Chemo update

Dad had his third chemo yesterday. He had all three of the chemo meds this time. His white blood cell count was still good, so he didn't need the extra shot for that today. They increased his pain patch dosage from 50 mg to 75 mg - he actually will have two patches on for a while - a 25 and a 50 until they are gone, then they will give him one 75 mg patch. They did this because he was suplimenting with oral meds too often to compensate for the increasing pain. He has one more chemo next friday, then there is another appointment with the oncologist in two weeks. I would assume it will be to discuss if there has been any changes in the growth or if the chemo has held it back any. So I will have to assume as well that they will do another CT scan before that meeting so they have a comparison. I am planning on going to that meeting. It will be a pivotal meeting, I think, because we will know if the chemo has done any good and what we do next, if anything, if it hasn't. I have to be honest and say I am worried. He is having more and more pain.

He sounded well and upbeat, said he worked in the pole barn for a little while. They had the church picnic tonight so he was going to rest so he could go. I wanted to get out there for that, I really wanted to see what "wheelbarrow kickball" was and I would been excited to participate the "frying pan toss" - but alas I did not get done at the museum in time to make it out there. So I will have to get the story from him tomorrow. I hope Ruth took some pictures!

I think I will call and check on him tomorrow evening because last time he had all three chemo meds, he didn't get sick until Sunday. I hope the Kytril helps him this time like it has been. All I really want is for him to be comfortable.

And here is a new feature I'm adding - a thought for the post. Some will be from my Zen calendar, some from books I've read, some from t-shirts - I just never know where I will find something that strikes me....So here is one for today:

And once we have the condition of peace and joy in us, we can afford to be in any situation. -Thich Nhat Hanh

Please keep Dennis in your thoughts and prayers.