Cancer Update on Candy

Candy and I have quickly realized that we are on a roller coaster ride with her cancer. One day we receive difficult news and the next day we receive encouraging news, and so on. I’ve never really been a roller coaster kind of a guy but I’m told that I’d better get used to it.

This past Tuesday, Candy underwent surgery at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. What was supposed to be an hour and a half long surgery took an extra hour to complete. After the surgeon saw the pathology report and the location of the cancer location by Candy’s left ear, he changed gears and took a more aggressive approach. In addition to removing some lymph nodes, he ended up going deeper and removing the saliva gland in that area to be safe. We appreciate his decision to be safe and taking the extra time necessary to protect the facial nerve on the side of her beautiful face.

With all that said, here is the plan moving forward: the pathology report and the lymph node diagnosis will be looked at by panel of cancer specialists in Seattle next week. Then we have an appointment with an oncologist on May 6th. Following all of this, we will be able to give a better update as to what is before us. We understand that many people are waiting to hear what the lymph node report is today. However, after consulting with our doctor, we believe it is best to wait to hear from the cancer panel and oncologist before we update Candy’s situation further. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.

We both have been overwhelmed by all the love, care, and prayers from many people around the country and even from around the world. Our friends and family have been amazing. Our GracePoint Church family has been incredible as well. We are so grateful for all of the outpouring of love and prayers in our direction.