F*%$ Cancer

What a long, long, LONG day!  Originally, Jim was scheduled for surgery on Monday, but had to reschedule due to his doctor's illness.  So, we made it in today at his Coeur d'Alene office.  We were so grateful to get in right away as Jim had another weird spot pop up quickly.  This one was on his middle finger.  It was painful and concerning, especially because of how quickly it grew.  After completely examining his hands, the doctor told us he suspected the new spot was cancer and wanted to operate on it along with the spot that came back positive on the last biopsy (in the webbing between his thumb and pointer finger.) There was a third spot, also in the webbing by his thumb.  The doctor hoped to get that one, but was concerned it was too near the first spot to address it.

So, with the plans to operate on the two spots and maybe the third, I kissed Jim goodbye and headed off to walk along the lakeshore.  It was a bummer to make a longer drive for this procedure, but Coeur d'Alene is truly a beautiful location.  (Ok, the mall may leave a little to be desired, but the natural scenery is amazing.)  As I was out, I thought the lake was the perfect backdrop to show off my latest accessory.  Thanks to some very thoughtful neighbors (thank you, Larson family!!!) I was ready to greet the day with strength while knowing the love of many was with us.  And, honestly, isn't it time that one of my hands makes the blog???

Kim's hand (FINALLY!!)  

As I was out, Jim was facing the hardest surgery thus far.  The doctor had to take two "scoops" from both locations and was not able to address the third spot.  And, of course, the spot on Jim's finger was indeed cancer and deeper than most.  Unfortunately, closing up the two locations did require grafts.  The donor skin was taken from Jim's right bicep.  They took a larger skin sample than the previous grafts as it needed to be used to close both surgical sites.  The following pictures are a touch graphic, so proceed with caution.

Jim's right bicep - donor site.  3/12/15

Jim's right hand post surgery and skin graft.  3/12/15

Once we returned home, we ended up walking to The Flying Goat for some "medicine."  Hopefully the recovery time will be tolerable.  Jim is headed in for a recheck next week.  Sometime after he has healed, we could be looking at chemo cream for his left hand or possibly surgery on his right to get the spot they couldn't today.  Thanks for the love and support.  We will make it.

Jim, post surgery #5. 3/12/15