Update on my dad.

[pattrose]

He's doing very well. As of today, he has only four more radiation treatments left. They still haven't done a cat scan or an x-ray to see how he's doing or how the mass is doing. But his Cancer doctor called and said he wants to discuss Chemo with him since he did so well with the radiation. I hope he doesn't talk him into it. His father went through radiation and was fine and then they did chemo and it killed him. Within a short span of time, too. So we talked about that for a while and dad says he doesn't want to have it, but will let the doctor say what he needs to. I think the doctor is jumping the gun, since no x-rays have been done since they started this. He doesn't even know if the radiation is helping or not. Dad sounded tired and he admitted that the radiation has tired him out. But he's so grateful that he didn't get the cough or not being able to swallow well and eat right. He's been very lucky indeed. He then told me he was alittle worried about mom. She sleeps a lot and is exhausted all the time. This might be typical for someone that has congestive heart failure. I have no idea. Of course dad asked when I was coming again. He said he missed me and could use some time off. *sigh* So I might go soon, I don't know. I would like to wait until the new year. Makes more sense to me. We'll see what the doctor says and how dad is doing with the news. It's hell getting old.

Just wanted to give you an update and tell you how much I appreciate all of your good thoughts and prayers. I truly believe they helped him a great deal. Thank you everyone.

Hugs, Patt

Comments

[grey853.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad he's done so well with the radiation. I can certainly understand his reluctance to go with chemo. Like you said, they haven't even done the follow up evaluation yet to see what the radiation accomplished. Good luck regardless of what he chooses.

As to your mom being exhausted and sleeping a lot, that is common with congestive heart failure. Another thing to watch for is shortness of breath. I know my mom couldn't lie down when fluid would accumulate around her heart and she'd have to have it periodically drained. Usually there are drugs to take to help reduce that, but they don't usually stop it all together.

{{{hugs}}}
It's a lot to deal with.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the hugs, Grey. I needed them. I hate not being in the same city. *sigh* Well, we do what we can and when we can. I'll try my best to make it down to see him at the end of November or so. But it all depends on what's going on here.

[scherwood]

*hugs you tight*
*sending lots of good thoughts and prayers*

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Thank you, S. Everyone always knows when I need hugs. :)

[bluewolf458.livejournal.com]

Great that he's continuing to do well. I think it's probably the heart that's making your mm sleep so much. (((hugs)))

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

I think it's her heart, too. Thank you for the hugs, Sheila.

[tinnean.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear how well he seems to be coping with the radiation. If he's against chemo, don't let the doctor talk him into it.

How's Rod? And how's Vincent doing?

*hugs to all of you*

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Everyone has a cold here, except for me and Lisa. We're surrounded by sickies. LOL They're all whiney and have terrible coughs. Lisa and I are trying to keep our distance while waiting on them. LOL I'm sure it's been a blast for Lisa. NOT.

[nicci-mac.livejournal.com]

Thank for the update hon. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. I believe in the power of positive thought too.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

I do too, Nicci. I truly believe that it's partly because of everyone on my flist. I would tell him about it, but it would confuse him. LOL LMAO So I just tell him that my friends are praying for him.

[stargatesg1971.livejournal.com]

At the lest radiation is almost over with now and he's not had any adverse effects. I hope the x-rays give the results we all want to hear. Keep strong and remember your family and friends are always around for hugs and support.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Thank you, it means the world to me. :)

*hugs*

[xanateria.livejournal.com]

I went through similar experiences with my father in 2003, and again with my mom in 2006. I'm so sorry to read about what you are going through. Remember, take care of you, in midst of all the worrying about them. I will keep my fingers crossed and my thoughts focused on a good outcome.

Re: *hugs*

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

I just talked to my dad and he's doing just great. The people at the radiation place were really impressed, because he didn't get the side effects and he's 87. They were fearing the worst, but things went well. We find out on the 15th of December if this entire thing was helpful. I pray it was, but you never know. Thank you for the hugs, one always needs them. How did your parents do with their treatments?