April 15, 2006 

April 15, 2006

Hello everyone- I spoke with my mother this morning and I have some more information. It has been determined that both of my Dads lungs are in bad shape due to the radiaiton treatment. To recap he did 27 consecetive radiaiton treatments becasue it got the tumor and did its job attacking it; however, it did a JOB on his lungs. Unfortunately, the cancer metastizied to his liver and it is now in an aggresive state. He has been given approximately 2-4 weeks; however, the doctor said that if he regains his strength and is able to be ambulatory for half the day out of bed that they are willing to do another treatmetn of Chemotherapy. As you know my father never wants to burden anyone least of all his family so at first he requested a nursing home. But Mom let him know that was not what she wanted and that seh of course wanted to be near the man she loves with all her heart. So, with the help of the wonderful social workers at Madigan it has been decided that Dad will be receiving Inpatient Hospice care. He will be going to the Fransican Hospice House either Sunday or Monday at the latest where he will remain for pain management as well as have his comfort issues met. Going home was not a practical thing due to my Dad is a big guy and has not only pain managemnet issues but physical needs that can not be met at home. There is a room next to his that Mom will be able to stay in so that they can be together. Family and friends will be able to come and visit and Dad will be able to get the rest adn care he needs and Mom will not have to worry about those issues but be able to just be with Dad and enjoy each others company. There are a number of factors that are causing his recuperation to be slowed. The pneumonia (which is clearing up slowly), teh CMV (virus), his lungs being damaged from the radiation along with the pneumonia, and not to mention that cancer in his liver agressively attacking. Dad has akangaroo drip with condtinuous feeding through his PEG tube but he had some minor vomitting from that but is stable now. I called the hospital this morning to inquire about him and they told me that last night he received 2 units of blood due to his enemia and he tolerated that procedure well. and that he slept well through teh night comfortably wiht no problems. At this point the main issues are pain management and comfort. I talked to Mom this mornign and would you not know it things happen all at once. Last night she and my Uncle Larry went to the hospital cafeteria for coffee and she left her pursre in Dads room which is right across from teh nurses station, and someone stole it! Can you believe it? So today she will be getting a new drivers licese and all but her phone book was in the purse as she carrys it everywhere with her as well as all the other important thigns.. That is all the news for now and I willupdate when I have more new. Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming.
Love adn Blessing to all- Connie and family