New developments

A few things to report after meeting with Dr. Glaser (surgeon) and Dr. Kirlin (oncologist) this morning. Dr. Glaser came first and removed Dick's "pain ball," which was a localized pain relief tube. He's now off of oxygen, and the doctor says his IV should be removed later today. At that point he will be switched over to pain medication in pill and patch form, which he will be able to use at home. All of that means that Dick should be heading home tomorrow!

We were able to meet with Dr. Kirlin for over an hour. While he was not able to offer any "good" news, he emphasized that statistics cannot tell the whole story because each patient is unique. Dr. Kirlin was very knowledgeable and willing to answer all of our questions. His recommendation is a six-week combination of chemo and radiation as soon as Dick is recovered from surgery, plus two more three-week programs after a month off to rest. Given the time line, Dick would probably begin receiving those treatments at the end of October and through the whole month of November. We will know more when we meet with Dr. Kirlin again next week, and Dick is also planning to seek a second opinion just to be sure.

Dr. Kirlin echoed what we have heard all along -- Dick shouldn't be in this position based on his life experiences -- but he had a clear treatment plan in mind that would give Dick the best chance of beating this thing. He also noted that Dick does not have squamish cell carcinoma as originally diagnosed. It is actually adenocarcinoma, which is much more common (although still rare) among nonsmokers. That does not necessarily change the treatment, but it apparently does open up some more options.

Bob (Dick's brother) and Bryan will both be leaving today, though Bryan will probably be back sometime next week. Dick and Sharon appreciate your continued support as Dick is moved home and continues his recovery.