My father has begun his chemo and radiation. He remains incredibly positive about the fact that he is among the "elite". The "elite" are the 10-20% of patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who actually have the opportunity to got through the "Whipple Procedure" (a.k.a. surgery for resecting the cancerous mass). My dad reminded me, before I left Philadelphia to head home to Chicago, that his oncologist told him that most patients have to "close the book" because their cancer has progressed so much that there is nothing that can be done.
I am happy to report that my sister Karin is still in Exton helping my mother and father! My niece Sarah and my brother-in-law, Mauricio, have also visited in the past two weeks, which has been so incredible for my entire family.
Last night was my sister-in-law's (Mary) birthday so there was a party in Exton with streamers, cake, and a clown. By the way, the clown was Karin (a.k.a. Zoomer). My nephew Evan was onto Karin but she reminded him that her name was Zoomer and not Karin! Everyone laughed alot and enjoyed the party!
I also want to thank Jerry Gerlach for scheduling people from Central Presbyterian Church to take my father into Philadelphia for his radiation treatment. Jerry is the father of one of my friends from high school, Jennifer (Gerlach) Jones. He has provided so much support for my father as he has gone through this difficult time. Thanks to everyone who has helped in so many ways!
