November 17, 2023

Good morning, gentle readers.

First off, a hearty thanks to our pinch-reporter, Felice, for posting on my behalf last night as, after 17 consectuive hours in the surgical waiting room, I had come down with a severe case of EAF (Exhausted As Fuck).

As usual, today’s lecture shall be offered in two sections.  Enroll in the section that best suits your needs and abilities:.

Section A:  (Geared toward those who prefer a quick, condensed update, as well as those who were referred to as “Special” in middle school).  Ty made it through his surgery.  He is still in the ICU but will hopefully be moved to a regular room today.  The surgeons were able to remove most, but not all, of the cancer.  After a month or so of recovery at home, Ty will begin an intensive chemo and radiation regimen.  He should be able to have visitors within a few days.

Section B: (Tailored to our Advanced Placement students and those who are hoping for a career in the sciences).  Ty’s surgery was successful in the sense that the surgeons were able to remove the bulk of the tumor.  They also removed some of his intestines, all of his gall bladder, and the class ring that has been stuck on his finger since he graduated Georgetown Law.  Unfortunately, and despite repeated efforts (hence the nine hour surgery), the surgeon was unable to obtain a clean margin (i.e., a ribbon of tissue surrounding the (former) tumor that is free of cancer cells).  What this means is that microscopic cancer cells remain in Ty’s pancreas.  And, given the Ninja-like character of cancer cells, this increases the likelihood that the cancer will return.  Of course, we knew that this was a likely possibility, and so the next steps are—and have always been—six months of chemo, and perhaps a zap or two of radiation.  There is also the possibility that Ty will be enrolled in a clinical trial, but that is still uncertain.  

Quick, and perhaps inappropriate, digression:  The science behind the trial is truly amazing, and was developed in collaboration with Israeli scientists.  So, if you support Hamas, BDS, or are calling for a ceasefire without a release of Israeli hostages, you should politely refrain from availing yourself of the magical curative powers of the trial drug when it becomes available. G-d willing, you will never need it.  But if you do, please be sure to thank your Jewish and Israeli friends.

Ok.  Got that out of my system.

Ty is still a bit woozy (Fentanyl-addled Ty is kinda funny), but he can definitely text and talk on the phone.  Please don’t overwhelm him with calls.  A simple text might be better at this point.  He really loves hearing from everyone, especially callers who can offer uplifting anecdotes or positive quarterly earnings reports.

Regarding visitors:  Ty is at the main Sloan Kettering building at 67th and York.  He definitely cannot have visitors (other than immediate family) today, but might be able to have visitors over the weekend and certainly next week.  When I know his room number, etc.  I’ll update.  I think that all you have to do is register in the lobby, bring photo ID, and wear a mask.