Late Update

May 24, 2017

The last time I posted an update was in February...  Update on that post - the cardioversion was a success.

On Monday, May 22, 2017 we went to see Dr. Agrawal.  We knew, based on Daddy's symptoms, that the news might not be good.  Following lab work and examination our fears became reality.  The cancer is growing.  The aching in his bones from his shoulders to the soles of his feet - the fatigue - the pain -  the coughing - the Afib - ETC. - is from the cancer. 

(Before we arrived in Dr. Agrawal's office  - I knew.)

On Wednesday morning I posted the following on Facebook:

Please pray for my parents today. We found out on Monday that Daddy's cancer is progressing quickly; and the doctor said it was time to call in hospice care. Unfortunately the hospice has been ordered, but is not in place yet... His pain got to be too much and he is currently in the ER at BJH.

He was in the ER for a few hours until they got the pain under control.  That afternoon the representatives from Transitions Hospice Care arrived. 

Now we will take one day at a time; trusting God.

New Plan

As I mentioned in my previous blog, Dad was entering a "time of rebuilding".  We were very optimistic; but things did not go as planned.  Instead of getting stronger and having more energy; he was getting weaker and more tired.  He had appointments with Dr. Agrawal, and with Dr. Emory (his cardiologist).  Diagnosis: Heart/Atrial Fibrillation.  He is currently in route to Rex Hospital where he has a cardio-version scheduled for 12 noon today.  Please pray that this will work!  Even if Dr. Emory has doubts... God is bigger than Dr. Emory. This has to work.
Dr. Agrawal (cancer doc) has decided to re-evaluate him on Feb. 20th.  He moved this date up due to "noises" he heard in his lungs. 
One day at a time.  We will continue to fight.  Please continue to pray.

Now for the GOOD NEWS

December 29, 2016

Yesterday I accompanied my parents to Duke Raleigh to meet with Dr. Agrawal.  As soon as you arrive they take the patient back for "labs".  (At least they get the needle-work done first - so you don't have to dread it all day:) Then we go upstairs to Dr. Agrawal's office, where we sit in the waiting room for two hours.  Any other doc would not be worth that amount of wait time... but this one is worth it.  (Apparently the week after Christmas is always one of their busiest; and his "right hand" took the week off.) At one point dad said that we were going to leave in 10 minutes.  Just as mom and I were wondering what other stall tactics we could use... they called his name. Relief.

He begins by asking if we are dealing with: memory problems, fatigue, lack of interest, aches and pains, etc.. - and tells us that is normal.  Then he starts looking at the results of the last scan and his current blood work...
hemoglobin - good
liver enzymes - good
no clear signs of progression
...then he says the word... remission.

The six rounds of chemo did what they were supposed to do.  The problems that he is currently experiencing are not cancer related, but chemo related.  (The after effects of the chemo treatments.)  Even though the chemo was necessary to kick the cancer back, it is poison to the body.

Going forward,  the doc suggests a "time of rebuilding".  He prescribed something to strengthen the bones, which he will take through IV.  Hopefully this will help with the aching in his legs and back. He will get the IV, labs, and meet with the doc once every month.  He suggested that this would be a good time to incorporate immune-system supplements, light exercise, increased social activity, healthy eating habits, etc...  He actually suggested that he go to the gym!  He said that the social interaction could help him regain some of the memory that the chemo has stolen from him.

At this point I must stop and remind myself that he still has an aggressive form of cancer.  It is there - it is just not growing today.  Therefore, we must take full advantage of this "time of rebuilding", so when the monster decides to start moving he will be strong and able to fight again.

Thank-you God for answered prayer.


Feel free to leave comments below.  It is my hope that our transparency will benefit others.

Test Results

November 29, 2016

Mom and Dad met with Dr. Agrawal today.  The results from last weeks test show not much change in the lungs and liver since the last CT scan.  However, they did find that the cancer has now spread to his bones.
He is receiving chemo this week (Mon, Tues., and Wed.).  After this weeks treatments he will not return to the doctor until after Christmas.  (That's when they will start a new chemo treatment.)
Friends, please continue to pray.  "I'm not giving up." -Dad

November Update

Chemo/Round 5 was a couple of weeks ago... he got through it like a champ.

This past Monday he was scheduled to begin round six.  After some lab work and a visit from Dr. Agrawal; it was decided that he was not strong enough for chemo this week.  New Plan:  While he was there on Monday they gave him an infusion of fluids and iron.   On Thursday of this week, he will return for another infusion.  Next Tuesday (Nov.22) he will go in for another infusion, an MRI, and a CT scan.

They will try again to start his sixth (and final) round of Chemo on November 28^th (29&30)

These types of treatments do a number on a person’s body and mind.  Please continue to pray for him.  He does have a secret weapon... a positive attitude!   

A personal note about my dad...

As I was growing into adulthood I always knew I could count on my daddy. If something was broken, I called him and he fixed it.  If my heart was broken, I called him and he listened.  When I messed up real bad, I called him (and cried so hard he couldn't understand a word I was saying) ... he picked me up, dusted me off, helped me find a solution to my problem, and sent me out again - without condemnation.  (He did not have to tell me how disappointed he was - I already knew that.)  He allowed me to make my own mistakes, and learn from them.  Life is not always easy, but I had a good teacher.  He taught me to stand up for what was right.  Make amends when I needed too.  Always be kind to others.  By example, he showed me how to work hard, follow your dreams, and help others.  I did not have a lot of "things" as a child, but I always knew that I was loved.  That, my friends, is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. 
Thanks Dad, I Love YOU.

                                       Feel free to leave comments below.  It is my hope that our transparency will benefit others

October Updates

October 11, 2016

Daddy had his 4th Round of chemo last week. (Before Hurricane Matthew arrived!)
He received treatments on Mon, Tues, and Wed. - and on Thurs. he stayed in the bed and rested.  Since then he seems to be doing well except for the typical fatigue and digestion issues. 

He will receive two more rounds of chemo.  The chemo will be complete after the 6th round. 
*For clarification purposes:  Each "round" is three treatments - one treatment per day, for three days in a row.  Then they wait two weeks between each round.* 

Following the 6th round, he will return for another CT scan.  Then we will enjoy the holidays together.  After three months they will do another CT scan and decide if he is strong enough for more chemo.  If not, other arrangements will be made.

This is where it gets real folks.  Yes, this is an aggressive form of cancer.  But, he has done extremely well and I know that GOD has the last word.  Keep Praying.

Feel free to leave comments below.  It is my hope that our transparency will benefit others

September 2016 Updates

September 9, 2016

Update from CT Scan:  His lungs are clear - no sign of the cancer - and his liver is "much improved".  Praise the Lord for another miracle.  Unfortunately, we can't stop now.  This is an aggressive type of cancer; so we must continue with the chemotherapy.

This past Wednesday dad had his port removed.  It was touching a nerve which caused pain and numbness.  They placed a new port on the other side.  Hopefully, after a few days of minor discomfort all will be well with this new port.  His next round of chemo will be next week - Tues, Wed., and Thursday.  (Sept. 13,14,15)

Fighting the good fight is not always easy - even if you are winning.  He is still battling fatigue and digestion issues. Please continue to pray!  Also remember my mom - the caregiver who wears so many different hats!!  Together, they can conquer anything! :)

                                     This is a pic from their 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration in December 2014



Feel free to leave comments below.  It is my hope that our transparency will benefit others.