2-11-08
All the tests have been done. Tomorrow I take my dad to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. His surgery is scheduled for noon. Dr. Anderson told us that the procedure will be the Transhiatal Esophagectomy. The surgery should last from 3-5 hours with two Thoracic surgeons performing the surgery. Hospital stay from 7 to 10 days. A 2 to 3 month recuperation period followed by chemotherapy. Dad is 83 and wants to live longer. He is a tough WWII veteran. This all started December 14 with blood in his stool. Tonight we went out and had his favorite meal, fish and chips and two beers. He is so ready and so strong. I try to be strong, but it is hard. I have learned that the time for me to have what I call are melt downs is when I all by myself away from everyone. It is a release. I know what is ahead of dad is going to be tough. I have learned so much about this cancer and about the strength that is needed by all of the comments that all of you have shared. For that I thank all of you who are or were where my dad and I are. Your willingness to share and offer prayers for someone you do not know and have never met is the highest form of kindness and love. Thank you all you are in my prayers.
Steve