Welcome to our CaringBridge website for our father. We (Rhea, Kohler, Ross, & Eric) will use this site to keep family and friends updated in one place.
Dad is one of those people who knows everyone, their stories, and their families. He rarely turns down an opportunity to chat someone up around town, grab a beer over a meal, and of course, share a few laughs. Dad is the rock of our family - always there, steady, hard-working, and gets the job done no matter the ask. He is humble, self-deprecating, and unassuming. Dad is not much for attention, doesn't complain, and rarely talks about himself. Therefore, it makes it difficult to know if he is in pain, needs help, or should see a doctor. Over the past several weeks, Mom noticed personality changes that seemed concerning - - memory challenges, lack of concentration, focus, attention, and increases in fatigue. She thought he might have had a stroke. As symptoms continued to worsen over the past month or so, she pushed him to have an MRI.
On Monday, January 16th, Dad had an MRI at the Montevideo clinic and learned there was a large mass in his brain - - 6.1 x5.0 x 4.1 cm. The tumor is located within the corpus callosum (center of the brain) and extends bilaterally into the right/left frontal lobes. The initial impression is that the tumor is "aggressive" (aka, fast-spreading/malignant). A referral was made to the University of MN with the hope of a biopsy within a couple of weeks to determine the actual nature of the tumor and the best treatment options. On Tuesday, January 17th, mom was contacted by the office of Dr. Clark Chen, Lead/Chair of the University of Minnesota Medical School Neurosurgery Department. He is experienced with aggressive types of brain tumors and is a leader in the field in regard to progressive treatment approaches. Instead of offering a "biopsy and a wait" plan, Dr. Chen proposed an urgent, aggressive approach. Dr. Chen has given us a solid plan and real hope for the best possible outcomes.
We are extremely grateful for the large community of friends and family - - we feel and appreciate your love, support, positive vibes, and prayers. This tumor might be "aggressive" but it can't compare to the collective strength and power of Dad, our family, and the community of friends and loved ones who have his back.
After a 10 month long battle, Dad has gone to God. Words can not express how much your thoughtfulness, words, actions, and prayers have helped him, my mom, and our family endure the past year. Thank you....thank you. 💕 It feels wonderful to be a part of this greater community. Here is a link to the funeral details. The obituary should be posted soon.
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