Hello Friends,
I received my diagnosis on Thursday and the news isn't good. I have stage 4 cancer from either the pancreas or the bile ducts located near the pancreas. At this point there's not much difference because the course of treatment is the same for both.
The cancer has spread too much for surgery to be of any use so I will begin chemo on Tuesday next week. I will receive the treatments once per week on a schedule of two weeks on, one week off. If the treatments are successful I could have as much as another year to live. Otherwise, it could be six months or less. I could also be one of those rare "lived for years" cases but that's not likely so I only mention it since no one really knows what will happen just yet.
As you can well imagine, I am a mixture of anger, frustration and a deep, deep sadness. I also have constant reminders of all the love that's out there for me and for Dave and it really does make a difference to hear from everyone. To that end, I wanted to let you know that I have a new cell phone number because my cell phone from the last 10 years was a work phone and thus will be not mine sometime in the near future. I don't want to post the number here but I will make it available on my Facebook info page. If you're not my FB friend, send me a note and I'll send you the number in an email. Home number is the same and is still valid.
Call or text; I would like to hear from you!
More soon, friends.
Sending you all of my love to both you guys! Thank you again for dinner last night and it was great to see y'all and visit.
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you need anything :)
Greg
mmm..I think I may have to trade up the phone and get one with a qwerty keyboard. Texting from a regular phone is passe. Then we can exchange pictures of our pets! I'm very grateful for our friendship & for the time we get to spend together. Love you lots.
ReplyDeleteJenny
Sending so much love to both of you! Please, please, please let me know if you need anything (even if it's a game of Lunch Money).
ReplyDeletexoxo
Hey Dave, so sorry to hear the news. :( I hope that you are able to feel comfortable and I'm so glad that even in this situation you see the silver lining (naps). I've always been grateful for the invitations to your parties and enjoyed spending time with you. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through the treatment.
ReplyDeleteMegan Cough
In my opinion... you are definately one of the "rare cases". Thinking about you both. Big hugs OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO and maybe even an X!! Hmmm... showing some emotion and letting someone in my space... see?? You are RARE!!!
ReplyDeleteLaurel
And you were just bringing sexy back! Ijoke because my heart aches for you and your family. I am grateful that you have such a supportive husband and vast circle of friends. I know that you and your family will have what you need to face this battle. I feel empowered by your acceptance of this circumstance and by your courage to share it with us. Every moment is perfect and should be cherished - even when the outcomes are not what we hoped for. Please take the time to smell the flowers, watch the birds fly, hear the thunder and enjoy every bit of this wonderful life of yours.I will say a little prayer especially for you every day.
ReplyDeleteMeishia
David, there are no words that seem to do justice all the things I'm feeling. As I am sure is the case for you too.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'll just say this. I love you and look forward to seeing you soon.
We're thinking about you out here in SF, David. Both of you.
ReplyDeleteDavid, It has been years since we've seen each other. It was so fun getting together with all the cousins and wish you could of been there. I just want you to know that I'm thinking of you. Say hi to your mom for me. It looks like you have a lot of great friends! Take care, Peggy Beck (Sholl)
ReplyDeleteDammit! I wrote a nice post and then it got erased. How do I contact you via email now? Got some stuff to share...
ReplyDeletesyllaandcorey at gmaildotcom