The Love Bubble

Greetings All,
I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. If you ask me - not having it all together - was horrible!!! I missed everyone. Let's not do that again!

So besides the fact that I forgot the leftovers at Jessica's house Dad really enjoyed himself on Thursday and Friday - thanks to all who allowed him to hold court in the Summers Salon!

I will keep this blog short - but try to fill you in on the new skinny - if it is new to you...

Dad had his 3rd radiation treatment today - and that is out of 20. All went well - could be a drive thru if you ask me - no need to even get out of the car. Dad also had his monthly visit with his PCP - Dr. Schlam today. This was just routine - but Dad had a few questions as well.

Dr. Schlam was pleased with Dad's strength(hand grip test) - as was Dr. Barba. This test means his arm is still strong and the growth on his neck is not proving to be any worse than when they first started. So to answer one question you all might have - what about the neck. We asked Dr. S about the growth, its size, monitoring, etc. His response was simple; yes it has grown, outside of surgery there is no way to determine its composition (active v. inactive material), but the one way Dad can monitor it is to pay attention to the pain consistencies and also keep monitoring his strength. Surgery at this point (biopsy) is not recommended as it is a complex procedure for this area.

Dad did ask about the driving element - Dr. Barba (radiologist) highly recommended that Dad not drive any more. Dr. Schlam, although understanding the liability factor, recognizes Dad's driving is almost 100% local and does not see that big an issue for Dad to go on small jaunts. I will still attempt to show up with keys in hand anytime Dad has an appointment, but his going out once in a while does not seem to phase Dr. Schlam. Dad is still on pain medication and steroids (but he is already lessoning the dosage as prescribed).

As we were preparing to leave I asked Dad if he had any other questions about the spread of the cancer to his brain - or questions of prognosis - Dad said he would rather not know and Dr. Schlam piped in saying - "Who can really give a prognosis for something of this nature?" (Got to love him!) They are pleased with his positive energy - and surprised with his strength not only of body, but of spirit.

Dad is in great spirits and had a great weekend. Accomplishing many, many things. He is assisting a grad student from Rutgers on a paper - she will be interviewing him in a couple of weeks regarding his war experience as a reporter. Very interesting.

I think that is all for now.
Keep the prayers coming - they are working - I can tell - the house is surrounded in love all the time!

Smooches to all,
Katherine

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