Everything seems to be on track

Dad had his counts checked last Thursday and his counts were up!  They were higher than when he started the Chemo so they scheduled his next treatment for the following Monday. 

Monday came and his treatment went well except for the fact that they were having some issues with his port.  It didn't want to give any blood out of it. They ended up keeping him there to run something through it to try and clear it. Hopefully it will take care of the issue.  If not they will have to go back to UMC to have it checked out.

He has noticed that his hair is falling out.  By this morning, I think he had enough so he is planning on shaving it off.  I keep telling him that it's just hair and it's better than the alternative but I totally understand how it bothers him.  He has always had really nice thick, wavy hair which I was lucky enough to inherit!!  I asked him if he wanted me to shave my head too...I have to say that I was a little relieved that he said no.  I would have done it though if it made him feel better.  We could be the cone heads here at work lol!!  He's going to really have put some sunscreen on his noggin...he always gets really red when he's in the sun and I am sure he doesn't want to have his head burned!

He seems to be tolerating the meds a little better than he was in the beginning.  He is super tired but he has been behaving...well that might be stretching it but at least he's taking it a little bit easier than he usually does.  Mom found a guy that came over and trimmed the yard up as it's just too much for Dad to do right now.  Of course he was paranoid it would look like the moonscape when he got home.  I haven't seen it but since he didn't mention it I am assuming it looked good.

Went to the Dr. today and got my flu shot, I don't want to get him sick...now I just need to get everyone else here at the office to get one!  You don't realize how fragile your immune system can get with the chemo.

It's Wednesday so we are on the downhill slide!  I'll post again soon!

Thank you to everyone that has followed the blog and sent such nice notes to Dad!  I know he has so many people out there fighting for him and it makes me so happy to see that.

Treatment Postponed

Dad went in this morning for his treatment.  They did his bloodwork and his counts are too low for him to receive treatment today.  His platelets should be around 1050 and were only at about 105.  His white blood cell counts should be around 300 or so and were only at 100'ish.

He isn't allowed to play with others...I guess we're a "germy" bunch!  He was going to go home today and try to get some rest.  He said at least he knows why he has felt so weak the past few days.

If he comes in tomorrow we aren't letting him in the door without a mask on.  If he were to get sick it could be really, really bad. 

Here's hoping that his counts go up by next week and he can continue treatment!!

Week 1 down

***Didn't get this out on Friday***

Well it's Friday and it ends the first week of Chemo!

Monday was the full blown treatment; both the regular chemo and the trial study drug.  Mom went down with him to the Cancer Center.  He ended up being there all day and was pretty worn out by the time he got home.

Tuesday wasn't as bad, he said he felt tired but pretty good.  He of course showed up for work!  In the almost 12 years I have worked for my Dad he has NEVER called in sick! 

Wednesday he called me on the way to work and said "I just woke up."  I know it's hard for him to not be at HIS business but Bill and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that his business runs smoothly.  He showed up about 8:00 but had to leave at to get his bloodwork done at about noon. 

Thursday:  Mom had to go out of town to do the U of A Wildcat trip.  Dad called me again on the way to work and said that he was going to be late.  He said that he had gotten sick and was trying to get in as soon as possible.  I was a little upset that he didn't get his anti-naseau meds.

We did find out that there is a HUGE price difference between Pharmacies.  They originally called Walgreens and were quoted a price of $389.00 for a months supply.  I called around and finally located it at Fry's for $41!!  Talk about a rip off!

He seems to be doing well with the medications so hopefully he'll continue to have an easy time with it all.  We'll see how the weekend goes!

Treatment has started...

Dad went in today to begin his Chemo treatments.  I got a text message from Mom saying that he got the experimental drug too!  Yay!!!  I still can't figure out why he wouldn't have gotten it with so few people that have this type of cancer...anyway, that is beside the point.

Got a phone call from him this afternoon, he sounded a little tired but better than I had expected.  He had to go in at around 9am to get blood work done and then start the "drugs."  I think that he said that the trial study drugs were first and then they would do the sarcoma chemo.  He said they had given him a ton of meds to keep the nausea away...of course he had to throw in "a drug addict would be envious of me right now." LOL Then of course gave me the information to order some T-astrigals for one of our customers :-)  That's my dad...always in work mode.

He said he felt ok, a little wiped out.  Not too sure whether that is from the meds or just the entire experience.  He gets to have tomorrow off and then go back in on Wed. and Thurs. to have some blood work done and then start all over again on Monday. 

I am hoping to see him walk in the door tomorrow morning!  Work just isn't the same without "twinkle Toes" there (as Jen calls him).  I made him and Mom promise me that they would both get some rest tonight.  I know how mentally, physically and emotionally tired I was today, I can't imagine what they are feeling right now.

Please continue to pray for my Dad.  This whole thing has made me really re-examine my life and what is important to me.  I love my family more than I ever thought was possible.  I have an awesome set of parents who I am so fortunate to have daily interactions with and I wouldn't give that up for the world.  Take that moment and call your parents or stop by and see them...you never know what the future holds.

Life isn't always what you expected or planned for.  I truly believe that every single thing that happens is for a reason.  We may not understand it at the time but I truly believe that God has a plan for each and every one of us and we need to look at our situation, reach down and pull our boots on and say "Go ahead, make my day!"