Real quick:

My dad’s biopsy went fine today; they found that the tumor is a large one situated at the top of the large intestine, where it meets the small intestine.  They took some tissue for biopsy and will have the pathology report back next week.  The tumor appears to be blocking the intestine by about 90%, which explains the pain and the difficulty my dad is having with his digestive system, resulting in dramatic weight loss.

They’ll likely do surgery next week to remove the tumor, a small amount of the intestine on either side, and the lymph nodes in that area just to be safe in the event it is cancerous.  Either way, it’s unlikely they will do chemo and the doctor seemed to be encouraged by the outlook for my Dad.  Dad was asking questions throughout the procedure and my brother was there to keep the medical information straight.

When I talked to my mom this evening, Dad had gone to bed for the night and Mom and my brother were getting ready to eat root beer floats.  I am just so very grateful, once again, for being from a large family where siblings can be there with my parents during this time. 

And for the prayers and kind words and good thoughts from all of you, I cannot say thank you enough. Keep the prayers coming as we get ready for next week.  Thank you again!