Travis Update Plus a Shout Out to T

To give everyone an update, when our surgeon came back into town, he studied the film and thought that maybe the position of the chest tube was some how not allowing the leak to close, last Thursday he brought the chest tube down a few inches. Yesterday, a test was done by turning off the nose tube suction and waiting to see what happened. What happened was that it showed that the leak is still there. The book answer to the healing of these types of leaks is for it to heal on its own. Surgery is not recommended, but could be a possibility later. Another swallow test will be performed on Friday to see if the leak has improved at all and then we will go from there. Of course, our main dilemma is that Travis desperately wants to come home, and when the Dr told him about his plan for Friday's test, he was OK with it. So, we are in the wait and see mode again. I told Trav that leak is becoming a four letter word for us now.

We know everyone is anxious for him to recover and return home. Our doctor to be included. The first surgery went so well, we thought we were home free. We know with God's help Travis will get to come home soon.

Thanks for all of your prayers and if I haven't asked enough for your positive thoughts I have one more request.


Please include another fighter that's battling Esophageal Cancer - his name happens to be Travis, too. Travis P. is my niece, Angie's, brother-in-law. He is 33 years old, with 4 children and an amazing wife, Mandy. T was diagnosed shortly after Trav, also at Stage IV. He has gone through chemotherapy and radiation and now his surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. And although, the two Travis' have never met, they are going through this journey together in spirit. Travis asks about T daily, and I know that Mandy and T are always thinking about us. How did two Travis', around the same age, that know of each other get this disease? I guess that will remain a mystery to us, but I know Trav and I have fed off T and Mandy for strength. Even though we wouldn't wish this on our worst enemy - it makes you feel better that we are not alone. If you would like to view Mandy's blog and read their story it has been added to my list of bloggers.

Good Luck T!! We will be praying for you all day long. We are positive you will do great.