Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Chemo Is Not Fun

Sorry for the delay in updates.
Dad had his 3rd chemo treatment last Tuesday.
Yesterday he was admitted to the hospital for pain management.
We also learned that his blood counts are extremely low. This makes
him very susceptible to germs that could make him very ill. Because
of this, he cannot have visitors. He will also receive a blood transfusion
today. This should help him feel better.
Please pray for his pain to decrease and be easily managed.
Pray that his immune system will bounce back quickly.
He is scheduled for the next chemo treatment next Tuesday.
We appreciate your prayers for him and for his healing.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Dad's New Look




Tonight was haircut night. We knew that after the 2nd chemo treatment dad would probably begin to lose his hair. He decided that he would let me give him a "buzz" before it started falling out by the handfuls. He began to notice some hair falling out this week so tonight he got the haircut. Dad has never had really short hair so this is a totally new look for him.
I have to say that he wears it well, and doesn't he look cool in his new hat!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Chemo Cycle #2

Dad received his second round of chemotherapy on Tuesday. As before, we felt God's power because of the prayers of so many.
Dad had no real reaction to any of the chemo drugs. Thank you for your continued prayers for him and for his healing.
We saw his oncologist and she reviewed the PET Scan with us. She feels that his cancer is Stage 2 and feels that there is no need for a bone marrow biopsy. This is a huge answer to prayer! She is incredibly positive and makes you feel that she will work as hard as she can to help bring healing to your body. She commented that it was unusual to catch Lymphoma at only Stage 2 when there was no outward physical manifestation of the disease. Again, we know that God has used Rusty and radiologists and now the oncologist to diagnose and treat quickly in order to move Dad toward healing.
We were struck by the number of people at the Cancer Center on Tuesday. The place was packed, the nurses were way overworked and we watched as the lives of so many were touched by this attack of disease on their bodies. The most poignant of those were two young pregnant women who were there to receive chemo. Our hearts were touched by the sight of those women who have a growing baby in their bellies and the need for prayers for them and their sweet babies.
I know that Dad would love to see your comments and receive cards from you. Our family gave him a laptop computer for Christmas so he can sit in his chair and check email and this blog.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Prayer Needs

Please pray that God will be Dad's strength and comfort in these days following chemo.
Pray that his pain will be greatly reduced and easily managed.
Pray that effects of the chemo would be minimized.
Pray for Mom's strength as she cares for Dad.
Pray that the chemo will do it's job and will eliminate the cancer cells in his body.
Thank you for praying!