So sorry to hear the news Scott. Deepest sympathies to the family and all that were close to Dean.

 

Dan,

The terminal illness was only diagnosed about a year ago. You may remember him in the wheelchair from his knee operation about 8 years ago. That, along with an extremely painful lower back issue, was what he struggled with as far as mobility for these past 6 years (he was fairly mobile with the cane for the past 5 years.) The knee surgery was far from a success and he was considering having another surgeon 'take a whack at it' (deans words lol.)

But, almost 2 years ago he went in for a check-up prior to his annual migration to Maine/Connecticut. The doctor said the tests results were 'troubling' but agreed to let Dean keep his vacation plans. Upon his return the doctor did another re-evaluation and the results were scary. Dean had what is described as a 'widow-maker' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anterio...oronary_artery)

So, he was rushed to surgery where they were successful in alleviating it. However, during the procedure they had noticed an issue with his oxygen and cardiac/exchange levels. Once out of surgery they ran more tests and diagnosed him with IPF (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiopat...onary_fibrosis)!! This diagnosis placed him on a lung-transplant list as the condition is terminal if not treated. Around October or November of last year he went in for another follow-up appointment for the transplant. They decided to do CAT scan ... and that's when they found the cancer. It was inoperable and immediately removed him from the transplant list. However, the IPF is what ultimately took his life as the cancer was very slow in growth.

What made his condition so opaque is his relentless effort of maintaining the same personality and outlook. I saw him fairly regularly ... about 2-3 times a month and the man just would not let the life-clock interrupt his daily mood. Sure, he was agitated by the incessant medical requirements for nurses to check on him and the aggravation of his own weakness but, he still made everyone laugh ... and think. He had home Hospice the entire time except for the last day.


He traded his S2000 in on a new Mini Cooper S about 3 years ago as he just couldn't manage getting in and out of the S with his back and knee issues. His wife is proudly driving the Mini to Lake Mary and back everyday