Avid Outdoorsman Partners Up with Dr. Vallieres to Battle His Mesthelioma. Ketchikan, AK

Ralph Dale and his daughters, Rana and Debra

Ralph Dale was a 72-year-old retired engineer and construction supervisor who lived in Ketchikan, Alaska. Since his sophomore year in high school, Ralph expressed an immeasurable passion for working with wood, boating, and being outdoors. From tables to patented rowing oars, Ralph loved using his hands and tools to craft personal masterpieces. His passion for wood-working led him to pursue various jobs in the wood pulping industry. Unfortunately, Ralph's love led him to a pulp plant where he was exposed to asbestos. In January 2005, Ralph was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.

Ralph's story began less than a year ago. After a left hip replacement in November 2004, Ralph was anxious to return to his active lifestyle. With four children and eight grandchildren, Ralph could expect a busy schedule. He and his family have some land and a quaint cabin outside Ketchikan that can only be reached by boat. Ralph loved spending time at the cabin where he went fishing and relaxed. Ralph's love of boating and working with wood led him to patent a design for a rowing oar. He even planned to create a business for his personal design. However, Ralph noticed an unusual shortness of breath in December while recovering from his hip surgery. After contacting his doctor, he underwent a CT scan, chest film, and ultrasound. Ralph's doctor discovered a fluid build-up in Ralph's thoracic cavity. The doctor tried to perform a thoracentesis, but he was unsuccessful. He recommended that Ralph visit the Swedish Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington.

Ralph Dale and his catch-of-the-day

In January 2005, Ralph met with Dr. Aye who suggested Ralph have a pleural biopsy. After a thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis, Ralph was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The Dale family already had an unfortunate history with cancer. Ralph's wife of nearly 50 years died of colon cancer in March 2004, and his new diagnosis was truly shocking. Ralph met with Dr. Eric Vallieres of the Swedish Cancer Center, who suggested he begin chemotherapy as soon as possible before they considered him for an extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Ralph bravely began treatment on February 14, but he felt very sick in the days after.

Ralph never regained the energy he was hoping for after his hip replacement. The chemotherapy treatments left him weak and frequently in a great deal of pain.

"I sure wish I was busy. I have no energy.
I have never been so low."

After the first round of treatment, the unpleasant news came that his mesothelioma had not reduced. Without a reduction in the cancerous site, Ralph did not qualify for surgery. At this point, doctor's suggested further chemotherapy treatment, which they called "life-stretching" treatments. There was no cure for Ralph's mesothelioma. He was faced with the decision of what to do next. First, he decided to continue with chemotherapy, hoping for the best. Sadly, the chemotherapy delivered the same painful side effects and no sign of improvement. Ralph's last chemotherapy treatment was in April 2005. It was after this final round of therapy, that Ralph and his family decided it was no longer worth the added pain and suffering to treat something doctors deemed incurable.

His situation was grim. In late May 2005, Ralph was admitted to the long-term care unit at his local hospital. He was not expected to survive the month of May. However, he showed glimpses of the strength and spirit of his past and held on to life as long as he could. His family was by his side since day one and continued to be there for Ralph while he fought a courageous fight. Sadly, Ralph lost his fight against mesothelioma and passed away June 23, 2005.

Ralph Dale passed away on June 23, 2005.

** POSTED AUGUST 11, 2005 **