Chemo?

Chemo?

Doug had an appointment today with the oncologist.  He was amazing, very personable, and very knowledgeable.  In fact he said he likes to answer all  questions before we even get to them...So every question we had he answered before me and Doug could even ask them. He was incredible. Dr. Dickson in Rexburg.  Anyway when he came into the room he said, "I am so giddy!" and he was giggling.  I guess it isn't very often the oncologist gets to deliver good news.  In fact he said, " I have great news."  Doug doesn't has to have chemo!  He was pleased with Dr. Smith as the surgeon and has complete faith that he did a fantastic job getting all the cancer!  He talked with us for an hour and explained what next.  Doug will meet with Dr. Dickson every 4 months, for a while, and get labs drawn also every 4 months, like his CEA.  An interesting fact, your ileum, which is part of the colon they took out, is the part of the colon that absorbs  vitamin B12.  So a common complication with a right hemi-colectomy is you become deficient of this vitamin. A supplement wouldn't do anything for the exact same reason...No where to absorb.  SO they will check this every 4 months and if he needs the B12 I will get to give it to him through a needle:) ( did you see me smile? sounds a little exciting:))  He will have CT scans and a colonoscopy next year and then he will continue with the scopes about every 2 years after that. The oncologist will basically see Doug about 3-4 times a year.  We are thrilled about he news.  We both kinda thought that this would be the final prognosis but we didn't want to give our hopes up?  


We cannot thank everyone enough for praying for our family and specifically Doug during this time.  There are a few of you out there...friends and family, that have lightened our load SO much we will never be able to repay you what you have done for us!  You know who you are and we CHERISH you!  For those of you who have dropped by, called, visited us, text us, and served us in ANY way... we love you and thank you.  Also to those of you who haven't known what to do but you keep praying for us, we have felt your prayers.  Our kids have even felt a change. For example:  Isaac, one of the twins, does not like ANYONE! Only Doug and me and Sam!(in that order:))  When Doug was in the hospital my sister, Michelle, came to stay with our kids at our house.  We were concerned about this because he has never gone to ANYONE! From day 1 Isaac warmed up to Michelle and loved everyone who walked in the door. He was comfortable and secure.  He has never liked a soul so when we watched this happen we knew immediately it was people praying for our family.   Sam was so nervous about everything but again, when Doug was admitted in the hospital, she was calm. She said she felt peace and knew everything would be alright.  We KNOW it was prayers.  It strengthened us and we felt His comfort through your faith.  There are miracles with any trial.  We were showered with tender mercies and saw, even with our small trial, saw people redirect their paths, it was like they got a glimpse of life and a light turned on, & now they..."get it!"  

Our testimonies have been strengthened immensely and we know this trial was placed in our lives for our good!   We hope that when your trial comes, we will be here for you the way you have been for us!  

With every ounce of our mortal bodies... WE love you and thank you for being an intimate part of our family.  

Love, 

Doug, Farrah Kaye, Sam, Ethan, Isabella & Isaac!