And so The Battle Begins.....

From what we now know, Matthew has been having intermittent stomach problems for a few months.  The time frame is unclear, but we know it has probably been severe for the last 6 – 8 weeks.  The only person he mentioned the problems to was his aunt at Grandpa Lawrence’s funeral during the first week of April.

Once he finally went to the doctor, he was admitted quickly to the hospital for what was thought to be a bowel obstruction of some sort.  He had surgery on Tuesday, May 17th.  During surgery, the doctor discovered that a large mass had perforated his intestine causing an infection.  The doctor removed the tumor and 6-8 inches of his intestine, and put a colostomy in place.  A biopsy of the mass revealed cancer.  In addition, what was thought to be an abscess on the liver was later determined to be a tumor as well. The doctor felt that the liver required a specialist.

At this point, he seems to be recovering from this procedure well.  According to his visitors, he is in good spirits.  He is working hard at recovery, doing his breathing exercises and walking as much as he can stand (given the foot long incision that he is has down his middle).  Uncle Christopher has been there daily, for which the family is eternally thankful.  Jennifer (number 6 for those that are new to the game) arrived in Lake Jackson Saturday, and Dad, is due to arrive this evening (Sunday).

The current plan is to get him into a treatment plan at M.D. Anderson (#1 Cancer Treatment Center, conveniently located in Houston), as soon as possible.  We know that his treatment will involve chemotherapy, radiation, and more surgery, and will most likely last a year.  Beyond this we have to wait for more details.

And so the battle begins....