Dancing With The Stars

This announcement is a little late, as regular watchers of the ABC TV show Dancing With The Stars are already well aware of this situation.

It will also be no surprise to those who know me even modestly well.

I was not chosen to be one of the contestants this year. Tasks associated with moving are not the reason.

Just thought you would want to know.

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Update on Tom's Health

Here's a note I received from Tom yesterday:

"Greetings!!!! First of all, I would like to thank everyone that sent cards, e-mails, and MOST of all.........PRAYERS!!!! It has been an emotional 6 weeks which included medical tests, doctor consultations, surgery and today's follow-up with my Urologist. We knew going in that the bladder tumor was cancerous and it was removed on Sept. 8th. Today's follow-up was to review the lab tests and determine the next step.

The good news is that the cancer is "Low Grade" and "non-agressive". It did not spread to the large muscle surrounding the bladder. The doctor was happy with the removal (as were we!!!!!).

We talked about various treatment options dealing with the goal of getting this taken care of! Based on the doctors recommendation, I am going to have 6 "medication" treatments (1 per week for 6 weeks, starting in two weeks) directly into the bladder. This is not chemo, it's a medication that must remain in the bladder for at least two hours before exiting. At the end of that these treatments (in the doctors office) we will wait another 6 weeks and see how things worked. We are very optimistic!

Please keep Dee and I in your prayers..................that's the most powerful medicine!

I am out and around, so I hope to see all of you in the near future.

TC"

While I take this as generally good news, I must remember that cancer is still cancer.

I had a professor once who often referred to "the fondest-dream theory." Let's hope that it applies in this case.

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No Requirements

There are two "occupations" for which there are no educational, experience, or other prerequisites:

• Politician
  
• Parent

In each case, it is unfortunate for us that it is true, as it has degraded our country.

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Tom's Report

Here's a report, straight from Tom himself:

"I'll keep it short.......................I'm home from the hospital after Wednesday's surgery. The bladder tumor was large and cancerous. The doctor was pleased that he was able to remove it and now we wait for the test results. I have a post-surgery appointment with Dr. Keuer on Friday (tomorrow). I feel pretty good right now thanks to a generous supply of pharmaceuticals.

Nurse Dianne is taking good care of me. Thank you for the prayers and your expressed concern. It really, really means a great deal to me and the family.

Tom"

I just spoke with Tom and can assure you that they didn't take any of the parts out which make Tom, Tom. He was chipper, hurting not too badly, and had his usual optimism and let's-get-this-job-done spirit.

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Troubles for Tom

Tom's problem is best explained in this note from Dianne:

"Family and friends

Since Tom came home from EAA Oshkosh he has been seeing our family Doctor, Dr. Mowery and a urologist Dr. Keuer. After several urine tests, urine culture, blood tests, a C T scan and a cystoscopy we have found Tom has a size-able tumor in his bladder. Our first step begins Wed. Sept. 8th with the removal of the tumor. Then ???

God is in control and we know Tom is in His hands. We have great faith of a good positive outcome.

I ask for your encouraging words and prayers for him.

Dianne"

I'm no doctor, of course, but my suspicion is that the problem was caused by not having real wine in the glass during the play Tom and Dianne were in last Winter. With all he drank, if it were real wine surely his bladder would have been protected against such an intrusion.

That was a great night, wasn't it! —thanks in no small part to Tom.

In all seriousness (this is a serious matter) Tom's spirits are great. Of course, both Tom and Dianne are anxious concerning the findings of the surgery.

Pat and I are hoping for the best possible outcome for Tom.

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Surgery For Mimi

Ione sent this note:

"Keith - just thought I would let you know that Mimi had open heart surgery on August 26th and is still in the Dartmouth Medical Center. I did talk with her just about an hour ago, and things did go as they had planned but it has been a rough week for her.

She still plans to return to Rockport 35 - probably about mid December.

Thought there might be a few people that would like to know about this in your blog.

Thanks.

Ione"

You're right; I'm sure there are folks who would like to know. Thanks so much for sending it in, Ione!

Do you have news that your friends and neighbors at Rockport 35 RV Park might find interesting? Send it in! All you have to do is click "Comment!" below and that will address an email to me.

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This Stroke Has Nothing To Do With Golf

Here's part of a message I received from Ted (Ted the Marine, that one) last week:

"Had a small stroke about 6 weeks ago ... nothing permanent they say. But they found my left curated blocked and did surgery next morning. They beat up the vocal cords when they dig in there. Getting along quite well now - not to worry. Will be back in Aransas Pass in November."

Follow-up notes suggested that he's the same old Ted—but even more so now!

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