Update: November 7, 2011

Note: The following is Steve's first update, from November 7, 2011, reposted here for any who missed it or would like to catch up on the news.


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Dear Friends,

I'm afraid I have some upsetting news to share with you, and I am sorry for bringing this into
your lives. I was told this week that I have developed cancer of the esophagus and the stomach.
This comes after about a month of feeling just plain miserable, being unable to swallow without
discomfort, having virtually no appetite but nonetheless an ongoing stomach ache, and a general
sense that the bottom has fallen out. I had a series of tests that included x-rays, a cat scan, and an
endoscopic examination. I will be seeing a surgeon on Wednesday, and I hope we can arrange
the start of a treatment very soon. I figure the sooner the treatment, the sooner the relief.

Treatment is likely to be surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation, or some combination
of the two. I'm told the hospital stay might be two weeks, and recovery after that perhaps two
months. Even if those are the outer limits, this is going to be a long slog back.

I've chosen to tell each of you receiving this note because, and I don't know else to say this, if
such befell any of you I would certainly want to know--not that either of us can do anything for
each other, but because I don't think we can exist in unconnected vacuums. Whether or not I
have seen you recently or spoken to you recently, each of you is someone I care about, and I
don't want to be entirely out of touch. But I am asking all the people I am contacting, family
and friends, not to telephone me, even though the impulse to do so would be a kindhearted one.
I'm not sleeping well at night, and so I'm tired most of the time, and during the day I take a nap
almost any time I can actually fall asleep. So I'd rather not have the phone ringing. Besides
that, I don't relish the thought of explaining over and over what is going on. The best way to
communicate with me is via email, and I will keep anyone who wants to know my progress
informed that way.

Carol and I would like to go on as normally as possible for as long as we can. At some point that
will be unrealistic, but we will deal with that when the time comes.

I hope that whatever is occupying your attention in your own lives is bringing you more comfort
and pleasure than this! I hope I'll soon be able to share more upbeat news with you.

Steve