Created and sent via e-mail JUNE 25, 2010......
Hello All,
Some of you now know the contents of this note, but the majority of you do not. I wish I could call each and every one of you to chat, but I cannot physically or emotionally do so. As you read on, I hope you understand why.
As direct as I can be........I have cancer.
After several weeks of tests and procedures we now know that it started in my tonsil, spread to my neck and for now, is NOT present in any other part of my body.
Before anything else, please know that while it is NOT in its earliest stage, it IS VERY treatable and the doctors have a high level of confidence in my long-term outlook. MY outlook while being completely realistic about my situation is one of confidence, desire to immediately rid my body of this poison and my utmost drive and dedication to get healthy and live life to its fullest for many years to come with Grace, Matthew, HArianna and Joshua.
Incredibly putting this into writing is somewhat therapeutic for me, so plese allow me some more therapy by somewhat recapping the journey so far. Hopefully it can take away many questions that you would ask me or Grace when given the opportunity.
This started with a standard trip to the ENT doctor over what I thought was a swollen gland that would not go away on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend that started 3 weeks of tests, imaging, blood work, scans, x-rays, biopsies, etc......that lead to the final diagnosis last Thursday. It has to be treated with at least 2 out of the 3 options---surgery, radiation, chemo---if not all 3. For now, surgery (2 of them) are on my horizon followed by daily radiation for 5-7 weeks. I've got about 2 1/2 months of a grind ahead of me, but I want to get started ASAP.
I'm going to be treated at U of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philly. Surgery for my tonsil is 9:30AM today (Friday) with the neck dissection currently set for July 6th if all healing from tonsil surgery goes well. My surgeon or as I like to call him......my new BFF......actually invented a robotic surgery (TORS for you internet seekers) in 2004 and both he and his resume---along with the hospital and staff are all very impressive. I believe I am in the best of hands to fix me and make me new again.
I'm also writing because frankly in this case, I'm being very selfish. With 2 hospital stays---1st one 3 days/2nd one 1-2 days, plus down time at home, plus weeks of radiation ahead of me..........I'd really welcome all the texts and e-mails I can get to keep active. Any prayers, good wishes, positive energy you want to throw my way.....I'd surely welcome all I could get. Funny thing is.......and THIS IS FUNNY!!!.....no TALKING and no EATING are on my recuperation list, so you can see the challenge that lies ahead of me.
Again.....I couldn't make all these phone calls as much I would have liked. Even if it is through e-mail, I'd rather you heard this from me as opposed to thru the grapevine. My journey begins now!
Best! David D
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