Hello Family and Friends,

A cancer diagnosis is hard, but it also brings out the very best in others.  Thank you for all the love and support.  Every prayer, FB message, text message, email, card, video, and phone call matters and has given us strength to get through this journey thus far.  The journey is far from over but we remain positive and hopeful as we face the challenges ahead. 

This week has been a whirlwind.  As of last week, we knew Andy would need surgery but we thought the timeframe was 2-3 weeks.  When we found out late Monday afternoon that there was a last-minute cancellation and we had the option to have the surgery on Thursday, we knew despite all the loose ends, this is what we needed to do.  After having a mini panic attack, Andy and I jumped into gear to take care of some unfinished business.  With the help of family, friends, and co-workers we got things done.  Whew!

On Thursday, Andy had a successful surgery.  The procedure performed was a lower anterior resection (LAR) with loop ileostomy.  The surgery took 5 hours to complete and Andy did very well during the procedure.  The surgeon felt that he got all the cancer, and described the procedure as "routine and textbook".  I guess I'll take that as a "simple" complicated surgery.  Andy stayed true to the man he is, routine, simple, and steadfast.  A few of the characteristics we all love about him 😊 

The surgery started at 10:20 and finished at 3:21 (my angel number for those of you who believe 😉)  Andy had a team of family in the waiting room praying for him during the procedure.  He finally got to a room (3321 my angel number again 😍) around 6:00.  He was awake and in good spirits. 

Going forward, Andy will have a temporary ostomy for approximately 8 weeks.  Once the surgical area has healed he will have a second surgery to reverse the ileostomy so he can go back to having bowel movements in the usual fashion.  We know that he will have a "new normal" when it comes to bathroom habits, but the surgeon reassured us that with work and discipline, he will be able to maintain a good quality of life.  Of course, that brings some anxiety for Andy, but I know my husband will do the work and make it happen. 

Andy is still in the hospital and is doing all the things to help him recover without complications.  He was up walking yesterday and progressed from a clear liquid to a full liquid diet.  He was excited to have a cup of coffee in the morning and ice cream in the late afternoon (he truly is a simple man and knows how to enjoy the little things).  He is hoping to come home on Monday.  We are looking forward to getting on with the healing process and finding our way back to a normal state of being.  

Much Love,
Andy, Dawn, Lauren, and Mitch