Dear Russ,
I am happy to hear that your cousin's daughter got great news! It makes you feel so good. My father is coming along. It's a long, rough road as you know and this is just the beginning. We have gotten the lab reports back from his biopsy and the tumor was cancerous but his lymph nodes are clear and the margins are also clear. My father has been in the hospital for over a week. We are trying to keep his spirits up, but he is getting very depressed. He is 72 years old and by no means is he an average 72-year-old. He is very active and independent and this is very hard for him. People who meet him cannot believe how old he is.
We are not sure if my father will have chemo or radiation treatments. We are still waiting to consult with the oncologist. My personal opinion is that I think it is a very good idea and my mother and the rest of my family think so too. My father did not have his surgery at U of P. He had his surgery at Thomas Jefferson Hospital so I am assuming that is where he will receive treatments.
I guess this is a question really for his doctor but since they caught it so soon and they were able to remove it, I'm wondering if there could be a reoccurrence?
This has been such a traumatic and shocking experience for my father as well as for me and my family. I just want to say that I am so grateful for people like you who give comfort and solace. I wish you continued good health and my prayers are with you.
Jennifer