I mentioned last Spring that my sister, Donna, had been quite sick. The doctors went around and around trying to diagnose her thinking at first it might be cancer then possibly a serious lung infection.
After having surgery to remove part of her lung (damaged by the infection) and weeks of antibiotic therapy, she still had many of her symptoms. Finally, after a risky biopsy of her esophagus she was indeed diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
She just finished up 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. She still isn't able to eat and has had a feeding tube since June. The tumor has shrunk somewhat, but the cancer is still there and the doctors have decided that her next best shot is to go in and attempt to remove the tumor. This Wednesday, she'll have a large portion of her esophagus removed and the doctors will use part of her stomach to reconstruct and "esophagus" so hopefully, she'll be able to eat again at some point.
Gruesome stuff!
I just got off the phone with her and she's very very scared. Frankly, I'm pretty frightened for her. She's tough, but it's been an awful lot to deal with. It's been hard to see her go through what she's been going through and keep a postive attitude.
Anyway, I'm a firm believer in positive thoughts and the power of prayer. So, I hope you'll do me a huge favor, and keep her in your thoughts over the next few days. I know she'll feel it!