quick update on cancer and twins

We have some good-but-not-complete news:

-on Adam's melanoma: he saw a dermatologist, who let did a further biopsy (the crater in his shoulder's bigger now). The original biopsy didn't get quite all of it, and so we don't know exactly how bad it is, but from what they did get the first time, the dermatologist would catagorize Adam's cancer as stage T1A - the lowest level. This is GOOD. But my understanding is that we won't know the for-sure stage until this second biopsy is done. The doctor also said that "it hasn't ulcerated" which is also good.
We'll let you know when we hear back on the second biopsy (probably next week). Also, no matter what happens, the next step is probably going to be surgery - an excision a centimeter around the spot where the melanoma was found. This is going to be extensive enough that Adam's probably going to need plastic surgery (!) involving a skin graft (!!) to close the hole. On the upside, this means he's getting the standard of care, which is great. And, hey, I say alive Adam with a gnarly scar on his shoulder is better than Adam-with-incurable cancer ANY DAY.
So, please keep praying, because it still could be bad and could have spread, but the news so far is encouraging.

-on the twins: I got a referral to an obstetrician, who I have since heard from several people (including a friend whose twins he delivered) is an excellent doctor. I assume that he'll refer me out to further tests for the twins if need be. Also, his office has an ultrasound machine THERE and the ability to do things like non-stress tests. My first appointment with him is on Thursday.
Also, Adam talked to his HR person, and she assured him that all of the expensive medical stuff that this will or might involve (hospitalization, NICU, etc) IS covered by our insurance. Praise God!



So, please keep praying for us. But praise God that things are going as well as can be expected thus far. Amen and amen.

-Jess