Ready, Set, Wait

We got news from the VA today that they cannot get Dad in for surgery until May 14th. We are ready to get going but we are on hold. I am trying not to get discouraged because we have turned it over to God and I believe things happen in His timing. There is a possibility that if there is a cancellation, Dad may get to go in earlier. So Ready, Set - Wait. Until then hopefully Dad will get in more fishing. I am so thankful that Dad has gotten involved in Church. I believe that God was preparing him for this journey and He knew that he would need the support and encouragement of prayer warriors. The more Word that gets on the inside will build up the faith that Dad is going to need to get through the days ahead.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Still Waiting

We are still waiting for the VA to get the appointment set up for the medi-port. We were sure hoping to get it done this week so Dad could start chemo on Monday. He has been in contact with them and they are trying to get it scheduled. Everything in God's timing. Dad is feeling good and has been busy this week getting errands done. We celebrated my father-in-laws 80th birthday last night at his church in Teague. The preacher told everyone if they wanted to know where to find white perch on Lake Limestone then ask Dad. He is right about that, if anyone can find crappie it's Dad. I have learned alot about fishing for crappie from him. Thank you for all of the support and prayers. Your comments have been an encouragement to us. We know the journey is going to be a long one, but it is our friends that will make it much easier.

One Step Closer

We met with the chemo doctor today, Dr. Delal. We are one step closer to starting treatments which means we are one step closer to Dad being cured of this dreadful disease that is definitely no respector of persons. Dr. Delal confirmed all of the information that we had already been given by Dr. Wilder, the radiation doctor. He feels like the best option for Dad would be to start chemo first. He stated that years ago when someone had cancer of the head and neck there was no treatment and surgery was performed. That is why alot of people with this type of cancer are very disfigured. Now with the treatments being available there is a very high success rate that it will take care of the cancer. If not and surgery has to be performed it will not be as radical since the tumor should have shrunk and there will not be as much to remove. The treatments he feels best for Dad is a comibination of 3 different chemo drugs that would be administered for one week every 3 weeks. He will start on a Monday and recieve 2 drugs by IV at the clinic then the third drug will be in a pump that he will wear home. Medication will be released daily and he will go back on Friday to return the pump. He will then be off for 21 days and then start the process over. He will do this 3 times which will take 9 weeks. At the end of this treatment then radiation will be administered daily for 5 days a week and on one of the days he will get chemo also. The radiation treatments will be for 6-7 weeks. Treatments will start as soon as he gets his medi-port and feeding tube inserted. We are waiting on the VA to get this surgery set up but we have stressed the importance of getting it done this week so Dad can start his treatments on Monday. Each time I go to the Palestine clinic, I know we have made the right choice in having Dad transferred there for treatment. Everyone there is so nice and I know that Dad is going to be in the hands of skilled, compasionate people. There is a picture of Dr. Delal and Dad. Please pray that everything will get set up this week for the surgery so that he can start his chemo on Monday.

Fishing While He Can

Dad went fishing at the marina today. The doctor told him to get all his fishing in while he felt like it, so he didn't waste any time. He only caught 4 keepers but it is good therapy to be doing something you love, so I am glad he went. Jordan was concerned when she read the blog and I said the cancer was a 4A. We had originally been told that it was a 3. Dr. Wilder estimates that it is a 4A due to the fact that there are multiple lymph nodes involved. There is also a stage 4B. It is all confusing to me us be we are learning as we go along. Dad says that he feels good and said to tell you all that he ain't got nothing that the good Lord and medicine can't cure. Thank you all so much for your prayers.

The Journey Has Begun

On March 23, 2009 my family began a journey that many people before us have taken. I have often wondered how I would feel if a doctor told me or one of my loved ones that we had cancer, the big "C". Now I know and the only way I can describe it is numb. My dad has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, stage 4A in the tonsil and lymph nodes. The mass is about 6 cm in diameter and involves multiple lymph nodes. The cancer is contained in the neck area and will be treated with radiation and chemotherapy, which one first we will find out on Monday, April 20th when we meet with the Chemo Oncologist, Dr. Delal. We have already met with Dr. Wilder, the Radiation Oncologist. He spent about 2 hours with us and explained the whole process to us in detail, the good (which there was not much), the bad and the ugly. We appreciated his openness, and want to be prepared so there will be no surprises. Dr. Wilder told my dad that this is probably going to be the hardest thing he has ever done. But, he can do it. We know that we are not alone in this journey and that many people are praying and whatever the outcome, we want God to get the glory.