I Can't Believe How Lucky I Am!

Dale has made this statement a zillion times since his diagnosis with Lung Cancer! Even on those days when Dale felt like crap, he remembered this and said it often. To those outside of his world, you might find this to be an odd statement from someone who hears the word "Cancer" as a diagnosis. But for Dale and Jackie and those of us who've witnessed the little miracles everyday for the past 5 months...you have to wonder, "How could Dale be so lucky?".

1. Early, accidental diagnosis.
2. Quick admission into MD Anderson and superb doctors.
3. Cancer localized in one spot in one lung.
4. Voice recovering from the nerve damage without treatment.
5. Lung capacity after the surgery amazingly similar to capacity before lobectomy.
6. No chemotherapy or radiation needed post-operatively.

Yeah, he's pretty darn lucky!

Oh yeah, Jackie's recovering from the Shingles! We're looking forward to a hap, hap, happy Mother's Day next weekend in Victoria! We're so LUCKY!

Continued Elation!

Dale's voice remains strong! Recovery sounds likes it's going well. Mom reports that Dale will be going to the 25 Year Club dinner at Alcoa tomorrow night!

Jackie; however, is now a patient! She has the Shingles! UGH!

Fantastic News!

For those of you who've had the chance over the last 3 months to talk to Dale, you've all been aware of the deficit in his voice caused by nerve damage during this surgery.

Well today is a new day and you should call Dale and listen to him now! Hallelujah! His voice is back and strong and we are certainly rejoicing!

Dad's appointment next week at MD Anderson for treatment has been postponed!

Lots of happy tears shed during phone conversations yesterday, by family members who rejoice that the "old Dale" is back!

April Update

Dale had a followup appointment today at his Pulmonogist's office. He was seen by a new PA who interviewed Dale and updated his file. Dale had a chest xray. He's had a bit of a productive cough over the past week, so they will do some testing to rule out an infection there. Dale will remain off of the Albuterol breathing treatments. They were discontinued when he had the Atrial Fib event at MD Anderson in December.

Dale resumed his Lucentis injections (treatment for Macular Degeneration) in his eyes. Last week's injection turned into an event of sort. Bleeding plus a lot of pain from the eyedrops prescribed afterwards. Eye doctor wants Plaviks stopped before the next round of injections to alleviate the bleeding issue. Dale's not to excited about the painful eyedrops. May 1st is next appointment..not sure he'll keep that appt. though! Dale will go see the eye doctor on Friday for a follow-up appointment.

Next week, Dale will be back at MD Anderson to get treatment for the still ailing vocal cords. Testing on the 16th and injection on the 17th. Fingers crossed that his voice is back to normal after this treatment!