Update on my dad

Hello everyone,

I hope this posting finds everyone well. Recently my father experienced some side effects of chemo. He has what is known as "chemo burn". His oncologist believes it to be from the trial drugs he is on, which he takes orally and are also injected with his regular chemo every 21 days. Chemo burn is exactly what it sounds like, painful red skin with open sores and blisters. His hands and forearms look as if they have been "cooked" on a fire. Needless to say, typing is out of the question right now. Additionally, his fingers have swelled like sausages. Luckily, Al was home when it happened (and we were not in Ireland), and he was able to come over and dress it for my dad and between my mom, sister, and I; dad has some lovely caring nurses to get him through.

Just wanted to let everyone know why you have not seen any news posts lately, but I am sure he will be back up and typing soon.

The oncologist has him off the trial drug until the burn and swelling go down, and then he will start on them again every other day to see if the burn returns. It is painful, as I said above, but he is getting through with eveyone's love and support and is not letting it get his spirits down.

Keep sending your messages of hope, prayer, and love... he really needs them more than ever.

Some really happy news for the family... Al has been promoted to Lieutenant at the Lombard Fire Department! He has been working very hard, went back to school to get his Bachelor degree (with honors, might I add), and the whole family is so excited and proud of him. His pinning ceremony is Monday and Kevin will be pinning his father, which is so exciting for Kevin.

So it goes to show, with the bad comes the good. Dad will be attending the ceremony as long as he continues to feel well, and he is so very proud of Al.

Love,
Jody