics are: "No wasted time....We're alive today, Churnin' up the past....There's no easier way, Time's been between us....A means to an end, God it's good to be here walkin' together my friend." So where do we go from here? We won't give in or give up. We'll just live life by the drop.....