Tuesday, 11:04 am

Last night the doctors reported to us that they CANNOT operate/remove the tumor. It is too high up in the biliary ducts to safely remove. We just spoke to Dr. Martine Estermann, our Oncologist in the Moffitt Cancer Center. Still waiting for the biopsy results from Friday, should be in the next few days. We are currently getting our hands on quite a few copies of his records, so that we can contact other locations (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, etc) for second opinions. "FULL COURT PRESS". We asked Dr. Estermann alot of questions for other types of therapies and options. Once they have the full biopsy report, they can be answered. Silver lining: his bile levels are dropping steadily, infection is clearing up, and he's finally back in his private room with a window. Most likely, he'll be discharged by the end of the week.

Monday, 10:04 am from Jim

Hey everybody, just wanted to let everyone know that Matt, Brad and Deb have been reading everyone's comments everyday. Always good for a little chuckle or a smirk!Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I thank God that I have so many good friends. Just been resting here in the ICU. They are taking great care of me. No procedures on Mondays I guess, they will review the films today and tomorrow to make the decision whether or not they can operate. Love you all.

12:34 Sunday the 13th

Jim is sleeping in the ICU still. Last night had a little jump in the heart rate so they wanted to keep him in ICU just a little longer to keep a close eye on him. This keeps me at ease because it's such a great group of people working. Plus, he loves his nurse Lamisa! Other than that, just resting today. Right now, heart rate etc looks stable. We are praying that tomorrow brings good news when the "team" re-evaluates the surgery to remove the tumor. It's wonderful to see all the people praying for him.

6:47 Saturday the 12th....from Brad

Dad's white blood cell count is getting lower...the infection is getting better. The drains are working great and the doctor told us the his "situation" is looking "a little bit better". They are hoping to get him out of ICU in the morning (assuming they can find a room for him) since his heart and infection are looking better. They want to give him 48 hours of rest before they put him through anything else. He can eat and drink anything he wants for the rest of the weekend. After lunch we walked in and he was chugging a large sweet tea from McDonalds! He's been eating fruit, sherbert, etc. Monday the team will re-analyze whether they think the surgery can be done. Keep up the prayers everyone! It means alot. Love you all!

Saturday, 4:20 pm

Dad is still in the ICU. Today's goal: to kick the infection. They're giving him some antibiotics and the new stents are draining the bile very well. He was up standing around, and talking to mom while he sat in his recliner for part of this afternoon. This is pretty good for someone in this unit. More updates later.

Exhausted! 11:30pm Friday

Good evening everyone. Ill give you a quick run down on Dad today... The docs said that he had a very high heart rate this morning and they needed to work on getting it down. They decided to "shock it down" which was very successful. That was quite a scare for us today... after that was taken care of by the very dedicated team of doctors, they decided to move forward with putting in the larger stents to help drain the bile which is causing the infection. That was also successful. Per doctors order... we are back in the hotel resting and looking forward to the results of the procedure and whether they can remove the tumor. Dad is resting in the ICU tonight in good hands. Thank you everyone for all your thoughts and prayers... please understand if we have not returned some of your phone calls. Our cell phones are our main connection to the doctors and we need them as open as possible. Keep the prayer train going... Deb, Brad, and Matt

Latest Update 1:30pm

Ok everyone... Dad went into surgery about 30 mins ago. They are giving him larger stents in order to drain the bile more effectively. We will have an update this evening when we know more. Afterwards they would like to put him into ICU if they have room to keep an eye on his heart rate which is side effect of all thats going on. So thanks to everyone who has sent flowers to his room! Please hold off until furthur notice as we are homeless for the next few hours and they do not allow anything in ICU. Thanks for your prayers... We need as many as possible.