Happy New Year, Everyone!
It's been all quiet on the blog-front over the last month, but busy nevertheless! Dad finished up all of his treatments on December 6th, got to ring that bell, and head homeward bound to "almost heaven" for six weeks. It took him about 7-10 days after he finished treatment to get his full appetite back, but he did and boy did he enjoy every bit of holiday cheer imaginable! And I mean every bit of holiday cheer! His homework assignment from his doctors was to gain weight, and it was an assignment Dad took seriously. It was great to see him enjoy all the joys of Christmas and the New Year with family and friends. It made the last several weeks go by very quickly.
Mom and Dad spent Christmas Eve and Day at my house. Later in the week we all headed down south to Tennessee to spend a few days at my sister's house. Came back December 30th. Dad retired from his CFO duties, effective 12/31/12.....
wait....welllllll....that's not really true.
It's not that I'm lying, it's just that.....it's supposed to be true, but it's not really b/c he still goes to work everyday. I'm not really sure how that cord is going to be cut, but anyway there was a really awesome retirement party for him, and it was great, and you'd think that would be a hint, but.....he's still showing up. Oooohhh, what did he say today? Yeah, that's right....he's "SEMI-retired." That was the phrase I heard him use today, "semi-retired." It took him 5 years between talking about retirement to get to "semi-retired," so I guess it may be another 5 years to go from "semi-retired" to "full" retirement? Good luck with that one First Action Team;)))
Any-whoooo........
Believe it or not, Dad's surgery is NEXT WEEK! Yikes, the time did fly by. Today we spent the day in Baltimore with the oncology team and the pre-op folks. Below are my notes and it all looks good....VERY good:)
Today's vitals were all very good:
Weight -- 182.7 lbs
BP -- 125/76
Temp -- 36.9C
SpO2% -- 96
(There were discussions about stools....and not the ones in a bar. Thought I'd leave that part out. You're welcome!)
Dr. Alexander's exact words in italics.....
"The most recent scan (performed last Thursday) looks great. (Yes, "great" was emphasized.) There has been a measurable decrease in the size of the tumor. (Um, that rarely happens with pancreatic cancer....thank you prayer warriors!!!!!) It should peel out very cleanly. It is still abutting the vein, but we are prepared for that. The purpose of this surgery is curative intent -- we get this growth, with all surrounding tissue that may become affected by the tumor, out so that once you heal, you can resume your normal active lifestyle."
....and then.......Dr. Regine and his right-hand wo-man, Martha, also paid a visit. They were also incredibly pleased with the results of the scan performed last week. Dr. Regine came barreling in the exam room like Kramer entering Seinfeld's apartment. Spirits were high all around.
Can I get a "WOOP-WOOP?"
Next Wednesday night we will head to Baltimore and Mom and Dad will be reunited with their long lost hotel family at the Tremont (there's got to be a cheesy reality show in there somewhere, right?) Surgery is scheduled first thing on the morning of January 17th. Surgery will last 4-5 hours. The surgery is called the "whipple." The main concern coming out of this surgery will be the new connection sutured between pancreas and intestine. There will be a drain put in to "police" the pancreatic juices to make sure they do not enter his system. The drain will be in for at least 5 days and they will take out when no juice is draining. Dad will be in the "Intermediate Care Unit" for 2-3 days. Visiting is a somewhat limited. Jill and I won't be able to spend the night with Dad while he's in this unit and totally harass the hospital staff throughout the night, but when he's moved to the regular hospital floor, we'll be there to make up for lost time. His total hospital stay should be around 7-8 days, provided all goes super swell. Sometimes for folks over 50, patients may need to go to a rehabilitation unit prior to going home. However, Dr. Alexander didn't feel that Dad falls into this category. He believes that Dad is in great condition for this surgery. Plus, the rehab thing doesn't fit into our plan of having Dad home for A) Mom's 70 birthday on January 27th, and 2) Super Bowl on February 3rd. Priorities, folks!
Over the last month, our family has really appreciated our time together. We've reflected upon what we've been through over the last couple of months while still peeking at what's ahead. We know that we are blessed with the greatest of friends, who are also "family." We are so thankful for all of you. We ask for you prayer warriors to turn it up a notch as Dad moves forward into what we hope is his final step in annihilating this beastly cancer. Now that surgery is on the horizon, the blogs will post more frequently now. On the day of surgery, I will keep everyone updated! In the meantime, thank you for all of your prayers and love and support. I'm sure we'll be leaning on you all again soon!
Have a great night. Much love to all.......Jen
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