March Madness

Isn't that the truth!? Dad received his first chemo treatment last Tuesday after being prevented from receiving treatments due to the blood infection and subsequent complications. He went to St. Louis to have his liver stent replaced, at which time it was discovered that the stent had been the source of the infection all along. Tim had guessed that from the beginning. Just to recap....the doctors (after days of discord on the issue) decided to allow the infectious disease physician to remove dad's port, as the doc was convinced the port was the source of the infection. Dad learned last week that all cultures taken from the port after it was removed were negative (no infection). Because the port was removed, a pic line was placed in his arm so he could receive his antibiotics. Mom has to flush the line twice daily. She is doing a fabulous job, though admits she did not miss her calling to be a nurse!

So...back to the chemo. Dad is now on to a Phase 2 chemo regimen consisting of a cocktail of 5FU and oxaliplatin. The oxaliplatin is more toxic than the tarceva was, but has shown promising results in preliminary studies completed at MD Anderson. Dad also has a new oncologist, as Dr. Sorscher is now only seeing his patients in St. Louis. This was a difficult transition, as mom and dad had developed quite a fondness and trust for Dr. Sorscher and his nurse, Sherry.

Dad is feeling quite fatigued from the chemo, but is hanging in there. He is watching lots of basketball and has been doing some yard work. Benjamin and I spent my spring break with mom and dad and had a great time. Somehow, I got through the whole week without taking a picture of dad and Ben, but here is one of "MiMi Lou" and Ben at the park that I love. Funny .....Ben started calling dad "Grandpa Lou!" Ha.



An interesting theme that has emerged is that each doctor who saw dad at the time he was diagnosed has been shocked to see how well he is still doing. His GI specialist in St. Louis said he must be a special man....he admitted he did not expect to see dad back at 7 months post dx. Everyone, even the specialists, agree that dad's attitude is the source of his strength and perseverance.

Please continue to pray for dad and mom. Each day is a blessing no matter our circumstance.