We wanted to let you all know of a surgery that Kim is scheduled to undergo today (April 1st) at 3:00 p.m. CST. It is to remove an aggressive skin cancer lesion that she has developed recently on her face (between her upper lip and nose). Initially she thought it was a wart, but because it had grown so quickly (less than a month), she decided to go to a dermatologist. After it was taken off and biopsied, we were told that it was squamous cell carcinoma, and that an aggressive tumor had grown from it. The first dermatologist wanted to remove a part of Kim’s upper lip and a large section above her upper lip.
However, we got a second opinion and this second opinion suggested starting with Mohs surgery option. It is a little more intricate as the area is in the middle of Kim’s face. The procedure will be performed by a highly trained dermatologist who will be working with a pathologist to determine if all of the cancer cells have been removed. The surgery starts at 3:00 p.m. and can be finished as quickly as 45 minutes or can take up to 5 full hours. Please pray that the surgery is successful and all of the cancer cells are removed.
Additionally, we would like to ask you to pray that after this procedure is completed that we do not find any other additional cancer spots. This skin cancer that she has developed is very aggressive and the lesions need to removed quickly and completely to ensure that the cancer does not spread. We also don’t know if Kim will need any kind of chemotherapy, radiation or any further treatment after this initial spot is removed. Much is dependent on what is found during this surgery. We know people are praying literally, all over the world, and we are so grateful to have this support. A couple of specific things Kim is asking to pray for:
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Peace and Calm-she is planning to listen to worship music during the whole procedure if possible and is hoping this will calm the anxiety and keep pain or discomfort at bay.
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Either NO cancer cells to be found even before it starts (yes, she knows this is bold), but Jesus was raised from the grave and can still do miracles!
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For the dermatologist and pathologist performing the procedure to have wisdom during the procedure and recommendations after.
We can post an update on how the surgery went once it has completed. Thank you all for your prayers!
The Santiago Partnership