Family and Friends, 
Surgery today was considered a success. They were able rule out more bad cancer's and they were able to remove about 95% of the tumor. There were two areas they couldn't get. One was by the left airway, the other was on the backside of the heart. This tumor couldn't be more difficult and confusing, including the location and it's makeup. They have tried to diagnose this first with a needle biopsy, that really gave no definite answer other than signs of a Lymphoma Tumor, and now this Thorocotomy with again no definite answer other than some signs of a Lymphoma again, which is malignant, AND signs of a possible Thymoma tumor, which would be benign.... They are testing and sending out samples to pathology again. They hope to have an answer by the end of the week...

He is resting well, gaining strength quickly, and asking for a hamburger!

Surgery went well, he is in ICU, we haven't seen him yet, hopefully within the hour. The doctor was able to remove 95% of the tumor! Now the waiting game begins for the pathology report which could take a couple of days.

Off I go... Steady and Strong...

The surgery is scheduled for 3 hours, the doctor will update us throughout.

All checked into my room!

We have been made aware of a few changes. I am scheduled for a Right Thoracotomy. This procedure involves a large incision that will wrap around my right side, deflate my right lung, possible cutting of some ribs, and give a window of access behind my heart to best reach the tumor. I will be on a breathing machine for 24 hours and in ICU for hopefully only a day then to a regular room for the duration of my stay.

There are no words to express my sincere gratitude for the overwhelming amount of love and support that everyone has shown to me and my family. Thank you...

The Olson Aunts and Uncles have put this together:

We would like to invite all of you and your families and friends that can to join us in a fast for James on Sunday.

With many prayers and fasting in numbers and unison it will bring many blessings of comfort, peace and success for James.

The Lord does many miracles. (See Matthew 17:14-21)

Let us all pray for the wisdom and skill of his doctors as well as the comfort and peace that James will have as he undergoes the operation. Remember Sydney, his wonderful wife and their boys and his parents…..Jim & Debbie and all the rest of their family.

We wanted everyone to be aware of this and  join us if you able.

This is a message that was sent to the Les Olson Company Family:

"There have been several people who have expressed concern for James and his upcoming surgery on Monday morning. Many have also asked if there is something that we can do to collectively support him as he starts this new phase of life. Although James is strong, we want to rally behind him and show him that we love and care about him. Therefore, tomorrow, Friday, April 27^th, as a small outward showing of our love and support, we invite each of you to wear blue (James’ favorite color). It may not seem like much, but it’s the small and simple things that can often times mean the most."

We wanted everyone to be aware of this and join us if your able. 

                                 

Dear Family and Friends,

          For reasons I have yet to understand, and may never know… the lord has chosen me to embark on a new journey.  I have been diagnosed with cancer. I had a dry cough for about two months which led me to the doctor. They did an x-ray first which showed a slight double shadow indicating something abnormal was present.  I then had a CT scan which revealed a large (3” x 4”) mass within my chest. The tumor is inoperable due to the location surrounding my esophagus (hence the cough) and being right by my heart. I have had a needle biopsy which was able to rule out the “nasty” cancers, however was not able to give a final diagnosis, early tests show it is a form of Lymphoma.  The doctors have stated based on their initial findings, this type of Lymphoma responds well to Chemotherapy and Radiation. I am now scheduled for thoracic surgery on Monday April 30, 2012 to retrieve a large tissue biopsy and “de bulk” the tumor. This is a very invasive procedure comparable to open heart surgery. I will be in the hospital for 3-4 days then out of work for 3-4 weeks for recovery. Then I will be meeting with Oncologists to determine the next step in treatment.

The tumor is highlighted in red.

This is a very scary and a giant obstacle for me that I am prepared to fight! I am sorry if you’re hearing of this for the first time as I am not able to contact each of you personally. Please feel free to forward this to any friends or family I may have missed. We have set up a blog page to aide in keeping everyone updated. Our blog page is: http://jrofamily.blogspot.com/

 I want each one of you to know of the true love I have for you and how special you are to me.  I want to express my sincere appreciation to my family and my wife’s family in the support, love and strength they have shown for me, my wife and children. The outpouring of concern and well wishes for me and my family has been overwhelming. Please know they are felt and very much appreciated.  I pray for your continued health and strength as my family may need to lean on you for support.  You all know me… I am not a quitter, I am a fighter! I feel the lord has given me the tools to overcome this challenge.  I promise each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart that I am determined to fight this uphill battle with everything I have!

                   All my love, JRO