Happy Thanksgiving

I thought it might be a good time to send an update on my father's health. His radiation treatments are complete! He is thrilled to not be traveling into Philadelphia every day for his treatments anymore. On November 11th, my dad spiked a fever and had to go to the hospital. His total stint in the hospital was 8 days where it was determined that bacteria of an unknown cause (NOS as they say in the medical field) was causing an infection, which was causing the high fever, which landed him in the hospital. He has been home since Wednesday of this week. He is happy to be at home where he is most comfortable (aren't we all?).

He is very tired but is resting quite a bit and trying to regain some of the weight he has lost. He is not quite strong enough for visitors right now, but he reads every card and every email! So, keep them coming! About a month ago, my father said he couldn't believe how many people were concerned about his health and well being. He is truly getting so much strength and courage from so many people checking in on him! Even his customers at work are calling to see how he is progressing.

In 3 weeks my dad will have another CAT Scan where it will then be determined if he will need one more round of chemotherapy. He is on a hiatus now so he can regain his strength. Karin is still in Pennsylvania caring for my father every day. I just spent 5 days in Exton and I now realize how much work she is doing. I will be heading back for Thanksgiving, with my boyfriend Chris, so we can celebrate ALL the people for which we are thankful this Thanksgiving. On that note, I thank all of you for everything you have done for me and my family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gwen

2 weeks into treatment!

My father has begun his chemo and radiation. He remains incredibly positive about the fact that he is among the "elite". The "elite" are the 10-20% of patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who actually have the opportunity to got through the "Whipple Procedure" (a.k.a. surgery for resecting the cancerous mass). My dad reminded me, before I left Philadelphia to head home to Chicago, that his oncologist told him that most patients have to "close the book" because their cancer has progressed so much that there is nothing that can be done.

I am happy to report that my sister Karin is still in Exton helping my mother and father! My niece Sarah and my brother-in-law, Mauricio, have also visited in the past two weeks, which has been so incredible for my entire family.

Last night was my sister-in-law's (Mary) birthday so there was a party in Exton with streamers, cake, and a clown. By the way, the clown was Karin (a.k.a. Zoomer). My nephew Evan was onto Karin but she reminded him that her name was Zoomer and not Karin! Everyone laughed alot and enjoyed the party!

I also want to thank Jerry Gerlach for scheduling people from Central Presbyterian Church to take my father into Philadelphia for his radiation treatment. Jerry is the father of one of my friends from high school, Jennifer (Gerlach) Jones. He has provided so much support for my father as he has gone through this difficult time. Thanks to everyone who has helped in so many ways!

Recovering from surgery...getting ready for treatment!

My father has been home for almost 3 weeks recovering from his surgery. He is getting his appetite back and trying to gain some weight before he begins treatment. So, what is his treatment? He will begin radiation and chemotherapy next week. He will be traveling into Philadelphia 5 days a week for radiation and will get his chemotherapy through a surgically implanted Porto-cath. His first round of treatment will be 6 weeks, then a 4-week break. Basically, the chemo is infused 24/7 and the only maintenance needed is a nurse will visit once a week to check on things. Enough of the boring clinical stuff...My dad is taking 3 -4 walks a day, he has had a few visitors, and he is eager to get back to work!

I was back in Philadelphia last week for a few days and was able to accompany my dad for a few doctor visits. I know he is feeling better because he has very little patience for waiting to see any doctors. After waiting for 2 hours to see a surgeon, he said, "I am leaving in 15 minutes if I am not seen". I recommended that my Dad start his breathing techniques for stress relief. He complied and then told me he was going for a walk. Of course, the doctor comes into the exam room 2 minutes after my Dad leaves for a walk. By the way, I think his walk was more like pacing the hallways! The doctor quickly got my Dad to calm down when he asked him what he did for a living. The conversation quickly moved from work to golf. At that point I think my father had forgotten how long he had waited for the doctor.

A couple of other funny/stressful things that happened: Tropical Storm Hana came through Exton PA and the roof began leaking in my parent's family room. The irony is that they have had the roof fixed twice and my brother-in-law, Mauricio, had just repainted the walls 5 days earlier due to the previous leak!

The other "thing" that happened was that my parent's medical and prescription coverage changed on September 1st. So, as we were driving to his doctor's appointments my sister and I were feverishly calling the new insurance carrier to see if my father's doctors were in network. It turns out they are! Whew!

I will be back in Philadelphia on September 18th for a few days. This time, I will be joining my mom for some appointments.

I am very happy to say that my sister Karin has been with my parents in Exton since August 7th. I am so grateful that she is there and able to stay until October 4th.

Thanks again for all you have done to help my father and my family through this stressful time.

My dad is leaving the hospital

What a fantastic way to end the week...my father was discharged from the hospital after 2 weeks of recovering from major surgery. He is so thrilled to be going home. He has had two days of very bad hospital food and he is only craving a peach or a pear! Can you believe it?

His instructions to me were to immediately update everyone about the great news. So, I am doing just as he asked. He will be going for a follow up appointment in a week and then onto the oncologist to determine what next steps are for his treatment.

For now, he gets to go home and eat some home-cooked food, sleep in his own bed, and spend more time with family. All is well.

I truly believe that my father's outlook and positive attitude has had a great impact on his recovery. I also know that the support everyone has provided over the past couple of weeks (and months) has also made a positive impact on my father's recovery. Thanks to all.