Gary Austin: 'Not All We Hoped For'

Here is a Friday report from Gary Austin, pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is entering treatment for colorectal cancer:

Today was my appointment at the University of Iowa to have this EUS (endoscope ultrasound) done. The update is not all that we might have hoped for.

My "friend" is considered Stage 3 [T3 / N1] - which means it has taken hold through the wall of the rectum and has affected two lymph nodes as well. It could be a lot worse ... but not a whole lot more ;)

Thursday will be the next major appointment we have - with the oncologist as well as with the radiation clinic. It's all connected in the Univ. of Iowa Hospital complex. We anticipate entering radiation treatments along with chemo at the same time - for 5 or 6 weeks.

They want to shrink the tumor down so they can remove as much as possible by surgery and then "put me back together" so all the plumbing works right. Not sure when the treatments will begin but I don't think they want to put them off too long.

We know you've been praying for us - even as we have many praying for you. We are on a journey together - so it's good you know the details as they are available to share.