First, I want to apologize for not updating in such a long time. It seems like if you I let it go for a couple of days I just keep forgetting.
Dad is doing ok. Not good or great or anywhere close, just ok. They have changed his chemo drugs and he is no longer on Sisplatin (sp?) and it's not affecting him quite as strongly. The only problem is the sisplatin damaged his system so much in the beginning his body just can't seem to catch up.
He went yesterday for his chemo and was unable to have his treatment because his platelets were so low. So this is another added week - another postponed treatment. He also received an injection to increase his RED blood cells. They gave him some IV fluids as well, hoping that would help him feel a little better.
Next week he will HOPEFULLY have his chemo followed by 5 days of injections to increase his WHITE blood cells. Please pray for him during those days especially. He has had these injections before and they cause debilitating bone pain. His body did not tolerate them well last time.
He's just taking it one day at a time and hopes for some good days. Just pray for his strength - he just feels so weak right now and we can all tell how much it is discouraging him. Just pray for a boost of spirits and for more good days than bad.
I do promise to update more often.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
A quick update
Dad is home this evening and feeling a bit better. He was so dehydrated that when they tried to take his blood pressure while standing they weren't able to get anything to register. So - after some fluids - he is feeling better. He even requested cereal. Cocoa Puffs to be exact. Mom said in their 40 years together she's never seen him eat a bowl of Cocoa Puffs - but that's what he wanted so he got it!
He will go back to Carti in the morning for more fluids, another shot to help increase his white blood cells. They will know his magnesium and potassium levels and if either of those are low he will have to receive them intraveneously as well.
Mrs. Virginia sent out an e-mail earlier but I just wanted to say again the "rules". He can not leave the house or be around anyone except immediate family until his white cell count has improved. He is so immuno-compromised that he won't even be able to eat the food that has been brought in from the church. So I think she has cancelled the meals for this week. We hate to inconvenience you but we're just doing what's best for Dad. He has a LONG list of things he can't eat - even bananas!
So just continue praying.
He will go back to Carti in the morning for more fluids, another shot to help increase his white blood cells. They will know his magnesium and potassium levels and if either of those are low he will have to receive them intraveneously as well.
Mrs. Virginia sent out an e-mail earlier but I just wanted to say again the "rules". He can not leave the house or be around anyone except immediate family until his white cell count has improved. He is so immuno-compromised that he won't even be able to eat the food that has been brought in from the church. So I think she has cancelled the meals for this week. We hate to inconvenience you but we're just doing what's best for Dad. He has a LONG list of things he can't eat - even bananas!
So just continue praying.
Not a good day
Dad has really been struggling since his last appointment. Mom and I were calculating today and we think that in the 5 days since his last treatment he has been up and out of bed a total of 8 hours. He is lethargic, nauseated and weak. There are quite a few everyday, normal activities that he should be able to do that he just can't. He can't life Audrey up on to the couch. He can't get out of the car without having to stop and get his bearings. Today at lunch he had to go lay in the car when we were only half way through our lunch.
We called Dr. Reid's office when we got home and asked the nurse to return our call. After Mom spoke with her they told her to bring Dad in immediately. After running a few tests they found out he is EXTREMEMLY dehydrated and his white cell count has bottomed out.
Please pardon me if I get any of this wrong - this is what I remember from Laine's phone call and the medical jargon has been lost on me. His white cell count at the lowest should be 2.5 - Dad's was 0.8. He has been placed on a 48 hour quarantine from anyone but his immediate family - and from us if any of us are exhibiting and cold like symptoms. (Continue to pray for Audrey's health through this. I'm sure you all know what it's like having a baby who is cold prone. Just pray that she stays healthy through all of this so Dad doesn't have to miss seeing his baby girl.) He will also have to give himself some kind of shots to up his white cell count. They have also placed him on a preliminary antibiotic - just in case. There are no signs of any infection right now but they don't want to take any chances.
He is also on IV fluids right now. He just hasn't been drinking enough. He is supposed to have AT LEAST 2 liters of liquid a day and Mom has been lucky to get him to drink 8 ounces. Laine told me within 5 minutes of being placed on IV fluids he was already acting like he felt better.
Mom is trying to speak with a doctor. Dr. Reid is out until Wednesday so she's hoping to get a chance to talk with Dr. Tsuda. We're just hoping they will ease off a little bit of the strong medication they are giving him. This is just overwhelming him and his body.
Just keep Dad in your prayers. This is only week 2 and he already is so miserable and having quite a few problems. I don't know what the next 14 weeks will bring but pray that it gets much, much, MUCH better.
We called Dr. Reid's office when we got home and asked the nurse to return our call. After Mom spoke with her they told her to bring Dad in immediately. After running a few tests they found out he is EXTREMEMLY dehydrated and his white cell count has bottomed out.
Please pardon me if I get any of this wrong - this is what I remember from Laine's phone call and the medical jargon has been lost on me. His white cell count at the lowest should be 2.5 - Dad's was 0.8. He has been placed on a 48 hour quarantine from anyone but his immediate family - and from us if any of us are exhibiting and cold like symptoms. (Continue to pray for Audrey's health through this. I'm sure you all know what it's like having a baby who is cold prone. Just pray that she stays healthy through all of this so Dad doesn't have to miss seeing his baby girl.) He will also have to give himself some kind of shots to up his white cell count. They have also placed him on a preliminary antibiotic - just in case. There are no signs of any infection right now but they don't want to take any chances.
He is also on IV fluids right now. He just hasn't been drinking enough. He is supposed to have AT LEAST 2 liters of liquid a day and Mom has been lucky to get him to drink 8 ounces. Laine told me within 5 minutes of being placed on IV fluids he was already acting like he felt better.
Mom is trying to speak with a doctor. Dr. Reid is out until Wednesday so she's hoping to get a chance to talk with Dr. Tsuda. We're just hoping they will ease off a little bit of the strong medication they are giving him. This is just overwhelming him and his body.
Just keep Dad in your prayers. This is only week 2 and he already is so miserable and having quite a few problems. I don't know what the next 14 weeks will bring but pray that it gets much, much, MUCH better.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
2 Down
Dad woke up yesterday morning, the day of his second chemo treatment, feeling better than he had in a week. I think he was considering cancelling his treatment just to enjoy a day of feeling normal. He didn't, of course, and headed to CARTI yesterday around 8:30 and was there all day - he didn't leave until 6.
He did much better yesterday than he did last week. He didn't feel sick until AFTER he left - which was an improvement.
He woke up this morning feeling awful. I suppose the pattern will be to feel his worst the day after chemo and pretty horrible the days thereafter until the Wednesday he heads back for treatment. Poor Daddy.
Just keep praying for him. I think this is a lot harder than we all expected it to be.
And just in case you didn't receive his e-mail, he has a new e-mail address for home. For some reason he can't access his Conway Corp e-mail at home. (If anyone knows why that would be happening, could you lend a technical hand??) The new address is dhatfield1949@hotmail.com
He did much better yesterday than he did last week. He didn't feel sick until AFTER he left - which was an improvement.
He woke up this morning feeling awful. I suppose the pattern will be to feel his worst the day after chemo and pretty horrible the days thereafter until the Wednesday he heads back for treatment. Poor Daddy.
Just keep praying for him. I think this is a lot harder than we all expected it to be.
And just in case you didn't receive his e-mail, he has a new e-mail address for home. For some reason he can't access his Conway Corp e-mail at home. (If anyone knows why that would be happening, could you lend a technical hand??) The new address is dhatfield1949@hotmail.com
Thursday, August 7, 2008
1st Treatment
Daddy's first treatment was yesterday. He arrived at 8:30 am and didn't leave until nearly 7 pm. It was a long, exhausting day for him. It started off with bloodwork, waiting for those results, then IV fluids and THEN they started the chemo around 1:30.
The medication they are giving him is incredibly strong. He will have two doses of that a month and the last two weeks of the month will be a milder medication. The oncologist told him to expect to feel pretty awful the first 72 hours after receiving the strong stuff. He was right.
Dad started feeling pretty sick before he even left the office. He's still feeling bad today. They gave him Phenergen for nausea but it's not helping much. We're hoping to get him something stronger before he starts feeling worse.
The doctor told him to expect to start losing his hair within the next 7 days - that's how strong this medicine is.
So please pray that he can make it through the first two rounds every month. Those are going to be the hardest. 1 down. 7 more to go of the toughies.
It's difficult to see Dad feeling so low. Pray for him - the next 15 (1 down!) weeks are definitely going to be tough.
The medication they are giving him is incredibly strong. He will have two doses of that a month and the last two weeks of the month will be a milder medication. The oncologist told him to expect to feel pretty awful the first 72 hours after receiving the strong stuff. He was right.
Dad started feeling pretty sick before he even left the office. He's still feeling bad today. They gave him Phenergen for nausea but it's not helping much. We're hoping to get him something stronger before he starts feeling worse.
The doctor told him to expect to start losing his hair within the next 7 days - that's how strong this medicine is.
So please pray that he can make it through the first two rounds every month. Those are going to be the hardest. 1 down. 7 more to go of the toughies.
It's difficult to see Dad feeling so low. Pray for him - the next 15 (1 down!) weeks are definitely going to be tough.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Starting Wednesday
First off, I apologize for not updating recently. Mostly it would have read like this, "Today he feels good. Today he feels bad. Today he is resting. Today he is out and about." Not very exciting stuff.
Overall, he's doing well. The past three days have been really good. He's almost seemed like his old self again. Feeling good just in time to feel bad again.
He spoke with his oncologist today and he will begin chemo Wednesday. So here we go. We're all a little shook today. It's real now. It's been an "In a few weeks" kind of thing and now they will begin on Wednesday.
We just ask that you pray for the next 16+ weeks. Pray that the side effects are minimal and that gets through this without too many problems. We know it won't be easy but we pray for as easy as possible.
Overall, he's doing well. The past three days have been really good. He's almost seemed like his old self again. Feeling good just in time to feel bad again.
He spoke with his oncologist today and he will begin chemo Wednesday. So here we go. We're all a little shook today. It's real now. It's been an "In a few weeks" kind of thing and now they will begin on Wednesday.
We just ask that you pray for the next 16+ weeks. Pray that the side effects are minimal and that gets through this without too many problems. We know it won't be easy but we pray for as easy as possible.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Chemo
Dad is doing really well. He went out to eat lunch with us the past couple of days and even went to Best Buy last night. (He DEFINITELY needed that new TV! He'll be so cooped up in the house for the next few months.) He was pretty tired today, I think he may be overdoing it just a bit. I can't blame him though, no one wants to just lay around....especially not Daddy.
He had his staples out yesterday and is feeling a little more comfortable after that. Dr. Chauvin (sp?) said everything looked and sounded great! Oh, and he told him he could start to pick up Audrey next week if he felt like it. Dad was excited about that.
He met with his oncologist today. I think they will wait another 2-4 weeks before starting chemo. They want him to be feeling a bit stronger before punching him in the gut again. HA! He's anemic so he has to get his blood built back up before they start as well.
He will do 4 rounds and that will be one treatment a week for 16 weeks. I was under the impression it was 1 week a month (for 2-3 days) for 4 months - so if anyone has any insight into that, please share. They of course had to share all of the "Possible Side Effects" with mom and dad - followed with "This happens rarely". Please pray that this goes smoothly and he doesn't feel TOO awful. We know it will be hard but we also know the power of prayer. If you have been through this, or had family who has, please share with us your tips. Diet, attitude, exercise - whatever we can do to help him feel his best.
He is so excited about this Sunday. He wants to PREACH!!! He misses all of you terribly.
Michael set up his internet at his house - so you can reach him by e-mail. His address is dahat@conwaycorp.net
I will keep updating!! I just haven't had much interesting to tell you the past few days.
He had his staples out yesterday and is feeling a little more comfortable after that. Dr. Chauvin (sp?) said everything looked and sounded great! Oh, and he told him he could start to pick up Audrey next week if he felt like it. Dad was excited about that.
He met with his oncologist today. I think they will wait another 2-4 weeks before starting chemo. They want him to be feeling a bit stronger before punching him in the gut again. HA! He's anemic so he has to get his blood built back up before they start as well.
He will do 4 rounds and that will be one treatment a week for 16 weeks. I was under the impression it was 1 week a month (for 2-3 days) for 4 months - so if anyone has any insight into that, please share. They of course had to share all of the "Possible Side Effects" with mom and dad - followed with "This happens rarely". Please pray that this goes smoothly and he doesn't feel TOO awful. We know it will be hard but we also know the power of prayer. If you have been through this, or had family who has, please share with us your tips. Diet, attitude, exercise - whatever we can do to help him feel his best.
He is so excited about this Sunday. He wants to PREACH!!! He misses all of you terribly.
Michael set up his internet at his house - so you can reach him by e-mail. His address is dahat@conwaycorp.net
I will keep updating!! I just haven't had much interesting to tell you the past few days.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Finally!
Dad got home around an hour ago. He is absolutely exhuasted - understandably. 9 days of no appreciable rest will do that to you. He's sore and not feeling great but so thankful to be home.
My dear husband is headed over there tomorrow to set up his internet connection so he should be online soon.
Thank you so much to Dick and Janie Longing for the delicious bar-b-que last night. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Thank you all for your cards, your prayers and your love. We have felt it wrapped around us. I will continue to keep everyone updated. Mom should be calling Dr. Reid's office today to get on the "Fast Track" for chemo. Yuck. Pray for the next 4 months.
Love to you all!
My dear husband is headed over there tomorrow to set up his internet connection so he should be online soon.
Thank you so much to Dick and Janie Longing for the delicious bar-b-que last night. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Thank you all for your cards, your prayers and your love. We have felt it wrapped around us. I will continue to keep everyone updated. Mom should be calling Dr. Reid's office today to get on the "Fast Track" for chemo. Yuck. Pray for the next 4 months.
Love to you all!
Going home!!
I just spoke with Mom, all the discharge papers have been signed and they're just waiting for the nurses to come bust him out of that room!!
Looks like it will be within the hour.
YEAAAA!!! for going home!
Looks like it will be within the hour.
YEAAAA!!! for going home!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Going Good
Dad's surgery went well this morning. The chemo port went in and they took the drainage tubes out. He's a little worn out this afternoon but ready to go home.
If he keeps doing as well as he is right now he will be discharged in the morning. Pray that everything continues to go as it has been and he is home and in his own bed this time tomorrow.
If he keeps doing as well as he is right now he will be discharged in the morning. Pray that everything continues to go as it has been and he is home and in his own bed this time tomorrow.
On the way to surgery
Sorry I wasn't able to update last night. Conway Corp was having some problems.
Dad got some rest yesterday and had a great evening. It was the perkiest I have seen him since they took the epidural out. Mom said he finally hit a wall around 9 pm but that was a pretty good run. Pray for more days like that.
He's on his way to surgery as I type this. They are putting in his chemo port this morning. Mom will call me as soon as he's out and I will update. I am having a hard time this morning, for some reason, having this port put in makes it seem all the more real. Pray for a smooth and easy surgery.
We're hoping Dad gets to come home in the next day or two. He needs to get out of that hospital!! The 3-5 day stay is now on day 8. Pray he gets to come home soon.
Dad got some rest yesterday and had a great evening. It was the perkiest I have seen him since they took the epidural out. Mom said he finally hit a wall around 9 pm but that was a pretty good run. Pray for more days like that.
He's on his way to surgery as I type this. They are putting in his chemo port this morning. Mom will call me as soon as he's out and I will update. I am having a hard time this morning, for some reason, having this port put in makes it seem all the more real. Pray for a smooth and easy surgery.
We're hoping Dad gets to come home in the next day or two. He needs to get out of that hospital!! The 3-5 day stay is now on day 8. Pray he gets to come home soon.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday morning update
Good news, they finally removed one of the drainage tubes early this morning as his output of fluid saw a significant decrease overnight. They also removed a port that has been in his neck since surgery, along with this his IV had to be removed and redone. While dad is extremely relieved to be making so many steps towards getting to go home, all of this has left him exhausted and just not feeling so great. This morning we ask for your continued prayers for recovery and that he will be able to rest with little discomfort. I'll be sure to let everyone know when he is feeling up to having some company again. Thanks so much everyone!
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Rough Day
Dad has had a hard day today. It started off bad when he had a terrible coughing spell in the middle of the night that lasted almost 2 hours. The nurses were finally able to get him a cough supressant ordered and he got some relief.
When I went to see him this evening his words were "I'm miserable." He's just having a lot of discomfort, he's unable to say more than 2 or 3 words without coughing and that stupid drain is really bugging him.
Please pray that his draining slows down so they can take out that tube. I think once that comes out he will do a lot better.
They have him scheduled for Wednesday morning to put in his chemo port. Another surgery but thankfully not as major.
Thank you to everyone who is coming to see him. Know that you are always welcome. We have a sign made so if he's not feeling up to visitors it will let you know. Otherwise you can visit anytime. Just expect to hear more from Mom than Dad. His conversation skills dropped off dramatically today.
Pray for rest, he really needs it.
Love you all.
When I went to see him this evening his words were "I'm miserable." He's just having a lot of discomfort, he's unable to say more than 2 or 3 words without coughing and that stupid drain is really bugging him.
Please pray that his draining slows down so they can take out that tube. I think once that comes out he will do a lot better.
They have him scheduled for Wednesday morning to put in his chemo port. Another surgery but thankfully not as major.
Thank you to everyone who is coming to see him. Know that you are always welcome. We have a sign made so if he's not feeling up to visitors it will let you know. Otherwise you can visit anytime. Just expect to hear more from Mom than Dad. His conversation skills dropped off dramatically today.
Pray for rest, he really needs it.
Love you all.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A visit from Dr. Lee
Daddy's pulmonologist just came by and is confused/concerned about why Dad's lung hasn't inflated fully and why he is still draining so much.
We just ask that you pray for complete healing of his lung. That it inflates and stops draining. It isn't until that happens that they will discuss taking the drain out and sending him home.
Otherwise he is doing well. Still in some discomfort but the pain medication is helping. He's even been up a couple of times to take a little walk.
Mom just wanted me to update and ask for you to pray the specific prayer of healing. Your prayers have been working so far!
We just ask that you pray for complete healing of his lung. That it inflates and stops draining. It isn't until that happens that they will discuss taking the drain out and sending him home.
Otherwise he is doing well. Still in some discomfort but the pain medication is helping. He's even been up a couple of times to take a little walk.
Mom just wanted me to update and ask for you to pray the specific prayer of healing. Your prayers have been working so far!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Morphine, Grandbabies and Steak
We went up to see Dad for a bit this evening. We brought the whirling dervish (AKA, Audrey) so we weren't able to stay too long.
He's doing ok. They have removed his epidural and the lidocaine drip so he's definitely more uncomfortable than he has been. The surgeon was under the impression that they had left his epidural in so he was only allowing Dad some very mild pain medication. After getting everything worked out they ordered him some morphine. So by the time Mom left he was definitely doing better.
I printed out your comments and birthday wishes. They gave him some much needed smiles. (This was Pre-Morphine) He really enjoyed reading all of them. Even though his birthday is over feel free to send me any happy memory or funny story you might have about Dad. Again my e-mail is leighmidd@hotmail.com
Audrey gave Boppa his birthday gifts. I think this little one will be the therapy he needs. Can you see them winking at each other? She has him wrapped tight around those little fingers. (Click on the pictures to see them bigger.)
WINK!
Here you go Boppa!
Happy Birthday!
After we left Dr. Lander brought Mom and Dad a homemade steak dinner. It was definitely "Just what the doctor ordered"!
Pray for a peaceful night of sleep and for the pain to weaken every day.
As I was leaving this evening I told Dad "Haaaappy Birthdaaaay" in an "Eeyore" kind of voice. He stopped me and said "Leigh, if you think about it, this is a VERY Happy Birthday". His strength amazes me.
He's doing ok. They have removed his epidural and the lidocaine drip so he's definitely more uncomfortable than he has been. The surgeon was under the impression that they had left his epidural in so he was only allowing Dad some very mild pain medication. After getting everything worked out they ordered him some morphine. So by the time Mom left he was definitely doing better.
I printed out your comments and birthday wishes. They gave him some much needed smiles. (This was Pre-Morphine) He really enjoyed reading all of them. Even though his birthday is over feel free to send me any happy memory or funny story you might have about Dad. Again my e-mail is leighmidd@hotmail.com
Audrey gave Boppa his birthday gifts. I think this little one will be the therapy he needs. Can you see them winking at each other? She has him wrapped tight around those little fingers. (Click on the pictures to see them bigger.)
WINK!
Here you go Boppa!
Happy Birthday!
After we left Dr. Lander brought Mom and Dad a homemade steak dinner. It was definitely "Just what the doctor ordered"!
Pray for a peaceful night of sleep and for the pain to weaken every day.
As I was leaving this evening I told Dad "Haaaappy Birthdaaaay" in an "Eeyore" kind of voice. He stopped me and said "Leigh, if you think about it, this is a VERY Happy Birthday". His strength amazes me.
Houston, we have a room!
Conway Regional
Room 412
Go see the preacher.
Bring chocolate! (Ok, you don't HAVE to bring chocolate. The overflow has been coming home with me. SO.......if you WANT to........HA!!)
He still has a bit of a fever today. The last time I was updated it was around 99.7 - we're still waiting to find out what's causing it. Continue to pray it's nothing serious.
We are so grateful to everyone in CCU. He had amazing care while he was there. But we sure hope we don't have to see those nurses again for......ever.
Mom is on her way back up to the hospital and I have a feeling we'll be taking a special little someone to give her Boppa a kiss as soon as she wakes up from her nap.
Daddy is just overwhelmed by all of you love and prayers (and chocolate!). We cannot thank you enough.
Room 412
Go see the preacher.
Bring chocolate! (Ok, you don't HAVE to bring chocolate. The overflow has been coming home with me. SO.......if you WANT to........HA!!)
He still has a bit of a fever today. The last time I was updated it was around 99.7 - we're still waiting to find out what's causing it. Continue to pray it's nothing serious.
We are so grateful to everyone in CCU. He had amazing care while he was there. But we sure hope we don't have to see those nurses again for......ever.
Mom is on her way back up to the hospital and I have a feeling we'll be taking a special little someone to give her Boppa a kiss as soon as she wakes up from her nap.
Daddy is just overwhelmed by all of you love and prayers (and chocolate!). We cannot thank you enough.
Friday, July 11, 2008
This evening
Dad is running a fever again this evening, around 101. They did some labwork and are going to check his dressings to make sure they don't see any infection. The labwork should take about 24 hours to get back so it looks like they're going to keep him in CCU another day. I think he would prefer it that way since he's getting such good care (AND good food!).
Pray that these fevers stop and that he has a restful night. He can't wait to get in a room so that he can see everyone.
Remember that CCU visiting hours are 8-9 am 12-1 pm 5-6 pm and 8-9 pm.
I will update in the morning and hopefully be telling you his room # soon!
Leigh
Pray that these fevers stop and that he has a restful night. He can't wait to get in a room so that he can see everyone.
Remember that CCU visiting hours are 8-9 am 12-1 pm 5-6 pm and 8-9 pm.
I will update in the morning and hopefully be telling you his room # soon!
Leigh
Visitors
Well....Dad's mad at us. HA!
We thought it would be best for him to rest......he wants COMPANY!!!
They should be moving him to a room today and he wants to see all of you. If we could just request that you limit your visit to just a few minutes. He's not going to want to hush and let you leave!! He still wants to shepherd his flock.
We thought it would be best for him to rest......he wants COMPANY!!!
They should be moving him to a room today and he wants to see all of you. If we could just request that you limit your visit to just a few minutes. He's not going to want to hush and let you leave!! He still wants to shepherd his flock.
His Birthday
Tomorrow is Daddy's 59th birthday and I wanted to do something special. Who wants to celebrate their birthday in the hospital? Yuck!
So think of your fondest memory, funniest story, happiest moment you have had with Dad and send me an e-mail telling me all about it.
leighmidd@hotmail.com
I want to have LOTS to give him tomorrow. I know that will give him some much needed smiles.
Thanks!!!
So think of your fondest memory, funniest story, happiest moment you have had with Dad and send me an e-mail telling me all about it.
leighmidd@hotmail.com
I want to have LOTS to give him tomorrow. I know that will give him some much needed smiles.
Thanks!!!
The results are back
We got the pathology reports back this morning.
There is NO CANCER in the lymph nodes and it is STAGE 1A!!!!!
While this is wonderful news, the tumor was 2.3 cm big. At 3 cm they recommend chemo. Since that is so close the doctors recommended four rounds of chemo. That is scary - but we would much rather be doing preventative chemo. He is upset - the doctors told him he will lose his hair and when Audrey has her immunizations he will not be able to be around her for 14 days. It will be hard but with God's help we can do anything for four months.
He's planning on feeling all better for our trip to Disneyworld in late November!
So please start praying for strength, no recurrances and a quick four months. Also pray that Audrey stays healthy during this chemo. Her Boppa needs to spend time with her and get as many hugs and kisses as possible. I think she will be the best therapy for him.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Leigh
There is NO CANCER in the lymph nodes and it is STAGE 1A!!!!!
While this is wonderful news, the tumor was 2.3 cm big. At 3 cm they recommend chemo. Since that is so close the doctors recommended four rounds of chemo. That is scary - but we would much rather be doing preventative chemo. He is upset - the doctors told him he will lose his hair and when Audrey has her immunizations he will not be able to be around her for 14 days. It will be hard but with God's help we can do anything for four months.
He's planning on feeling all better for our trip to Disneyworld in late November!
So please start praying for strength, no recurrances and a quick four months. Also pray that Audrey stays healthy during this chemo. Her Boppa needs to spend time with her and get as many hugs and kisses as possible. I think she will be the best therapy for him.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Leigh
Thursday, July 10, 2008
100.1
Dad has a little fever this evening and a bit of raspiness in his lungs. Mom spoke with the nurses and they assured her that a low grade fever is normal - as is the raspiness. I guess when you've just had half a lung removed, you're going to sound a little raspy.
Even with the reassurances it's still easy to worry and think of the very worst.
So please pray for the fever to go down and for Daddy to feel alright this evening.
Pray for a better overnight than last night. Pray for rest and for peace.
Pray for us as well - that we won't always assume the worst and that we aren't constantly worrying ourselves sick. Easy to say, right???
Goodnight to all!
Leigh
Even with the reassurances it's still easy to worry and think of the very worst.
So please pray for the fever to go down and for Daddy to feel alright this evening.
Pray for a better overnight than last night. Pray for rest and for peace.
Pray for us as well - that we won't always assume the worst and that we aren't constantly worrying ourselves sick. Easy to say, right???
Goodnight to all!
Leigh
Day 3
Daddy had a pretty rough night - he had a lot of discomfort and didn't rest well. A couple of times his bed had been adjusted and he wasn't able to reach the nurses button or his pain medicine - needless to say, the night was long.
The pathology reports still haven't come back but his oncologist guaranteed he would come back by as soon as he got the results. I think we will all feel a little bit better once we get those tests back.
His anesthesiologist came to see him before lunch and Dad told him about all of the pain he's been experiencing - plus all of the nausea, he hasn't been able to eat without feeling sick. So the anesthesiologist upped the medicine in his epidural and he was able to eat for the first time without feeling sick. He may get moved into a regular room tomorrow but I think he's a bit nervous about that after the night he had.
He's resting now, which is exactly what he needs. He even sent Mom home to rest as well. He's feeling MUCH better if he's letting her leave!!!
Thanks for all of the lovely comments - they mean so much to all of us.
Leigh
P.S. He ate the cake and it was "Mmmm, mmmm, good!"
The pathology reports still haven't come back but his oncologist guaranteed he would come back by as soon as he got the results. I think we will all feel a little bit better once we get those tests back.
His anesthesiologist came to see him before lunch and Dad told him about all of the pain he's been experiencing - plus all of the nausea, he hasn't been able to eat without feeling sick. So the anesthesiologist upped the medicine in his epidural and he was able to eat for the first time without feeling sick. He may get moved into a regular room tomorrow but I think he's a bit nervous about that after the night he had.
He's resting now, which is exactly what he needs. He even sent Mom home to rest as well. He's feeling MUCH better if he's letting her leave!!!
Thanks for all of the lovely comments - they mean so much to all of us.
Leigh
P.S. He ate the cake and it was "Mmmm, mmmm, good!"
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
He's starting to feel it....
I just got a call from Mom. They have been tapering Dad's pain meds and this evening he is feeling quite a bit of pain. He's having a bit of difficulty resting and it's causing him to even feel some nausea. We're afraid that since he's been feeling SO well the past 24 hours that he may have overdone it. At the moment they have given him some other pain meds and he's asleep.
We appreciate so much everyone's visits and all of the encouragement that you have brought to him but we ask that until he is out of the CCU on Friday that you just remember him in your prayers while he rests.
Once he gets into a room I will update and let you know if he's feeling up to guests.
I spoke with him earlier this evening and he wanted me to tell all of you how much he loves you and how he appreciates your prayers.
P.S. Here's a "Dad Moment" for you. He was feeling so sick this evening he was unable to eat his dinner but as the nurse was taking his tray he asked her to leave the chocolate cake.....just in case!
We appreciate so much everyone's visits and all of the encouragement that you have brought to him but we ask that until he is out of the CCU on Friday that you just remember him in your prayers while he rests.
Once he gets into a room I will update and let you know if he's feeling up to guests.
I spoke with him earlier this evening and he wanted me to tell all of you how much he loves you and how he appreciates your prayers.
P.S. Here's a "Dad Moment" for you. He was feeling so sick this evening he was unable to eat his dinner but as the nurse was taking his tray he asked her to leave the chocolate cake.....just in case!
Leave Comments!!!
If you don't mind - when you read my updates please leave a comment. A prayer, a praise, an uplifiting word. I want to print them out to give Daddy some extra smiles!
A helpful picture
What a help this picture was to us yesterday. Knowing that Jesus was guiding the doctor's hand and standing there with Daddy gave us so much comfort. Thanks to Pat and Floyd Ray - Mom held on tight to this all day yesterday.Day Two
Dad's surgery went really well yesterday. Much quicker than we all expected and the doctor felt his body tolerated everything very well. They removed the lower left lobe and all of the surrounding lymph nodes. The surgeon noted that he had some calcifications in the nodes but informed us that calcifications are normal in this area because of all the fungus in the air. They have sent everything to pathology and we are waiting for those results. They should come tomorrow.
Laine and I were allowed to see him for a bit last night and when we were walking to the CCU we were expecting the worst. We walked around the corner to our Daddy, sitting up and chatting away with Dr. Lander Smith. He is doing MARVELOUSLY!! Of course, we'll see how well he is doing when they take the epidural and the lidocaine drip away!!! Pray for an easy transition.
He has met with his pulmonoligist, Dr. Lee and his oncologists, Dr. Tsuda and Dr. Reed. Dr. Lee told Dad that he is his second patient in twenty years of practice that he has treated for lung cancer that has never smoked one cigarette or lived with second-hand smoke. We told him he should start playing the lotto with odds like that!!! (Of course, we were kidding.)
When we get his pathology results back that will let us know what kind of chemotherapy they will start. If it's type 1A then they won't require chemo, if it's 1B it will probably be around 4 rounds - and so on. After speaking with his doctors (and with us) he has decided he will probably go ahead and do a few rounds even if it is just 1A - just to be on the safe side. Pray for Stage 1A and that it did not get into his lymph nodes.
Dr. Lander Smith has worked it out for Mom to be with Dad all the time in CCU - so if you come to the waiting room, you won't find her there. He should be moved to a regular room tomorrow if he continues to do as well as he has been. Pray for continued improvement. He may even get to be home as soon as Saturday!!
We are so thankful for all of you. Thank you for being with us yesterday and comforting us through a very hard time. Thank you for your prayers and for the prayers we know you will continue to lift up for Daddy - we need as many as you can give!
I will post as often as I hear anything - so check back often.
Leigh
Laine and I were allowed to see him for a bit last night and when we were walking to the CCU we were expecting the worst. We walked around the corner to our Daddy, sitting up and chatting away with Dr. Lander Smith. He is doing MARVELOUSLY!! Of course, we'll see how well he is doing when they take the epidural and the lidocaine drip away!!! Pray for an easy transition.
He has met with his pulmonoligist, Dr. Lee and his oncologists, Dr. Tsuda and Dr. Reed. Dr. Lee told Dad that he is his second patient in twenty years of practice that he has treated for lung cancer that has never smoked one cigarette or lived with second-hand smoke. We told him he should start playing the lotto with odds like that!!! (Of course, we were kidding.)
When we get his pathology results back that will let us know what kind of chemotherapy they will start. If it's type 1A then they won't require chemo, if it's 1B it will probably be around 4 rounds - and so on. After speaking with his doctors (and with us) he has decided he will probably go ahead and do a few rounds even if it is just 1A - just to be on the safe side. Pray for Stage 1A and that it did not get into his lymph nodes.
Dr. Lander Smith has worked it out for Mom to be with Dad all the time in CCU - so if you come to the waiting room, you won't find her there. He should be moved to a regular room tomorrow if he continues to do as well as he has been. Pray for continued improvement. He may even get to be home as soon as Saturday!!
We are so thankful for all of you. Thank you for being with us yesterday and comforting us through a very hard time. Thank you for your prayers and for the prayers we know you will continue to lift up for Daddy - we need as many as you can give!
I will post as often as I hear anything - so check back often.
Leigh
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