Update on Dad

Dad spent part of Christmas day with us. We introduced him to some new foods that are suppose to help rid the body of cancer. We bought him two kitchen tools to help. The main one was a coffee grinder so he can have freshly ground flax seed each day.

I want to back track and journal about Dad's treatments. On December 14, 2009 Dad had his first intravenous chemotherapy treatment. Along with that first treatment came constipation, diarrhea, light-headedness, vomiting, dry heaves and a terrible burning sensation when he ate. He was given a medication to coat his throat before meals, which did help. He received shots for nausea and had his blood tested each week. After the intravenous dose he was to take six chemo pills a day for seven days. The first round was rough and Dad was unable to take the pills for the full seven days. He did manage to do five. That sixth and seventh days were the worst, which is why he stopped taking the pills. (We did notify the doctor and he said that was OK for him to stop taking them.) Dad was unable to eat and became dehydrated. That Monday morning we took him in to the cancer center where he received intravenous fluids. The second round of chemo was January 4th. This time Dad managed to take the chemo pills for the full seven days afterward. This time no more of the burning when he ate, but he still had all the other nasty side affects. Round three was January 25th, same side affects, only not as severe. He ran out of pills during this round and was told it was OK not to finish out the seven days. He took them five days this time and once again had to have intravenous fluid. This past Monday, February 8th Dad had another PET scan to see how things are going. We get those results this coming Monday, February 15th. If need be, Dad will stay and start round four of chemo that morning. He's hoping he won't have to! I go with Dad for his intravenous chemo. Twice Kaden came too. When Kaden starts to get restless, I leave for a while and then come back. These sessions last 4 to 5 hours.

Dad has started to loose what little hair he had left, which bothers him. His spirits for the most part have been good. Dad's minister is amazed at Dad's strength and determination. I know my father has a strong faith in the Lord and strong support from the family, all which will help him through this trial in his life.