Initial pathology report

Greetings!  I can't believe it's Friday already.  We have been so impressed with the efficiency of Mayo Clinic.

The initial pathology report is leaning towards calling this a spread of thyroid cancer which Derek had in 2007.  This never occurs, we are the befuddling case.  Dr. Driscoll has never seen it.  We are still waiting for the "final" pathology report.  In other words, they are still consulting with other pathologists and making sure everyone agrees on what to call this process.

This morning already, we have had blood work drawn and met with the endocrinologist Dr. Gharib.  Now, Derek is getting a  chest CT scan to check lungs and at 2p he is scheduled for an ultrasound of his neck to check lymph nodes.  We are so thankful to be here and be in an environment where things happen fast.  The secretary had his Peoria records from '07 faxed up here already.

We will meet one more time with Dr. Driscoll this afternoon to see if the pathology report is "finalized" and to check the clear drainage that is coming from Derek's ear (not lots).   We do not know a surgery date yet, but we expect next week.

It is so encouraging to have your prayers.  God is meeting our needs.  Derek has very little pain today and has not taken vicadin this morning.  He has been dizzy a little.  He's definitely in "research" mode trying to help the doctors remember all the different tests to run that might help.  Once an engineer, always an engineer!  :)

We love you all and I'm really missing the kids, so if at all possible we are going home tonight to regroup, repack, and get some hugs and kisses from them.  If they deem Derek's drainage a concern, we will stay the weekend, Mom Sauder could take our van home.  We have an excellent comfortable place to stay and the host gives us rides.

Leann