Cancer Count Down

Dad had a good appointment today. His blood pressure was almost perfect, his temp was normal and he maintained his weight. His red blood count was a bit low but not too low that they couldn't give him the chemo treatment. They gave him intravenous medication with his chemo to help bring those numbers back up. The doctor said that dad's body is responding very well to this chemo treatment, that his cancer count is down and he believes dad is going to be around for awhile. He said that dad will continue to have good and bad days. Mom mentioned that since dad is responding so well to this new treatment they will probably make it a weekly treatment and not do the 3 weeks on, 1 week off.

I just talked to dad and he said he is a bit nauseated and didn't eat much dinner. He is really tired because he hasn't slept much the last 2 nights. I pray that he will have a really good night of sleep tonight, and if he needs, tomorrow as well.

We'll keep you posted.

Hairy Mom, Hairless Dad

Now that is a headline! Dad did have chemo last week. Mom took dad because Chuck and Aunt Charlene weren't able to. Mom and dad both appreciate everything they do for them but mom was glad to be with dad and hear the doctor's report first hand. He had gained a few pounds but not all that he had lost the week before. His blood pressure was better and obviously his blood count was up since he received the chemo. Because he was so sick and dehydrated last week, they cut the strength of the chemo in half. They also told him that he was not to let himself get like that again. If he has those same issues, he is to call them immediately so they can address it right away.

His port is still not normal so he has been getting all of his blood work and chemo through his arms. He has an appointment on Monday with the surgeon that put the port in to see what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix it. With his treatments continuing, this is very important to get resolved. It is getting harder for the nurses to find his veins so he is getting poked and prodded more than he would like.

Now to explain the headline. Aunt Charlene bought mom a wig. For those who know mom, her hair has gotten very thin in the last year or so (dad says it is sympathy hair loss). Mom likes it and says it makes her feel better. Dad, on the other hand, has lost almost all of his hair. He says that he brushes it in the morning and the brush is full of hair. Yesterday he took off his hat and his hair was still in it. He says he only has a few strands left and is sure they will be gone this week. He has had nausea and is tired but not as bad as the previous treatment.

Mom says that dad is getting pretty lonely. He is so use to being out and about doing his plumbing or taking pictures and now he is home all day long without much human contact. He did get to to go to the Halloween party that mom's company had on Friday. He even got to take pictures of all the kids in their costumes. Several of mom's co-workers visited with him and that was good for his spirits. He did get pretty tired after just a few hours. Once again, thanks to mom's awesome employer for being so supportive of everything mom and dad are going through.

He has treatment again this week and then he will get a week off. We are hoping and praying that he is well enough to go to Kaity's volleyball game in Milwaukie at LaSalle High School on Saturday night. This is a playoff game with the winner going to the state playoffs the following weekend in Eugene. The game is at 7:00 pm which is usually when dad is in bed. I'm hoping maybe he could have a late afternoon nap and then maybe come to a game or two.

Pray, pray, pray.

Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement.