Matt Ward Matt H Ward

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
 

In August, while caring for an ear infection, Matt noticed a lump under his left jawbone.   Thinking it was an inflamed lymph node related to the ear issue, he was prescribed advil and hot compresses.  When that didn’t clear up the issue, he then went thru a series of diagnostic tests; blood workup, ultrasound, needle biopsy, and CT scan.  Each test came back clear, no concern, in fact the needle biopsy pathology report recommended watching the area for 3-6 months and then check it again.  Matt is a wise man and made it very clear, this lump did not belong in his body and he wanted it removed – his surgeon agreed and it was removed November 2.   On November 7, after leaving the gym, Matt got the call no one ever wants to receive.  The surgical pathology report came back indicating there was a melanoma mass removed from the left submandibular gland. Melanoma from an unknown origin (may or may not have originated from the skin), which only occurs in less than 10% of the cases.

 

In the past week, we have met with oncologists and Matt has a PET Scan and MRI scheduled this Friday.  The outcome of these scans will determine the course of treatment. Think/pray CLEAR scans!!

 

Here is what we know NOW– Matt feels strong and healthy.  We are strong in our faith.   We are committed to having a positive attitude.  We are surrounded by our kids, family and friends who are supporting us with prayers, calls, texts, emails, BBQ, and beers.  We have access to great healthcare and we have excellent health insurance.  2017 has been a year when great strides have been made in the treatment of melanoma.

 

Here is what you can do – please stay in touch.  We do not want to isolate.  We want to stay connected to each of you! 

Pray the melanoma is eradicated from Matt’s body.

Call – check in on how he is doing and talk to him about sports, your family, our family, construction, what’s up with you, or anything else you may have in common.

Stop by for a visit – just give us a call first to make sure we are home.  We are spontaneous folks.

Offer to meet him for beer, shoot targets, play poker.

Meet us somewhere for a meal.

Stay in touch please!

 

Thank you for your love, prayers, support and generally good JuJu!!