Latest on My Father
He finally had a MRI done on his arm and a whole body PET scan. The reason he has such bad pain in his arm is because there are bone metastasis there. They're not huge, but there's a small cluster of them. They also found metastasis in his pelvis.
Needless to say, we are all very sad, though not surprised. His oncologist said there are other chemo options available that can help stabilize the mets and strengthen the bone. So...once they get the internal bleeding stopped, they'll be looking into starting down that road.
He is still getting blood transfusions daily and will probably have to continue that weekly for awhile. So...from here on out, as many of you know, it's all about trying to put out the little fires that pop up, keeping the big fire from getting too out of control and having strength and hope to get through the day. Not sure when he will be released from the hospital. Hopefully sometime on Friday.
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes.
Blessings,
Sally
Comments
-
Sally,
I know you're glad to
Sally,
I know you're glad to finaly find out why your dad's arm has been so painful, even though it's not what you wanted to hear. Praying they will be able to stop the bleeding soon.
Fighting cancer is a roller coaster ride--Full of ups and downs.I am praying for Gods comfort for you and family during this very difficult time.
God bless you, Sandra0 -
Continued Prayers
Hello Sally and Dad
Thanks for your recent update. I love your thought about the fires! So true. You are all doing a great job, keep up the good work! I was happy to hear that the dr. have other chemo options, which mean they have not given up, so don't you give up either! Being in the hospital is the best place for your dad right now. Do not rush to get him home too soon
We are thinking of you always.
Tina in Va0 -
Update on My Father....
Hi All,
Well, my father is still in the hospital. He's now having problems with his blood pressure. It's been extremely low, like 86/60! They're trying to get it stabalized with meds, but that takes time and can be tricky, as I understand it. He's getting radiation once a day to try to get the bleeding stopped. His hemoglobin has been a little higher and more steady than it has been, but it's still not completely where the doctor's want it to be.
I went to visit him today. First time I've seen him since Christmas Eve. He hasn't wanted to be around anyone (which includes me, his only child!) since he's felt so lousy. Well, I just showed up. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I braced myself for the worst. Actually, he didn't look all that bad, but had no color in his face or his entire body for that matter. Just very white. He was also kind of out of it. Don't know whether or not it's because of all the meds or possibly brain mets. He actually had a CT of the brain today. So, we'll probably find out the results on Monday. I hope it's negative, but won't be surprised if there are some. He's acting very withdrawn and can be very mean towards my mom and even some of the doctors at times. My mom isn't sure what to think either. Not sure if it's meds or mets or a combination of both. Regardless, it's hard because he isn't the same
Please continue to pray for our family. Not sure what I should specifically ask for, but I'm thinking peace and strength and trusting God for each day. He's got it under control, even though we can't see it at times! I keep reminding myself of that. Whatever ends up happening, I believe it will be the best for all of us. God has it covered!
Blessings,
Sally0 -
Sally,sal314 said:Update on My Father....
Hi All,
Well, my father is still in the hospital. He's now having problems with his blood pressure. It's been extremely low, like 86/60! They're trying to get it stabalized with meds, but that takes time and can be tricky, as I understand it. He's getting radiation once a day to try to get the bleeding stopped. His hemoglobin has been a little higher and more steady than it has been, but it's still not completely where the doctor's want it to be.
I went to visit him today. First time I've seen him since Christmas Eve. He hasn't wanted to be around anyone (which includes me, his only child!) since he's felt so lousy. Well, I just showed up. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I braced myself for the worst. Actually, he didn't look all that bad, but had no color in his face or his entire body for that matter. Just very white. He was also kind of out of it. Don't know whether or not it's because of all the meds or possibly brain mets. He actually had a CT of the brain today. So, we'll probably find out the results on Monday. I hope it's negative, but won't be surprised if there are some. He's acting very withdrawn and can be very mean towards my mom and even some of the doctors at times. My mom isn't sure what to think either. Not sure if it's meds or mets or a combination of both. Regardless, it's hard because he isn't the same
Please continue to pray for our family. Not sure what I should specifically ask for, but I'm thinking peace and strength and trusting God for each day. He's got it under control, even though we can't see it at times! I keep reminding myself of that. Whatever ends up happening, I believe it will be the best for all of us. God has it covered!
Blessings,
Sally
You and your family
Sally,
You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. I'm glad you were able to go and see your dad. Make sure to give your mom some extra hugs sounds like she needs them. This is hard and frustrating for the patient and such a difficult path to be on. Staring in the face of EC is not for the faint of heart. Brain mets can cause serious changes to a person. You and your mom and dad should speak frankly with his doctor about what that might mean so you can know what to expect, what you want to do and what your dad wants if you haven't already. I hope that the scan comes up clean.
And don't forget to take care of yourself too. I know easier said than done.
Hugs,
Cindy0 -
Good decisionsal314 said:Update on My Father....
Hi All,
Well, my father is still in the hospital. He's now having problems with his blood pressure. It's been extremely low, like 86/60! They're trying to get it stabalized with meds, but that takes time and can be tricky, as I understand it. He's getting radiation once a day to try to get the bleeding stopped. His hemoglobin has been a little higher and more steady than it has been, but it's still not completely where the doctor's want it to be.
I went to visit him today. First time I've seen him since Christmas Eve. He hasn't wanted to be around anyone (which includes me, his only child!) since he's felt so lousy. Well, I just showed up. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I braced myself for the worst. Actually, he didn't look all that bad, but had no color in his face or his entire body for that matter. Just very white. He was also kind of out of it. Don't know whether or not it's because of all the meds or possibly brain mets. He actually had a CT of the brain today. So, we'll probably find out the results on Monday. I hope it's negative, but won't be surprised if there are some. He's acting very withdrawn and can be very mean towards my mom and even some of the doctors at times. My mom isn't sure what to think either. Not sure if it's meds or mets or a combination of both. Regardless, it's hard because he isn't the same
Please continue to pray for our family. Not sure what I should specifically ask for, but I'm thinking peace and strength and trusting God for each day. He's got it under control, even though we can't see it at times! I keep reminding myself of that. Whatever ends up happening, I believe it will be the best for all of us. God has it covered!
Blessings,
Sally
Hi Sally,
Although your recent updates have not been very cheerful, I am glad to hear that you've decided to visit your dad even though he does not want anyone around. It is very helpful to have someone who cares around.
I am wishing your dad and your whole family strength. Please continue posting on your progress.
Olya0 -
Prayerssal314 said:Update on My Father....
Hi All,
Well, my father is still in the hospital. He's now having problems with his blood pressure. It's been extremely low, like 86/60! They're trying to get it stabalized with meds, but that takes time and can be tricky, as I understand it. He's getting radiation once a day to try to get the bleeding stopped. His hemoglobin has been a little higher and more steady than it has been, but it's still not completely where the doctor's want it to be.
I went to visit him today. First time I've seen him since Christmas Eve. He hasn't wanted to be around anyone (which includes me, his only child!) since he's felt so lousy. Well, I just showed up. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I braced myself for the worst. Actually, he didn't look all that bad, but had no color in his face or his entire body for that matter. Just very white. He was also kind of out of it. Don't know whether or not it's because of all the meds or possibly brain mets. He actually had a CT of the brain today. So, we'll probably find out the results on Monday. I hope it's negative, but won't be surprised if there are some. He's acting very withdrawn and can be very mean towards my mom and even some of the doctors at times. My mom isn't sure what to think either. Not sure if it's meds or mets or a combination of both. Regardless, it's hard because he isn't the same
Please continue to pray for our family. Not sure what I should specifically ask for, but I'm thinking peace and strength and trusting God for each day. He's got it under control, even though we can't see it at times! I keep reminding myself of that. Whatever ends up happening, I believe it will be the best for all of us. God has it covered!
Blessings,
Sally
Dear Sally,
I am so sorry your family is going through this. I think it is good that you went whether your dad wanted you there or not. In his frame of mind he doesn't really know what he wants. I am sure he is pleased you are there, whether he shows it or not.
I continue to keep you and your family in prayer.
Linda0 -
he might just be feeling so bad it makes him grumpy....sal314 said:Update on My Father....
Hi All,
Well, my father is still in the hospital. He's now having problems with his blood pressure. It's been extremely low, like 86/60! They're trying to get it stabalized with meds, but that takes time and can be tricky, as I understand it. He's getting radiation once a day to try to get the bleeding stopped. His hemoglobin has been a little higher and more steady than it has been, but it's still not completely where the doctor's want it to be.
I went to visit him today. First time I've seen him since Christmas Eve. He hasn't wanted to be around anyone (which includes me, his only child!) since he's felt so lousy. Well, I just showed up. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I braced myself for the worst. Actually, he didn't look all that bad, but had no color in his face or his entire body for that matter. Just very white. He was also kind of out of it. Don't know whether or not it's because of all the meds or possibly brain mets. He actually had a CT of the brain today. So, we'll probably find out the results on Monday. I hope it's negative, but won't be surprised if there are some. He's acting very withdrawn and can be very mean towards my mom and even some of the doctors at times. My mom isn't sure what to think either. Not sure if it's meds or mets or a combination of both. Regardless, it's hard because he isn't the same
Please continue to pray for our family. Not sure what I should specifically ask for, but I'm thinking peace and strength and trusting God for each day. He's got it under control, even though we can't see it at times! I keep reminding myself of that. Whatever ends up happening, I believe it will be the best for all of us. God has it covered!
Blessings,
Sally
Sally,
so sorry to hear that your dad is feeling so bad...it must be so hard on all of you. I think personality also has a place in how people react when they really don't feel well. Some want folks around---others don't--still others say they don't but seem comforted by it all the same. I am glad you went--you wouldn't want to look back and "wish" you visited more. Most research shows that patients in general do MUCH BETTER when they have a strong support system. We'll keep you and dad & mom in our prayers---hang in there. God will be there too---you'll see him in the faces of the nurses, other patients, your mom and even your dad...hope Monday is a good day!
Kim0 -
Continued prayers for peach and strengthsal314 said:Update on My Father....
Hi All,
Well, my father is still in the hospital. He's now having problems with his blood pressure. It's been extremely low, like 86/60! They're trying to get it stabalized with meds, but that takes time and can be tricky, as I understand it. He's getting radiation once a day to try to get the bleeding stopped. His hemoglobin has been a little higher and more steady than it has been, but it's still not completely where the doctor's want it to be.
I went to visit him today. First time I've seen him since Christmas Eve. He hasn't wanted to be around anyone (which includes me, his only child!) since he's felt so lousy. Well, I just showed up. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I braced myself for the worst. Actually, he didn't look all that bad, but had no color in his face or his entire body for that matter. Just very white. He was also kind of out of it. Don't know whether or not it's because of all the meds or possibly brain mets. He actually had a CT of the brain today. So, we'll probably find out the results on Monday. I hope it's negative, but won't be surprised if there are some. He's acting very withdrawn and can be very mean towards my mom and even some of the doctors at times. My mom isn't sure what to think either. Not sure if it's meds or mets or a combination of both. Regardless, it's hard because he isn't the same
Please continue to pray for our family. Not sure what I should specifically ask for, but I'm thinking peace and strength and trusting God for each day. He's got it under control, even though we can't see it at times! I keep reminding myself of that. Whatever ends up happening, I believe it will be the best for all of us. God has it covered!
Blessings,
Sally
Sally,
I know this is a difficult time both for you and your father. When I was going though chemo right after my surgery, I felt terrible, and I knew I looked terrible. I did not want people to see me looking that way and avoided going out. When people would call to visit I would say I wasn’t feeling up to visitors.
Sometimes when my wife or the chemo nurses would make suggestions about eating more or other things they felt would help, it would make me frustrated, because I felt so sick it seemed like they were just bossing me around.
But I also appreciated that people cared; and took comfort in the fact that I was not alone. I am sure your Dad is frustrated by how he feels and what he can’t do. I am sure at this time it feels to him like he gets nothing but bad news from the doctors. But I am also sure he appreciates that you and your mother are there.
I will continue to pray that God provides your Dad and your family with strength and peace during this trying time.
Best Regards,
Paul Adams
McCormick, South Carolina
DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
6/21/2010 CT Scan NED
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!0 -
Prayers coming you way....sal314 said:Update on My Father....
Hi All,
Well, my father is still in the hospital. He's now having problems with his blood pressure. It's been extremely low, like 86/60! They're trying to get it stabalized with meds, but that takes time and can be tricky, as I understand it. He's getting radiation once a day to try to get the bleeding stopped. His hemoglobin has been a little higher and more steady than it has been, but it's still not completely where the doctor's want it to be.
I went to visit him today. First time I've seen him since Christmas Eve. He hasn't wanted to be around anyone (which includes me, his only child!) since he's felt so lousy. Well, I just showed up. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I braced myself for the worst. Actually, he didn't look all that bad, but had no color in his face or his entire body for that matter. Just very white. He was also kind of out of it. Don't know whether or not it's because of all the meds or possibly brain mets. He actually had a CT of the brain today. So, we'll probably find out the results on Monday. I hope it's negative, but won't be surprised if there are some. He's acting very withdrawn and can be very mean towards my mom and even some of the doctors at times. My mom isn't sure what to think either. Not sure if it's meds or mets or a combination of both. Regardless, it's hard because he isn't the same
Please continue to pray for our family. Not sure what I should specifically ask for, but I'm thinking peace and strength and trusting God for each day. He's got it under control, even though we can't see it at times! I keep reminding myself of that. Whatever ends up happening, I believe it will be the best for all of us. God has it covered!
Blessings,
Sally
Sally,
So, so sorry to hear of this set back. I am glad that you visited him though. I don't know what to say especially since I know nothing will really take your pain away. Just know that you have lots of friends here that are sending lots of love and prayers your way... Please keep us posted of the test results of the CT.
Best wishes,
Melissa0 -
Thank You AllMRapp226 said:Prayers coming you way....
Sally,
So, so sorry to hear of this set back. I am glad that you visited him though. I don't know what to say especially since I know nothing will really take your pain away. Just know that you have lots of friends here that are sending lots of love and prayers your way... Please keep us posted of the test results of the CT.
Best wishes,
Melissa
for your continued prayer and words of encouragement. It really does help.
We should know the results about the CT brain scan tomorrow. There's also a possiblity that he could be released. His blood pressure is still a little low, but much better. They believe they finally found the right medication and dosage.
I'll keep you updated.
Thanks again for all the support!
Blessings,
Sally0 -
Prayerssal314 said:Thank You All
for your continued prayer and words of encouragement. It really does help.
We should know the results about the CT brain scan tomorrow. There's also a possiblity that he could be released. His blood pressure is still a little low, but much better. They believe they finally found the right medication and dosage.
I'll keep you updated.
Thanks again for all the support!
Blessings,
Sally
Praying for the best! Glad you got to visit him, good for you for just showing up!0 -
Hi Sallysal314 said:Thank You All
for your continued prayer and words of encouragement. It really does help.
We should know the results about the CT brain scan tomorrow. There's also a possiblity that he could be released. His blood pressure is still a little low, but much better. They believe they finally found the right medication and dosage.
I'll keep you updated.
Thanks again for all the support!
Blessings,
Sally
Thanks for the
Hi Sally
Thanks for the recent update. Things are sounding a little bit better. Every little thing is a plus. Glad they found the right bp med. I was thinking....maybe him seeming to be a little out of it could be being caused from dehydration? I will pray and hope for the best with his brain scan. As far as him being mean....that is normal for cancer patients. They are very mad at the cancer, but do not know how to express their feelings, so they take it out on everyone around them. I had my dad start a journal. There he could write down all of this thoughts and feelings. This proved to be very helpful. Give it a try. Stay in touch, and know we are thinking and praying for all of you. Hugs to all.
Tina in Va0 -
Update on Fathersal314 said:Thank You All
for your continued prayer and words of encouragement. It really does help.
We should know the results about the CT brain scan tomorrow. There's also a possiblity that he could be released. His blood pressure is still a little low, but much better. They believe they finally found the right medication and dosage.
I'll keep you updated.
Thanks again for all the support!
Blessings,
Sally
Well, my dad was released from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. There is good news/bad news...with his CT brain scan results. Good news is NO brain mets! Thank you Lord! But it was discovered that he had a small mini stroke. That was somewhat surprising to all of us, including his doctor. But, it would explain all his symptoms. Not sure what, if any, long term effects it will have on him. But it makes his whole situation more complicated because it now rules out certain drug options available for the mets because of his clot history and now the stroke.
He's still going to get radiation to the tumor sight for 2 weeks. And will meet with his oncologist sometime this week. Have no idea what the next plan of action will be. He has so many different issues going on, it makes for a complicated case. Ugh.
I'm just praying no emergency come up this week, as we are suppose to have a mega snow storm (they're saying 20 inches of snow!) and I worry that if he needs immediate medical care, it will be extemely difficult to get to the hospital no matter the means!
Blessings,
Sally0 -
Thanks TinaTina Blondek said:Hi Sally
Thanks for the
Hi Sally
Thanks for the recent update. Things are sounding a little bit better. Every little thing is a plus. Glad they found the right bp med. I was thinking....maybe him seeming to be a little out of it could be being caused from dehydration? I will pray and hope for the best with his brain scan. As far as him being mean....that is normal for cancer patients. They are very mad at the cancer, but do not know how to express their feelings, so they take it out on everyone around them. I had my dad start a journal. There he could write down all of this thoughts and feelings. This proved to be very helpful. Give it a try. Stay in touch, and know we are thinking and praying for all of you. Hugs to all.
Tina in Va
Your journaling idea is good, but I'm afraid my dad would never be open to trying it. He's a very stubborn man and just likes to tough it out by himself. It's very frustrating, but the more you bug him, the more he pulls away. I feel so bad for him as he truly is going through this all alone. But...that ultimately is his choice. So...I'm just trying to be as supportive as I can, not to mention praying up a storm!
Thanks for your continued prayers. Hug back at ya!
Sally0 -
Thanks MelissaMRapp226 said:Prayers coming you way....
Sally,
So, so sorry to hear of this set back. I am glad that you visited him though. I don't know what to say especially since I know nothing will really take your pain away. Just know that you have lots of friends here that are sending lots of love and prayers your way... Please keep us posted of the test results of the CT.
Best wishes,
Melissa
Your prayers mean a lot:)
Blessings,
Sally0 -
updatesal314 said:Update on Father
Well, my dad was released from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. There is good news/bad news...with his CT brain scan results. Good news is NO brain mets! Thank you Lord! But it was discovered that he had a small mini stroke. That was somewhat surprising to all of us, including his doctor. But, it would explain all his symptoms. Not sure what, if any, long term effects it will have on him. But it makes his whole situation more complicated because it now rules out certain drug options available for the mets because of his clot history and now the stroke.
He's still going to get radiation to the tumor sight for 2 weeks. And will meet with his oncologist sometime this week. Have no idea what the next plan of action will be. He has so many different issues going on, it makes for a complicated case. Ugh.
I'm just praying no emergency come up this week, as we are suppose to have a mega snow storm (they're saying 20 inches of snow!) and I worry that if he needs immediate medical care, it will be extemely difficult to get to the hospital no matter the means!
Blessings,
Sally
Dear Sally, I am so sorry for the continued complications. The good news is the cancer is not in the brain. Know I am praying for your family and also that the storm will not complicate your father's health issues.
Linda0 -
Saying more prayerssal314 said:Update on Father
Well, my dad was released from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. There is good news/bad news...with his CT brain scan results. Good news is NO brain mets! Thank you Lord! But it was discovered that he had a small mini stroke. That was somewhat surprising to all of us, including his doctor. But, it would explain all his symptoms. Not sure what, if any, long term effects it will have on him. But it makes his whole situation more complicated because it now rules out certain drug options available for the mets because of his clot history and now the stroke.
He's still going to get radiation to the tumor sight for 2 weeks. And will meet with his oncologist sometime this week. Have no idea what the next plan of action will be. He has so many different issues going on, it makes for a complicated case. Ugh.
I'm just praying no emergency come up this week, as we are suppose to have a mega snow storm (they're saying 20 inches of snow!) and I worry that if he needs immediate medical care, it will be extemely difficult to get to the hospital no matter the means!
Blessings,
Sally
Praying that the mini stroke is something manageable. Happy to hear no brain mets!
Hope you got through the blizzard ok! My dad had to miss a day of radiation and hydration on Wednesday… not the most ideal situation but hopefully in the nog picture it will be ok.
(On a brighter note my kids (2 and 5) LOVED it)
Thinking of your family often
Dana0 -
Thanks Dana!DanaMB3 said:Saying more prayers
Praying that the mini stroke is something manageable. Happy to hear no brain mets!
Hope you got through the blizzard ok! My dad had to miss a day of radiation and hydration on Wednesday… not the most ideal situation but hopefully in the nog picture it will be ok.
(On a brighter note my kids (2 and 5) LOVED it)
Thinking of your family often
Dana
Thank you for the prayers. Thank God there were no emergencies. My dad missed his radiation on Wed. as well.
My kids (5 and 10) loved the snow too!:) Me...well, let's just say it wasn't as fun as I remember it being as a kid! LOL. (I'm getting old!:))
Blessings,
Sally0
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