Mike's surgery did not go as planned. The tumor was significantly larger than previously thought. The tumor essentially took up the entire base of his tongue. Tissue from his pectoral muscle will be grafted to replace his removed epiglottis to prevent aspiration. This will significantly affect his tongue and his speech, as he will be unable to move his tongue, as well as his ability to swallow. If he is unable to learn how to swallow with his new grafted epiglottis, he may also have to have his larynx removed, but this is uncertain at this point. He will require speech therapy. Also, three of his lymph nodes were removed and by the end of surgery today (almost 13 hours of surgery) the tumor will be totally removed, but it's removal will most likely create painful and difficult complications for the rest of his life. He will have a permanent tracheotomy. Six weeks from now, he will begin an aggressive combination of radiation AND Chemotherapy. He is not yet out of surgery, but he will more than likely be in the hospital for at least two weeks as opposed to the previously thought 5-10 days and probably will not be able to have visitors for several days.
The Flowers family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers. There are no two ways about this; this is bad news and presages difficult times ahead. But Mike Flowers is still with us, and while some of his mechanics are failing him, he is still Mike and he is still here. We are discouraged but not hopeless. We will do what ever it takes.
Please keep us in your prayers. This is the gravest crisis our family has ever faced, but Love will see us through. Never, never ever forgo the opportunity to put Love into practice. Mike would tell you, if he could, that he loves you all and would urge you to love one another with all of your heart, mind and soul.
With love and gratitude,
Adam, Kathy, Michelle, Nicole, Dennis and of course, Mike
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
Adam---Thank you for your precious notes. I have never heard a finer statement about a son's love for his father than yours. We will continue to pray. As you probably already know, Mike and I had a "bond of brothers"--we were not just cousins growing up. He introduced me to my wife and was rightly my best man at our wedding. My heart is heavy. With you, we look to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom we have access by His beloved Son. Harry David
We are sending you our love and prayers that every process ahead will go as smoothly as possible. Thank you Adam for keeping us posted. You are one truly amazing family and I know your bonds will help Mike through this.
Much Love,
Mark, Stacey & Emily Cotter
Adam: Your notes to keep all of us who care about Mike and your family are invaluable. I know that you all know how much your dad means to so many of us who were part of his life here in Texas. I will be thinking of Mike, Kathy, you and Michelle everyday and saying my prayers for you all. I know that each of you will love your dad tangibly every minute. That is a comfort to those of us far away. Take care of each other. Debbie Maddox Self
Dearest Flowers Family - I am in shock!!! I was not expecting this news. I love Mike and so appreciate Kathy's understanding as we Texans have kept close all these years. I will humbly lift Mike up to the Great Physician each day as he begins the process of healing and recovery. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for keeping us updated with news of Mike. Kathy, we love you. Please give Mike a big Texas hug!!
Jerry Johnson has passed your blog onto me, I was one of Mike's classmates at Davis High in the crafts class. I still have my year book and he wrote to me in it, we were quite good pals in the craft class and I can still see his smiley face. I wonder if he remembers me? I was then Anne Coutts and English girl and am now Anne Bennett and living back in England. I am so very sorry to hear of Mike's illness and can almost understand what you are going through as my own son (35)has not long finished his chemotherapy for lymphatic cancer. I will pray for you all and please give Mike a big hug and kiss from me if he is up to it.
All the very best, with love from Anne Coutts
I have just read all of your blog and just wanted to say that it is Mike's smile that I remember and it is still the same smile that I am looking at in my year book.
With love to you all
Anne
Hi,
This is my prayer for Mike Flowers and his family:
Father, thank you for you Your many blessings. It is only because of what Jesus Christ has done for me, a sinner, that I am able to come boldly before your throne with my petition.
Father, I lift Mike Flowers and his family up in prayer for comfort, healing, and peace, knowing that Your will and Your providence are perfect, and trusting Jesus Christ in all things, in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Rick Maska
Class of 65
Adam - I'm sorry that I can't be with you and your family during this endeavor, if at least to give you a HUGE hug. But know that my heart goes out to Mike, you and your whole family. I'm thinking of you.
Hi Mike and Kathy,
Bobby has kept me posted on your progress. Merri Beth and I hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks Adam for creating this loving journal for your Dad and Mom.
Skip Epperly
Post a Comment