Surgery date is May 5

Jim waited all day for a phone call from his surgeon's nurse. A lot of friends called, but not until 5:03 p.m., when he went out to take the garbage to the curb and come back in, did the long-awaited phone call finally come.

An earlier date was desired, like mid-April, but the earliest surgery date presently available is May 5. The only way it could be earlier is if there is a cancellation, which we could pray for.

Pre-op is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at 10:45 a.m. He will have lab work, an EKG, etc., and any additional questions we have will be answered.

Surgery to remove the esophagus is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5. We need to be at UI Hospitals by 6 a.m.

Jim's surgeon is Dr. Kalpaj Parekh (see photo). He is a cardiothoracic surgeon, with 19 years of experience and a high success rate. The surgery is expected to last 5 hours. Jim will be in the hospital a minimum of 5 days, longer if necessary. There will be no chemo.

Thank you for your continued prayers for both of us.