Paul Updates

Aug 27th and 29th visits -

As Barbara V has told you all, Trap is in a living facility attached to the hospital. This is a positive move as he has even better care without the constant bothersome visits from the learning staff. As Barb mentioned, and I saw as well, his first day at the new spot (Wednesday) was a bit hard on him, however he rose to the occasion. Alot going on.

Today (29th) was a productive day. I arrived a half hour after Barb left just after a dose of pain reduction medicine. Trap was in a rather a good mood and we spoke frankly. His gut is huge with fluids, very uncomfortable, and his urology staff didn't want to drain it before the holiday for reasons I was not quite sure. Screw that! Sooooooooo, I met with the chief oncologist and the the premier liver surgeon, Dr. White, to discuss a better plan. After a long session, it was agreed that that a Lavine shunt should be applied into Trap. Basically a tube that recycles his fluids into his system, rather than depositing them in his gut for draining and waste. This will be a constant relief to his fluid build up, and retains his bodily protiens that are leaving him when he has a mere cavity drain. After a meeting with Trap, he agreed, and we will give them a definite answer Monday. Many positives, little negatives. Better mobility, retaining of proteins, hopefully better appetite, less intrusions into body, more ambulatory, no more build up of fluids, better strength build up, and better muscle retention.

By the way, overall systemic results are still heading in a positive direction. His cell phone is off more because he wants a bit more rest, but keep trying. He loves to hear from his many friends and supporters.

His chemo is being upped quite a bit tomorrow for the pills and the med port application next week. Attack!

Love,
Paul

Trap Being Trap!!!

Traps New Digs!!

Trapper was moved today to the living facility next to the hospital. He is in a room with three other people. Although I think two of them are quite mobile, as they were not there when we arrived, maybe we should hold off on the dancing girls for a while ;-)

His room number is 2K-142 and is in Building 6, second floor. The phone number to use is his cell number--Trapper is good about turning it off when he needs rest and returning calls when he is up to it. This room is a little harder to get to, just ask directions is the best I can tell you.

Just after Trap and I got to his new digs Juanita and KW arrived (followed a little while later by Justin). The nurses got him from the gurney to his bed and we flowed back into the room. A few minutes later another nurse brought him a new jug of water and informed Trap that she would be back to take his vitals. We introduced ourselves as Trap's entourage. In the meantime an old friend Ken Kemple called him. So here we are hanging out while Trap is on the phone. The nurse comes back and interrupts Trap to say "your entourage is important but I am your number one fan and I need to get your vitals". I think he will enjoy being in this place.

This facility has many things to do once Trap is more mobile. I was joking with him about playing pool when he was up to the task!!! (got a good eye roll out of that!) There is a game room, a rooftop with tables and chairs so he can get some sunshine. The board outside the elevator was advertising for an evening concert and dogs and burgers that were sponsored by a some group (sorry, can't remember the name).

I know Paul has mentioned this before, but I am so impressed with the level of care and the friendliness of the docs and staff at this hospital. Trapper has a good rapport with all of them joking around when he can and being serious when he needs to. The group that took care of him on the 3rd Floor all stopped by to say good bye to him and to wish him luck in the new facility.

Trapper is lucky to have a great team working on his treatment and to have so many good friends who call, write and visit. He is truly loved and is overwhelmed by the amount of support he has received from all of you.


Barbara

Quick note from Arlene Berlin

Spoke to Trapper today (Aug 26); hospital gave me wrong number. Luckily the correct one was posted on the website. Just talked for a few minutes. Trapper says he kind of feels like a truck hit him, and today he just wants to sleep.

¨Traps¨ from Paul

Aug 25 visit and update,

Trap was a bit tired upon my arrival this afternoon with physical and occupational therapy in the AM, however after a bite of chicken and a can of Ensure, he perked up quite a bit. He hasn't lost his sense of humor and ability to bust my #####. Wednesday he is supposed to move to the residence rooms, which he'll like much more as he won't be hassled as much, however still the same care. Barb V will be there in the morning to oversee the move, I'll attempt to make it earlier than usual also. I'm usually a late afternoon visitor after a partial day at the office. Traps condition is similar as before, the docs tell me to expect ups and downs during the chemo and multiple application processes. He's going through alot right now, but the battle is on and will continue.

Love, Paul

Ding Free Regatta: From Peter Costa

The regatta was over at Milford, Ct. and for the first time in a long time I came away without any damage to my boat. You know the small stuff like dings from the docks and the like. Well, we all pulled the boats and some of us pushed them into the parking lot to give others room to get ready for the trip home. I was on my way to my car when I saw a Star boat rolling slowly down the incline toward my boat (which was on starboard tack) as it sat in the parking lot. I noticed Trapper trying to hold his boat back but he was just sliding on the crushed rock surface. After the port-starboard incident we both had a beer at the club and said, Sh*& happens. Almost a ding free regatta.

Trapper, your friends form the Boston Harbor Star Fleet send 12 to 14 kts of love and good vibes to you and hope to see you at the next regatta. We will lift a drink in your honor next weekend at the Star Master’s, North.

making star pie

Hi, all:

I just found these pics of Trapper from when he lived with us on Burnside in the good old MRE (5 years ago, I think).

Barbara, you will appreciate this. Trap was going to Thanksgiving at Casa de Vosbury and didn’t want to go empty handed, so he joined our family on “baking day” and we helped him make an apple pie. It even had a star on the crust! He was SO proud of that pie!

Love, Mel

Visit from the Munchkins, Pics

The Currier clan is off to visit Uncle Trap this morning. We’ll report in later on the adventure. Here are some pics of Trap with Charles (trap calls him Charlie) and Eleanor (trap nicknamed her nicki because every kid needs a nickname). I found these pictures from exactly a year ago on a Sunday afternoon at the club. You can see why they now climb the stairs at EYC and immediately run over to “Trap’s” stool for hugs and love and “secrets”. They both adore him!!!

Here are two more pics from the beach in Avalon, NJ (while daddy CB was sailing in the Heart Cup at good ol’ Ocean City YC). With Trap in the hospital, Eleanor is forced to explore the physics of stars all on her own. And Charles is sending a hearty AAAAAARG (them’s fightin’ words) to the evil pirates sailing around in Trapper’s belly.

More later! Melissa & CB, Charles & Eleanor

Update from Paul on 8-22-08

8-22-08

Trap had his first med port fed chemo today. It took approx 3 hours, ask Barb V., as she was there for the full measure. This is a great step in his therapy, however is takes the most toll on his system, again though, progress is made. He seemed to come out of it well, somewhat tired expectantly, but in good humor. Trap is now on the 3rd floor, the oncology level, which is a marked improvement in the staff knowledge. Again, he has been stepped up to 4 chemo pills per day as well as his med port application, which will happen again in two weeks. His new room is on the 3rd floor # 3EA bed 11, phone # 202 518 4760. 5 liters of fluid was drained from his gut cavity which always helps him feel more comfortable. I was approached by his team leader today and spoke with his head oncologist. They like the improvements he has shown but stress that he must be more mobile and ingest as much as possible.

Again, anyone visiting, please try to get him up and move around a bit. A stroller has been ordered to aid in his walking and his knee brace (the one he likes) was brought in today. The docs say that moving around, walking, eating, etc. is critical to the battle Trap has if front of him. He needs to improve his strength to be able to accept this hardest hitting chemo. So far, so good. Again, this floor seems much better to me as far as automatic care.

Possibly early next week there will be an opening in the residential attached facility, again more comfortable, however with the same level of care as now. As time goes on Trap needs less hospital room type applications, and more directed applications that can be occomplished at the resiential center. That's all good.

His oncology team leader today asked for a biopsy patholgy block that was performed in Annap a while ago. Although I retrieved slides of this before, they want additional films to send to Walter Reed Hospital for further analysis. No prob. These people don't stop with the research! I freakin love it!

Please Pray,

Paul

New floor for the weekend.

Trapper was moved down to the third floor today. This is the oncology patient floor and he should get more rest there. He is in room 3E228 (i think). Basically it is the hall directly below his 4th floor room. Go to the end of the hall and it is the last door on the left.

His chemo treatment went well today. He was tired afterward, but that was to be expected.

We are hoping the room in the living facility is open for him on Monday....will let you know.

Barbara

Juanita´s Version of her and KWs visit!!

Hello All from Juanita Hopkins,

KW and I went to see Trapper Wednesday morning. Directions from Barbara were great and easy to follow. It also helped that KW had been to the hospital the week before with Cathi Anderson. We took some food from Graul's (no salmon available) - egg salad, Swedish meatballs, chicken legs and cherries. He did eat some of the cherries and we found out when cousin Skipper called him, that he had just eaten all of his breakfast and that he felt pretty good that morning. I believe he told Skipper that he was doing jumping jacks.

From Trapper's end of the conversation he told Skipper that he was going to fight the fight, and burn all of this out of him. Then, like typical Trapper, he was asking Skipper how he was doing - always concerned about everyone close to him. They were reminiscing about old sailing days and Trapper was describing the picture of him and several other people from back in the day.

He was bloated and his feet and legs were swollen, but he said they were going to fix that on Thursday. He said he wished he could get a good night's sleep and wished the nurses didn't have to come in at night to check his vitals. One of the nurses had knocked his cell phone on the floor and he wasn't happy about that. He did mention that they had inserted the gizmo in his chest but made no other mention of the chemo treatments and said that he had the two best doctors around (heart and liver).

KW and I both had to get back to work so we left Trap to take a nap. KW and I talked on the ride home what a nice visit it was - not too short and not too long. We are shooting for a repeat performance next Wednesday.

Keep the faith and pray....a lot.

Juanita

KW and Juanita Visit Trap on Wednesday!

Juanita & I went to visit Trapper on Weds, Aug. 20 in the morning. It was an easy drive from Annapolis and only took about 40 minutes. The parking lot was packed but there’s valet parking & it’s free.

We took some treats from Graul’s prepared foods section & the deli. Not that much—just a few bites of this and that. He was in good spirits and his usual witty self. Cousin Skipper called and they had a nice long chat. Juanita & I eavesdropped shamelessly. Judging from his comments, he has a good positive outlook for his treatment program. He told Cousin Skipper he had talked to his “liver doc” and the doc told Trapper that he was the best damn liver doctor in the country. So Trapper sounded confident that he’s in good hands. He was bragging to his cousin that he had two women in his room and he was going to throw their clothes out the door & lock it. That gave us a laugh! He was asking for all the news & gossip from the yacht club and you know Juanita & I filled him in! We told him how all the kids at the yachts, especially the little girls, were asking for him.

We chatted a little bit more and had a chuckle at a picture of some of the Lippincott boys that looked to be taken in the mid 60s at some regatta in Florida. Wow, I forgot how goofy we all looked in the 60s. Trapper had dark hair & beard & was wearing flood pants. Then Paul called to say he was coming by later with the girls. Trap’s phone was ringing off the hook Weds morning! We stayed a little longer, but I had to get to work so we took off.

Funny thing: The attendants at the front desk of Trapper’s section that day were named Janet Jackson & Eddie Murphy.

Kathryn M. Weber, CPA

Update from Paul 2 of 2

Trapper is now strong enough to get his first intravenously-fed chemo tomorrow (Friday) 9am through his med port! This will take 2.5 to 3 hours in a chemo "lounge chair" in a different floor of the hospital. Today they doubled his pill form from 2 to 4 per day, and will continue and increase that as well as his system allows. Probably said that before. More after tomorrow's (Fri) visit .

Paul

Update from Paul 1 of 2

Hello everyone,

Jodi, Kim and I went to see Trap on the 20th. He was greatly improved, attitude wise , physically and in appearance. He still cannot take the chemo through his med port as he is still too weak, but getting stronger, for that heavy treatment.. However he is responding to the pill form of chemo, and his cancer markers have begun to retreat, very positive. Since he is responding, his oncologist has doubled his chemo pills from 2 to 4 per day and will continue to add as he sees fit. His docs have informed him he has to be more active, so Trap has asked me bring in his knee brace so he can "get up and walk a bit", somehow they lost the one he came in with. Barbara Vosbury has bought two new knee braces for him but they weren't the kind he likes. So she and I will travel to where he lives and pick one of his up. Trap probably has more visitors and phone calls than anyone there at the VA Medical Center. He has been approved to stay at the living quarters, much nicer than a hosp room, attached to the Center where he wants to stay until he can fend for himself. It's full right now, but when a space becomes available he'll move right over. The docs will continue there, it's just a better environment for Trap.

As evident, this a more upbeat post. He is beginning to cooperate more regarding his nutrition, docs and nurses, and it has results in many positive ways.

Until next,

Paul

Hey there!! Message from Sue and Joe

Hi Trap! How are ya buddy? Sounds like you are in good hands there at the VA Hospital? They love to poke you alot I bet!! Are they smiling when they do it?? :-)

Your chair at EYC is empty and lonesome..don't think anyone wants to sit in it until you come back! It is just not the same walking in there and not seeing your happy smiling face in that corner!!! LOTS of people have been asking about you and whatever bartender is on duty that day just seems to know the latest news about you. What a FAMILY you have at EYC huh??!! We've got to all look out for each other, ya know?

Anyways, we all miss you and we are sending you good vibes and wishes to get better soon and get thru this nasty thing!Love and hugs
Sue Longacre and Joe Crowe

p.s Joe says that bum knee of yours that he looked at is the least of your worries right now, huh???

Update from Paul on 8/18/08

Trapper had his Med Port installed today the, 18th. Now he will receive the heaviest chemo drugs directly into the blood stream as well as the pill form, which will continue also. Had a little spill into the bathtub aiming for the head today while I was there, his strength is not what we are all used to. No broken anything, just a bit sore. He was a bit out of sorts during most of my visit today, to put it mildly, but I chalked it up to the line being installed, being drugged up a tad, and his spill. Trap also had an x ray to confirm the location of the port and it was confirmed to be correctly installed. The doctors are doing what they think is right, and they are the experts, not me or anyone else that are not oncologists. The battle is huge, his cancer is as well, and unfortunately has been there for some time. Systemic is the name for this type, not possible for a liver transplant since this type is not "primary" liver cancer, and has metasthesized (sp?) from other areas. Tonight will be another cat scan to search for all locations, however he is being treated systemically which covers all sources.

Lets all hope and pray that he responds favorably to this treatment, and has the strength to endure this as well. If these treatments don't work as we hope, the Docs have other tricks (drugs) up their sleeve to administer at that time. The goal is to WIN. As I believe earlier mentioned, he has a private room now with his own head, sometimes somewhat dangerous as stated earlier, and shower.

Until next,

Paul

NEW Room #, Tel #, and where to send cards

The Room # is 4E222

Telephone # in his room is 202-518-4531

Cards should be mailed to
Trapper Lippincott
PO Box 4993
Annapolis, MD 21403

Thank you!!!

Comment on Beth's post

Great shot Beth!

It printed out really well and will be framed and hung in my shop.

I doubt he's working though. It looks to me like he's seeking shelter from an impending mung ball attack by his loving cousins. You can almost hear them mocking him for hiding and taking a picture to preserve the moment.

Best regards,
Rob Emmet

update from paul

I must say how impressed I am with the VA's treatment of my brother. He has undergone more tests and studies in the week, a little over, that he's been there than he had in the month beforehand. He has a team of physicians and specialists that are assigned to him and see him during the day. Trap began chemotherapy on Thursday of a heavy metal type in a pill form. Two per day at the beginning then increasing to 10 over time. He also is to have a med port installed on Monday just below his skin to have another type of chemo pumped directly into his veins. He can also have blood tests taken from there as well so he doesn't have to be "stuck "all the time which he hates.

He is slowing down on the pain meds and unfortunately his food intake also. Any one who visits must give him a bunch of grief for not eating as much as he should. He needs all the strength he can get to withstand the treatments that are now underway.

Trap has a continual flow of friends visiting, which is awesome. It clearly has a beneficial effect on him. Thank you for the support.

Well, let's hope and pray that these treatments kick in and kick ass!

Paul

Greetings and Prayers

Trapper,

Thanks to Barbara, we have been following your progress over the past couple of weeks, it looks as if you are receiving the best care available, stay with it and keep the faith brother, we are all praying for you and expect that you will give it your best shot as the Trapper we know and love!!

Your Friend,

Steven Kelly

Post for my favorite cousin.. GREAT PICTURE!!

Hey Cuz -


Boy, what you won't do for attention!!!


This blog is awesome and really must be giving you some good laughs and some great feelings - you've got a helluva lot of friends and family rooting and praying for you so PLEASE - try to do what the doctors tell you to do. I'm so glad that you're at the VA and in such capable hands and want to see your smiling face out on the water again, real soon!


I dug up this old picture of you (actually working!) at the Boat Works - I'm guessing in the late 60's? Thought you might enjoy it.


The family (all the "Buzzy Lippincotts") sends their love.


Get better Sweetie, Cuzzin' Beth and Nick

~~~_/)~_/)_/)~~

FOOD and Trapper Visit

Jamie Mangus visited for a while today and Dave and Marsha Malkin also stopped by. Cathi Anderson and Kathy Weber stopped by later in the afternoon for about ½ hour or so with too much food (KW). Not being critical, but he complains about the food so people bring him food…..the fact is that the fluid in his abdomen puts pressure on his stomach and he really cannot eat that much food. He REALLY enjoyed the salmon that Kathy bought, again he didn’t eat much, but he REALLY enjoyed it. I would suggest if people bring food, don’t over do it. The cherries were a hit!

I was there for a long time this afternoon. We had lots of quiet time. He has a bunch of magazines, sailing, sailing world, seahorse, readers digest, prop talk, spinsheet and a few others. KW brought him copies of some of the letters in the blog, he enjoyed me reading them to him. There is no wi-fi at the hospital. Otherwise it’s really great if people bring him the letters to read—may actually even be better because then he has something in hand. I took a photo of us sailing the Star to put on the shelf and Cathi taped the armadillo to the TV arm.

Once he starts a treatment routine, there will be a schedule set up so that the visits can be spaced and much more appreciated by Trap. Melissa Currier and Alex Hawkins have offered to help with that. Will let everyone know when we get to that point.

He has a huge fight ahead and appreciates all of his friends and their rally round him.

Barbara~~~_/)~_/)_/)~~

Prayers for Trapper

Hi Trapper-

So sorry to hear you are having health struggles. We share memories from many years ago and you hold a special place in our hearts. We are praying that you will heal well. Take care of yourself. We are thinking of you.

Love,

Betsy (Ciel's daughter), Tucker, Hannelore and Rachel

Just want to say hello

Hey Trap. this is your old NASCAR buddy Phil, and I might add your favorite bartender when I was at EYC. Kathy Webber is my accountant for my new Erie Insurance agency on the Eastern Shore, and she has been keeping me up on your progress. I am pleased that you are in good hands. I have read all the e-mails to you that people are sending and the one thing that remains consistent is that we are all telling you to please do what the Doctors are asking you to…..they do know best. Get well and you and I will go to that NASCAR race in Dover we have always been trying to go to. I have an autographed picture of Mark Martin (you always liked him) and the owner of the car he used to drive Jack Roush I will be sending it to you at the hospital. Take Care, your pal Phil.

News from Paul and the Oncologist!

Myself and brother Dave had a very informative meeting with Traps oncologist on Monday. There are more cancer cells in other areas, and Tuesday he will undergo a full body CAT Scan with contrast. This as well as a PET scan that will be performed probably Wednesday, should pinpoint all areas. Chemotherapy will follow to kill and/or reduce the involved areas. His oncologist is very optimistic that he and his team will be successful as he has been so in patients with the same issues. Trap will be there for a bit longer, and he will probably opt to stay at the VA facilities attached to the hospital duriing his treatments which could last 6 months, maybe more maybe less depending on how he responds to the treatments. He is getting stronger and is evidenced by him giving his nurses a ration of &*#@. When he entered the Center last Thursday he had multiple issues, and many of them have been resolved already. His care and attention there is fantastic and the caliber of his docs are of the higest level, well higher than I ever imagined along with the latest in testing and treatment equipment.

I truely believe Trap is in the right place, and he feels so as well.

Until later,
Paul

A Laugh for Trap!! From Bart Beek

ALL THE COMPUTER REPAIRS GO TO INDIA. TAKE A LOOK AT INDIA AND YOU CAN SEE WHY. THEY HAVE THEIR OWN WAY OF BEING HIGH-TECH.

WISH I COULD SAY SOMETHING OR DO SOMETHING THAT WOULD HELP YOU A BIT. MAYBE BARBARA WILL LET YOU HAVE A LOOK AT THE ATTACHMENTS HERE, MAKES YOU GLAD TO BE IN THE USA.

HANG IN THERE MAN. A LOT OF US OUT HERE ARE ROOTING FOR YOU.

Thoughts!

My Dear Trapper:
Just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that you were one of Frank's favorite people and soon became one of mine after I met you. I am sure you could tell many stories about staying on the Houseboat.
I will be following your progress, so be a good boy and do what they tell you. I realize that will be difficult, but give it a try!I will talk with you when you get a little more settled.
With love and prayers
Louan

Trapper story

I would say back in about 1990 or so I was out with Hawkeye in the naval academy rib watching some spring time weekend racing. Hawkeye says to me hey there some Star boats racing out of the west river; you could tell they were Stars because the way they just shine from a distance like no others. So we headed down towards Thomas point, there must have been about 15 boats racing, we parked ourselves at the windward mark to watch. Then I say to Hawkeye, “look at this dude rounding in third, what the hell he’s by himself!”, in only a way Hawkeye could say it; “Chrriiist that’s Trapper” so we go speeding towards him after he sets the pole and starts in on passing the 2nd place boat, we pull up close and he takes one look at me and says “how much do you weigh? I yelled back 220 but I’ve never race Stars, he then told me to get my ass on the boat rite now, I jump on, he throw the harness at me and somehow I figured out how the thing fits on just in time for the leeward mark. He coached me through getting everything back in the boat and around we went without any real problems. He taught me how to race Stars and we raced the entire summer & fall season together, we could’nt beat Johnny Mac (hell still can’t beat him today) but we had some close seconds and thirds against some pretty good people back then.

Then there was that time when the TV fell on Trappers head at the Chart House! I told Trapper to stay we’ll down and call Steve Kling!!!, “that’s a lot of new Star boats that just fell on your head Trap”, no he just jumped up and we all drank on the house that evening, one of many classic moments.

Trapper, thank you very much for taking the time to teach me to race Star boats. Listen to your doctors as it sound like you have some of the best. Katie and I are sending our love and prayers for you to start feeling better.

Stay strong, your friend,

John Boone-

HEY

HEY TRAPPER....HEARD YOU WERE DOWN. HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU AT EYC WHEN WE COME IN WITH OUR GRAND-DAUGHTER...RAVYN SHE WANTS TO KNOW..."WHERE IS TRAPPER?" WE ALL....DARLENE AND BOB AND RAVYN SEND YOU OUR VERY BEST AND ALL OUR PRAYERS. HOPE WE WILL SEE YOU SOON....DARLENE ,BOB, AND RAVYN DUNN....EYC

If I can Help

Hi Barbara, Ben and I sent a check in today for the TL Support Fund.

If there is anything I can do to help, especially if we (as a club) do any kind of formal fundraiser let me know.

Meg Moffat & Ben Kaminkow

Great Pics from Kathy Weber!! Thanks KW

Hey You!

Hey Trap,

Just to let you know that each time Bobby steps his 420 mast (grunting), he always says,” I know Uncle Trapper can step a Star boat mast with one hand…so I am working on that!” He’s embarrassed that he staggers a bit when putting it in. And he remembers also how you told him “a 420 mast is nothing, Bobby.”

Glad to hear you are seeing some real doctors who can help you. Hope you get out of there soon. I know EYC ain’t the same without you.

We’re all thinking of you lots.

Big hugs,

Pucky, Richard, and Bobby

best wishes

Hi Trapper´
Sorry to hear you have some health struggles. My thoughts and prayers are with you for quick recovery.
best wishes from Star Sailors everywhere.
Bill Allen

Had a nice visit with Trapper today

Hi everyone, Bert Collins, Kris Wilson and I had a very nice visit with Trapper today. He was lucid and quite the old witty Trapper. We all had some great belly laughs. Trapper was filling us in with his days and describing the people in the halls—fights, parties, people being handcuffed, it was all quite amusing the way Trapper put it to us. Bert filled Trapper in on the weekend of Star sailing in Oxford. Trapper’s lunch arrived—a look at each of the dishes on the tray and that was the end of that; the tray went back to the nurse because Paul was bringing lunch from The Narrows restaurant. Trap vows to write a letter when he is released about just how bad the food is there!

Trapper is on pain meds so sometimes when you get to see or talk to him he is a little out of it. Today he was together and mostly keeping track of the conversation—not sure if it was the meds or just being 62!

As Kris and I were leaving we met Paul and brother Dave at the elevator. Trapper was expecting Amy to come with Paul today…wish I could have seen the look on his face when Dave walked in. The three brothers spent the afternoon together….oh, to be a fly on the wall and hear those stories!

Paul will have a report on the doc that stopped by tomorrow or the next day so be expecting another update shortly.

Barbara~~~_/)~_/)_/)~~

Random Pics from Barbara

News from Paul and Barbara

Now for the news from Paul…..

Trapper and I went to DC and enrolled him in the Washington DC Veterans Medical Center today. We got there about 1:00 and I left about 7:00. He hadn't still been assigned a room when I left. Trap is supposed to call me when he gets situated in a room.

As things were proceeding at a snails pace locally, I/we decided to enter into a full bore affirmative action situation, the VA. Upon arriving we were treated to a fast track of questioning, evaluation and testing right then and there. My confidence, and Trappers, level is way higher than it has been. The research over the previous weeks and discussions with physicians of all types lead us this direction. Pen Alexander, a member of AYC and the VA Hospital, had pre-arranged a fast track at the VA hospital from the time we arrived, a true advantage. Discussions with Pen were instrumental to lead me to make a plea to Trap that this is what we should do.

I will be at the VA tomorrow bringing results from previous oncology tests that have been performed locally that I will pick up in Annapolis, to help him not to be "stabbed and poked" any more than necessary. Valuable biopsy information that can be used just recently attained. I hope to be more informed by the end of tomorrow.

I feel that things are moving in a much more rapid pace, which I know as well as you, hasn't been happening to our satisfaction. Trapper feels much better about this, THANK GOD that stubborn cuss, as well as I.

We don't know exactly how long Trap will be there, at least a few days, maybe longer. He has his cell, however when he gets a room tonight he will have a room phone as well.

Trapper’s contact information

Cell number 410-463-6810

Alan Lippincott
Room 430
VA Medical Center
50 Irvin Street, NW
Washington, DC 20422

Phone in his room 202-518-4534


Barbara & Paul
~~~_/)~_/)_/)~~

Email from Barbara

Hi everyone,

Sorry to give you news this way, but we thought you would like to know that Trapper is very sick.

He has been diagnosed with Cancer and it has metastasized in the Liver. He had a MRI on his brain last week and it was determined that the cancer had not gone to his brain yet—GOOD NEWS! On Thursday he had a colonoscopy and the results came back negative for Colon Cancer—GOOD NEWS! Due to the liver not functioning properly his abdominal cavity fills with fluid. This is very painful as it moves all of the organs around and presses on the lungs. If you don’t see Trapper out and about it is because his is having difficulty breathing. Tuesday they drained 3.5 litres of fluid out of his abdomen. He sounded much better on the phone. He is on a schedule now to be drained every two weeks.

He is very tired and weak, but his spirits are still good (mostly) and his sense of humor is the same as ever. He lights up when we talk about Star sailing, of course, but he gets depressed when thinking about or talking about his illness.

Rob Emmet has contacted Pen Alexander (former Star sailor and world renowned heart surgeon) re: Veteran's hospital. Pen says that the DC VA hospital is the best. Pen has spoken to the head of Oncology there about Trappers situation and they are ready for him should he choose this course of action. Cathi Anderson, fellow sailor and cancer nurse has also been in touch with a doc at the VA.

John McLeod, EYC member and great friend of Traps, has been the backbone of Trapper’s getting around and being sure that he stays on track with appointments.

Trapper’s brother Paul has taken the lead dealing with the Docs and getting reports and asking all the pertinent questions. Paul has spoken with all each of the Docs as well as Pen and the Oncology guy at the VA. As soon as they have some word about what stage Trapper is in, the decision of treatment and hospitals will be made.

We can’t say enough here about the membership at EYC…..they have been with Trapper everyday, keeping him company, making special meals for him, etc.

Rest assured Trapper has a lot of support.

Last week we incorporated the Trapper Lippincott Support Fund, Inc as a not-for-profit entity and opened a bank account for receiving and dispersing funds (Steve Kling, Star sailor took care of this). Because Trapper is still being diagnosed it is not clear how much monetary assistance will be required. Anything you can contribute to this fund would go a long way in making certain Trapper receives the medical attention he needs and the necessities that will keep him comfortable.

We will keep you posted on the progress Trapper and provide updates with regard to future cash needs. If we all chip in a little bit, it shouldn't be too great of a burden on any of the people who have expressed their desire to help Trapper get through this.

If you would like to help, please make your contributions payable to:

Trapper Lippincott Support Fund
PO Box 4579
Annapolis, MD 21403

Please note that this is not a tax-deductible contribution.

We will keep you "in the loop" with news of Trap. If you do not hear from us, please email and tell us so!!

Again, sorry to be sending you such bad news. Please pass this email on to someone we may have missed. Thanks.

Paul, Rob, John and Barbara