Friday, March 31, 2006 

Friday, March 31, 2006

Hello all, this is Connie ( Rick and Sharons daughter) reporting to you live from the flat lands of Kansas. =)
I would like to update this blog on behalf of my mother and father on how they are doing these days and what has been happening in their lives.
In January my father finished up his Chemotherapy. YEAH!! To celebrate he and Mom went on a Mexican Reviera Criuse from February 4th through the 11th. They were accompanied by Sandy, Terry, Mike, and Jennifer, some AA friends. Mom says they had a ball and were able to get in some relaxation. The were served 7 course meals every time it was time to eat!! A floating buffet if you ask me =) The went on little excertions while on the trip and had a very enjoyable time.
On February 13th Dad start his radiatiojn therapy treatment . This treat targeted the tumor directly from differnet angles. He was given therapy everyday for a total of 20 days. The doctors said he was reacting very well to the therapy so they extended it 7 more days. Unfortunately, his body did not like the fact that he was given 7 more days and he has gone through some pain in the last few weeks due to his esophagus (I may have medical knowledge but I only got a C in Medical Terminology so forgive my misspelled words =) ). He now has esphogealitis (inflammation of his esphagus) . He has thrush and it is causing him to have great pain wiht swallowing or eatting anything. Due to his lack of fluid intact he was admitted to the hospital on March 25th and is there currently. It must be noted that my father has NOT had any side effects from any of his treatments except this last week so it is a miracle in it self.
The side effect from the extra treatments is normal for someone who has received 27 consecutive treatments.. He is receiving nourishment through an IV as well as fluids. He is unable to take anything by mouth so, they took him off his meds but are monitoring his vitals at all times. You all know my Mom she is on top of all his vitals and keeps all those doctors and nurses on their toes so we have nothing to worry about with his vitals. =) He also has a pain patch and is able to receive morphine when needed for pain. (Mom assured him he does not need to go get a White Chip because of taking Morphine =) ) He sleeps alot and is getting plenty of rest.
True to form my father was concerned with his looks being upto date so Mom had to go and get him some sleep wear that was appropriate for being in the hospital. =) He also wanted his favorite Marine fuzzy blanket given to him by some friends. He has it covered up so that the folks at Madigan Army Medical Facility do not get offended. =) Mom says he is in good spirits and his coloring is getting better each day. As you all may know having to stay in a hospital bed all day is not my fathers idea of fun so he is not thrilled but he has become a compliant patient due to he broke his promise to his attending nurse one night and did not ring when he needed to get out of bed and she confronted him about it. Well, she put an alarm on his clothes that goes off if you fall to show him how serious she is about his safety. From that night on he has been compliant. =) he he he
My mothetr has been very strong and is doing wonderfully through all of this. However, she extends her deepest apologies for not updating this blog. She is finding it difficult to discuss the situation concerning my father not to mention even writing about it. I am amazed at both of their faiths and I am inspired by their hope and faith. My mother had every intention of keeping this updated but has been unable to do so. I am sure you all understand. Mom and I talk everyday and she keeps me posted. I will be updating the blog once a week unless there is biggy news like this one. I will be returning home in the month of May for good and will be able to update this daily.
My family and I are very grateful for all your prayers. I know I can feel HP working in our lives daily. Here is my email if you have any questions (mcglothlinconnie@yahoo.com). This is due to Mom does not check the email box too often any more and I check mine daily and will reply as soon as I can.
Well, I believe that brings you all up to date for now. God Bless you all!!!!!! Connie