Cautiously Optimistic

Mike had the staples removed this morning and doc said everything looks good as far as the incision is concerned.  Next week we'll meet with the oncologist and find out what happens next.

In the meantime, Dr Dachman is going to have pathology look at the lymph nodes again.  There were three that were significantly larger and harder than the other 27.  Seems that when a biopsy is done only small slices are taken and it's possible that although the slices taken from the three enlarged nodes were in fact clear, other portions of those same nodes may not be.  In an effort to be "cautiously optimistic" the nodes will be checked again.  It was nice to have a few days of not worrying about that. 

If the nodes are clear after the additional biopsies, it is possible that the oncologist will not prescribe chemo.  However, Mike will need to have some genetic testing in the near future to find out if he is carrying a virus that makes him more susceptible to colon cancer.  If that's the case, chemo won't make a bit of difference and we'll be talking about other options like a complete colectomy to make sure Mike can remain cancer free.

Just when it seems we have this thing figured out and come to terms with one aspect of it, something else pops up.  On the up side, Mike is feeling quite a bit better.  Still tired, but has started on the iron supplements again so hopefully he can start rebuilding some of the iron stores his body used up before all of this started.