How we got here

Yeah, yeah... the easy answer is by plane. But, even that was an adventure. Don't believe me: Try packing for a six-to-eight week stay -- and fit it all into a carry-on.

I didn't mind. The snacks stayed with me for the drive home from the airport.

As we approach my dad's surgery on Thursday, I realized from many of my own co-workers and friends that they knew my dad was sick, but didn't know with what or how quickly the disease has grown. So for those that weren't entirely sure what was going on and didn't want to ask, here's the short version -- well, at least, the shortest I could keep it:

My dad was diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma earlier this year, which is a malignant form of cancer that attacks the pleural membrane of the lungs and chest cavity. Mesothelioma is universally believed to develop from the exposure of asbestos and can lie dormant for 40 or more years before the symptoms are noticeable.

It is also extremely aggressive in attacking the diseased organ as shown with the progression with my dad. He first went into the emergency room in late December for general illness, and had his chest drained weekly because of the fluid buildup in his thoracic cavity beginning in January. A biopsy in mid-February ultimately confirmed the disease

My parents met with Dr. David Sugarbaker and his staff in Boston from March 6-9. Brigham and Women's Hospital is the teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical, and is not only nationally recognized for its advanced medical capabilities and cutting-edge research, but also for its overall quality of patient care. It was confirmed there in late March that my dad was a candidate for extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), in which doctors will remove the entire left lung, lining of the inside of the chest, the hemi-diaphragm and pericardium. The above link is a very detailed source of how the disease evolves and the work involved in eliminating it.

It's just been amazing how quickly my dad's breathing, stamina and strength as decreased in the past four months alone, and I believe he's comfortable and confident moving forward, planning to do so soon without that daily pain he was forced to endure.

My parents are expecting to remain in Boston for the foreseable future -- or until the outrageous hotel rates and cost of living along the east coast forces them to go home.... (just kidding, kind of.)  They would be the first to admit that none of this would be possible with the support of friends, family and the entire Oakridge schools system and Wolf Lake community for the encouragement, prayers and help. Special individual thanks go out to many... and I'll just start by mentioning Sterling and Roylynn Wever for watching over the house and "dog"sitting Kada -- so that I didn't have to -- prior to leaving myself.

That all being said... the faith, prayer and support has gotten us this far, and we ask of you to continue, not only for a calm and peaceful day Wednesday and successful surgery Thursday... but the strength and encouragement to make it through was will be a demanding recovery and rehabilitation process.