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!