Mary Katherine (don't know her) keeps us informed of Dave's health on the FOLKDJ mailing list. I didn't post that earlier cause I was waiting for the news to be really good (...) but here it is:

on the 11/5:
Folks:

Our good friend Dave Van Ronk had his colon cancer surgery this morning, and Andrea just gave me this update on his condition:
He had the surgery, and is now in the recovery room. Andrea has not yet been allowed to see him but expects to do so shortly.
They removed a large tumor, and part of the wall of his abdomen (to which the tumor was attached). They won't have a pathology report on the tumor for several days. He did not have to have a colostomy; they did have to remove his spleen.
I'll be able to give more information after Andrea has spoken to the surgeon and seen Dave. Both of them send their grateful thanks to those of you who have sent along personal donations to assist them in this extremely difficult time.

On 11/7:
Friends: Andrea just called. Dave sat up in a chair for a few hours this morning!! Pathology report, which will dictate the chemotherapy strategy, is not due back until Friday at the earliest. He may be staying in the hospital somewhat longer than first thought, because the doctors want him to undergo pulmonary rehab. That's still under discussion. More soon.

PS (from SP): Is there a problem to post in a forum something that was sent in a mailing list?