Update 1 for Mike Pless: Feb 14, 2024 - 3:30 PM

Dr. Kaka just came in from his part of the surgery and gave the family an update. Dr. Kaka was the first surgeon of the two operating on dad today. His task was to remove dad’s tongue and larynx.

Dr. Kaka gave us good news. He had to remove more of dad’s tissue than he previously expected. The cancer had begun to travel toward both the base of the skull and front of the jaw bone.

This is the good news: clear margins. Pathology has confirmed no cancer in the tissue removed.

Dr. Kaka balanced this update with an honest call back to the road ahead.

Dr. El Deiry now has the task of reassembly and reconstruction of dad’s neck and throat. Although the heavily damaged and radiated tissue is working against the doctors, we’re hopeful. We’re currently at about the half way point with surgery.

Please continue to pray with us as we wait for further updates from the nurses and doctors here at Emory.

We love all of you family and friends, as does dad. We trust in our great God no matter the outcome.

"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Ps 9:10

Soli Deo gloria.