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.
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.
