Some of yall may or may not know, Dad went into the MD Anderson ER Wednesday night (April 23th). Thursday morning, they admitted him. This afternoon, he was released from the hospital. Long story short, he had fluids on both lungs.. his left lung was much worst. Once they drained the liter of fluids from his left lung, he was able to breath better. They are treating him with some meds to reduced the fluids from his right lung.
When Dad was in the hospital, they did do an CT scan. The cancer hasn’t grown, but at the same time, it hasn’t shrinking either. Dad is maxed out on radiation and surgery is out of the question due to it being too wide spread. So, chemo is the only option.
Also, we have delayed the proceedings in dad getting the balloon stint in his esophagus. When Dad’s one MD Anderson doctor schedule this procedure, she forgot to mention the high risk involved in the procedure. We found out by another doctor that if the balloon collapses, Dad will be on a feeding tube for the rest of his life. He will not be able to eat through the mouth ever again.
To say the least, the whole family was upset, especially mom. She didn’t take the news very well. We have a consultation with the GI doctors on May 14th to discuss about this procedure. We are hoping to move the consultation up, but no guarantees.
In addition, dad has a ulcer which is near the cancer. One of the general MD Anderson doctors says that if the balloon stint collapses, it will most likely be right where the ulcer is… that is another reason why we delayed the proceedings.
Update: As some of you know, dad did not have chemo last week because the dr wants to order a stint (a type of balloon) in the esophagus so dad can eat better. he has thrown up several times each day. He has also had lots of problems breathing and has had panic attacks where he can barely breath. the dr wanted an xray done on his chest as she thinks he has bronchitis. We have been trying to get the orders in since Thurs and somehow it got “lost.” Finally, today it should be ordered within the next 24 hrs. However, tonight, dad wants to go to the ER as he is not able to breathe much. So they are heading to MD Anderson’s ER. Will keep u posted. please keep us in ur prayers.
I think my dad and my entire family could use a boast of encouragement. If you would like to send an thought our way, feel free to comment here or on dad’s web site www.dac24.com If you want to drop us a note or card in the mail, let me know and I can send you our address
Helpless feeling when you see your dad throw up some of his dinner. Fighting back tears in front of him. Trying to say an encouraging word when you see how upset he is after he throws up. Seeing him weak and not being able to do anything but pray and try to help him. Praying that the chemo is working and that daddy will be feeling better soon. He goes for his next round chemo starting Thursday. Daily, I ask for God to continue to give us strength, encourage and healing.
Hey everyone! My dad and family needs some major encouragement. If you let cancer invade your spirit, it can do more damage than a bullet. Visit www.dac24.com to give uplifting comments, quotes, inspirational stories, support and love to all of us. Go to the comment section and share your wisdom and love. We are strong but having support from all of you gives us the zest to fight when our bodies are tired. Feel free to spread the word of dad’s fight for life.
Dad has lost about 50-55 pounds since January. I hate this cancer. Today, after eating a bowl of cereal, he got so nausea and threw up. He has rested almost all day. God give us strength to battle this evilness that has invaded dad’s body – destroy it and cast it in exile for all forever.
Today, I found out that my daddy’s hair is starting to fall out. He will be shaving it soon. As we talked about it, we all got quiet and tears came down our face. however, this is a sign that the chemo is working. One day at a time and I know God has a big plan and His grace is mightier than any of our fear
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
― Thomas A. Edison
As yall know, Dad chemo treatment is: 1 week of chemo, 1 week of no chemo, 1 week of chemo, 1 week of no chemo, ect… Well, Dad will be starting his 2nd dose of chemo today. He will be getting a drip chemo through an IV later on today. Furthermore, the next 7 days, he will be taking chemo pills.