Quick update...praise doG, it wasn't the cancer! It was a very large, very heavy marble and, after having it surgically removed, he is on the mend. Where he got it, I have no idea...must've been one of the neighbor's kids who accidentally threw it in the backyard, or it rolled back there, or something. Expensive marble. It is now mounted and sitting on DH's desk. Maybe he figures it'll inspire him to work that much harder so we can replenish the savings ;).