Today, Derek, my dad and I made the schlep down to the University of Chicago. I am sure this will be the first of many trips down there. As soon as we arrived, we presented the oncology department with slides from Derek's biopsy that was performed at Lutheran General Hospital last Thursday. We waited quite awhile until we finally had the privilage to meet with Dr. K, one of the oncologists at U of C who specializes in pancreas cancers.
Dr. K acknowledged that the pathology team at U of C was also unable to determine the type of malignancy from the biopsy taken at Lutheran General and that she recommends that we repeat the biopsy tomorrow morning. Derek is scheduled for a second endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy tomorrow morning at 10:30 am. We have asked that Derek stays in the hospital overnight tomorrow night for observation in case he has a repeat of pancreatitis as he did after last week's biopsy. Assuming that all goes well, Derek should be home in time for a rip-roaring New Year's Eve party at our house complete with sparkling cider, confetti and a 10:00 bedtime.
At the appointment, we learned that we will not get results from the biopsy until we meet with Dr. K in person next Tuesday, January 5th. When we spoke with Dr. K, she was careful not to jump to any conclusions based on the limited amount of information that she has at this time. I'm sure that is hard for those of you reading this post who so desperately want answers for Derek. We appreciate how many of you have reached out in the last 24 hours asking for the latest news. We just don't have much more to share.
Here is what we do know: Derek is young and healthy. According to Dr. K, this means he will be able to withstand more intense treatments than someone who is much older and sicker. So, all I can say is that we will hold on to our hope, put up our dukes, and get ready for the fight of our lives.
I'll share another update tomorrow after the biopsy.
Sending you both so much love and strength.
ReplyDeleteAs Derek has recently said..."the force is strong with this group!!" We love you. Good luck with the upcoming procedure.
ReplyDeleteWe are right here with you through it all! Hang on and hang in- rooting for you every step. So much love, Kylie
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to any posts ... let's just keep the Derek nude/ partially nude pics to a minimum though. Be well. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love, hugs and positive thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteXOXO Allie & Jordan
Thinking of you both and sending lots of love! Nikki Maddy abs Benny
ReplyDeleteDear Faust Family,
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers as you embark on this challenging journey. And as difficult as it may be, it is important to stay strong, positive and hopeful. All of those things helped my family when my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Although her diagnosis was found in the late stages, doctors told us that it was the love, support and positive energy that helped to extend her life. Miracles do happen! So, I am sending lots of love, hope and positive energy your way!
Strength:
It is by doing what we think we cannot do and overcoming what we think we cannot overcome that we realize just how strong we really are.
Big D - Call Me! Lets have a chat
ReplyDelete