Ohio Outdoorsman
Absent Comrade
UPDATE ON PAGE 16
To all of my family and friends, this is the hardest thing I have ever had to write.
To circumvent the rumor mill and its associated exaggerations I feel it is best to give you the facts and let you know in my own words what is going on.
I have been diagnosed with aggressive advanced stage 4 cancer. The tumor is in the left sinus cavity. It has eroded the base of the skull and invaded the brain approximately three fourths of an inch. It has also invaded the optic nerve and the orbit of the left eye. I am still undergoing testing to determine the best course of action.
At this time plan A would involve major surgery to completely remove the tumor. It would involve removing the front of my skull, the left eye and all surrounding bone structure and half of my nose. The risks involved with this surgery are extensive with many very serious possible side effects such as loss of motor control, speech, spinal fluid issues, blood clots, etc.
Plan B is less invasive; they would remove or as they call it "de-bulk" as much of the tumor as possible via the nasal cavity without going into the brain area. They would then use very aggressive radiation and Chemo. The radiation would destroy the left eye and possibly affect the right eye as well.
Plan C is no surgery, just aggressive radiation and chemo. This would also destroy the left eye and possibly affect the right one as well. I was also advised the radiation would most likely cause a serious personality change and that I would lose all inhibitions. Of course I asked how can you lose what you never had??
I have asked what any of these plans would buy me and no one can tell me if they would have any effect at all or extend what time I have left.
Plan D is to accept the fact I have had a good life and do nothing at all, just live and enjoy each day the best I can as long as I can.
I have asked how long I have if I chose this route and the answer has varied with each doctor with the consensus being a few months at best. At this point I have pretty much lost the vision in my left eye and have been experiencing some major headaches. I have never been one for taking pills but it looks like I am going to try some painkillers. So if I act a little different just blame the drugs.
I wish I didn't have to write this, but facts are facts and some things you have no control over. I just ask for your prayers and support for Charlene and the boys.
To all of my family and friends, this is the hardest thing I have ever had to write.
To circumvent the rumor mill and its associated exaggerations I feel it is best to give you the facts and let you know in my own words what is going on.
I have been diagnosed with aggressive advanced stage 4 cancer. The tumor is in the left sinus cavity. It has eroded the base of the skull and invaded the brain approximately three fourths of an inch. It has also invaded the optic nerve and the orbit of the left eye. I am still undergoing testing to determine the best course of action.
At this time plan A would involve major surgery to completely remove the tumor. It would involve removing the front of my skull, the left eye and all surrounding bone structure and half of my nose. The risks involved with this surgery are extensive with many very serious possible side effects such as loss of motor control, speech, spinal fluid issues, blood clots, etc.
Plan B is less invasive; they would remove or as they call it "de-bulk" as much of the tumor as possible via the nasal cavity without going into the brain area. They would then use very aggressive radiation and Chemo. The radiation would destroy the left eye and possibly affect the right eye as well.
Plan C is no surgery, just aggressive radiation and chemo. This would also destroy the left eye and possibly affect the right one as well. I was also advised the radiation would most likely cause a serious personality change and that I would lose all inhibitions. Of course I asked how can you lose what you never had??
I have asked what any of these plans would buy me and no one can tell me if they would have any effect at all or extend what time I have left.
Plan D is to accept the fact I have had a good life and do nothing at all, just live and enjoy each day the best I can as long as I can.
I have asked how long I have if I chose this route and the answer has varied with each doctor with the consensus being a few months at best. At this point I have pretty much lost the vision in my left eye and have been experiencing some major headaches. I have never been one for taking pills but it looks like I am going to try some painkillers. So if I act a little different just blame the drugs.
I wish I didn't have to write this, but facts are facts and some things you have no control over. I just ask for your prayers and support for Charlene and the boys.
Last edited:
