Well, it's been a while since I've last posted because my family has gone through a week plus of sickness... so taking care of the kiddos and recovering myself have taken all of my energies lately.
Anyway, I just got off the phone with my mom, and... well... let me update you...
My dad went back on chemo on Mon, 1/25, and quickly, the same effects began. Circulation in his feet decreased, and he had a hard time keeping food down. The new perscription seemed to help with the sores in his mouth, but that was about it. So... just like my dad, he pressed on. Spirits were high because he knew he was doing something to fight this aweful disease.
Monday, 2/1 my dad had another dr's apt, and the doctor informed him that he only had 7 more radiation treatments left, when he thought he had 12... good news! The dr assessed my dad's response to the chemo, and basically told my dad to tolerate the side effects as long as he could, but to feel free to "turn off" the chemo if needed.
Friday, 2/5 (their 38th wedding anniversary), at 4:15 pm, the chemo was turned off. If you know my dad, that was a hard decision for him, because he is a fixer... and in taking the chemo, he was "fixing the problem." After speaking with my mom, it was a necessary step.
Monday, 2/8 was the most recent apt, and... it's left us all a little discouraged. Finally the doctor is showing concern about my dad not being able to hold down food. On Friday, at 3:00pm MST, they go in for another CT scan. Through this, the dr will be able to take a look at the cancer to see what the radiation and chemo has done in the chest, pelvic, and abdomen. In addition, the dr is going to look a the pylorus (the muscle that allows food to pass from the stomach into the intestines). Perhaps something is causing the muscle to not function properly, thereby causing all the vomitting.
Depending on the results of the CT scan, the dr may want to put a portable feeding tube on him to allow him to get some nutrition.
On a positive note.... my dad's feet have gotten better since he has taken himself off the chemo. He is able to walk around a lot easier now.
So, at this point, we are still waiting...again. My dad has his last radiation treatment tomorrow. He is also getting hydrated every day this week. He has not been at work since last Thursday (mainly because he doesn't know when he's going to get sick), and is doing a lot of sleeping.
Please pray for the following:
1. That the Lord would protect my dad's mind from discouraging thoughts and that the time over this next week would pass quickly.
2. That the Lord will be with my mom this next week, as she cares for my dad. I wish I could be there to help, but I can only image how painful it must be for her to watch him be in so much pain and discomfort.
3. That the Lord will allow my dad to keep down the dye that he needs to take before the CT scan on Friday. Obviously, this is important, so the machine can pick up on what it needs to see.
4. That the Lord will guide the dr's thoughts and decisions as he tries to figure out what is wrong, and what the next step should be. My parents have an apt next Monday at 11:30 am (mountain time) to discuss the results of the CT scan and what the next steps should be.
ULTIMATELY, GOD'S GLORY WILL BE REVEALED THROUGH THIS... WE ARE ALL JUST HAVING A HARD TIME STAYING FOCUSED ON THAT.
BOTH MY PARENTS NEED TO BE ENCOURAGED, SO IF YOU KNOW THEM AND CAN GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM THIS NEXT WEEK, I KNOW THEY WOULD APPRECIATE HEARING FROM THEIR 'FAMILY OF FRIENDS'.
Please keep our family in your prayers, especially over this next week please.
