Tom’s Story

Site created on March 25, 2023

Thanks for checking out our dad's story! On March 17, after texting his golf buddies about postponing play (it was chilly that day in Dallas), our mom found him a short time later unresponsive on the floor. That led to a 911 call, a trip to Medical City Plano, CT scans, an MRI, and the discovery of a mass in his brain (along with some lesions in other places). A biopsy showed that our dad has Metastatic Malignant Melanoma that has spread to other parts of his body.  While not curable (and obviously a 'scary' name), doctors seem encouraged it IS treatable and they have recommended a combination of radiation and immunotherapy.  We're doing our research now, but there is a lot of promising news in this field and some remarkable stories!  Feel free to weigh in or add your thoughts. A second MRI was taken late Friday night and based on the positive looks of THOSE images, docs approved him to be transferred to a great in-patient Neuro-rehab facility to help him reach his goal of getting back on the golf course! He's been walking, talking (even beat Tara at Worldle 48 hrs post surgery!) , so everything is moving in the right direction! He starts his PT/OT/and speech therapy today at his new 'home away from home' for a week or two. He'll most likely begin his cancer treatments once he gets a little stronger.  We can't thank his Neuro-surgeon (Dr. Tompkins)  and all of the nurses and docs at Medical City Plano (he was there for about a week!) enough! We even saw a nurses get choked up knowing he was leaving and moving to a different facility so the real work can begin! He has been nothing but typical Tom - an absolute JOY to be around this entire time. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting (****WE HAVE MADE A DONATION TO KEEP DAD'S SITE GOING - SO FEEL FREE TO JUST ENJOY THE PERIODIC UPDATES!***) 

Newest Update

April 19, 2024

Journal entry by Melanie Crocini —

This has been the longest stretch between Tom/dad updates in the last year. While we apologize to anyone who has been waiting anxiously to hear how dad’s doing, we see this as a GOOD thing, as there aren’t many new details to share. We are grateful for the continued love and support of friends and family. Hopefully, you know YOU are a big reason dad continues to fight and move forward. YOU are his lifeline. Thank you. ❤️

Dad and mom were able to spend Christmas with the grand-teens, all daughters throughout the week and even Dane and Morgan came in for a visit! Hearts were full, house was festive, fun was had and memories were made. As you can imagine, dad was in his glory surrounded by his pride and joy. 

March 17 marked 1 year since his seizure. This truly is hard to believe. Dad’s body has responded extremely well to the immunotherapy he receives now every 4 weeks. To date, he has had 12 rounds. Tara and I were able support him through his March treatment and talked him into receiving his second pedicure. He secretly loves this! Emily and Laura were also able to visit recently, so there has been no shortage of nurses/daughters/nags/mother figures/etc! 

Dad’s recent scans show no new growth and tumors shrinking. Science is truly incredible! Cognitively, his function continues to improve. His brain seems much more settled than months ago, conversations are easier and longer (other than needing new hearing aids!) and dad jokes are beginning to flow again! Despite his continued fatigue, he has begun to embrace life more consistently with his past- playing cards at the club, golfing 18 holes each week with friends (shot a 78 last week!), weekly outings at Sharkey’s and some strength training to improve his golf game. He remains positive and grateful each day. As do we.

We are hopeful the rest of spring and summer will bring Tom/dad positive MRI results, continued immunotherapy success and memory making with family on Lake George.  He is one of our most favorite humans. Please continue to think of him, pray for him, laugh with him and love him (and if you are on the course with him, please remind him to lather his face and body with sunscreen!). ❤️

With love and gratitude, 
Melanie 


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