To All Our Dear Friends,
Please forgive this shortcut method of conveying some bad news. It's quicker and easier than conventional phone calls. Certainly we'll be talking to you all individually in the coming months.
Bob has been diagnosed with throat cancer. We do not yet know the extent to which it has spread or the stage. It started on his hypopharynx and has spread to a lymph node on his neck. This is the only symptom that he had. He noticed the lump on his neck this summer. The doctor suspects squamous carcinoma since this is the most common kind affecting smokers. He has, of course, now stopped smoking. After the Petscan next week and more preliminary preparations he will be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation at LIJ. His doctor is Douglas Frank, reputedly the best in the biz. The therapies will last 6 or 8 weeks. No surgery is indicated at this time.
This is the same kind of cancer Michael Douglas had last year, but in a slightly different location. And MD is now deemed cancer-free, according to all reports. That's encouraging.
Our yearly Florida trip is on hold for now. Hopefully, Bob and I will be able to come down later in the season, if the doctor ok's it.
As far as our other plans, we are adopting a wait-see attitude. I'm thinking of starting a blog so that our loved ones can stay connected but it's kind of a daunting task and I'm not too sure how to go about it. Our friends Meghan and Tommy Nicchi had a wonderful one when their daughter Brooklyn was so ill last year. It was a great comfort to their many friends (certainly it was a comfort to me) so I'm going to try to work something up. Maybe Dan can help me. I hear he's pretty good with computers.
Facebook and emails are really welcome right now. We know you all care for Bob, but it's always good to hear it out loud, so to speak.
Next year at this time, it will all be behind us. We are determined to believe that!
Love,Susan and Bob
Friday, October 21, 2011
Some News
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Dear Susan and Bob,
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to hear of Bob's illness but heartened by the fact that it is the same as Michael Douglas'. He seems to be doing well and I know in my heart that Bob will also - after all he is much more handsome than MD and that counts for something!!! Seriously though, all my thoughts and prayers will always be with u. They worked for Brooklyn and they will for Bob too. If there is anything else that I can do to help - come down and hold your hand, chicken soup - ANYTHING - I am here and I can be there in a few hours. Much love to both of u.
Love,
Eloise
Thank you for creating this blog. All of us who love you also want to respect your privacy and need for personal space. This is a perfect way to accompany you on your journey and root you on along the way.
ReplyDeleteI hope in the weeks and months ahead we can share the joy of the good news we will hear and cry only tears of relief.
I love you and look forward to many years together as your sister.
Jan
My sweet daughter-in-law Becca (Mother of the Mighty Joshua Bell, our newest darling grandson) was such a sweetheart to set this blog up for us. Please bear with us, as we learn to navigate it.
ReplyDeleteI love you guys sooo much!:) I know Cappy's gonna be just fine.
ReplyDelete