An update to let you know that Dad is hanging in there and trying to remain as positive as possible. He hasn't felt very well all week, lots of nausea and aching all over. He made three trips last week to City of Hope - didn't need blood but needed platelets on Friday. His white count is climbing already (above 2.0) and didn't get down as low as we are used to it dropping, primarily because he didn't receive his last three scheduled chemo doses at the prescribed strength while in the hospital. His care team says he is NOT at any higher risk for it coming back because he didn't finish accordingly, which is great news. We have a wonderful case manager who has been following Dad's case from the very beginning and has built a very genuine and caring relationship with my mom through this....in very simple terms, she explained that these rounds are equivalent to an insurance policy for dad, rather than 150% percent insured he is more like 120% insured. She reminded us that the important thing to remember is that the cancer has not come back in between rounds, to which we are so grateful to God.
The next steps remain to be seen - dad will finish traveling to City of Hope every other day in about 2 weeks and at that time the doctors will instruct my parents what to expect in the coming months and what the care plan consists of.
I also wanted to share some "feel goods" with you that really touched my dad's heart this week. Number one, a video shot by a concert goer of Garth Brooks - he spotted a cancer patient in his crowd and what he did and said to his entire audience is moving - please watch, worth the two or three minutes!
Additionally, my cousin who is a fifth grade teacher out of the blue received the following from one of his students. She wasn't asked to make anything for my dad, she doesn't even know my dad, but apparently he was on her heart. So incredibly touching!
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Hey Bill, sounds like you are still pushing thorough thing. the cancer free finish line is getting closer! We just spent some time with another friend who just passed the 7 year mark. 7 years ago she got diagnosed and she was scared! She made it and we know you will too! Like the card and the Garth video!
ReplyDeleteLarry and Judy Menna