The Official Diagnosis -- for posterity's sake

Okay, so I've debated whether or not to include the email that Ron sent to the family about the initial diagnosis on the blog. Ron went to the first Oncologist appointment with Mom and Dad on Thursday, May 13th and he was the first to update the family on the official diagnosis. It's difficult to write about Dad being diagnosed with cancer, but I really feel like this blog -- hopefully -- has a purpose in preserving history and helping each one of us sort through and face the challenges that lay ahead. Ron has an amazing way with words so I thought I'd just cut and paste his email.... Here it is:

--We just got back from Dr. Patricia Legant. She is a medical oncologist. She comes highly educated and has over 35 years of cancer experience. She comes highly recommended. Dad is in good hands. She has medical rights at Huntsman, although she works at IHC. She was tender and appropriate in our conversations.
--On the same note, I am confident that IHC is the way to go, and not the VA system.
--Dad will visit with the Radiologist tomorrow and will have a bone scan at Riverton Hospital on Monday afternoon. I also think he will visit with an ortho oncologist Tues. morn. The bone scan will determine if there is any further “mets” (cancer cells) in the spine.
--The primary objective at this time is to provide dad with “pain management and quality of life care”. There was talk of chemotherapy, but that path was determined not to be in the best interest for dad right now. Since the disease had entered into the bone, by definition it is classified as Stage 4. She wrote several pain and nausea prescription.
--It was determined that radiation would help shrink the tumor (outside of the bone) and provide some pain relief, however, this treatment therapy is not designed to cure the disease.
I am sure we will get a lot more information through subsequent visits/appointments.

Thank you Ron for helping us process and work through this information.