Uncle Jeff, and Aunt Joanie all went together to Aaron's 1st dr appointment. (The boys stayed back with Adam at the hotel.) What a blessing to have such an amazing support system. The very first thing the doctor said to Aaron when he walked in at 7:30 AM was "you must know someone!" :)
Aaron said the following about his visit:
The doctor stuck a scope down his nose and said that everything looked fine, but that he knows it's hiding down there somewhere. The doctor read all of Aaron's test results and explained to them that Aaron has Stage 4 cancer (there are only 4 stages): however, he further explained that the kind of cancer Aaron has is very treatable and so he has a 90% survival rate! Wow- so much hope and joy comes with that statistic! Phew!
The doctor believes the cancer is in the tonsils, but he said Aaron would need a PET scan this week to detect the origin of the cancer, and that he'd then have surgery this Thursday. They originally were told the PET scan wouldn't be today, but Aunt Joanie then stepped in to pull all kinds of strings to go ahead and get him in today! She was so determined and helpful, she was getting him to the area for the PET scan before he had a chance to call his insurance company to see if they would cover it! Haha! I can see this happening so easily! Aunt Joanie, you're the best!! Aaron got a hold of his insurance company and all checked out clear and so he went in for his scan at 12:20!
Aaron further said: "I'll have surgery on Thursday to get biopsies done in my tonsils and surrounding areas. The doctor is going to try to spare my tonsil. and I will most likely start radiation and chemo in the next 3 weeks."
This Wednesday he will meet with the radiation oncologist to discuss the specifics of his treatment, but most likely he will start radiation and chemo in the next three weeks and he'll have it 5 days a week for 7 weeks. Again, that is not a definite schedule- he'll know more after this Wednesday. :)
Thank you all again for your prayers, concern, and love. Aaron told me last night that he'd be lying if he said he wasn't scared, but that he knew it would all work out as it should. He feels this peace has come in large part from the support he has been shown by family, friends, and even strangers. We love you and are grateful for your love!!
PS: I wanted to share what my cousin Lisa (Joanie's daughter) said in a comment in an earlier post:
"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!!"
We are so grateful for Aunt Joanie!
Onward into battle-- with a plan now!! Yeah!
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