Pop's latest appointment- January 29, 2008

Pop went for his oncology appointment today.

As you all probably know, Pop had a very difficult time with his last dose of chemo. He was very apprehensive about receiving it again.

Jim and I spoke with his doctors. His doctors were pretty adamant about continuing his chemo because of the location of his lung tumors. They are concerned that since one of his tumors is higher up in the lung fields, if it grows, it would cause breathing symptoms. They recommended giving him ¼ of the standard dose to see how he responds to it. We were all agreeable to this. So, Pop will resume his low dose chemo in two weeks.

Pop has been complaining of constant headaches. The doctors ordered an MRI of his brain (scheduled for this Thursday) to assure that the disease has not spread to his brain.
Pop’s spirits are low as he is very concerned about receiving more chemo. However, he understands the importance of it.

Pop’s birthday was yesterday. We all got together at his house and spend some time with him. If you get a chance, give Pop a call and wish him a Feliz Cumpleaňo.

Home from the hospital

Pop was admitted to Fox Chase hospital on Monday. He had severe abdominal pains and was vomiting. He was diagnosed with a bowel obstruction. They gave him some medicines for pan and the obstruction seemed to relive itself. They were considering surgery but it ended up that he didn’t require it.

The doctors aren’t sure if the bowel obstruction was due to the chemo therapy or if was due to scar tissue buildup (from his previous bowel resection surgery 4 years ago) or if it was just unexplained and coincidental. Regardless, they are stopping his chemo therapy for a week while he recovers.

I took him home this evening and he quickly went to bed for the night.

Pop will continues to receive magnesium infusions at home about three times a week.

Pop is in pretty good spirits and is just glad to be home.

He is very saddened by the recent death of his sister-in-law, Sara. Although she had been quite sick for some time, he took the news of her death very hard. He had hoped to take the trip to Florida for the funeral services. But, obviously, he will not be going. Mom and Patti will be leaving tomorrow for Florida to pay respects on behalf of our family.