Posted by Todd (65.187.231.105) on October 14, 2001 at 21:25:05:
Thanks to everyone who posted, thought, prayed and emailed me. As I'll never find the time to write everyone individually, here's an update on what we know about Dad's condition.
He has bronchocentric adenocarcinoma, which is a non-small cell form of cancer. It apparently started in the lung and spread slightly to his shoulder. A spot they thought they saw in his brain turned out to me nothing, thankfully.
He's currently undergoing 10 radiation treatments for the shoulder. The docs felt that was more critical than the lung at this time. His chemo oncologyst and the radiation oncologyst and the thoracic surgeon are all discussing the best treatment course for the lung, but they won't do anything til the shoulder is handled.
His spirits are good and Mom is handling this like the trouper she's always been. (I love you both, Mom and Dad)
Dad's far from out of the woods, but all the prognosis info is very good so far. To everyone who said a prayer, held a good thought or just raised a glass and said "Be well, Todd's Dad", my heartfelt gratitude.
P.S. - One of the docs commented on the fact that Dad's in great shape for a 75 y/o. Mom mentioned that 5 years ago, he laid down over 12,000 bricks to created a brick driveway for their house. The 40 something doc said "What are you, effing crazy??? Now I gotta get you well - - I've always wanted a brick drive"
:-)
KTSSU,
T