The phrase for today is: Extracapsular extension. Defined as invasive cancer passing through the nodal capsule of the lymph node into the perinodal tissue. In farmer terms, the fluid-filled tractor tire had a leak in the yard and it could kill the grass.

That’s what the pathology for Suzanne’s cancer showed. Of the twenty-five lymph nodes that were removed from her neck, two sprung a leak. What that means is not definitive. Basically, there could be a problem down the road, or not. That’s what we learned in the surprise appointment with Dr. J, her chemotherapy doctor. He shared that the probability is about 50/50 for a chance of re-occurrence.

So today we were presented with three options: 1) Observation – just sit back, do periodic scans, and see if anything develops. A more pro-active approach with 2) Clinical-Trial – Become part of a 1-year trial where half the participants get the placebo and half get the immunotherapy drug, administered every three weeks; OR 3) Immunotherapy – begin a 2 year, every three weeks round of drugs. We are not sure if Medishare will fund the 3rd option and have about 3 weeks to decide how Suzanne wants to proceed.

On the surgery front, everything is healing nicely. Today they reduced the size of her tracheotomy, step two on the way to removal. Her incisions are healing nicely except for an area on the right arm where all the material was taken for the reconstruction. It is there where her tendon has broken through the skin and become exposed. They have given her a different salve to use that promotes healing.

Her speech therapist indicated that her speech will still get a little better but working on overstating words is her best and only therapy as the movement of her tongue will remain very limited. As we left the room, her head dropped with the hardest realization to date as she said “I’m never going to eat again, am I?”

It was a long and emotional day, like every day when we head north. More decisions now need to be made in a short period of time. This journey we have been on for 226 days is finally beginning to take its toll on both of us, but especially Suzanne. Emotions are high, expectations are becoming low and that fun spirit that we have so much embraced throughout our marriage is becoming harder to find.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5