1. Most importantly: My enhanced CT Scans came back this morning. There is no metastasis of my cancer. This means that the cancer is confined to the lacrimal gland and has not yet spread anywhere else. This is pretty huge, as far as good news goes.
2. I had a phone meeting with Dr. Pelzer (cancer surgeon) today. Due to vacation and scheduled surgeries, his next available surgery appointment is 8JAN. Dr. Pelzer is stepping up for the Team, however, and has decided to do the surgery this Thursday (28DEC).
3. He is coming in during his vacation so that we don’t have to wait any longer. I can’t even describe how much I appreciate him doing this. He has a profound appreciation of Marines and I am reaping the benefit. As of today, Dr. Pelzer is throwing his weight around to secure some operating room time as well as the services of Dr. Few.
4. Dr Julius Warren “War on Cancer” Few will be making the first incisions of the surgery to give me the best chance of keeping my left eye and as much of that part of my face as possible.
5. Dr. Few will also stay on during Dr. Pelzer’s removal of the tumor to perform the reconstruction of my eye, head, and face when Dr. Pelzer’s exorcism is complete.
6. True to Team Schrank’s warrior ethos, Dr. Augulnik will exploit the victory and pursue the enemy by fire, maneuver, and maybe some radiation therapy.
7. You guys continue to support me so I continue to thank YOU. I really appreciate all the good energy. It makes a big difference, and is directly reflected in my continued positive attitude. Except 2nd Lt. Medeiros, who quit on my workout this morning. It seems TBS has made him soft. SSgt Diduca and I will remedy this situation most riki-tik. In all sincerity, a big thanks to everyone.
Eddy,
Keep on fightin! The people in the great state of Tennessee are all pulling for you!
Bob
Comment by Anonymous — December 27, 2006 @ 01:17
Thanks Bob! I can feel the orange and white volunteer love up here. Drink some nog and sing rocky top for me.
Comment by Eddy — December 27, 2006 @ 06:38
Eddy,
The people of phenominal state of OHIO are pulling for you also and not being burdened by incestual marriage do so with all the gutsto afforded by the grace of the buckeyes. Keep fightin, when you have confirmation of the surgical strike please let me know so that we can come see you.
Comment by Anonymous — December 27, 2006 @ 15:16
O-H!
Comment by eddy — December 27, 2006 @ 17:54
however, I wonder if those inbred tenesseeans can spell "phenomenal". Surgery is set for 28DEC (tommorrow). You can peek under the bandage if you bring the PS3.
Comment by eddy — December 27, 2006 @ 17:57
I-O
I am planning on coming in late fri. I will see what I can do about the PS3.
Chris
Comment by Anonymous — December 27, 2006 @ 20:51
All this for a PS3 – c'mom, you guys can do better than that. Mom
Comment by Anonymous — December 28, 2006 @ 00:47
Sorry, mom, maybe this will help:
http://www.us.playstation.com/Content/OGS/BCUS-98107/Site/default.html
Comment by eddy — December 28, 2006 @ 01:19
Tennessee fonomial – ssee, they can spell down here – it's just a little different. I almost got into a fight last night stating that football is bigger and better in Ohio than in Tennessee. I mean, come on, orange?
Eddy, I rode with the Chairman of the Cancer Wellness Center today. He stated that your Marine training has prepared you well for this endeavor. We'll see you on Sat.
Comment by Anonymous — December 28, 2006 @ 04:18
Honestly I have never known anyone to go through cancers urgery but I can only hope for the best. After talking to you on the phone you seemed extremely calm in the face of adversity, maybe thats just what happens when you leave boot camp in the Corps. I am not a religious man but I hope everyting stays the same and when you do pull through we gotta make it a priority to train together, we never even rolled! But Ill talk to you next week like we said on the phone.
Comment by Mike Bell — December 28, 2006 @ 19:44
Keep on hangin in there. We will be thinking of you on Wednesday as Uncle Chris turns 60, the old man. We are sending love and best wishes that you stay strong and optomistic through what is the fight of your life. If anyone can beat this, you can Ed. Happy Birthday to your lovely lady. Our four nephews certainly looked handsome in the posted photos. Lots of Love, Aunt Kathy
Comment by Anonymous — January 30, 2007 @ 00:22