And a health update, I guess.

We had an MRI here a week or so back. The doctors are very happy with the results of the previous therapies (chemo and radiation) and they have decided that now is the time for surgery. We are scheduled to go in the 12th of this month (Friday). Actual time of day is currently unknown.

They intend to remove about 6" of my colon and to preform an ileostomy to take pressure off the colon during healing. I am told I'll be up and walking the day of surgery and home within about 4 days, assuming all goes well. Home care is supposed to be mostly increasing my activity and pain management.

The current "soft schedule" is that, 4 weeks later (mid-December), I'll go in for another surgery to address the spot on my liver (currently 'almost invisible' on the MRI) and to reverse the ileostomy. That surgeon is pretty blase about that procedure overall, so I expect things to go well.

In theory, this will put me colon cancer free by Christmas; and a wonderful present it will be. We've still got a lump in the neck to deal with but all in good time.

Thanks again to everyone who thinks of us and stops for a moment.

A very grateful,
Hoot & Miss Melodie