Dearest Father,

Funny, how I was just about to start my vacation--my foot was just about the door of the hospital when I got a message from mom that she was worried about you and were bringing you to the emergency room here at my work. I waited, for what felt like an eternity, before you arrived. And, in my heart, I was afraid for you. I knew my trip to Florida would likely be on hold.

We worried very much for you these last few days. Your pain was so intense, your breathing so labored. After looking at all the images this week, I suspect that after Monday's visit with the oncologist, you had the fluid around the lungs removed. In the process of doing that, a part of your lung was punctured and you progressively had more and more pain and distress. You agreed to the chest tube to remove the excess fluid and air that had escaped from the punctured lung to see if the hole would seal on its own. It has been 2 days, and still the lower portions of your right lung are not improving. Doctors aren't sure why this is the case. They have to rule out something in the airway (like a tumor or a mucous plug) first. If that is negative, then we may have you seen by the lung surgeon specialist to see if you might benefit from surgery to peel of the lining of the lung that may be stopping it from expanding. But I have a feeling this is something you wouldn't want to do... and so we wait and see what our options are and what you will agree to.

I am glad I cancelled my trip to Florida. My dear father, I remember you saying to me as we were waiting for the chest tube to be placed and as you were crying...."See, it's things like this that your mom was so worried about you leaving for your trip to Florida for. You come here and are able to tell them everything that they need to know so that they can take care of me." Yes, dad. I know. I hope I can do what I need to do to make you better as long as you want us to.

I love you.

We all love you.

May this bronchoscopy go well for you.

Your forever daughter,
Shary