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Good Evening,
The doctor decided not to give dad a treatment last Thursday because dad was on antibiotics for cough and congestion. His vision and the numbness in his leg continue to bother him. He’s also had an increase in back pain. His tumor markers have increased slightly which has led the doctor to believe the chemo treatment is not working. Dad insisted and the doctor allowed him to get another treatment today and the doctor wants to do another CT scan in a couple weeks. He said if the tumor marker doesn’t decrease after this treatment he believes we should discontinue treatment and call in hospice. Unfortunately there’s not really another treatment option besides a clinical trial and dad may be too far along to qualify for the trials. He’s already tried both chemo’s used for pancreatic cancer, options are limited.
Thankfully, the support structure around dad has allowed him and the family to lead as normal of a life as possible over the last year. Things became so comfortable in a way the doctor felt he needed to have a serious talk with dad and mom at today’s appointment. The doctor seems to think that dad has 2 months to live. We’ve heard these predictions before, starting with the initial 6 month prediction almost 15 months ago. Hospice was also recommended over 6 months ago. Mom took the news especially hard while dad refuses to give up and doesn’t let the news get him down. In a way it’s not new news, we’ve known the odds all along. A certain peace about the diagnosis has allowed the family to get comfortable and hide within a form of faith mixed with denial which makes a conversation like the one they had today extremely difficult to hear again.
Through all the doom and gloom there’s a lot to be thankful for. Thankfully dad has had few side effects to the 40 plus chemo treatments he’s had since August of 08. Dad has rebounded from everything from E Coli to the common cold with a strength and confidence to be admired. He’s been blessed with good nurses and doctors that understand and care deeply about him. He has close friends whose kindness and support over the last year were instrumental to his success and whose actions, no matter how big or small, are respected by the family and greatly appreciated. We have a new healthy addition to the family with baby Sam. Dad’s been able to travel with few problems, ignoring the advice given to him over a year ago not to leave the house. We have a mother and wife who’s never let any of us down, who’s always taken care of us, whose wisdom and strength seem to be supernatural at times. We have a father whose life I can’t describe with words, whose actions have taught me lessons I’ll never forget. Last and definitely not least we have a friend in Jesus who has unselfishly answered so many of our prayers. We do indeed have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
I’m also thankful for being able to spend another deer season with dad. It was a little different this year. It was the first time in over 30 years dad hasn’t been at deer camp in Douglas County. (23 years for me). We decided to switch it up with the comfort of home mixed with a bow hunt inside Columbia city limits. All things considered, it was the best spot I had, but unfortunately we couldn’t use a rifle. I got dad set up with a crossbow and a ground blind. Him and mom came up on Friday night and stayed until Wed. It was mom’s first deer camp. I think she liked it. I even got her to eat a little deer tenderloin. The hunting was good, with the peak of the rut hitting on opening weekend of firearms season. Unfortunately I missed a nice 10 and an 8 with my bow at 30 yards. I’ve got excuses for the misses but I’ll save you the details. Both had a doe with them and multiple bucks. It happens. Dad had one of the biggest bucks he’s ever shot at 7 yards from his stand looking at him. Unfortunately he couldn’t close the deal. Ask him about the hunt if you get a chance. We tried to dodge the rain at times and sometimes we just stuck with it. Dad walked the quarter in and out of the woods with no problem. It wasn’t an easy walk. I was extremely proud of him. The peace and satisfaction that comes with sitting in the stand during mid November is something dad has always loved. It’s a time a year that is extremely special for me and dad, I’m glad to say that this was one of my best deer camps ever, although a little bitter sweet for multiple reasons. I think the highlight of moms deer camp was the shopping and relaxation. We met some friends at the Mizzou basketball game on Tuesday. Mom and dad both enjoyed the game. I’ve attached a few pics from deer season.
Although hearing the doctor’s report is definitely a reality check, dad continues to move forward and is still fighting this disease as hard as he ever has. We are behind him 100 percent. With the way things are going I'm taking dad's odds. He's missed the 7 for several rolls.
I hope all of you have a good Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving’s at home this year. I should be around for a few days. Stop by and visit if you get a chance. I’m sure there will be plenty of food around. Good luck on your south zone opener.
Cheers,
