Gary Bixler

SIKESTON - Gary W. Bixler, 63, died May 5, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau after a 21-month fight with pancreatic cancer.

Born Aug. 5, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, Gary was the son of Anna Mae Bixler of Sikeston and the late Milton Bertie Bixler.

On June 25, 1971, in Matthews, he married Louanna Sutton. Gary served in the National Gaurd. In October 2007, he retired from the Sikeston Power Plant where he had been employed for 26 years.

In addition to his wife and mother, Gary is survived by one son, Timothy Bixler of Columbia; one daughter and son-in-law, Angie and James Barber of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Samuel Barber. Other surviving family include: two brothers and sister-in-law, Harley and Joan Bixler of Canalou and Cordell and Jolene Bixler of Springfield; one sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Don Logan of New Orleans; and many nieces and nephews who he adored. Gary also leaves a wonderful church family at Sikeston First Assembly of God, where he was a long-time member.

In life, Gary was most joyful when surrounded by his family. He loved hunting and fishing with his brothers, son and nephews, and enjoyed cooking and entertaining for friends and family.

Visitation will be held at the First Assembly of God Church from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 7, where funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with his brother-in-law, the Rev. Don Logan, officiating. He will be assisted by his nephew, the Rev. Alan Bixler and the Rev. Dwayne Maynard, pastor of First Assembly of God Church.

Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston. Pallbearers will be: James Barber, Paul Bixler, Paul Gillean, Rick Green, Merlin Hagy, Karl Klimmeck, Kenny Pinkerton and Ray Sellers.

Honarary pallbearers will be: Jerry Alexander, Jackie Bixler, James Roy Bixler, Collie Crouthers, Desmond Fisk, Bill Reid and Gerald Sitz.

Blanchard Funeral Chapel of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

------

Contributions may be made to:

Gary Bixler Memorial
n/c First Assembly of God Church
306 S. Kingshighway
Sikeston, MO 63801

or

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
332 N. Lauderdale
Memphis, TN 38105


Thursday, May 6, 2010 Standard Democrat

August 5, 1946 - May 5, 2010

At 3:05 p.m. this afternoon, dad left this world. The past few days, he has been surrounded by his family, friends, and pastor. It was as it should be. He had been unresponsive for more than 24 hours, but just minutes before passing, he squeezed mom's hand. I am overcome with peace by the knowledge that he is no longer fighting and his spirit is at rest.

Warmest gratitude to all who have walked through the last 21 months with our family. We are deeply grateful.

"For what is it to die but to stand in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."
Kahil Gibran, The Prophet

Staying at Cape

We got something worked out to where dad can stay at Cape instead of bringing him home. That's going to make things a little easier on him and us. He's surrounded by family and is not in any pain.

Not Good

Dad's condition is continuing to decline. We're still at the hospital but may be making the trip back to Sikeston tomorrow. The way hospice has things set up you can only stay 5 days in the hospital before having to be released. So if dad makes it through today we'll take him by ambulance back home tomorrow. He can't communicate. I'll save you the details but things aren't good.

We've decided to take the advice of the hospice nurses and not allow company to see dad. But, if you want to come up and visit with mom you can.

Thanks for all your support.

Gone From My Sight

I'm currently sitting a few feet away from dad in the hospital at cape. He's resting. Hospice describes his condition as one foot in and one foot out. He's starting to talk out of his mind a little. He can't walk. Speech is slurred. Fluid is building up in his body and he has started showing symptoms that come prior to death. As you can imagine, the last few days have been hard on the family. Hospice was called in yesterday. You can send cards through SE hospital online and they'll deliver them to him daily. Just go to their website. http://www.southeastmissourihospital.com/inTouch/FormGenerator.aspx?form_id=11&site_id=1&page_id=26&major=2&minor=0

Hospice gave me a book this morning called "Gone From My Sight , The Dying Experience." I actually read it. It had big print and only had 12 or 13 pages. It pretty much tells you the symptoms that show when a patient has a couple days to a couple weeks to live. Dads showing all the couple weeks and some of the couple days. I'll leave you with text from the last page of the book.

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. An just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

-Henry Van Dyke

Have a good weekend, Don't Worry

Back Home

Dad was discharged from the hospital last Friday. He has an infection believed to be caused by the stint. He's been put on antibiotics to help fight the infection and bacteria. Antibiotics will be given from now on. He went back today to get the fluid drained off his left lung. Mom continues to drain the right lung. He's home resting now. Fluid is building up in his abdominal area and in his legs. We thought they were going to drain the fluid in the abdominal area today but he has a liter of fluid built up and they want to wait and let it build up some more before they remove it.

Have a good evening,

Talk to you later,

In the hospital

Dad's in the hospital at Cape. A couple days ago one of the nurses came to the house and dad's pulse rate was 150+. Mom took him to Cape and the hospital admitted him. He had 103.5 temperature and his blood pressure was extremely low. The doctors are currently in the process of trying to pinpoint the source of infection. Some of the results of the blood tests should be in tomorrow morning. The source can be the port, tube in his lungs, stint, bowels, etc. They've done a CT Scan and are thinking about doing a colonoscopy. They think he's got two different bacterias. He's on several antibiotics. He has double pneumonia, and both lungs and the stomach have fluid in them. The fluid in the stomach is new but they currently don't want to remove it because it contains proteins his body needs. Mom still drains the right lung but the doctors are draining the left with a procedure called thoracentesis. If you remember, this was the same procedure they used in the right lung prior to inserting the tube that mom drains. They drained 1200 cc's (about the same as millileters)off the left lung yesterday. Mom drains about 300 cc's off the right lung every two days. I'm assuming they'll eventually have to put a permanent tube in the left lung. He's starting to turn jaundice again so it's possible the tumors may be growing around the stint, eventhough it was just put in a couple weeks ago. If its the stint causing the problem he'll have to go up to St. Louis. His oncologist,an infectious disease doctor, and a pulmonologist are currently in charge of his care. We're currently in a holding pattern, we should know more tomorrow.

I spoke with dad a few minutes ago. He was up eating and he said he was feeling better. He always says not to worry about him, but that's hard for me to do. Things are getting a little harder to manage and problems are getting harder to pinpoint. Some of these problems we have experienced before, others are new. That's to be expeceted although I've told myself many times, surely it can't get any worse. Unfortunately, it can and probably will. This is a scary experience, I feel sorry for dad or anyone who has a terminal illness. I also have much respect for all caregivers.

This experience has opened my eyes in many ways. I always new cancer was bad, but until a couple years ago, I had no idea a life like this existed. I know through reading this and taking this journey with us it's probably touched many of you in different ways. I hope this online documentation can help those recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Currently, it is a death sentence, but as you can see, with a strong will to live, good doctors, good friends, and a solid foundation, you can make it longer than the 3 to 6 months the doctor is going to tell you you have when you get diagnosed.

I had no idea that this blog would last this long. I don't neccessarily consider myself a blogger. I was actually against the idea when my brother in law first set it up for us. But as I look back on it this has been a great communication tool and the documentation of this fight will hopefully make someone elses battle a little easier. It's definitely been an outlet for me. I wanted to thank all of you who care about dad enough to follow dads fight through this blog. The family appreciates the comments and the words of advise. Please continue to pray for mom and dad.

Dad is extremely lucky to have such good friends. I know he appreciates them. We've talked about it.

Have a good day,

Onward....

The last few weeks have been tough to say the least. Mom and dad traveled to St. Louis where dad had a new stint placed in a bile duct and underwent a nerve block to help with the pain management. While there, it was discovered that he had double pneumonia. A recent scan revealed the cancer has metastasized significantly and vastly. Mom and Aunt Joan have to empty the chest tube that was placed in his right lung every other day. Fluid has now started building in his left lung. He is home now. Nurses come into the home a few times a week, though mom does the majority of his care. Dad is determined to continue to fight the disease with everything he has. It is a remarkable fight.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Angie

Conservation Relay For Life Garage Sale

The Conservation Relay For Life Garage Sale is right around the corner. Come out and spend some money if your in Columbia Saturday May 2nd.

Kidney Stone

Good Evening,

Last week dad had a few unusually bad days. He lost his appetite and was a little slow getting around. One evening when I was home, he came and got me from the living room and had me take a look at what looked to be a small rock in the bottom of the toilet. Sure nuff, he had passed a kidney stone about the size of a soybean and didn't even feel it. After passing it you could see a noticeable difference in his behavior. He slowly started getting his appetite back, just in time for a two day eating bender.

Looking back on things, the increased pain in his back was probably from the kidney stone. He has been living with pain since his diagnosis so when he spoke about the back pain we assumed it was the cancer, or possibly a bulging disc or something. Dad also has referred pain, especially when when mom is draining the fluid around his lungs.

They're draining the fluid around his lungs every two days instead of every day to try and cut down on the risk of infection. The nurses are still coming by the house but their procedure is to teach the caregiver how to drain the fluid. Thankfully, Aunt Joan has been coming by and helping mom drain his lungs, or the sac around his lungs.. On average they drain about 350 mL every other day. The fluid looks like cherry kool aid. Draining the fluid is a two person job. Needless to say, it's not a pleasant experience for anyone involved. The pressure really builds up around dad's lungs as the fluid builds. He also has pockets of air in his right lung where tumors have closed off portions of his lung. He's usually extremely short of breath when he wakes up in the morning.

We haven't called in hospice, although it has been recommended. Insurance won't pay for hospice and other treatments at the same time. And to be honest, dad doesn't want to call in hospice, for what ever reason right or wrong, so we're waiting on him to make the decision when he feels comfortable. He knows his options. Therefore, were going to try and get a few things taken care of in the meantime. One being a sonogram on this Thursday to get an idea about the kidney stone, the other is to take dad to STL in April to talk to a doctor about doing another nerve block. The purpose of the nerve block is to deaden nerves that usually are affected by the cancer. In theory, we may be able to control some of the pain with the nerve block which could decrease the amount of pain medicine dad has to take. They did a nerve block on him shortly after he got diagnosed but the block only works for about a year.

When I was home last week dad got out of the house a little and ran a few errands with me. When I was over at my grandmas fixing her porch light I looked back one time and he was sweeping off the porch. You pretty much have to go over there and put him in time out or something.

Two phase one clinical trials opened up but dad decided he didn't want to do them. They had potential to be a little toxic. We support his decision.

I'll try and make a post when I find something out on the sonogram. In the mean time, prayers are still encouraged, pleasant thoughts are welcome.

Take Care,


PS: Turkeys are gobbling in central MO. It's a good time of year to get out early and listen for them. I'm saving a spot for dad this spring. Just in case he feels like getting out. It's a long shot, but you never know, when he first got diagnosed I didn't think he would ever fish or hunt again. That was two deer seasons and numerous fishing trips ago. I may just have to bring a turkey home and put it in the back yard where he can shoot it. Just joking, we're not that country. Well, maybe we are, heck, now I'm trying to figure out a way to put a turkey in the back yard. I better go to bed.

Talk to you later,
Tim

Good day

Better day today--fish fry with lots of grease, fun, and sunshine. Was enjoyable for dad to have his family and friends surrounding him.

I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give
is not fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27

Quick Update

Dad is in significant pain with is only partially managed with the medications he is currently on. He is eating very little when at all. Saw the oncologist yesterday--his chest x-ray revealed no change in his lung status, which is good. Lots of family around--dad has had a nice visit with Uncle Don and Aunt Marge. Uncle Craw and Tim returned last night. Thank you for the continued thoughts, prayers, and calls.

Angie

Monday

Dad is hanging in---he is in a great deal of pain. He has a chest tube that mom has to manage daily. He is still trying to keep his spirits up, though reality is taking its toll on him. Craw is staying in Sikeston, for which we are deeply grateful. His physical and emotional support have been invaluable.

The extended Bixler family came to Sikeston over the weekend and did a tremendous amount of work around the house for mom and dad. We are so grateful for their acts of love and labor.

We continued to be so touched by the outpouring of love and support, but at this point we need to ask that anyone outside the family limit their visits to 10 minutes. Dad loves the visits, but he needs to conserve his energy. He would not want me to say this...but it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission ;-) Thank you for understanding.

Warmest,
Angie

Doing Better

Dad seems to be doing better today. A nurse is coming in every day to drain the fluid from around his lungs. I think fluid buildup may have been the cause of his pain the other night,along with a couple missed doses of pain medication. I spoke with him today and he was up doing dishes. He has an appointment early next week with his oncologist. We should know more then.

Back Home

Dad was released from the hospital late this afternoon. Unfortunately, his pain level has increased dramatically since he's gotten home. I spoke with him a few minutes ago and he said his pain was a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. He's never had pain like this. He usually says his pain is around a 4. They're thinking about going back up to the hospital but that's going to consist of an emergency room visit, which currently doesn't sound very appealing to dad. I'm not exactly sure what's causing the increased pain. They capped off the tube in his lungs today so it may be fluid buildup. It could be pain from the surgery. I really don't know. A nurse is supposed to come by the house some time tomorrow to teach mom how to drain his lungs using the tube. I'm not sure when she's coming so we may have to do something before she get's there. As you can imagine, things are a little scary for both mom and dad. Mom's continuously checking his blood pressure, which has been running extremely low over the last week. He had 4 blood transfusions last week to help raise the pressure. If you have donated A+ blood lately. Thanks! Mom's being cautious about increasing pain meds because usually it lowers his blood pressure. I'm not home. Craw's been pulling most of the night shifts with dad, staying by dad's side both day and night.

Dad has decided not to pursue new treatment options, deciding to focus more on quality of life. This decision did not come lightly, as you can imagine.

Dad really enjoyed visiting with all of you over the last week. As many of you know, he lives for his family and friends. He always has. It's only fitting that the people that mean so much to him and who have helped him and the family make it through the last 19 months are able to be with him in this most difficult time.
I realize it's not easy to see him in this condition, but I hope and pray the gentle, spiritual, peaceful energy that's surrounding him comforts you as it has me. I have no doubt your prayers have not only extended dad's life, but continue to work in many ways. Like I mentioned in earlier blogs, dad may have not been completely healed, but I have no doubt that miracles have been granted. I pray now that he not suffer. That if the "God of Nature", as the surgeon put it, decides to take him, he does it in a way that a man of dad's character deserves.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to ask that calls and visits be kept to a minimum over the next couple of days as we move into the next phase of dad's treatment. Some tough decisions have to be made. As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for the family. Dad's not feeling very good and he needs some rest. Mom's exhausted. Please respect my decision in making this request. Hopefully we'll have a new plan together by the beginning of next week which will allow visits to continue. Dad's not going to be happy that I put this on here, but he has a hard time telling people he's tired and needs a break. I just think both him and mom need some rest. Granted, if you really want to talk to him, please call or come by. Or feel free to call me.

Obviously, I hope dad pulls out of this. He's my best buddy. But some things are just out of our control. I've had some good talks with dad lately, as many of you have as well. In a way, he's in a win win situation. He would love to live longer, but he also would like to see his heavenly father as well as his own.

Things aren't always fun in life. I've slowly learned that over the years. There's always going to be a rough side of a mountain. Dad's always said that. But sometimes the trail gets a little wider and smoother. Dad's currently going up the rough side of the mountain but a lot of his trails have been smooth. We're not really sure how long dad has. The doctor quit making predictions after he realized he wasn't a psychic. But dad might just surprise us all. You never know.

I never would have thought, 19 months ago, that things would have turned out like this, or I'd be talking or thinking the things I do now. It's easy to get caught up in a routine where things that make you the happiest seem to slip away. I ask that you think about the things that make you happy and try and put them back in your routine.

Well,it's a little after midnight. I've got to go to bed. But I want to leave you with this. It's a statement that's on my fridge. It's been there a long time. A magnet my sister gave me years ago.

live with intention.
walk to the edge.
listen hard.
practice wellness.
play with abandon.
laugh.
choose with no regret.
continue to learn.
appreciate your friends.
do what you love.
live as if this is all there is.

-mary anne radmacher

Hope you have a good week,
Talk to you later,

Sunday morning

Yesterday, the goal of the procedure dad underwent was to explore the lungs with a small camera, to identify the source of the bleeding, to cauterize the tumor thought to be producing the blood, and seal the lining of the lungs with a powder to prevent pooling. After only having dad back in surgery for a short time, the surgeon called us back for a talk. He explained that the exploratory procedure with the camera revealed that there is Stage IV cancer "everywhere" in the lungs. There are multiple tumors in the lungs, all of which are producing blood. I'll spare you the other details. So, dad will have a permanent tube coming from his lungs that will allow him to manage the fluid and prevent the lungs from filling.

He was kept in ICU overnight to be monitored and will remain there until late this afternoon. The goal now is for dad's pain be managed and for him to enjoy the time he has with his family and friends. We will know more after we see the oncologist tomorrow, who will determine if dad can come home.

You have heard us say repeatedly how inspired we have been at dad's will and attitude throughout his fight. Yesterday, the surgeon (I am calling him "the surgeon" instead of his name because I have no idea how to spell it, and can barely say it-but he was wonderful) anyway, the surgeon said that before he met dad, the longest living patient with Stage IV pancreatic cancer he had ever seen had lived 13 months. Dad was diagnosed 19 months ago in March. Truly amazing.

On a lighter note, in the spirit of the Olympics, there was an intense crossword puzzle competition in the waiting room. Girls, I'm glad to report that the only female in the running dominated!! (Sorry, Tim).

All of us, especially dad, have been truly touched by the outpouring of love demonstrated by so many. Please continue to hold up mom and dad in your prayers. Each day holds abundant challenges, but our faces are turned upwards and our hearts are linked.

Love,
Angie

Just Took Dad Back

We're currently in the waiting room on the 3rd floor of SE hospital. They just took dad back to the operating room to do a procedure where they're sending a camera into the area surrounding the lung to see where the blood's coming from. They may carterize the lung tumor if its bleeding. They really don't know what they're going to do until they get in there and get a better idea of whats going on. He'll be in the operating room for several hours. After the procedure he'll be put in a different room than what he's been in for the last couple of days. He's got an air pocket in the lung that they're concerned about as well.

He did ok last night. He was sweating a lot due to the pain medication. He's still losing quite of bit of fluid although it slowed a little. Craw stayed with him last night. Pastor, Uncle Harley, Aunt Joan, Angie, Uncle Craw, and Aunt Joe are with us.

Thanks for all the prayers and support.


We'll keep you posted.

Friday

Dad says to thank everybody for your visits, phone calls, prayers, and messages. He also says to thank everyone for how you have supported mom, Tim, and me.

We're still waiting--dad had a blood transfusion this morning-his second. He has a chest tube in the right side of his body which is continuing to drain blood. The doctors are not sure of the source of the blood. His blood pressure is low, and the doctors are not sure why it is remaining so low. His nurse, Dillard (who's great) just told us that the BP should have come up following the transfusions and following a meal. So, that's a concern. Dad is in a moderate amount of pain, but they are managing it fairly well with medications. He's very lethargic, but still talking and eating a little bit. If the blood continues to drain from the lungs tomorrow, they will try to perform an exploratory procedure to identify the source. So...that's where we are and what we know.

We've read dad your messages. He was very touched to hear from you all.

Gotta run, the pastor just brought us in a basket of chocolate!

Warmest,
Angie

Walking through the unknown

If you are reading this now, please stop and say a prayer for my dad. James, Ben, Sam, and I are leaving to go to Missouri in a few minutes. Emotionally, dad is doing well. He is up talking with Craw, Harley, Mom and Tim and is feeling pretty good. Physically, there are some serious complications and the source of these complications seems to be eluding the doctors right now. We are going hour to hour now...dad could pull right through this as he has done before. However, the situation does not appear good at the present time. Leave a message of hope and cheer here for dad if you'd like, and we will read it to him.

Angie

Procedure went well

Dad has just returned to his room from recovery following his procedure. He has a tube in his right side placed between two ribs. They drained 2 liters of fluid already and the surgeon is optimistic that he will be able to perform the second procedure to seal the lining around the lungs in the next couple of days to prevent fluid from gathering in that space. Talked to dad a few minutes ago. He is a bit out of it from the anesthesia, but is in good spirits, as usual. This procedure is supposed to be very painful, but we are hopeful the pain can be managed with meds. The next few days will be critical for monitoring the development of infection. Infection is a risk since a foreign body has been introduced and since dad's WBC remains low.

Tim, mom , Uncle Harley and Aunt Joan are with him now. The pastor spent the morning with them as well. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.

Procedure in Cape

Me and mom are currently in the waiting room at SE hospital in Cape. My Aunt Joan and Uncle Harley are with us. Dad's currently in the operating room going through the Thoracentesis procedure. Pretty much,they're entering a tube into dads lung to drain the fluid. After a few days in the hospital, hopefully all the fluid will drain, then they plan on doing the Pleurodesis procedure which will plug the whole in the lungs. The current procedure is suppose to last an hour. I'll let you know when I find something out.

On the road

Mom and dad are on their way back to Missouri. Dad was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. There was still some fluid in his right lung and fluid has started building in his left. The doctor said there is a procedure they can do to seal the perforation in the lung, so mom and dad will follow up with the oncologist Monday to discuss options. We are still waiting for the analysis of the fluid that was completed two weeks ago in Cape.

Update

Just left the hospital. Dad is definitely much better than he was this time last night. Still in pain from the procedure they completed to drain the fluid. He's in good spirits, though tired. He will get an x-ray in the morning to assess the right lung and to be sure the fluid is not returning. We are praying that the lung is clear with the exception of the fluid they could not drain today. As I was leaving, I told him that I was so sorry he was having to endure all of this. He said some people have it much worse and that, "It really ain't nothing but a thing."

Angie

Dad at Hospital in AL

Dad's currently at the DCH Regional hospital in Tuscaloosa. He's had a rough week with increased fatigue and pain. Mom took him to the hospital this morning and his lungs are full of fluid again. They're in the process of removing the fluid. Dad's wanting to come home after the procedure. They may keep him overnight. I'll let you know more when I find something out.

Update: 4:00

I just got off the phone with dad. They drained 2 1/3 liters of fluid off his right lung. They left a little of the fluid in there because they were worried about his lung collapsing. They're keeping him overnight in room 639. They will do X-Rays in the morning to see if the fluid has built back up. If it hasn't, they will let him go home. He said he was feeling better since they drained the fluid. He sounded better on the phone. He hadn't had anything to eat all day so he's about to eat something.

I'll keep you posted,
Please keep dad in your thoughts and prayers,
Thanks,

Sam's baptism - Tuscaloosa, AL

Feeling Better Today

Dad went to the hospital this morning and the doctor decided to hold off on the CT Scan for a couple of weeks. They're still waiting on the fluid analysis but are pretty confident they got all the fluid based on yesterdays X-rays. The doctor decided to go ahead and give him a treatment today. He'll wear the pump for 48 hours then someone will come to the house and take it off Friday. I spoke with dad earlier and he's feeling a lot better. He said he'd been having shortness of breath for a week or so. Next time that happens he'll know what it is. They're leaving to go spend some time with the grand kids this weekend. Sam's getting baptized.

Talk to you later,

Exactly how big is that needle going to be?

Dad had a CT Scan yesterday and went back to the hospital today to get the results. The tumor on the pancreas has grown slightly, but not a lot. The cancer has not spread to the liver. That’s the good news. Unfortunately the CT Scan showed a large fluid buildup in his right lung. The fluid covered one of the larger tumors on the lung which made it hard to tell if the tumor had grown and caused the excess flood or if the fluid was caused by pneumonia, a reaction to chemo, etc...

They’re currently in the process of preparing dad for the fluid removal. They’re going to stick a needle in the lungs to drain the fluid. Draining the lungs could cause the lung to collapse but it’s rare that it happens. Once the fluid is drained they’ll analyze the fluid to try and figure out what the cause is. Dad will have to go back tomorrow for another CT scan to try and determine how quickly the lungs are filling back up. Removing the fluid today may be a temporary fix. Other actions may need to be taken. The analysis of the fluid will take 48 hours. Mom seems to think dad may get to go home tonight. It may be a day or two before we find out more. His blood levels were good enough to take a treatment today but his doctor wanted to hold off until we find more out about the fluid. He's been taking treatments every two weeks when his blood levels cooperate although they've taken him off the Oxaliplatin due to the increased neuropathy in his legs and arms. He's still doing the 5FU chemo.

All in all, things have been going well. Holidays went well. Dad continues to proceed with daily life as normal as possible. He’s a little frail and still has a list of stuff that he deals with daily (vision, numbness, pain, etc), but he gets around pretty good. He’s still traveling and getting out. We went to the church wildlife supper this last weekend. We really enjoyed seeing old friends and spending the time with family.

On a side note, dad went up to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis a month or so ago and had a consultation with an oncologist working on several clinical trials. Dad qualified for 2 of the 12 Stage 1 clinical trials and is currently on a waiting list. No decisions have been made to whether or not he would do the trial if it came available. Theres a lot of variables to wade through.

Please continue to keep dad in your thoughts and prayers. I’ll let you know when I find something out.
Later,


Update: 1:00 PM

I just spoke with mom and she said dad made it through the procedure fine. They drained 2 liters of fluid from dad's lung. He's currently in X-Ray making sure they got it all. He'll be in recovery 2 to 4 hours. Mom said shes doing fine. Hopefully he'll be able to go home tonight.