First off, I don’t have any updates on Jerry. I should probably try to get one, and if I do, I’ll pass that along here.
Scott is home and was reportedly in church this morning and doing well. I don’t have any update on the biopsy but if they determine it’s thyroid cancer then the plan would be another operation in a little over a week. Overall, though, the news there is good.
Marshall, on the other hand, has had some bad news. I don’t have all the details but they’re saying that the cancer has, indeed, spread to the liver. I don’t know if they did another biopsy or if that’s just updated results from the first one. That being the case, the Whipple procedure is off the table (barring yet another change in diagnosis), and the prognosis returns to really really bad (from just pretty darn bad). Sounds like he’s going to seek a second opinion … again. Barring better news, time is likely fairly short…
More when I have it. Keep praying.
V-
My family has been through this
Varrin – My mother died last year of pancreatic cancer. When it was discovered it was too far advanced for the Whipple procedure. It was treated with Gemzar. As with many of the cancer drugs there is a balance between it’s effectiveness and serious side effects. She lived for about 15 months after diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is one of the least survivable of the common cancers. The one year survivable rate after diagnosis is 5% so my mother did pretty well. The problem is that it is usually pretty far advanced before there are any symptoms. If not handled well it can also be one of the most painful ways to go. Marshall’s family needs to make sure he gets good pain management.
On a more positive note, my mother did get good care and she was in good mental shape until the last few weeks. She saw a new grand daughter come into this world and she saw about the first 9 months of her life. There was time for family members to spend time visiting with her. That was good for the family but given a choice, I would rather have a quick death run over by the proverbial bus.
Re: My family has been through this
Tony,
Thanks a million for the valuable information. I’ll point Marshall to your comment here. He has read this on occasion (at least one that I know of). I don’t know the exact details but I think the news that eliminates the possibility of Whipple is the cancer spreading to the liver. I’m very glad you had the extra time with your mother. I believe Marshall will enjoy whatever time he has left with his friends and family. Indeed, we all should. Ya just never know…
To know or not to know the imminence of death
Tony, Varrin….
I much prefer having 6-16 month heads up that my expiration date is approaching. 🙂
Indeed, I am having a ball planning sneak-preview wakes, trips with children and grandchildren, and am even trying to figure out how to get an “Advance Notice Obituary” printed in the Fresno Bee.
God is good to me giving me time to create my “Bucket List” and get some of it done.
Marshall Fritz