Fwd: A maudlin update and greeting

An update from Joyce. FYI.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Joyce French" <JoyceF@ssoilpropane.com>
Date: Feb 19, 2014 3:37 PM
Subject: A maudlin update and greeting
To: "Richard Dickson" <rcd6600@gmail.com>, "BSymmonds@SymmondsLaw.com" <BSymmonds@symmondslaw.com>, "symmondsjane@yahoo.com" <symmondsjane@yahoo.com>, "jekinstl@aol.com" <jekinstl@aol.com>, "rdm72@sbcglobal.net" <rdm72@sbcglobal.net>, "joe-and-alice@cox.net" <joe-and-alice@cox.net>, "Jan Thompson" <jkg.thompson@gmail.com>, "jvokac@yahoo.com" <jvokac@yahoo.com>, "ZolaB" <zolab@cinci.rr.com>, "fergshouse@sunflower.com" <fergshouse@sunflower.com>, "lnewp26316@aol.com" <lnewp26316@aol.com>, "leslievang@bellsouth.net" <leslievang@bellsouth.net>, "janr01@sbcglobal.net" <janr01@sbcglobal.net>, "mcburtis@hotmail.com" <mcburtis@hotmail.com>, "kcdickson@verizon.net" <kcdickson@verizon.net>, "Jeri Snyder" <smileyface58@hotmail.com>, "symmonds@swbell.net" <symmonds@swbell.net>, "inger.dickson@gmail.com" <inger.dickson@gmail.com>, "rSymmonds@SymmondsLaw.com" <rSymmonds@symmondslaw.com>, "Elaine Westlake" <EWestlake@cristinapowerhouse.com>
Cc:

Good afternoon;

We are making progress, we know what kind of cancer.

And received a call from Mayo this afternoon to be there Feb. 27.

Thought you’d like to have Craig’s own words,  he didn’t have

Everyone’s email.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Love Joyce

Dear, friends;

 

               This is an update of my situation. You have been kind enough to ask about me at times when I call for one reason or another. You have been even kinder to accept the bits and pieces I’ve given you along the way which must have built up into a very patchwork story. It has been that way for me, too, as  I hope you understand. We are now at a point where some explanation can be made so that you do understand pretty much what is going on.

 

                Yesterday I finally got the report from the biopsy done last week. I have adenocarcinoma of the lung. Such cancers are the most common kind of lung cancer among those who are lifelong non-smokers. This is good news. It is a large cell cancer which is easier to treat than what is more common among lung cancer. Mine is, though, fast growing. It has spread. There are two large tumors, one in the right lung, another high in the middle region of the chest, above the heart. It is in the lymph nodes, too. Worse, it is inoperable.

 

Until I see an oncologist I will not know what treatments will be recommended. Most certainly there will be chemotherapy, but there are many kinds of that and who knows what mix will be used. Radiation may also be included but I don’t know at this point. I do not have a credible prognosis at this time.

 

                We have applied for treatment at the Mayo Clinic and are optimistic we’ll be accepted. Should know the next couple days. I expect to spend next week in Minnesota. I admit I’ve never hoped for that to happen in the winter.

 

                Be assured, I intend to fight this with as much strength as I can muster. I am also going to do it with humor and laughter to such extent that is possible. That said, I become weaker almost daily and that will take a jump (I’m guessing) once chemo starts.

 

 

Thank you for being; your thoughts in my direction would be appreciated,

 

Craig