Personal Journey Entry # 16

The week is far from over, but it has already been emotional and amazing. We continue to be impressed with the medical people on our team and the Angels who are helping to support, mentor, guide, and pray for us. These extraordinary individuals give us the strength to move forward with a certain amount of anxiety but without fear or trepidation. We understand the seriousness and complexity of the path ahead, but with God above and our teams on the ground, we have faith in a long-term positive outcome, with some short-term discomfort.

I cannot say enough to praise the folks at the Dempsey Center and the Imerman Angels. I have spoken to many people who wished they had this kind of help while traveling on their journeys. Yesterday, we had a session with our Imerman Angel Mentors, Dave and Kathy, from Illinois. It was supposed to be a one-on-one with Dave and me, but I am so thankful that Shay and Kathy joined the session. We immediately connected, and it quickly became a conversation between old friends. Dave and Kathy answered our questions and shared their feelings for an hour and forty-five minutes, which flew by. I keep using we because, as far as I am concerned, Shay and I are both going through this ordeal, and I am so glad she is by my side every step of the way.

Dave is two years out from surgery, and he looks and feels great. He had almost an identical evolution of his disease and treatment as I am experiencing, and I could not ask for a better mentor/partner. He and his wonderful wife are making themselves available to us as often and frequently as needed. When I am two years out from ringing the bell, I hope I can do for someone what they are doing for us.

This morning, we met with the other member of our surgical team, Dr Lassaletta, and, though younger, it was obvious why he and Dr Federico are partners. They have the same disposition and patience, and he spent a lot of time answering our questions and discussing options. My cancer was upgraded to Stage 2, which presented more variables, but I am still opting for surgery first and then immuno-chemotherapy later if the lymph node in question comes back infected. Both options involved surgery, and I would just as soon have the known cancer out now. I am waiting for a call with dates and times for another Endoscopy and the Esophagectomy. Both should be in the next two weeks.