University of Louisville Hospital

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post. The blog has been down for a few hours. Today was a long day for Shawn and Erin. They arrived at the hospital at 2:30 PM and didn't leave until after 6:30 PM. Shawn was one of the last patients to see the doctor. She told Erin and Shawn that the cancer had indeed spread into the tissue of the rectum wall. When this occurs, there is a greater chance of the cancer coming back and/or spreading. According to the doctor, Shawn will begin both radiation and chemotherapy treatments next week. The treatments will continue Monday through Friday at Baptist East Hospital for 4-6 weeks. He will then need to wait 4-6 weeks for the medicine to exit his system before undergoing the first of two surgeries. The first surgery will include the removal of his colon and rectum. For several weeks he will have an external colostomy pouch. During the second surgery the small intestine will be manipulated to act as his colon, thus eliminating the need for the external pouch. It's going to be a long few months for Shawn and Erin. This blog will continue to track Shawn's daily progress. Please consider stopping by from time to time to drop Shawn and Erin a note. Thank you again for the way you have loved and prayed for them. They are the most courageous, caring, and loving young couple I have ever known.