Well, Shit

Apologies for the profanity. I don't use it very often (on this blog, at least), but the situation seems to call for it.

I mentioned earlier that a friend of mine was recently discovered to have a brain tumor. The tumor was discovered Tuesday. He was operated on yesterday. The news could not have been worse.

The cancer was a particularly malignant, fast growing one. The doctors removed approximately 80% of it, but the remainder is too intertwined with the brain to get at. It's in the portion of the brain that controls motor skills, so his ability to function normally post-op is uncertain.

But here's the kicker.

His prognosis - 14 days to 14 weeks to live.

Can you imagine? You go to the doctor because you're having a little trouble keeping your balance. You get an MRI. You find out you have a tumor, and immediate surgery is scheduled. When you come out of it, you're informed you have 2 to 14 weeks to live.

His wife, understandably, is devastated. They moved here recently after living all their lives in Houston. They were making plans for retirement at the end of this year. And now all their dreams are shattered.

It's not clear at this point what shape my buddy will be in for the short remainder of his life. The docs are talking chemo, but that seems like a long shot at best. Hopefully he will have a reasonable quality of life for however long he has left.

I'm still kind of numb from the news. At this point all I can say is hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you - before it's too late.

And make sure your will, medical power of attorney, and other documents are up to date.