The beginning of the end

So many of you who read this know what has been going on.  I do apologize greatly for not keeping the blog up to date.  In the past couple months A LOT has changed.  Starting about a month ago, dad started having some minor hallucinations.  He took his own keys away, which was great for us-so none of us had to be the bad guy.  2 weeks ago we had to call 911 for dad.  He wasn’t making to much sense and he could barely catch his breath.  When the paramedics got to the house, his oxygen level was 80%.  (normal is 90+%).  When he got there, he was really bad.  He doesn’t remember anything from the day he had gotten admitted.  Grandma, Grandpa, my brother and my nephew came up to the hospital that night as well.  Once he was looked at and calmed down, he was diagnosed with septic pneumonia (which is when the pneumonia-infection has traveled outside of the lung as well).  It was a very dramatic time at that point, we heard the words hospice, ventilator…a lot of words that scared us.  He stayed in the hospital until the following Thursday, where he received heavy antibiotics while in the hospital to help fight the pneumonia.  He is now home and the house is oxygen equipped.  We have tanks and a condenser in the house-he cannot go without it anymore.  We have a home care nurse and a physical therapist coming to the house to help dad get a little stronger.  He also started to develop a rash on his lower legs, we thought this was because of all of the antibiotics he was receiving.  Come to find out-his body is lacking nutrients.  He is not eating well and hasn’t been.  We try to make him things he likes, or make him high calorie/protein food, but he doesn’t want to eat because his ‘taste buds are out of wack.’  Its an uphill battle. He is very tired all the time and lacks energy.  He did get a CT scan done last week and we are waiting to find out the results this Thursday.  At this point we can probably say he will be entering the process of Hospice very soon.  He is getting to the point where he needs someone with him at all times.  It is very hard for him to walk or balance himself anymore.

The lodge brothers (AMAZING MEN) came over about a week ago and made a beautiful ramp in our garage!!!  Dad is able to use it to get down the garage instead of going up and down steps.  We are extremely grateful to have it!!!  It is amazing!!! 

At this point we are asking people to visit dad.  He needs all of the love and support around him as possible!!!  This battle my dad has been fighting the past year, has not been alone…and we want to continue to show him that there are many people who love and care about him.  My dad IS an amazing man!!! He has helped many people out and continues to think of others during this time. I’m sure everyone reading this right now can think of at least one (if not many more) times my dad has helped you, or stood by your side.  As scary as this can be for everyone, we need you to stand by my dad!!!  

This picture was taken in March when we were able to get the bike started for dad!!  

The Smile we all Love:-)

The Experiment

Well I know I haven't updated in a while, but I really haven't had any news.  Dad was on chemo till the end of last year.  We enjoyed our holidays and had a great time together!  All of us kids were here for every holiday and spent it together at the Peardon household.  So here is the scoop on the treatment.

Dad went in for a scan 2 weeks ago to see how this chemo did on his tumors.  To our surprise it didn't do anything to the tumors on his lungs, they didn't shrink nor did they grow.  On the other hand the spots on his liver did grow.  We kind of hit a road block with chemo because it was starting to affect his bone marrow.  Which made him very sore and uncomfortable.  When he went to the doctors last week we were given a opportunity to try a experimental drug.  After reading the papers, dad decided to go along with it.  We will never really know if he is actually getting this drug as it is an experiment.  There is a 50/50 chance he will get the drug, or a placebo (which is just a saline solution intended to make us believe he is receiving the drug so that the scientists have a controlled group).  As long as all of the tests come back OK, and prove he is a good candidate for this treatment he will begin on Feb 2.  This is a very emotional time for all of us right now because we are in the dark on what to really expect with this treatment.  He will continue to get a more 'normal' chemo (not as strong as he has been receiving) during this treatment.  This is not only a learning experience for us, but as for the doctors as well.  There are only about 200 people in the world who are in this study, and we will find out in a few weeks whether dad will be in it or not. This was dads decision to participate and we will stand behind him 110%!!!

Dad's cough has gotten worse, it is more of a sudden onset and is more violent.  It seems to happen mostly in the morning or in the evening part of the day.  Other than that he is extremely tired and sore.  But those are to be expected due to his body trying to fight off the cancer and fight through the chemo.

This past weekend dad was able to get out of the house and join myself, the twins, and Bob (one of dads friends) at Gleaners food bank!  He was able to stay the whole time!  It was great seeing him out and enjoying himself!!!!  We are truly blessed by the people who we are surrounded with every day!

Dad amazes me every day! When we were talking about this experimental treatment, something that dad said that stood out and always will is.."If it doesn't help me, maybe they can learn from it and it can help someone else down the road."  My dad is amazing!  He is strong and always thinking of others!!! 

I guess this is it for right now, I will definitely be posting more often with this new treatment!  We will keep everyone posted! 

Have a great night and be careful with this weird weather we are having!!!!

"Love the life you life, live the life you love."

-unknown