Figured I should update you guys. The surgery went well. They completely removed the right kidney & some affected lymph nodes. However, they found more affected areas that weren't anticipated. They removed a spot from his liver, however there were some lymph nodes & spots on the lower back muscle that couldn't be removed. They were located near the spine near a major artery, & it was simply too dangerous to even attempt to remove anything there. They said he would have died if they tried. The cancer they removed was then sent off for biopsy. They hoped it was all kidney cancer related, but would have to wait for results before determining how to treat the remaining cancer spots. Recovery from surgery itself went extremely well. I had gone back for the surgery & ended up staying for about 3 weeks before coming back to SC.
Well after 3 weeks, the biopsy results finally came back on Oct. 30 & threw us all for a loop. The cancer is actually Ewing's Sarcoma, an uncommon (in adults) bone cancer typically affecting young children & adolescents. Here's a link if you wish to read about it:
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/ewings-sarcoma?page=1
Unfortunately they caught it in the later stages, & prognosis is not great. With no treatment, he was given only 2 weeks. The plan though is to treat it aggressively with chemo to see if they can successfully slow down the rapid spreading of the cancer & prolong his life. They'll do treatments every 3 weeks, reevaluating after the second treatment. It's the only hope we have right now. He had his first chemo treatment last week & remained in the hospital most of this week before coming home. He was home for a day & had to go back to the hospital for IV fluids due to dehydration. Yesterday they also found out he has pneumonia in a lung. It's a big concern considering his immunity is so compromised right now. His white blood cell count is very low due to treatments. I just ask for you guys to please keep praying for both he and our family.
On another note, my 101 year old maternal grandmother has also suddenly began to decline in health during the last few weeks following a stroke. She has lived such a long, full life compared to my dad, but it's still tough to deal with as well. I ask that you keep her in your prayers at this time as well.