They took Daddy in to surgery early (2:15), my sister just called me, he's in recovery!! The thyroid was so large it was pushed very far into the chest cavity; it, and the corresponding growths, is gone. The trachea, at this point, is still intact. He'll be in recovery for a few hours, on the ventilator until tomorrow, and then we'll reevaluate.

Thank you all for your prayers!

By the way, Candace, I know Phred helped out - how could he not? MY FATHER'S NAME IS FRED!!