Transcription of Document FFDoc-1248.pdf

Memorial Day - '71, 8PM

Dear Frank:

Have checked, & miraculously your new address IS in my appointment book. So thought I'd "head you off at the pass" before you started phoning.

At this point, am not sure where I left you "hanging" when you phoned. I guess we knew Leo's diagnosis was a recurrent tumor - inoperable (frightening word) - and were awaiting a few more expert opinions. I guess (know) even the cystoscopy man was waiting for a medical review by the tumor man (Latin title unrecalled) who will apparently be the last word in this whole deal. But he didn't appear Thurs of Friday and the only help Leo was getting were pain pills & sleeping pills. So he suggested to the doc in charge (an assistant at his colostomy - his own surgeon has retired, temporarily) that he could take pills at home & would appreciate being there if he had no medical objections. So at 7:30 PM Fri. nite the decision was made that he could come home - & since I was there, I "brung" him home!

He is to have some communication from his own doctor tomorrow (Tuesday) saying whether or not Dr. Carroll (tumor) needs to see him & talk with him, or can come to some decision purely from test results. On the other hand, last Thurs or Fri he had a session with the Radium Therapy doctor who explained what that treatment would be IF Dr. Carroll says it is indicated. But he wants the location pinpointed - so I interpret this, and Leo does, as probably calling for an open biopsy. He also wants a liver "shot" to determine whether or not that organ has been affected. And I haven't dared to ask Leo what that examination entails!

If radium is indicated it would be a 10 minute exposure, 5 days per wk for 3 weeks.

But for now, Leo is at home & I presume won't go back to the hospital this week. Jeanne graduates from UM on June 3rd so I'm using our reservations (taking Rita McKeon with me) to go up on the 2nd, pack her up, attend commencement, & get her home.

Meantime, Leo is keeping busy - the only way he knows to fight tension. Going to the office a number of times, bringing home work & doing it steadily. Outside of that, I have the feeling that he's pretty tense - not too many smiles and not too easy to joke with. Remembering last time, I suspect he won't relax till he knows the whole answer & what's in store for him.

And that brings us up to date! As for myself - it was a joy to have him home and for a whole day I luxuriated in make-believe. Since then there have been uncalled, unexpected moments when I found myself facing & dealing with reality - and subsequent moments when I was full of faith. I presume both are normal.

I will be happy to keep you in touch as we go along. Your call was most welcome and the warmth of your concern most encouraging. My subconscious need for comfort must have been operating the night I called you when I couldn't reach Ronnie, for I really didn't suspect the problem we were facing then.

These days we speak of you frequently and all of us share, in our way, the happiness promised in your forthcoming marriage to Ann. God bless you both, & your families.

Love & prayers, Dot.