Well, it went as well as expected. No surprises. Well, one... he has lost more weight than we expected to see. 11 pounds in four weeks.
We saw the Oncologist yesterday and my dad was in good spirits. He always tries to downplay his symptoms, as if "if I don't admit them, maybe they'll go away". Too bad Michelle, my mom, and I always narc him out to the doctor.... LOL.
Not much pain, coughing is pretty bad. He is beginning his days around noon or 1pm. First thing, he heads to the porch for some sitting in the sun, then breakfast with mom. After that, he'll lay down, not always to sleep, just rest. We'll take him for walks in his wheelchair, he really loves that.
We have a very exciting weekend coming, his nephew Jim will be visiting for the day on Saturday. Michelle, Krista, and I will be homecoming dress shopping during the day to give them some time alone, and then we'll all meet up later on, probably for food. Mike's appetite is pretty good and he is being encouraged to snack on fatty foods between fatty, calorie loaded, meals. I wish someone would tell me that's a good idea for my body... who wouldn't want to eat what they want, as much as they want, when they want?
Sonia and Tom, dear friends of family (and Sonia Linnea is my mom's best friend since 2nd grade - as well as the fact that I am named after her), have been making the trip out to Oregon, IL weekly to help around the house and keep company. Tom sits with my dad while Sonia and my mom do the shopping. Tom is really handy and will fix whatever needs tending too. Other wonderful friends in the neighborhood have pitched in as well and it is so appreciated!
All in all, we're blessed. The time we have, the friends and family we keep, and knowing how much we all are loved.
Thanks to everyone.
Love,
Jody
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Road Less Traveled...
Well everyone, summer is nearing its end and with the new season's approach, we also have a new season in Mike's life.
A few weeks ago he made the decision which to most would be almost impossible. He has chosen to end his chemotherapy and shoot for quality of life in his final time with us here. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for eveyone involved, but he is making his peace with his decision and as always, we are supporting him and standing by him. I cannot imagine how this effects our mother. As children, Michelle and I know that is is nature's way that we eventually lose our parents, though it doesn't make it any easier. For mom, as a spouse of almost 50 years, the thought of loss must be too much to comprehend. She is doing amazingly well, spoiling dad rotton and tending to his every need.
He is resting much more these days. Each day is a new lesson in life and it's importance. You begin to think of all the things you want to share, ensure they know how very much you love them. I think we have all done an excellent job. He knows how much we love and value him, and we know as well his feelings for us.
Michelle has been working very hard getting all the financials in order for our mom. His only wish is to not leave anything of burden behind. As if he could....
It is funny to watch him. As he nods off, sometime he talks in his sleep and we all lean in to try and catch pieces of his dreams. Other times, when we believe him to be napping, he will surprise us with a smile - his way of joining in the conversation. The cough is getting pretty bad these days and he enjoys us "talking around him" more and more, just knowing we are there lifts his spirits.
To those of you who have been able to stop in and visit, please continue to do so and know how much he praises you. Those are the best parts of his day and when he has a visit to look forward to, he really perks up. He really enjoys going out on the front porch and sitting in the sun. When he can do that with his visitors, it really is great for him.
The next few months hold a lot for us as family and friends. The Oncologist has discussed our options of hospice and we will continue monthly doctor's visits until we head down that avenue. Once we choose hospice, the doctor's visits end... and yet another new path will begin.
A few weeks ago he made the decision which to most would be almost impossible. He has chosen to end his chemotherapy and shoot for quality of life in his final time with us here. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for eveyone involved, but he is making his peace with his decision and as always, we are supporting him and standing by him. I cannot imagine how this effects our mother. As children, Michelle and I know that is is nature's way that we eventually lose our parents, though it doesn't make it any easier. For mom, as a spouse of almost 50 years, the thought of loss must be too much to comprehend. She is doing amazingly well, spoiling dad rotton and tending to his every need.
He is resting much more these days. Each day is a new lesson in life and it's importance. You begin to think of all the things you want to share, ensure they know how very much you love them. I think we have all done an excellent job. He knows how much we love and value him, and we know as well his feelings for us.
Michelle has been working very hard getting all the financials in order for our mom. His only wish is to not leave anything of burden behind. As if he could....
It is funny to watch him. As he nods off, sometime he talks in his sleep and we all lean in to try and catch pieces of his dreams. Other times, when we believe him to be napping, he will surprise us with a smile - his way of joining in the conversation. The cough is getting pretty bad these days and he enjoys us "talking around him" more and more, just knowing we are there lifts his spirits.
To those of you who have been able to stop in and visit, please continue to do so and know how much he praises you. Those are the best parts of his day and when he has a visit to look forward to, he really perks up. He really enjoys going out on the front porch and sitting in the sun. When he can do that with his visitors, it really is great for him.
The next few months hold a lot for us as family and friends. The Oncologist has discussed our options of hospice and we will continue monthly doctor's visits until we head down that avenue. Once we choose hospice, the doctor's visits end... and yet another new path will begin.
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