Weekend at Home

Paul and Steph came home for a quick weekend. At the end of their week at the Mayo Clinic, they have learned much, but they will return next week to learn more and find out the plan of attack.

What they learned:

• Paul's biopsies came back positive.
• He has a tumor on his lung and in his abdomen.
• Fluid builds up in his abdomen, which makes Paul uncomfortable. When it is drained, he feels much better.
• They are checking out this fluid as well, as it may have cancer cells.
• This is not an "exotic" type of cancer. They have seen this type of cancer before.
• Doctors do not know the "primary" source of the cancer.
• "Primary Source" is where the cancer started. It is important to know this, as this is how the doctors will determine what specialist Paul needs to go to and what "cocktail" of chemotherapy they will prescribe for Paul.
• The doctor suspects three primary sources: the lung, thyroid, or mesothelioma - cancer caused by asbestos (Paul worked in carpentry for several years). This is speculation - more to be determined next week.
• At this point, chemotherapy is the plan for combating the cancer.

What they like about the Mayo:

• Paul and Steph are very impressed with their doctor. They feel they are in excellent hands.
• The Mayo is very thorough and exhaustive in their testing. They will find out exactly what "Paul Hougen's" cancer is like. They are not going to generically treat the "cancer." They will find out as much as possible about Paul's cancer so they can effectively treat it with the right chemotherapy.

What's next:

• Paul has an appointment with his doctor Monday at the Mayo clinic.
• More pathology tests and other tests will point them in the right direction for treatment.

Thank you for keeping posted with Paul's progress. As we learn more, we will update this blog.

Thank you from all of Paul's extended family for your thoughts and prayers. We know there's a long road ahead, but the road is much more bearable with the support of wonderful friends and family.