Stuart Update

Just wanted to give everyone an update on how Stuart is doing. His surgery was Friday morning up at Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital. Surgery went great and the Dr. said that they removed all of the tumor and the margins were clear. What that means is that all the tissue they removed around the tumor were cancer free. That was very welcome news. So, now we wait on the final pathology report to find out what the plan of action is. Best case scenario is that it's a relatively low-grade tumor and no more treatment will be necessary. Worst case scenario is that if its a higher grade tumor, he will have to have some radiation treatment. He would go everyday for 6 weeks. There would be no side effects of the radiation and it sounds like a pretty simple fix. Because Stuart is so young and healthy otherwise, if its a low grade tumor, cure rate is about 95 percent. If its a higher grade tumor, cure rate drops to 60% but the Dr. assured us that it would be higher for Stuart because of his age and health.
We were actually home from the hospital by 2:00 on Friday afternoon. He is doing pretty well but I know its frustrating for him because he can't really do a lot with that arm yet. He does pretty well during the day but its very uncomfortable for him at night because it hurts to lay down and move around. It's hard to watch him in pain like that but I know that its only short term and hopefully we never have to do this again.
As far as our friends and family go, we can't thank you enough for everything that you have done and continue to do for us. Stuart had a small cheering block in the waiting room on Friday and that really helped me to be able to hold myself together. Even my parent's pastor from Washington drove up to be with us. We can't describe to you how grateful we are to be so loved. Thanks to everyone for their continued prayers and support. I don't know how we could be functioning without you all.

TTFN