Well, we've been meaning to get this blogged, but have neglected it badly.  Apologies. 

     Traveled to the Lombardi Cancer Institute at Georgetown University (in D.C.) this past Tuesday. (after voting, of course).  You may recall we were referred there by Hemotologist/Oncologist we saw end of September because they wanted Tom to see someone with greater expertise due in part to the nature of Tom's melanoma (only 5% are like his - no coloration, etc.  called "spindal melanoma" - which by the way, makes it very difficult to detect).  The Doctor at Georgetown is "considered" to be one of the top people in the country.  We were pleased to be able to get his perspective, and knew he would give us more "options" going forward.  We would have gotten to him sooner, but he - and the other docs - felt that we must have the "big surgery" first so that it could be absolutely confident about the lymph nodes and the "margins" around the original tumor.  If the nodes were "involved" it would dictate different treatment options (obviously) than if they weren't. 

     Anyway, Dr. Cohen looked over our situation, reviewed the test, and files, and then gave Tom his own exam.  He basically said the following:  "There are some treatments I could recommend (interferon injections - which he explained in much detail, including the significant side-effects, including liver impact, depression, flu-like symptoms, etc), but somehow you're immune system stopped that tumor from spreading any further than the tumor itself.  Not sure why that is, but, if it was me, I just might want to 'sit tight' and do nothing more than you're doing right now, and just keep an eye on it."  (Interestingly, we had a conversation with Dr. Vaughn Johnson, following a Xango meeting last Saturday, who said that the xanthones in the Mangosteen juice we have been drinking may have indeed helped my immune system to contain the tumor, which - given its size - should have certainly spread to other organs, or at least the lymph nodes.)   Of course, we give all the credit to God for his merciful intervention on our behalf.

     Dr. Cohen also suggested we might explore some experimental treatment that is basically a "melanoma vaccine" program being conducted at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville.  We did think about this over the last several days, but have concluded that we probably will not pursue this, opting to hold tight to the current facts, maintain our current focus on naturally building immunity.  Dr said we have a "50-50" chance that the melanoma will return. 

     Our good Fredericksburg surgeon, Dr. Dash, and his staff, were able to get us an appointment with a Dermatology team at Georgetown while we were there, and had a quite *thorough* whole-body exam.  Though no cancer was found - of course - they did identify a few minor "things" that should be removed.  Drs said that normally they would leave them alone, but given the history, and the fact that Tom's particular type of melanoma is so difficult to detect, they should remove them surgically.  That is scheduled for Dec 5.  minor thing. 

     Also are scheduled for detailed dermatology exams at Georgetown every 3 months for a while, and Dr. Cohen suggested PET scan every three months for a while, also.  So, we know that we can count on several thousand dollars worth of medical bills each year for a while on this deal.   Other consultations will conclude before settling on a "watch and see" schedule.

     Tom still struggles greatly with his facial muscles, but it is slowly improving.  His discomfort (usually not painful) remains, but he is tolerating it better.  He is still self-conscious about his appearance, but realizes - at least in his head - that it represents a "mark of testimony" that can be an ultimate blessing.  Other surgeries may be possible in the future for potential modification. 

     We continue to count this trial as a blessing.  We have learned at least these several things:  1)  That when faced with pending death, the assurance of eternal life through Christ shines as the ultimate truth.  2) God's grace is in sufficient supply for every trial, for those going through it and those who go through it alongside them.  3)  The love and support that comes from family and friends, far and near, is a humbling, surprising, sustaining, joyful experience.  4) Nutritional supplementation isn't optional.

Love to you all,  Tom and Mary Anne