There is no easy way to say this...
On Wednesday night we drove down to Denver for a PET scan first thing Thursday morning, in preparation for surgery Thursday night. We stayed at Amy and Matt's house (thank you!) and exchanged presents, knowing that Christmas Day might be a little hectic at the hospital, and went to bed early.
The PET scan went according to plan. We had some lunch with Sean Fraser and beautiful little Elsa and shot over to Sprint to check out their corporate deal on new cell phones.
En route we got a call from Dr. Imola with some very bad news. In addition to the tumor due for removal in his neck, The PET scan showed at a minimum 28 tumors in Tony's lungs.
There was no beating around the bush. Tumors in the lungs are inoperable, and mostly uncurable. Dr. Imola gave us the heartbreaking news, that in his opinion, Tony probably has 6-12 months to live.
We were dumbfounded and sat by the road and cried a little bit.
Further chemo is an optional treatment plan, but will likely just make Tony sick again and not do much good.
Tony did go through surgery, although not the full neck dissection that was originally planned. The new plan was less traumatic and surgery went off without a hitch on Thursday night. Tonight he is resting comfortably at Swedish Hospital in Denver.
We are adjusting to his likely "expiration date" (Tony's words, not mine).
Friday (today) we are trying to deal with the inevitable. Tony's spirits were good today, but i'm sure there are going to be lots of highs and lows in the coming days.
My dad arrived in town last night and is helping us through this with his matter-of-fact perspective.
Kip and Lauren came for a visit today. Amy was an angel and brought us a Christmas tree and lights to brighten up Tony's room. It is the little things right now that will make all the difference.
Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. We wish you and your family a happy holiday.
Cheers...
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