Jan 19, 2011 Update

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Subject: Dad's Upcoming Procedure
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:59:51 -0800

Cate, Bill, & Jim,

We have more information on Dad’s upcoming procedure on January 26^th. There are two approaches to opening the urethra. One involves laser and one involves scraping. The scraping procedure is a little more invasive. Either way Dad will be out of commission for two to six weeks depending on the severity of the procedure and his healing time.

As with any medical procedure, especially on an 87 year old, there are dangers. Dad is having a kidney function test on Friday and goes in on Monday for a pre-op check. His heart has tested well, but the anemia could be a problem. His procedure will last 2 hours. We believe his doctor to be competent and thorough.

Tom and I discuss our roles here at great length. We try to relay the information we have accurately and completely. We understand the distance between us must make it very frustrating for you. It’s difficult to word this without sounding dramatic. After all, the doctor says he has been doing this procedure for five years and has performed it on men as old as one hundred. Tom and Mary will take care of Dad after the procedure. They are very good at this and Dad is very comfortable with them. But Tom also wants all of you to know that his home is open to anyone who may want to come down to be with Dad before, during or after the procedure. It may be a bit crowded at his house, but he wants you to know that everyone is welcome.

Again, it’s difficult to convey this kind of stuff through an email. Are we worried? Yeah, we are our mother’s sons. It’s genetic. Dad has never had a surgery, so we have nothing to compare this experience to. Are we confident this is the right direction? We believe so. For Dad to want to undergo a surgery to correct this problem demonstrates how much it is cutting into his quality of life.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call. If anyone would like to come down, Tom’s home is open.

Love you all,

John