We were trying to be positive, but at the same time we all are so ready for him to see a doctor so we can
1.) get some answers!
2.) have a plan to get this cancer taken care of!
None of us know how long this cancer has been in Aaron's body, but we know the "lump" on his neck has been around for too long, and for too long it was treated as though it were an infection. We need and want this out!
So! today when Beth texted me saying Aaron's appointment has been bumped up to this Monday at 7:30 AM, I could not wipe the smile off my face. It seemed too good to be true! The new-patient nurse called and told them they must have friends in high places! (Thank you for your prayers!) Not only was his appointment not going to be ten days away, it would be the very first appointment on the next business day! And what's more, the office doesn't even open until 8:00, but the doctor is making time for Aaron and coming in early to see him. We are SO grateful! We know doctors work extra long hours, so for him to be willing to stretch his hours even further for our Aaron...we won't be able to thank him and his staff enough! I called Beth and Aaron and said "how did this happen?!" The only explanation Beth could possibly give was simply "Aunt Joanie!"
(Doesn't she look fun? Rest assured...she is.)
So then I called our awesome, hilarious, sweet Aunt Joanie to see how she pulled this off! She told me how much her colleagues really pulled together to make this happen. Long story short, a PA that works with the oncology doctor Aaron will eventually see sent an email to the cancer surgeon (who Aaron needs to see first). He gave the surgeon, Dr. Spector, a brief history of Aaron's symptoms and explained how he is related to Joanie. Dr. Spector wrote back and said he'd make time for Aaron where there wasn't. We can't even express how grateful we are! Aunt Joanie was rejoicing over the news with a nurse she works with, and the nurse said "oh, don't you cry because then I will cry." It touched my heart to think that someone who doesn't even know Aaron would be emotional and so happy right along with us. Aunt Joanie's colleagues told her "we couldn't do what we do without you, Joan, so we want to help your nephew."
...
Aaron, Beth, the kids, and their friend Adam (the one who took Beth to the ER the other day) started their journey up to Michigan today! We are also so grateful Adam can help them and give so much of his time. What a blessing he is to our family at this time. The caravan is currently staying the night in Knoxville, and will finish up the trip by Sunday in time for their early appointment Monday. I got a text from Beth tonight on their road trip saying Ahna has burning diarrhea and Levi was projectile vomiting in the car, followed up by "come what may, and love it!" Whew! My poor SIL and brother! (And not to mention, niece and nephew!)
One more rather important update: we DO know what kind of cancer Aaron has. It is called squamous-cell carcinoma. The doctor Aaron will see on Monday specializes in this type of cancer.
Aaron & Benjamin, 2010
Aaron's appt moving up is an amazing and wonderful example if paying it forward. My mom, Joan/ Aunt Joanie, does everything she can including working weekends, days she's on vacation and so on all to make sure she is helping the patients anyway she possibly can. She doesn't know these people she just knows what she does helps and they come first. So now when it's not only a known face but a dearly loved family member that is in need and they are able to "pay forward" what Joan does every day it's just amazing! Reminds me of what I heard all the time growing up " do on to others as you want done on to you". I know my mom is more then grateful this was the outcome!! Of course as Kim said we all are beyond grateful!!
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