IndyGO

Indianapolis... Until we were told Jarod would have to come Indy I never had new anything about the city other than the COLTS play football from here.

The last time I posted information we had just found out information on the fact Jarod needed additional treatment, that was a full 11 days ago so please allow me to explain how and why and we are here.

Jarod originally had multiple lymph nodes that were infected he underwent treatment (chemotherapy for 9 consecutive weeks) after out patient surgery.

2 of the original lymph nodes after chemo showed abnormalities that our doctors at Piedmont said need to be looked at. From the beginning of Jarod's diagnosis we have been consulting Dr. Einhorn (Lance Armstrong's oncologist). Dr. Einhorn said in his opinion they need to be removed and our doctors said who do you recommend? Dr. Einhorn's response was Dr. Stephen Beck who is a urologist who specializes in testicular cancer and more importantly is the "guru" in the particular surgery Jarod will be having called RPLND - located in Indy.

It was never an option for Jarod and I to come to anyone but Dr. Beck. RPLND stands for retropertinaial lymph node dissection. This surgery is very invasive requires procedure that opens Jarod's abdominal cavity from the sternum to the 2-3 inches below the belly button. They set aside his intestines and then examine the lymph nodes that are "abnormal" and then see where those abnormalities might travel. Once identified they removed the nodes that may or pose a threat, remove them run pathology which takes 48 hours to get back, and then put him back together. Based on the pathology Jarod may or may not required additonal chemo.

From the time they take him back to the time he is out of recovery is 8 hours. Jarod's surgery is scheduled for Thursday July 1 at 9:00 am and he will not be out of recovery until 5:00 pm.


Right now the doctors estimate his recovery to be 4 days in the hospital, 3 days out of the hospital. This puts us as being released on Monday July 5 and flying home on Thursday July 8.

The people I have been a personal assistant for Sue and Mike have purchased Jarod's and my round trip flight to Indy back to Atlanta. Both Jarod and I are on a full leave from work and are so grateful to have wonderful places to go back to.

Tomorrow we meet with Dr. Stephen Beck and will go over all of our pre and post surgical procedures. Jarod's Mom Marcy flew out with us today and will be with us until Tuesday July 6. My Mom will be arriving Thursday for the surgery and staying so she can take us to the airport on the 8th.

The past 10 days preparing for this 10 day trip has been more than overwhelming. Both Jarod and I truly thought the worst was behind us and when he finished chemo we really did think we were over the hump. After 2 abscesses that needed to be drained and Jarod's severe joint pain we really thought each day would be better.

Well we aren't going to sugar coat it when we got the news that the lymph nodes were not normal it was SHOCKING. We both had a very hard time dealing with it. The chemo we just spent the last 3 months going through was to prevent the surgery we are getting ready to under go. Everything we have been so grateful for, our doctors in Altanta, being in our own bed, no over night hospital stays and being so close to family and friends all the sudden feels like a problem.

Just the fact our doctors have put us in the hands of doctors outside of our state took it to another level, but at the exact same time I feel so blessed that our doctors have enough compassion and awareness that the best option for Jarod is outside of their capabilities - to where we are today.

Today we are Indianapolis. We arrived around 4:30 on a plane with Marcy. We checked into our room and it is so nice! We are in walking distance to everything! This city is gorgeous!! All the buildings are historic and we just walked to and from one of the best steak dinners ever St. Elmo. Marcy (and Cleo even though he isn't here) gave us an amazing meal in a beautiful setting. We are in downtown and feel super safe, better yet the hotel is only 1.2 miles to Jarod's hospital and will allow us to walk to and from in this beautiful city daily.

We are here enjoying each moment of each day as we have done since we found out Jarod required this surgery. We just spent 2 wonderfully relaxing days with my mom and then 2 more days with many many of our friends. We are so grateful of the support from friends and family and know it will continue.

This surgery we are tired, we are exhausted and challenged to talk on the phone, but we do appreciate the support, thoughts and prayers of all of you. I will try to update when possible this is the best way to keep everyone informed without having to repeat.

I will let you know how Jarod's comes and again thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated regardless of how long it takes us to get back to you!!! It really is appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best wishes and greatest thanks to each one of you!!

Love,

Lindsey & Jarod.