Here's the latest update on Dan...

This Wednesday Dan went to IU Med Center to see his original doctor that discovered the pancreatic cancer during an attempted whipple surgery...

For those of you that do not know what the whipple surgery is...it is when they basically remove the head of your pancreas and re-route the bile ducts...it is one of the most complicated digestive system surgeries you can ever have...

During the whipple surgery attempt back in January is when Dan learned he had this cancer...

Well now that the tumor has shrunk (is that a word?) by 41%...Dan wanted to know if his original surgeon could do the whipple now...it is probably the only chance he has for long term survivability...

So he sees the doctor and the doctor basically says this type of thing is 'non-conventional'...but he (the surgeon) is just crazy enough to be the guy to try it...

The criteria for Dan to receive this surgery now is that on August 4th (Dan's next scan at the cancer center) the scan must show that

1) the tumor is 'stable'
2) the tumor is not wrapped around the major vein coming out of the pancreas as it was back in January...

In the interim Dan and his family are going to be heading back to NJ for some vacation...he is feeling really good and actually putting weight back on and getting stronger...

So we need to focus some prayers that the August 4th scan shows what the doctor needs so he can attempt the whipple surgery.

Right now Dan is remaining positive which is super critical for his recovery but in addition to his positive attitude he has remained steadfast in his faith for our Lord. This combination is what will get Dan thru this.

I told Dan to continue to believe that what 'conventional' thinkers call 'non-conventional' will some day be 'conventional' by today's standards thru the ground Dan and his doctor are paving today!

I figured I would pass along the latest information from Dan.

The news remains good and your prayers are very much appreciated for this amazing man.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

God Bless you all,
Joe.

 

You still have our prayers and he is lucky to have you as a friend. His friends and his positive thinking will do more than anything in getting him through this. Thanks for the update.

 

Joe,

Dan and his family has and will always be in our thoughts and prayers throughout his families journey.

 

Thoughts and prayers from New Brunswick Canada - God Bless !

 

Dan can count on our prayers from PA.

 

The power of prayer is above all. Prayers from the 'Burg". That's Pittsburgh PA.

 

Well...it has been quite a while since I shared any information on my friend.

Last night we had dinner with Dan, his wife and daughter...Dan is still doing incredibly well.

For those that don't know about pancreatic cancer...this is unheard of that Dan is still with us and there is only ONE reason...GOD!!!

Dan continues to have incredible faith as he continues on this journey. His attitude is amazing and he is an inspiration to be around.

We had a beautiful time together yesterday. His daughter is now 4 years old and she is his center for power and faith.

He is still out on disability which allows him to spend time with his daughter and he goes for chemo every other week. The doc's have worked up a routine for him that keeps his blood counts in check and not wildly swinging. Chemo is such a wicked drug and there are no long term studies of people on Gemzar (sp?) because sadly everyone dies.

Dan continues to beat the odds and re-write the medical journal for pancreatic cancer patients.

I figured it was well overdue for me to update everyone on here and to continue to ask for your prayers for Dan and his family.

The power of prayer is absolutely amazing and in this season of our Saviors birth that much more precious!

Thanks again to all of you for your continued support.

I can tell you that Dan is feeling great and fighting an amazing fight because of all the love, prayers and support.

Thank you and God Bless you for your help!

May you all have a Blessed 2011 too!!!

Joe.

 

Thanks for the update Joe. God is indeed great and incredibly merciful. Its great encouragement for us fellow Christians to hear a brother continue to give God all the praise and glory even in difficult time; what a testimony. Our prayers will continue for Dan and his family and for you and yours as you all stand side by side in faith. God Bless - Rob

 

God is GOOD!!

 

God is indeed good. So many miracles I've seen this Christmas. Dan is still in my prayers. So glad to hear the optimistic updates!

 

Thanks for the update and glad to hear the positive thoughts and the example of prayer.
Wishing a Happy New Year and prayers will continue - God Bless !

 

A great testimony, thanks for the update.

 

Prayers from Missouri for your friend Dan.

 

Dan will certainly be included in our bedtime prayers with our children. - Eden Prairie, MN.

 

Our God is an awesome God!

Very cool Joe, thanks for the update.

Stewart