Excerpts of an email to family - sent March 3rd 2011

I feel super fortunate to have family and friends that are interested in how I am doing.  When I first found out of my hip tumor I didn't want to broadcast it on Facebook.  However, I soon realized that the perhaps the best way to answer questions on how my health is via blogging.


Below is a from an email I sent off to family and friends yesterday:




Hello All,

Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. My #1 concern is that I'm healthy so I am able to have fantastic relationship with Myrtle.

I'm okay with you and as much of the world that wishes to pray for me and my little family.  

The scoop thus far is if I recall it all correctly:

March 1st -  I had an MRI for my groin injury.

March 2nd -  Phone calls by my family doctor and the doctor who ordered the MRI. 

March 3rd -  9am had an appointment with Dr. and he went over the news with me:

- tumor on left hip inside, not on joint, size of a small orange or kiwi (5cm x 7cm x 8cm)

- in the next few days I would be getting CAT Scan(s) of my whole body and blood work

- in the next 10 days I will be getting a biopsy on the tumor in Vancouver

- The biopsy will determine exactly what the tumor is. 

- My Doctor about two weeks ago diagnosed a patient with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and clinically suspects that is what I have, a biopsy would give the final say.

- If the tumor is not benign then I would be getting chemo therapy to to reduce the size of the tumor before it is removed (surgery will be in Vancouver)

- All the above should take place between now and the next 6 - 8 months.

- This afternoon I had my blood work done

I'm okay with you and as much of the world that wishes to pray for me and my little family.  

Lots of love, 

Rube

The tumor is to the left of the black circle.

The tumor. It's kind of shaped like a birds head and beak.

My doctor said a good website to read about what's going on is here.