Update on Grandpa.......Aug 7, 2009

Hi, ya'all! Dad and I went back to the oncologist on Monday. Dad did a lot of learning about cancer, chemo, radiation, and probabilities; and a lot of thinking. We learned that he had some shrinkage of the tumor with the 1st round of chemotherapy, with some side effects, but not severe. But he has stage 4 throat cancer with metastation into the lymph node, and probably a small spot on both the liver and in the chest area. He has decided that he doesn't want to continue with chemotherapy nor radiation options. He watched his siblings and other loved ones go thru similar treatments, only to die sick and frail. He would like to spend his remaining days while he is feeling good visiting with his family, and smoking and drinking as he has always enjoyed. Right now, the tumor is smaller in this neck, and may stay "at bay" for a while. He feels good, and is getting strength back every day from the chemo last month. He could have 6 months, or 12 months or who the heck knows? He is really enjoying the phone calls from all of you all, and would love to see everyone. Let me know when you all want to come down here to see him, and I will do all I can to help make it a good visit. xoxo Rhonda