Our fellow moderator Army Chief asked us to break the news to the members, following is his own words:
[i]I’m sorry to report that my heath continues to devolve rapidly. The sinus sarcoma which first appeared in August has already reached an inoperable stage, and is now expected to take my life in the next 60 days.
Will begin a 2x daily radiation protocol on Monday at UNC so as to at least mount as aggressive an 11th-hour response as possible, but we’ve no curative expectations of this; we’re simply hoping to be able to slow things enough to afford us a few more days together as a family.
God remains in control. Above all else, I feel such a compelling sense of gratitude for the fullness of the life that I have been given, the blessings that have been waiting around every corner, the incredible opportunities that have been extended to me, the friendships that have been my privilege to forge and sustain over the years, and for a family that has consistently loved and supported me far more than I could ever hope to deserve. My story may be ending somewhat prematurely, but what an incredibly meaningful story it has been.
I am prepared for this final fight, and am going forward from here with a very tangible sense of peace; that said, please keep Terri and my family in your prayers as we deal with this most unexpected life change.[/i]
Then, in closed discussion, he added:
Truth is, I’m not even all-that-sure I’m going to make it to Radiation. They can’t start until Monday at 0700, and we’ll really have to see if I can still breathe while laying flat on my back by then.
And in a message from late last night:
Am already beginning to struggle with some airway issues, so I get the sense that the close-in fight will quickly be at hand. In this, I would appreciate a bit of assistance if you’ve any ideas on how we might make the general membership aware of what is going on, without it coming off as disruptive, overly-dramatic or presumptuous – which is why I haven’t posted anything on my own behalf.