What up?

Howdy from South Carolina...Todd here. I'm helping run the store while Dad is on his dream vacation in Cleveland! :)

I'm putting this blog up to keep you updated on Dad's progress, since so many of you have called or written to ask how he is doing.

Right now, Dad is in the middle of his surgery. He went to the Cleveland Clinic bright and early this morning with Mom and Darin, and went in for his operation at about 830am. We're told the entire procedure will take between 6 and 7 hours. Mom says he was anxious to get on with it, and if you know Dad...it's about what you'd expect!

For some background...Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer toward the end of June/beginning of July after they removed part of a baseball-size tumor. Tests showed it was malignant, and the doctors here told him he would have to have a radical cystectomy...meaning the removal of his bladder, prostate, and lymph nodes. Obviously, there is some replumbing that goes on down there after a procedure of that nature, and right now we're not quite sure how that replumbing is going to go -- the doctors can't say what they'll do until the procedure is underway and they can get a better look. Dad was referred to the Cleveland Clinic, well known for its treatment of cancer.

After the procedure, the doctors tell us Dad will have to spend about a week in the hospital recovery. Then, he'll be released, but stay in Cleveland for some follow up. There is a likelihood that he will have to have some follow-up Chemo when he returns to Greenville...but for now, we're told that he probably won't have to have any radiation, which is great news!

The people at the Cleveland Clinic have been really good. Dad especially liked the nurse who, after a procedure to get his kidney function doing a little better earlier last week, told him that gin absolutely counts as one of the clear liquids he needed to drink. The surgeon, Dr. Furgoni, is an excellent doctor with an amazing reputation...and he has been able to keep everbody at ease.

As a family, we can't thank you enough for all your concern, calls, and prayers. We're really lucky to have so many caring and supportive people in our lives.

Please feel free to leave a comment below.

I will post updates here as we get them and as I'm able. Thanks again. With love -- The Gladfelters