May 22nd Roller Coaster

Well, if this ride we are on is best described as an emotional roller coaster then on Tuesday we hit the bottom of the valley and today we are screaming upwards toward the next crest of the ride!  We met with the Surgeon this morning and were greeted by a very confident but not cocky man who was about my age, (47).  He introduced himself and then said lets get this thing out of you, okay?  Robyn and I looked at each other in disbelief and tears began to well up in both our eyes.  Doctor, we said, you don't understand that we've been told this tumor has progressed to a point where surgery is not an option but you are telling us something different.  Why?  He went on to tell us that if the rolls were reversed and he was facing this serious of a disease he would want someone like him to be as aggressive as possible and do the surgery.  He had reviewed my MRI and felt that there is a very good chance that he can remove the left side of my liver, including the bile duct system and then connect the right side back to my intestines.  So, our prayer over the last couple days has been for God to provide some hope through the visit today and he has absolutely done just that.  We are so thankful for all of you walking by us and holding us up in your prayers.  We are so encouraged by all of you and the way that everyone has truly laid this situation before our God and allowed Him to do the rest.  We know the battle has just begun and there will still be many peaks and valleys on this ride but we feel as though we have a team of thousands, some right in the thick of the battle and some standing on the sidelines, praying their hearts out and cheering us on.  There is no way in this earthly world that we could go through this without all of you.  Thank you so very much!  We hope to learn tomorrow when the surgery will be scheduled.  We hope it will be sometime next week but are not yet sure.  Look for our next posting tomorrow to get the surgery date.  Also, if you have a minute, click on "comments" at the end of these postings to read some of the great and inspiring comments that we've received.  You can't help but be inspired!