CancerCompass message board discussion started by Barkley on 2/11/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20853,0.htm Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ 2-11-08All 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 Barkley Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT You will be in my prayers tomorrow. Don't get too nervous if it takes longer. I always forget to work the prep time in when they lay all their lines, etc. The surgeon doesn't just start when they take him away and it seems ineveitable that the surgeries end up a bit longer because of it. Good luck with it all. tongrenhealer Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Steve,      I will be saying extra prayers for your Dad and you today. Please update when you can.                                        Pat Patty5 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you.  I will share an update when I can. Barkley Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you.  I will update when I can. Barkley Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT