Back in Boston

First, I need to apologize to those that have checked back here to see how my dad -- and our family -- was doing throughout this fight against the mesothelioma, only to see nothing updated since we last returned to Boston.

The outpouring of support, well wishes and prayers throughout this process has been amazing -- and,  for the most part -- everything has been going well. But, because of that, it's easy to again get stuck in our own routines until the next phase in this process has come.

As most of you are aware... my father was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleural lining of the lungs earlier this year. We went out to Boston with the hopes and anticipation that the doctor there would be able to perform a procedure to remove the diseased lung and eliminate the cancer. However, during surgery, the doctor discovered the tumor was wrapped around the aorta of the heart and made continuing the surgery too much of a risk.

The plan was to go through multiple chemo treatments back here in Muskegon -- with the intent to return in three months to see if the tumor has diminished enough to try the surgery once again.

Well, three months are up -- and my parents will have tests done this afternoon (Tuesday) in Boston to see what direction to go next.

For those of you that have said a prayer for my father in the past -- or do so every day -- please keep my parents in your minds as today passes. If you're reading this for the first time, or have never met my family, I ask that you take a moment hug someone you love and appreciate that moment.

The doctor was pretty straight-forward back in May in that he couldn't predict how my dad -- and the tumor -- would react to the chemotherapy. We said back then we were just thankful that we had the options to look forward too, and once again we're anxious to follow the plan God has placed for us.

Again tests today at 1:30 ... appointment with the doctor at 2:30...

Thank-you to you all!

Home, sweet home.

After over two weeks in Boston, it sounds as if my parents should be returning home later today.

Just got a text this morning that they had a couple of "anxious" moments as they waited for the plane, however, it sounds as if the blood work looked okay.

We've asked for a lot of prayers, but another quickie for a safe, and uneventful, ride home would be nice right about now.

Their plane gets into Grand Rapids tonight, and I'm guessing it will be off to softball games nearly right away.

My parents met with the doctor staff on Tuesday and, by the sounds of things, they will start chemo treatment beginning next week -- with the goal of returning for a mid-August return trip to Boston.

Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers throughout this rough time.

Boston... we will be back

Well. I apologize for neglecting what has some sort of a "responsibility" as others from back home have expressed thanks for keeping those posted on what was going on here in Boston.

My dad, hours after his surgery.

However, since my dads surgery -- and the subsequent weekend -- there's been extremely little to report. The quick answer is my dad was released from the hospital late Sunday night, seems to be in good spirits, has a doctor appointment Tuesday to go over potential future plans, and should be coming home as early as Friday.

Thanks Kevin, Renee and families. We love you, too!

A quick recap -- to avoid reading previous posts -- the surgeon could not complete the surgery because the mesothelioma tumor was wrapped around the aorta, which ultimately supplies all branches of the body oxygenated blood, posing too many immediate risks. 

As we all know... there's much more beyond that as we prepare to come home ourselves.

It's been a somewhat unfulfilling trip, knowing that the doctor wasn't able to remove the cancer, and my dad is going to have to continue fighting the pain that he has been suffering through -- and now battle through the chemotherapy -- with the hopes to shrink the tumor enough to return here in late summer to go through this procedure once again.


But the hope, faith and optimism that the surgeon's suggested treatment plan is possible -- and, most importantly, the support from back home -- just proves there's reason to continue fighting. Which is what my father appears ready to do. Slow laps with the grandkids at the hospital, already planning trips to Chicago to see his newest grandson and extending appreciation to those that have been behind him throughout this process has him eager to move forward.

So, the entire family extends our appreciate for all of those -- from Brazil (thanks Luciana and family) to Nevada to Wolf Lake -- that have extended their thoughts, prayers, interest and help, allowing us to lean on one another to make it through this challenging time. The rewarding part of this entire process is realizing the number of people that have reached out to our families during this difficult time.


So, as we follow God's plan and his road for Ron, we extend our thanks to each of you. Our thoughts and prayers of appreciation are extended as well.

That, and I hear Boston in late summer can be a lot of fun!

Sorry about the delay... but all is well

From my parents first visit to Boston in March.

Just 12 hours after the surgery. 

It was a rough morning for my dad on Friday -- learning that they couldn't complete the surgery -- however, through it all he remained strong, even smiling and not worrying the grandkids at all.

Sorry, I haven't posted anything today -- for those of you whom may be checking in. We are trying to do our best to enjoy the rest of our trip here to Boston ... and even may try to pry my mother away from the hospital at some point. And I had to post another link, only because McKenna's blog is up to about 10 views (I don't think she should count the 10 times she refreshed her browser, though)

Many of us were able to take in the Red Sox game Thursday night at Fenway Park, we walked a bit of the Freedom Trail, and Erica, I and the girls had dinner at the original Bull and Finch bar -- which sparked the Cheers sitcom.

My father was in a bit more pain today as they weened him off the medication, however, he was up and walking before noon and moved out intensive care by 3 p.m. He was comfortably sleeping early tonight -- which was good because it allowed my mom to finally get a decent night of sleep as well. 

Haven't talked much more of what's to come, that will be handled as we move past the weekend. Guessing they will remain here in Boston for a short period and see how things progress moving forward.

I will try to post more Saturday, but here are a few photos from Boston.

Sorry to interrupt...

But wanted to add a few photos of my own.

Hayden ready to float away at Dick's Last Resort

Erica and Reilyn on the Duck Tour

Hayden and Delaney outside Fenway Park with Doerr, Pesky, Wiliams

Red Auerbach looking a little stiff

Staying strong

It truly is amazing when your will and hope is tested the most, only then are you able to sit back and realize how truly blessed we all really are.

The news about my father today was disheartening and not the route that we expected to take, however, throughout this entire process -- stretching back even into last December -- we are able to witness the friendship, support and love that our family, friends and the entire Wolf Lake, Oakridge community has been gracious enough to provide us with that courage to get through another day.

And, that's a good thing -- because we will be asking for more. It's tough to seemingly monopolize the prayer chain this week, but I do have ALL those whom are suffering -- physically, emotionally, financially -- in my own thoughts and prayers as we continue to trudge forward.

Not really any news to report since we first heard from the surgeon yesterday. My dad did wake up about 1 a.m. on his own and was able to nod, hold onto my mothers' hand and confirmed he wasn't in any pain for the 40 minutes we were able to see him. There was even a noticeable grin, when we told him he had to fight through this recovery process in order to get back home and watch the grandkids' softball, soccer games and to be able to hold baby Ethan.

They are expected to begin stripping the tubes from him earlier today and taking him off the ventilator at that time too. Hopefully, today, we will learn more about the chemo process and trying to find a way to shrink this mesothelioma tumor and try the surgery again in the future.

I know my mom appreciates the love and support and I wish we were able to share our thanks individually with each and every person -- but, I'm guessing that's not going to be possible. However, the care and support shows the number of lives my parents have touched and the respect all of you have treated my family in this time of need.

God's detour for Ron.

Not exactly the news we were hoping for, expecting today. We were concerned after how short the surgery took, and we just met with the doctor, and the mesothelioma was advanced that a complete extraction of the lung was not possible.

God is not without a plan for Ron or the rest of us. The doctor still remains hopeful that with chemotherapy, he can shrink the tumor enough to attempt an extraction in the future. But for now, the cancer was attached to the aorta and other major blood vessels to make the removal of the lung too risky today.

Ron will be in the hospital for up to a week and will slowly be taken off the ventilator beginning Friday morning. We will continue to pray and care for him and continue to show support and fight this disease.

Thanks for praying, and please, continue the support.

We love you all!