Today was an exceptionally tough day. Gramps had developed some swelling on his neck this morning, around where the incision was made for his surgery. This was of concern to the surgeon, so a CT scan was ordered. It was determined that there was some fluid build up. It would have been likely to see this in the days immediately following the surgery, but it has been eight days now, so it was of real concern. Doctors ended up removing the staples from his neck and draining the fluid. His neck has healed pretty well since last week and they will continue to monitor the fluid situation. As of this afternoon, he hadn't slept at all in over 36 hours, so he is understandably very tired.

In addition, we received the results of the biopsies taken last week. While we knew that the spread of the cancer from his esophagus to his liver was horrible, and while we all tried to prepare as best we could for what we know is an unbelievably difficult and frightening situation, the official results and the reality of the situation was no easier to handle for any of us.

The cancer in his liver is a direct morph from that in his esophagus. However, this is referred to as a small cell cancer, and is considered rapid growing. In fact, it appears that it has grown within the liver in just the past week. We are still uncertain whether there is a treatment option; and if there is, it would be a very tough, painful battle; one that we are not certain that he is willing to endure. Right now, we have just got to get him healed from the surgery, and get some of the issues that doctors are continually monitoring under control, before doctors and family can even really begin to discuss any future possibilities.

Over the past week, there have been talks of discharge to home, but we haven't quite gotten there yet. We're hopeful that it might happen this weekend, but several issues need to be resolved beforehand. It would be nice for all of us to have Gramps home for Father's Day.

The entire family is spending as much time sitting with him and visiting as possible right now. As of this week, I have been moved to working swing shift, but decided to take tonight off work and spend the night with him again. He is actually snoring a little bit right this moment, and it is music to my ears.

I was not anticipating dealing with this so publicly, and would actually like to keep some of my family's grieving process private amongst ourselves. But for now, this is the best, easiest and quickest forum for me to communicate information to everyone who cares about and loves my Gramps, your friend Bud, and your Uncle Buddy. Please share this with others in the family as you can. I promise that one day soon I will reach out to each and every one of you individually who was been continuously sending their love, prayers and kind words. Until then, hug your loved ones, tell them how much you love them at every opportunity and please keep the love and prayers coming my family's direction.