Larry Baker...Pancreatic Cancer Fight UPDATE 5

Dateline Jan 10, 2011...

First, Update 5 on Larry Baker.  After the last 6 months of various chem and radiation treatments, it looks like Chris's dad Larry is on the mend.  The MRI's show no signs of cancer or cancerous growth.  Looks like the pancreatic cancer is gone at best and in remission at worst.  So thanks for those prayers from all.

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Hey Rick, This is unbelievable about Kevin!  I am in complete shock. We got the word while on the way back from Texas and visiting with Chris's dad.  Larry is doing extremely well.  He 30% of his pancreas removed, 20% of his stomach, only 2 of 25 lymph nodes show any kind of cancerous cells about.  He started chemo Friday, July 9th.  Keep up the prayers and I will let you know more.  He has 3 weeks of chemo and one week off, then 5 weeks chemo/rad with 3 weeks off.  Then two 3 week sessions of chemo with one week off.  So by Christmas we will all know more. Love, Chrissy

Well, there has been a little development. After meeting with the oncologist and radiologist, Larry is going for both. He starts sometime this week or next. Oncologist very blunt - 6 to 12 months. Radiologist more philosophical in her approach - these are averages and numbers we have to offer, but no one can know for certain. So we will do what we can do. Chris said his dad did not sound well when he spoke with him on Wednesday.

Dear Dena and Rick, Home safe and sound with Miss Beatrice.  Chris received word this evening that his father came through the surgery.  It was to start at 10 a.m. and he did not go in until after 3:30 p.m.!  Gotta love it. The doctor feels he got all the cancer in the whipple procedure, at least what he could see.  And the amount was not as bad or as much as the first oncologist had stated. Larry is in recovery as of 8:45 p.m. this evening (5/25).  The surgery lasted just over 5 hours.  We will have more information tomorrow (5/26) but the initial hurdle has been surpassed. Without a doubt, it is due the large amounts of prayers being offered by so many.  Our gratitude for your help in this man's healing. Peace and prayers, Christina aka Chrissy

Dear Rick, The surgery did not go well.  Basically the doc got in, saw the cancer had spread to his liver, closed him up and sent him home this evening.  We are still waiting to hear what Larry will decide to do next - chemo, radiation, what are the possibilities and if he will take any of those options.  More prayers please.  Chris was a bit of a mess as you well know - regardless of the relationship you have with a father - good, bad, indifferent, close, distance - the thought of losing him and facing that reality is very tough. Thanks, Chrissy

Christina Bockwinkel Baker

Your prayers are needed for my husband's father, Larry. He has pancreatic cancer, is having surgery Monday that will be high risk for a variety of reasons. Your prayers for Chris, his father and his sisters are greatly appreciated.