Relapse

It breaks my heart to have to make this post. The tumor has returned and this time there will be no cure. Dad is going to have some radiation treatment because it is relatively simple and while it will shrink the tumor, ultimately, there is no halting it. We don't know how much time there will be. Perhaps a few months or more. We thank you all for keeping us in your prayers and for your support along this difficult path.

Kicking Cancer's Ass

My dad's always kicking our asses at cards. Seems that talent extends to cancer too.

In my last post, I wrote about the possibility of Dad only needing two more cycles of treatment instead of four. Last week the doctor did an MRI and a gallium scan and we got the news this weekend.

NO CANCER CELLS. ANYWHERE.

So he only has to do two more cycles. He went in on Thursday for the third one, and today they discharged him because he's been doing so well. He has to go back every other day for bloodwork, but other than that he's good. Round four will begin in approximately a month.

I can't begin to tell you how happy we all are with this news. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

In the Middle

Dad's right in the middle of his second round of chemo, and so far (touch wood) things are going quite well. He's obviously tired, but the side effects of the chemo are not as severe as they could have been (not that we could tell if his hair fell out anyway). He's had a couple more transfusions this round, because unfortunately, chemo kills healthy blood cells, too.

The doctor continues to let him out for good behaviour and so we've been able to see him quite a bit outside the hospital. He's still kicking our asses at cards. He seems to be suffering from a delusion of the Leafs winning the Stanley Cup this year. Of course he's not alone in that so we could chalk it up to mass hysteria, or Leafitis or some other mind addling condition. Sufferers need only check the standings for a cure.

But I digress.

On Monday, he had a follow-up appointment with the neurosurgeon. I got to see one of the brain scans which was really neat. It was a lot like the pic below, though this is a random image off the web. I didn't think the doctor would want me snapping pics of his computer.

Who knew eyeballs showed up like that? Kind of neat.

Anyway, the neurosurgeon was pleased with his progress and hopes to not have to see him again.

The oncologist also brought a bit of welcome news today. Dad may only have to undergo four rounds of chemo instead of six, provided he continues to do as well as he has. She'll have another MRI done at the beginning of round three before making a final decision, but it's very encouraging.

That's it for now. Stay tuned for further updates.

Round 2 Begins

On Thursday Dad was re-admitted to the hospital for round 2 of chemo. He decided to shave all his hair off (not that there was a lot to begin with), and then he told everyone, "Oh no! It just all fell out!" That's my dad; always the goof.

Anyway, today he's not feeling so hot, and apparently has picked up a super-bug. Cause apparently having cancer isn't enough to deal with. Sigh. On the bright side, it means he's likely to have a room to himself for the duration of this stay. He is still allowed visitors, but everyone going in has to wear a gown and gloves.

The first round of chemo went very well so we're all thinking positive for this next one. Thanks for keeping him in your prayers!

Home At Last!

Well friends, after a frosty visit up north, we came back to find that Dad had been discharged from the hospital! All blood counts were back to normal so the doc sent him home for the first time since the beginning of December. He's still pretty tired, but he was still able to kick my ass at cards!

Not the best picture I've ever taken, but he's home! Next week he has a couple of appointments, with the neurosurgeon and the oncologist, and then he'll be starting round 2 of chemo, possibly near the end of the week.

Things seem to be going well so far and that's thanks in no small part to the support of our family and friends. Thanks everyone!

What the heck is going on?

Okay folks if you look at the timeline I posted, you'll get an overview of how things played out up until now. Here's a bit more info.

Dad's cancer is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and that incorporates a whole slew of sub-types. His is diffuse large b-cell (fairly common) and it is a Primary Central Nervous System lymphoma (very uncommon). I sound like I know what I'm talking about don't I? Being that I am not medically inclined, and I figure most of you aren't either, I'll try to explain according to my limited understanding.

Lymphoma is a blood cancer which usually forms tumors in the lymph nodes. But sometimes it can occur in other locations and that's what happened with Dad. The tumor formed in the brain and it is the only one they found (hence the Primary part).

Since Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive type, chemotherapy is an important part of the treatment. The goal is for all cancer cells in the body to be wiped out. This will either happen, or it won't. Dad's doctor is optimistic and we like that.

The chemotherapy has a variety of side effects. The hemoglobin levels in the body can drop significantly and this necessitates blood transfusions. Dad had two last weekend but hasn't needed any more yet. His platelets dropped but came back up again quickly, but he could need a transfusion of those too. In addition, all the cells which can fight off infection are extremely low, so he is susceptible to infections. He seems to have one at the moment so they've put him on antibiotics and hopefully that will take care of everything.

They are keeping him in the hospital for the first cycle to monitor the side effects as they could be potentially life-threatening. But he's been doing fairly well and the doctor has given him a few day passes to come home. My sister hosted the family Christmas dinner on Monday, and Dad was able to join us for that. He spent more time at home on Tuesday, Wednesday, and today, but because of the infection he will likely need to stay in hospital for a few more days.

Dad and Mom at Christmas dinner. Every Christmas he seems to end up with a bow on his head. When Mom took him back to the hospital, a little boy passing saw it and asked, "Is he a present?" The answer, of course, is yes! 

Once all his blood counts come back up to a good level, he can probably come home for a few days before beginning the next treatment cycle.

That's it for now. If you'd like to receive the updates by email, you can subscribe under Dad's picture on the right. Just enter your email and whenever there is a new post, you'll receive notification. Thanks!

Timeline

October 25, 2013
A cat scan done at the Emergency department reveals a brain tumor.

October 31, 2013
Consult with the neurosurgeon.

November 14, 2013
Surgery removes tumor. Dad was awake through the entire procedure.

November 15, 2013
Home from the hospital.

December 2, 2013
Consultation with oncologist at cancer centre.

December 3, 2013
Admitted to inpatient oncology. Several days of testing follow.

December 11, 2013
Chemotherapy begins. Each cycle will last approximately a month and he will undergo six cycles of treatment.