Life's Journey

Dearest family & friends,

First, I wanted to ensure that everyone has the correct address for Sarah’s hospital room. There was a slight typo with the address Janice sent out late last night. Certainly understandable given the day we all had.  

Second, Sarah & I wanted to pass on our heartfelt thanks for the positive and encouraging feedback you all have already given us.

Sarah is currently in a lot of pain and has a difficult recovery from surgery ahead of her. The continued support from all of you will most certainly make that recovery a little easier. At this point we are hoping that Sarah becomes strong enough to check out of the hospital on either Sunday or Monday so she can continue the road to full recovery in the comfort of our home. Just in case anyone on this distribution does not have our home address, here it is as well:  (please email me at [email protected] if you need my address) 

Unfortunately, as Janice noted in her earlier message, cancer was found during the surgery. The doctor was able to remove both ovaries that contained cancer and the other small segment mentioned by Janice. We have been told by the doctor that he has only seen this type of situation 3 times in his 30+ year career and he was as surprised as we were to find that Sarah was no longer in remission. Samples have been sent to several other hospitals (John Hopkins, Mass General) to ensure we have a clear picture of what exactly we will be fighting. Once we have those results, estimated for mid-next week, we will know the treatment regimen that Sarah will have to endure to get back to remission. Sadly, all the options that have presently been laid out include both chemotherapy & radiation treatments. We will have a better idea of needed intensity & duration after the doctors come to a consensus on the pathology.

Many of you have offered to support us in whatever we need, which is most appreciated. At this point all that we ask is that you continue to include Sarah in your thoughts and prayers as we gear up for the coming fight. I have no doubt in my mind that my beautiful/smart/strong/incredible wife will defeat this god awful disease again and we will be back to our adventures in no time!

In that vein, and to end this message on a more upbeat note, I’ve attached a picture from our latest adventure. A surprise hot air balloon ride that Sarah took me on for our 1st anniversary just last Tuesday 

Warmest Regards,

Roy

Dearest Family and Friends-

I wanted to let you all know that I am facing another medical battle. On Thursday 2/24 I felt a mass in my lower abdomen. I saw my oncologist on Friday and was sent for a CT Scan. The results of the scan came back Monday 2/28 morning. They found that my ovaries are enlarged and cystic. The normal size for a healthy ovary is about the size of a walnut and mine are currently 6cm and 13cm. Roy and I met with the oncologist on Thursday to discuss next steps. The first thing we learned is that this is most likely not cancerous, we won’t know for sure until the tissues are biopsied. Because of their current state the doctor needs to surgically remove my ovaries via laparotomy (abdominal surgery). Sadly this means an end to our hopes of having a child of our own via surrogacy.

The surgery is scheduled for Thursday 3/10 (8:00am) at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. Recovery will be a difficult road but I am preparing as much as possible for the battle. I will most likely remain in the hospital for 5 days following surgery. The remaining recovery will be from home for about 4-6 weeks.

Roy, once again, has helped me find my strength and held my hand all the way. He will send everyone on this distribution list updates when I’m not able to. I was so appreciative for everyone’s support throughout my last surgery. In your own way each of you sent me support and smiles through your friendship and caring thoughts. All I can ask is that you once again send your happy thoughts my way.

We will be in touch as we have updates.

Lots of love,

Sarah