Today's News: Not so good
Today we received some disheartening news from the doctors at Fox Chase Cancer Center. They said that the good news is that there are no signs of "new" tumors. However, the bad news is that the current tumors have actually grown. They have grown slightly in size and have not shrunk. They also made it very clear that Pop's cancer is indeed incurable. They said that due to the metastatic lung disease, the best we can hope for is no new tumors and minimal growth of the current tumors. At this point, medically, there is no chance of remission.
He (the oncologist) actually told Pop that if he wanted to take a trip and do something special that he should do it now. Since Pop has no significant symptoms, he should enjoy his current quality of life. We should anticipate the current chemo treatment to be long in duration. As long as he tolerates the chemo, they will continue to treat Pop to prevent any further growth. Not, to shrink or disappear his current tumors. Pop was discouraged with this news as he was hoping that he was "all done" with chemo.
I'm trying to talk Pop into taking a trip to Florida or Puerto Rico this summer. However, I'm not sure that he can actually think clearly enough to make a decision at this point. Pop just wants to know "How much time do I have?" Of course, the doctors cannot answer this question since it's impossible to tell.
Pop will continue to receive the same chemo therapy for another eight weeks. After that, they will once again repeat the CT scan (scheduled for September 19th) to determine his progression.
Please call Pop and offer him words of encouragement. Please do not mention to him his prognosis or results, but rather offer him hope to continue in his battle.
Keep Pop in your prayers.
posted by Ron @ 8:18:00 PM
5 Comments:
This picture was taken last month when Jim, Tom, Danny and I took Pop to the Phillies game. The Mets decided to beat up on the Phillies that night. In spite of the loss, we had a great time with our dad.
To all you.
Throughout my life I consider that I had two sets of parents. For obvious reasons, Tio Gilberto and Titi Patria were my second set of parents.
Tio will continue to fight, because that's who he is. He was never one to give up. We will continue to pray, because that's who we are. God will continue to be in control, because that's who He is.
I pray for Jimbo, Tom, Ronzo, Aby, and Titi. That God may give you all strength. In times like this, we always know that all we really have to hang on to is two things: Prayer and Family.
Tio is indeed in Good Hands. My brother U has always said to me..."What better place to be than in the Hands of our Mighty God."
Thanks EC, for your kind words about Pop. You’re right, Pop still regrets that you never got drafted by the Phillies. When we went to the Phillies game last month, Bobby Abreu dropped a fly ball that he couldn’t get to. Pop’s response to all of us was, “Chicky would have caught that!”
He’s doing well right now. The doctors at Fox Chase have certainly not given up on him. They just encouraged him to do something fun since he’s still feeling well.
Thanks for the prayers-
Happy Moments, Praise God
Difficult Moments, Seek God
Quiet Moments, Worship God
Painful Moments, Trust God
Every Moment, Thank God
Our Prayers Are With You
Jeannie and David Tampa Fl.
I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Alzare mis ojos a los montes - de donde vendra mi socorro? Mi socorro viene de Jehova que hizo los cielos y la tierra. Salmo 121:1-2
We have not forgotten you in our prayers Gilbert.
Sonny & Mags
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