Here's the latest update on my father. He posted this on his Facebook page this week.
Good news:
1. Cancer on the lungs is completely gone.
2. Possible cancer on the liver is still inconclusive. They're going to do an MRI to get a better look.
3. While the tumor on the pancreas did not shrink (still 3.3 cm), it did not grow which means the chemo was effective, at least to that extent. They have to shrink the pancreatic tumor before it can be excised (surgery).
4. We will see the doc, after the MRI. We will start some other type of chemo that may be more effective at shrinking the tumor that's wrapped around my pancreas.
While I'm not excited about taking more chemo infusions, I think that this is good news, overall and am grateful for it.
Thanks to the many of you who have taken the time to lift up prayers on our behalf. I know that God continues to hear our prayers and answers them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I saw the below image on Facebook this week and, for obvious reasons, it spoke to me. I love The Princess Bride. And now I will always look at Inigo's quest so differently.
Cancer is a horrible thing. Here's my Dad in Sept. of 2014: (with his great grandson)
Here's my Dad in July of 2015: (with my mom)
(With me behind my mom and dad)
Here's my Dad in November of 2015: (with my daughter)
Here's my Dad in February 2016:
It doesn't even look like him.
I told my Dad he is a hero for the way he's fighting for his life.
He doesn't think he is.
But, I know differently.
Taylor, I am praying for your dad. I am very sorry for what your family is going through. I hope your dad keeps fighting.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rita. My parents say they have so many people praying for them that they can feel the love. It's so very appreciated.
DeleteI agree with you. He's a hero. Thanks for the update. My prayers will continue with you all.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't think he is, but I think he's a hero for fighting for his life. He's handling this so well. I'd be bawling like a big baby. Thank you, Charissa.
DeleteI love his attitude. Being a fighter is very important. I wish him, and the family, the very best.
ReplyDeleteI love his attitude too. He is holding on to the belief that he can beat the cancer and I think that's the best way to approach the situation. Thanks for your kind words, Sherry.
DeleteI find it amazing how he's facing the camera with such an open, friendly smile.
ReplyDeleteThere's something truly inspiring about the relentless optimism it shows.
He looks like a very kind man to me and I wish him all the best from from over here.
Thank you, Old Folkie. His attitude impresses me every time I speak to him on the phone. If there's any chance to live, he's going to do it. He remains strong and filled with faith. I can't say I'd react the same way--he's an example to me. Thank you so much for your sweet comment. Much appreciated.
DeleteI will pray that this next chemo will shrink the tumor and that he'll be strong! He does have an amazing outlook. The Princess Bride thing....all the feels! That is one of my favorite movies ever.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorite movies ever too, Christy! Now it has even more meaning to me. Thanks so much for your prayers. My father meets with the doctor tomorrow morning and he will find out what his next step will be. I'm hoping for good news.
DeleteIt sounds like encouraging news! I'll continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. I get the hero thing--my sister didn't feel like one, either, when she was fighting for her life. I don't think they can see how inspiring they are to others (probably because they feel so sick).
ReplyDeleteIt's true. People who fight for their lives are an inspiration to me. It's a horrible thing to go through and yet they persevere. Your sister must've been very young and that is so tragic. My father has lived a full and happy life, and while it is still tragic to lose him as well, he has no regrets. But, I'm thankful that we have the knowledge of where they are going. Those who leave us will be fine and happy. It's us who will miss having them with us.
DeleteThank you so much, Melanie.