Anticipation

I've mentioned that my brother has a cancerous tumor behind his right eye.

He's in a lot of pain. He takes meds for it but he says it doesn't help. He can't sleep. He doesn't eat much. 

Over the last few weeks he's been tested at the hospital in every imaginable way. He's just plain tired physically, mentally, and emotionally. He's overwhelmed.

His surgery is scheduled for early this Friday. The doctor said it will take at least 12 hours to complete. He and Mom will be coming to our condo on Thursday night because the hospital is just a few blocks away from us. We're all going to the hospital, including my other brother and his girl, who will meet us there.

He will lose his right eye during the surgery. The skin on the right side of his face will be lifted up and as much of the tumor as possible will be removed along with any muscle that could potentially have tumor cells.

Muscle will be taken from his right thigh to replace what is removed from his face. That means a large cut will be made down his thigh to remove whatever tissue the doctor needs. He's lost a lot of weight and the doctor is concerned that he might be too thin for this procedure.

Lymp nodes will be removed from his neck.

There's a possibility a hole will need to be drilled in his mouth where his palette is located.

He will need some reconstructive surgery on his face over the next year. He will also get a glass eye as soon as he's well enough after the surgery.

He'll get six weeks of radiation therapy. Every day, M-F.

Surprisingly, he's doing OK. His spirits are good, but the pain is tough. He's having a difficult time knowing that he'll lose his eye. I think he can take almost everything else, but that is getting to him.

It all sounds so....severe. I can't think of another word for it. We're all being strong because we believe he's going to do well and be able to eventually put this behind him, but there are times when it's overwhelming. It's difficult...knowing what he'll have to go through to get there.

But he will get through this. And he will be well again. And even with everything that will happen to him on Friday, afterwards when all this is over, he will have time to enjoy the rest of his life.

I've been praying every day. Thank you, if you've said a little prayer too.