Well this is certainly not good. This is oh so sad. I am very disturbed by this. I sent him a card this morning to let him know I am thinking of him every day.

I wish I could shout with optimism, but truth is the future is rather clouded. I saw my throat surgeon today and based upon the Emory hospital surgical review and other tests, I now understand that the voice box removal surgery is indicated as the one way to treat the new tumor BUT the surgery is too intense for my damaged heart. So back to North East Georgia Medical Center. Back to limited surgery on the 23rd of February. Further radiology is not an option. It appears that I might face a series of frequent limited surgeries or even some installation of a breathing tube in my throat. Nothing is certain now except God's will. I ask you to remember my dear wife as we face this, remember and inspire my surgeon and the doctors and keep us in your prayers. More as the future unfolds. Sorry for the wholesale type response but I am not up to answering all of the more than 50 inquiries and well wishes. Love you all,,,,,,hope to be around as long as I can get around and not be a burden. Russ Weiskircher

🙁

Folks: I am back from another surgery. This time they trimmed the tumor on my voice b ox. It was quick and painless but still took half a day with prep and travel., It sppears this is one attempt to curb or slow the growth and only time will reveal its degree of success. I face this every eight to 12 weeks. The voice will not improve and the tumor wont go away but it may buy some time. Please keep us in your prayers. Russ Weiskircher

This just seems so unfair....

A quick round robin to keep you all informed. Today my throat surgeon determined that the previous tumor shrinking has stopped. So we are back to square one with the possibility of major surgery despite previous decisions. I will go back for trim surgery on 5 April with follow up measurements and evaluation on 25 April and that is decision time. Merntime I am asking you all to keep up your prayers. The good Lord wont forget us but his plan may not be my first choice. There is no choice, I am gettig knee deep in seeking out assisted living and a life style change for us and soon....More later, Russ

Boy, oh boy, I think Russ and Janie could use some good news in here somewhere. It's so sad to hear all this...

Another update. Way to go Russ!!!!

Just a quick note to keep you posted on my throat cancer progress. I had limited surgery today, a trim. The surgeon reports that all went well and the detailed evaluation with photography will happen later this month. Because of my weak heart, I am limited to surgical trims as opposed to a complete voice box removal. I feel fine, a little hungry, a bit tired, but very appreciative of so many fine friends who sent cards, phoned, prayed and for a terrific medical staff. If I understand this correctly, the doctor will want to do another trim in about three months.

He is calling me tonight with more details. Thanks again for your interest and for your prayers. Russ Weiskircher

(Excuse the group address approach but I am too tired to attempt individual response today.)

Sent Russ an E-Card yesterday and he sent back a thank you with these words. Sounds encouraging!

Thank you for the terrific card. I can use a smile today because it has been demanding BUT the doctor is encouraged.

Maybe the good Lord will grant me a few more days,weeks,months,years?.If so I will continue to share His blessings and right up front are good friends like you. Cheers,Russ

Good to hear!!

UPDATE!!!!!

This will be brief because I am a trifle tired. They did the fourth surgical trim to my throat cancer tumor today and all went extremely well. I was home by 3:30pm. It will a day or so before I get the official report and maybe some word about laser procedures at Emory. No one is giving up at trying to keep this old codger around for a another birthday or two. Thanks for all of your prayers. I still have little or no voice but that's a small trade off . Russ Weiskircher

Friends, family and everyone: Saw the laser specialist at Emory Midtown today and learned that the throat tumor is not completely removed. I will have to have additional surgery, this time under sedation, probably happen in September. This is disappointing but at least there is no new growth so the possibility of total removal still exists. I appreciate and ask for your continued prayers, Russ Weiskircher

Just wrote to him this morning and sent major hugs his way!!!!

After several rounds of doctors and specialists, I am cleared for additional laser surgery on this persistent throat tumor. Tentative date is 11 Oct. Still no acceptable voice, but I am now attending voice/speech therapy. Please keep us in your prayers. Russ Weiskircher

Russ sure is being a trooper. Let's hope that on this next round, he is given a complete bill of health. Here's to you my friend. This cannot be easy on you.

Latest update from Russ. Our usual thoughts and prayers accompany this message-

Just a brief note tonight and more later. I had my laser surgery today at Emory; spent the entire day and wont have a complete report before Nov 9th. I am sore, tired, and appreciative of all your engouragement and prayers. I have no voice and am ordered to voice rest for the next week. So if you phone, please speak with Jane or reach me via e mail. Russ Weiskircher

Our prayers will continue!

I wrote to him yesterday and received this reply this morning. It means a lot to him to hear from all of you. He is certainly appreciative of your prayers.

Thanks Marion! You will never know or perhaps you will, just how important your support and prayers mean to us. My doctors tell me that there is little medical reason for me to be alive, but I am and am telerating the surgeries and meds and whatever they try. God is the answer, always was and always will be. I pray that He favors us with a good election and an end to this socialistic chaos of the past four years. Best wishes and keep in touch. Tell the forum folks that I am just not up to lengthy correspondence but I do send my sincere thanks. I feel their love. PS: Janie, despite her problems and stress over me, is holding up rather well. More later, Russ

After a very quick to Emory midtown voice clinic, and a very fast evaluation and photo session, I can report that the surgeon is very pleased with my progress. Despite pain and discomfort and fatigue and impatience, I am getting good care and wonderful support from so many of you. I ate solid food today. I am feeling a little better. Now I have six weeks before another evaluation and then maybe voice thereof. Thanks to all of you and particularly those that visit and called and comforted Jane. Russ Weiskircher

GREAT NEWS!!!!! Praise BE!!!!

Just a quick note to report that this morning's laser treament went well. The surgeon said that the throat was clean and tumor free. He has scheduled follow up examination for January 11th. Thanks to my praying friends. Russ Weiskircher