Report and Wishes for a Speedy Recovery

 

Les Schneider

7 September:

        I had surgery #3 on Monday (18 August), and the surgeon removed the lesion at the base of my tongue. It was about the size of a quarter (maybe closer to 35 cents!) and about 3/4 of an inch deep. He also biopsied the tissue around the lesion.  After consulting with him very early Tuesday morning at the hospital (I'm home now), I am going to follow his suggestion and have the radiation treatment anyway. Even if the pathology report is favorable, there is still the possibility that microscopic cancer cells could exist outside the treated areas. We decided to try and knock it out now because a recurrence down the road is statistically unacceptable (about a 10% survival rate).
        Sooooo...radiation will start in about two weeks and last 6-7 weeks. Because the lesion was removed, the dosage may be lower and the effects lessened.
        Be assured, I'm feeling fine today except for a very bad sore throat, limited duty, and a soft, mushy diet (part of the cycle of life, I think).
        Thanks for all your prayers, cards, emails, and phone calls. You are a wonderful bunch of guys I'm proud to be associated with.
Les
 

22 October

      Debbie brought the laptop to the hospital today so I could read all the emails from the class. In so many ways, this ordeal has been an uplifting experience because of the incredible support of the Class of '61. Your prayers, your concern, and your encouragement have been invaluable in reinforcing my fight and will to succeed. I can't thank you all enough.
        I have been in the hospital since Oct. 12th except for a brief escape last Friday. The complications continue but I am improving daily. I have diverticulitis, colitis, and peritonitis, along with impacted bowels (basically, full of s--t as expected!). The numerous antibiotics are starting to work and today I will have some unpleasant procedure to try and free up "the problem" as well as take a look at my colon.
        With the radiation behind me, I will start to recover rapidly and I look forward to feeling normal again someday soon.
         My heartfelt thanks to all of you.
Sincerely, Les
 

18 December          

Debbie and I would like to thank the Class of '61 for the overwhelming outpouring of support for us in this hour of need. We have received so many gifts that we are able to meet our immediate obligations, avoid the added pressure and wrath of bill collectors, sustain our family, and deal with the most pressing issue of my health.

There has been such a large response to Mark and Larry's kind letter that I am unable to respond to each one individually in a timely manner, but I wanted to be sure that each and every one of you understands how urgent was our plight and how vital and significant your assistance has been.

I will, gradually, respond to every one of you and try to let you know how deeply you touched us, not just with the gifts, but with your support, sentiments, prayers, and love.

This has all been a most humbling experience for us but you, as a Class, have somehow made it OK.

The latest news on the health front is a bit troublesome. Two days ago, I had a CT Scan. My surgeon looked over the films and found nothing of concern. (I told this to Dick Davis during a lengthy phone conversation that same day). Sometime later, we got a call from the doctor's nurse explaining that the radiologist found a "suspicious area" at the apex of the left lung. The truly troublesome part is that the type of cancer I've had normally progresses next to the lungs. So, a PET Scan has been ordered for tomorrow morning, Friday, Dec. 19th. This is the nuclear medicine variety. Basically, if the suspicious area is cancerous it will light up like our Christmas tree on the film. This will be the worst possible result, as the prognosis would be grim. Of course, we are hoping that my surgeon's opinion as to what he's seeing on the CT Scan is correct.....a non-cancerous mass of scar tissue caused by my radiation treatments. This is a possibility, as per my radiation oncologist.

So, we will get the results on Monday and will either have a great Christmas present....or not.

Once more, let us send our warmest greetings to each of you during this season for a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year. We love you all.

Les and Debbie

22 December

For all on the GTN.

   Debbie and I received the long awaited call from my surgeon a short time ago. The PET Scan showed no indication of cancer in my lungs, or anywhere else in my entire body, for that matter. We were and still are, jubilant. This is, of course, the greatest Christmas gift. All of our prayers and the prayers of so many have been answered.
   Thank you all again for your constant support. May your Christmas be as happy and joyful as ours.

Les and Debbie
 

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Ron Weeden

12 November

 Ron Weeden's wife said that Ron had a stroke about 18 months ago (in early 2002). He is fighting hard to re-gain his speech. She indicated that it is best not to try to talk with him on the phone, because he gets very emotional and wouldn't be able to talk.  She said that the doctors are very positive about Ron regaining his speech, but in the meantime, communication from the class would be welcome.  She was enthusiastic about that prospect.  The class reaching out to him would be a Godsend.  She also mentioned that his therapy is going well. One arm doesn't function, but he walks and swims. He occasionally speaks a whole sentence.  Since they do not have Internet access, communication would have to be by mail. Ron can read okay, so letters would be welcome. His address in the AOG Register is correct:

41 Bellamy Road
Dover, NH 03820-4326