Got Milk?

Dad's bloodwork is showing that his vitamin D is low. The doctor is not sure why, but has prescribed a mega dose of Vitamin D once a week to try to boost his level back up to where it should be. Otherwise, Dad has had a pretty good week. He's been able to get out with friends a little, scoot around the yard, critique the garden, go to the shop and generally just putter around at some of the things he likes to do. Our new dilemma is that Dad is doing so well with the maintenance program Hospice has been able to provide that we are getting concerned that Hospice may kick us out! While it is good to be "too healthy" for Hospice, the bad thing is the improvement is Dad's health is a result of Hospice and stopping that could send us back to where we were - trying to manage the crashes, in and out of the hospital like a revolving door, etc. Please pray that the doctors, insurance company and whoever else will be able to work out the details of a continuing home maintenance program for Dad. It has really improved his physical and mental well-being.

Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement!

All in all, not a bad week

Dad has done quite well this week. He is walking more (with a walker), gaining some weight and able to get out a little. Dad also thinks his neuropathy is improving. He is now feeling some aches and pains. Those are all good things. We are grateful for every step forward. Dad's bloodwork continues to come back perfect. The doctors are very pleased with his overall health. The blood pressure continues to be our main focus. IVs are still given at home on an as needed basis to keep the blood pressure where it needs to be. Whenever Dad's top number is below 90 for a blood pressure reading, the Hospice nurse will come out and hook him up to an IV. Dad usually gets an IV a couple times a week. Within the next few weeks, Dad will be having another light chain test. The results of this test will determine if Dad stays on a treatment dose of chemo or moves to a maintenance dose.

Thanks for your prayers, calls and visits. Mom and Dad are grateful for all of you!

Status Quo

Well, everything is pretty status quo with Dad. A few weeks ago, I mentioned that we were considering changing Dad's treatment plan. At this time, we have elected not to change his treatment. Hospice is really helping by keeping Dad on a better maintenance plan. If we change to the new treatment plan, Dad will have to go off Hospice. The new treatment plan is a 28 day plan where Dad would take chemo for 21 days and then have 7 days off. We have discussed this with Dad and his doctors, and we aren't sure he is really strong enough for that right now. Being off Hospice would mean he would have to go to the doctor's office again for his regular IVs, etc. Right now, I don't think Dad physically or emotionally can handle the ups and downs he was having earlier this spring and we aren't sure the potential benefits of the new treatment will outweigh the negatives at this time. So, we are maintaining the status quo for now.

The Grill Master and his brother

Sunday evening we had a little cookout at Mom and Dad's to celebrate Father's Day. Since it was Dad's day, he decided that he was going to cook. So, he just scooted himself up to the grill and had at it.

Overall, I think Dad had a pretty good day. He was able to spend quite a bit of time outside and enjoyed having everyone around. Dad has definitely been more stable. Having Hospice has really helped Dad to develop a better maintenance plan rather than always operating in crisis mode. He is now able to stay consistently better hydrated and this helps in so many ways. Before, Dad would go to the doctor's office after he had become dehydrated and by then his body was so weak and worn out that it would take him several days to recover. Hospice is now working with Dad to prevent these "bottoming out" episodes and prevent the dehydration. Not only does Dad feel better physically, but it also helps him to have a more positive outlook.

After dinner granddaughter Elana decided she wanted to learn to ride a 2 wheeler bike. Always a sucker for the kids, Uncle Larry obliged. First, the tires had to be pumped up. And then they were off.....
And the next thing we knew, they were in the weeds!

I probably should have been checking to be sure everyone was OK rather than standing back and snapping picture. Always room for improvement I guess! (actually Elana was still giggling, so I wasn't too worried)

All in all, it was just the kind of day Dad wanted - pretty laid back, family around, flowers blooming, and a good nap in the chair!

Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement. Mom and Dad cherish them so much!

Back Home

Yesterday evening Dad was released from the hospital and is back home. The hospital doctor spoke with the Hospice doctor and it was decided that Hospice could administer everything at home that Dad was receiving in the hospital. His IV fluids have been increased and Hospice can give Dad the shot that slows down his output. Dad's output did slow considerably in the hospital even before he received that shot. So, we are determining that dehydration also causes extra output and by increasing his IVs at home we can hopefully slow down these high output episodes that have been requiring hospitalization to get under control. Hospice will also use the shots as needed to try to keep the input/output balanced. Please continue to pray as we are making decisions regarding Dad's treatment.

Who's on First?

After spending 10 hours in the ER last night, Dad was admitted to Lakeland. Yesterday, Mom called Dad's GI doctor to let him know that Dad had been having very high output for several days. The GI doctor told Mom that Dad needed to be admitted to the hospital to get the output under control and the best way to do that was through the ER. (if that is the best way, I'd hate to see the worst way) At this point, no doctors have even been assigned to Dad. He is simply in the hospital receiving IV fluids - which he does need. But, the whole point of him being there is to get the shots that slow down the output. Mom was going to call the GI doctors office direct this morning since they don't even have Dad scheduled for a GI consult today. So, while we appreciate the team of doctors that have worked very diligently with Dad, sometimes it becomes a bit of a maze trying to figure out who's on first. Mom is exhausted. It was 5:30am this morning before they got Dad settled in his room. And now she has to try to track down doctors to figure out who is supposed to be taking charge of Dad's care. The last few days have been pretty hard on Dad (Mom too). Dad is pretty frustrated and just wants somebody to do something. Right now, he is simply asking everyone to PRAY. We believe in God's plan, we are relying on HIS timing, but it sure is a bit exhausting and frustrating in the process. Dad is very much comforted by knowing that many are praying for him. Thanks!

Please Pray

Dad is on his way back to the hospital and has asked for everyone's prayers. More updates later.