Sterlings Visit and Update

Thursday of last week was one of Dads worst days. A pretty violent vomiting spell left him feeling weaker than ever before.

Dads digestive system is finally working a little better, but we hesitate to really give any updates because things seem to change so quickly. He's able to eat more food and more of a variety of foods but it's by trial and error because some have an adverse effect, bread seems to be one. Unfortunately, he's still losing weight.

The shot Mom gave him Sunday worked because the Neutrophils ABS (white blood cell count) results went from 1.3 last week to 5.7 and he was able to have his chemotherapy treatment on Tuesday. Those shots pack a pretty powerful punch because Monday he was totally wiped out.

Thank you Sterling for coming from Utah to help out. Sterling asked Dad to make a list of chores which he has completed. What a strength he's been to our Dad!

Thank you little Charlie Quigley for the painted hands that have provided hugs to Dad. How cute are those little hands! What a warm and thoughtful gift.



Everyone has been so thoughtful, caring and respectful. Know that we are sending love and hugs back to all of you.

Treatment Update

Uncle Jim rode his motorcycle from California last weekend to visit. Doesn't he look so cool? My parents really enjoyed having him. Thanks for making the trip Uncle Jim!

Dad had his second chemotherapy treatment yesterday. Through the blood work we found out that his Neutrophils ABS (a type of white blood cell) went from 6.0 to 1.3 in a weeks time. If it falls below 1.0 he cannot continue with the chemo treatment. Mom will give him a shot of Neupogen (stimulates the bone marrow to help produce white blood cells) before his next treatment. 

With all of this going on Dad is extremely susceptible to germs and being exposed to illness could be detrimental. So please be aware when you're visiting and again, children unfortunately are discouraged.

The cards, children's drawings and pictures have all been kept and put on metal rings for Dad to look at and remember that he's loved. Thanks for continuing to send those.

We really appreciate the outpouring of love and concern that have come by way of prayers,cards, visits, goodies, phone calls and text messages. We love you and thank you.

"First Chemo Treatment, Check" - Mom

Dad completed his first chemo treatment today. He said he didn't feel any type of sensation. The only thing he felt was when the needle was inserted into the port.

^^^Val, his nurse that will be giving him treatment for the next six months. ^^^

We don't know what side effects he will have for another day or two. The side effects are across the board from some people feeling more energy and others none. Chemotherapy aside, we don't anticipate Dad feeling better for the next month or so, as recovery from his surgery typically takes 8 weeks.

Dad continues to lose weight because eating is still a struggle. He's fairly fatigued and has a hard time resting.

One upside is that Val suggested that he could eat ice cream with the highest fat content blended with ensure. He liked hearing that, but opted for ice cream without the ensure - for dinner. If you're curious, Haagen Dazs has one of the highest fat contents. Sorry if that ruins Haagen Dazs for anyone.

Unfortunately he was discouraged from being around children and crowds because his immune system will be weak for a while. Thank you for contacting my Mom to visit my Dad. Visits 45 minutes and under are a perfect pick-me-up for him!

Port Success!

Dad successfully had his port surgery. He was a little anxious going in but was pleasantly surprised with how quick and easy it seemed.

He just started eating semi-solid foods and is trying to get his weight up. 

He has had some great friends come over for visits and some going on walks, thanks George.

Also Jill Patterson brought by a poster of "get well" letters that her and her sunday school class made. My favorite was the blue box (can you spot it?). It said "I made you a box, enjoy". 

Oncology Appointment

Dad met with Dr. Haque today at Columbia Basin Hematology and Oncology (CBHO).

Recommendation was to go in on Friday at Kadlec Hospital to get his port, a small medical appliance that is inserted under the skin just below the collar bone. Then he will start chemotherapy next week (Tuesday or Wednesday). And will begin a four week cycle of one day a week for three weeks and then one week off. After the week off he will start the cycle again and repeat it 4-6 times.

When that series is complete he will have a PET scan (produces a 3D image) to see if  there are any cancerous lymph nodes and then will begin radiation on the pancreas.

Gemzar is the type of chemotherapy he will be having. He fortunately won't be losing his hair - which he claims to be disappointed by. :)

We all felt encouraged that the oncologist felt that this treatment isn't just fight off the cancer temporarily but to cure it.

We hope you all feel encouraged as well!

Medical Update

A little medical update - Dad is still having a hard time digesting food and keeping it down. We are trying different forms of liquid slowly getting more and more clear. He's doing a little better with sleeping.

He has a consultation with the oncologist on monday in Tri-Cities to talk about his chemotherapy treatment.

Dad is feeling like there's some type of estrogen in his medicine with how often he gets emotional. He is very touched by all of visits, food, cards, texts, phone calls, gifts, daily front porch surprises (Jeanie and Sloane included as well), rides in cool cars, offers to do chores and it goes on and on...

Sloane and I are having a great time being with Gramie and Pops. Pops and Sloane have a lot of similarities.... liquid diet, don't like to take naps, and burping. So there is a lot of good bonding going on.

Glow Stick Love!

Thanks to the Andersons, Copelands, and Weavers! They must know my Dad's slight obsession with glow sticks.

My parents said it was it was a beautiful sight.

My Dad went to the Sunnyside Hospital today. He was having hard time keeping food down and became dehydrated. They put him on an IV and are changing his diet as well as giving him a new medicine to help keep his exciting liquid diet down. The doctor said that it's "trial and error" at this point so we are hopeful that this will work!

Thanks for all the support and love!