Christmas comes early

Paul had another appointment at Huntsman Cancer Institute with Dr. Andtbacka yesterday. This time, it was an actual pre-surgical appointment. He checked Paul out thoroughly. He said the tumor is definitely smaller and the progress Paul has made was "fabulous" (his word). When he asked when we could come for surgery, we said, "We're free right now." He went and checked his schedule and came back and asked if we were available on Monday the 17th. We said YES! We went to lunch then went back to have bloodwork done and to fill out all the pre-op paperwork. Paul will have to go back on Friday for an MRI so the doctor can get a more up-to-date picture of the tumor and what surrounding tissues may be involved so he knows beforehand what to expect. He and Tyler will drive down Friday afternoon (the MRI isn't until 8 p.m.) then come back Saturday morning. Then on Sunday afternoon, Paul and I will drive down. We won't know what time his surgery will be until Friday afternoon, when they have the schedule finished. We are in the process of lining up accomodations for the boys to stay here in Rexburg. The surgery is out-patient, but they may want to keep Paul overnight. Either way, we will stay over Monday night in Utah to give him some time to recuperate before driving home on Tuesday.

We know our prayers have been answered. We appreciate all that has been done for us. We don't have words enough to express the love and gratitude we feel for our family and friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you!