Dr. Holm - Health update from follow-up at Mayo

On the way home from Rochester I wrote an absolutely beautiful and humble comment here, and lost it when I sent it not connected, and could not seem to recover it. You are going to have to be satisfied with a shorter and less beautiful and less humble message... sorry.

We stayed at Dave and Joleen Nelson's home, and had brunch with Phil Lombardo. We couldn't be more thankful for the support that we had from the Lombardos and the Nelsons during this ordeal.

It was good news from Dr. Truty on Tuesday afternoon, who explained no evidence for spread, infection, or problems. He said measure improvement by the week not by the day... expect 2-3mo... and he added pancreatic digestion enzymes before meals of snacks. And then he removed the feeding tube. Said exercise and nutrition...

The next morning we met with Oncologist Thor Halfdanerson, (Icelandic) who explained that the neuro-endocrine part of the tumor is low grade tumor and not a great threat. The accinar part of the tumor, however, is something had we know in advance we would have treated exactly the same way with the same chemo and radiation that I had. He said there is no scientific data to treat at this time, leaving me with no further plans except follow-up. He said I have a 50-50 chance for cure, better than lots of other options out there.

Hurrah!!!

As I was thinking about the meaning of all this yesterday, I settled in on "FRIENDSHIP." That includes the love within family members. It is the spiritual sharing one has with another that seems to give everything color, humor, joy. 

Here's to our friendship. Love you.

Rick