Ok..   We met with a head and neck oncologist today who we chose to do the surgery.   .  The Dr prepared us with the truth that we don't really know what type of cancer this is.  There were just a few cells removed that showed a low grade, or slow growing tumor.  However, that was a few cells of a whole larger tumor.  They are removing the whole gland in which the tumor is located, plus he will also be removing some glands out of the neck since on the ct scan they showed some swelling in the major lymph node on the left side.  This was news to us, the other dr didn't mention this at all.  The last dr. said he might do 4 a year, this man has people come to him from all around to do once a week.  He has alot more expierence and we feel more comfortable leaving all those delicate tiny facial nerves for him to handle.  This will also be an inpatient with probably a 4 day hospital stay.  The technical surgery is called parotidectomy and modified neck dissection.  Sounds yummy, eh?.   They will be doing a little tummy tuck to replace some shape in the left of the face also.  Gilbert asked if he could donate a little extra tummy, but they didn't think that was too funny.  Ok.. thats the nitty gritty..

  Please keep us in your prayers.. We love everyone and the love you all are showing our family in these comments.. They mean SOOOO much to Gilbert!  So, if you haven't, leave a comment for him!  I will print them up and put them in a little binder for him to have in the hospital.