fatherson
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Kris,
You are truly a gift from God. Your humor and your spirit are a blessing to all those around you (in person and via the internet). There’s that saying that it’s harder on the family than on the patient (I’m guessing it wasn’t a patient who said that one), but if that is true, I know that your attitude is the greatest gift you could ever give to Hans. And reading your postings makes us all feel a little better.
I’m sorry to read that your ultrasound found you on the wrong side of the “rock and a hard place”. You are the same age as me, so if you’re looking for some laughs this weekend, I recommend a blast from the past – Fast Times at Ridgmont High. I get a kick seeing Sean Penn, Anthony Edwards, and Eric Stoltz as stoner buds. And it’s funny to see 3 future best actor winners in the same teen movie.
Anyway, keep on crying in the shower if you feel the need. If nothing else, it saves on kleenex.
Wishing you the best,
RichardPatrice,
Thanks for your honesty. We all believe in something, whatever we want to call it or even if we call it anything. CC is truly a non-discriminatory disease. It judges not on religion, race, gender, nor apparently even age. The least that we can do is the same.
Patrice and Dave – you are most definitely in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard
Lisa
Fantastic news. Thanks for the update, gives us all hope. Did you do any specific type of radiation? We’re looking for something to help my dad. Thanks.
Richard
Fran,
Jacqueline’s words are just about the sweetest I have ever read. This is a testament to the wonderful family that formed from the loving bond between you and your husband. God bless.
Richard
Kris,
Good luck with everything. I did a double take when I read “pray I have gall stones”. I guess that’s literally being between a rock (“stone” to be precise) and a hard place.
Richard
Jo,
I don’t knowof anything specific for cc. However, for my dad, we give him glucerna (like ensure but with much less sugar), a protein bar, and last week at the hospital, we just found out about carnation instant breakfast juice drink. It works when the need for clear liquid diet arises, and it’s easier to go down than the ensure. I hope this helps a little bit.
If I may ask, what new trial is your sister waiting to be on?
Richard
Kath,
Thanks so much for your post. My mom and I are the primary caretakers for my dad and we are all having a difficult time right now. We kind of take the denial approach as well, shielding dad from the clinical information and stats that doctors give us. I have struggled with this decision as to whether we are doing the right thing, but dad seems to do better when he is in denial and mom says it’s for the best. Reading your post makes me think that what we are doing is for the best and we’re not the only ones doing it. Your dad definitely sounds like a “tough old bird” as you put it. I hope you and your family have a great 83 with him next week!
Richard
Fran,
Colin sounds amazing with his fighting spirit. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard
Jeff,
When I get down and start feeling sorry for me and my family, reading your postings gives me quick kick in the a$$. Thank you for showing everyone the power of attitude, humor, and courage. God bless you and your wife.
Richard
hi ersin. do you know if it is being done in taiwan as well? if so, do you know what hospitals in taiwan and/or china do the technique. thanks for any info you have.
Marions – Thanks again. I have seen the McCrea blog before. I actually go read it sometimes when I’m really down. If I recall, they were looking into a doctor in San Diego that does the treatment. We’re in LA, which is not too far, but were hoping to find someone local.
Bill – Thanks for the head’s up. I’ll do a search for Nicole and spheres.
– Richard
Thanks Marions. I can’t help but think that your good wishes helped do the trick. We got some better news right after I submitted my last posting.
RichardThanks so much to everyone who prayed for my dad Bill. The day actually got off to a really good start as the parascentesis was deemed unnecessary because his ascites had gone away through the low potency water pills. This was great news since it meant dad didn’t have to endure the pain of having a large needle placed in his abdomen to drain fluids. Next was the blood transfusion which went very smoothly also and the nurses were so super nice. Finally, came the biggie in the day which was the ERCP. We’ve been fortunate to have one of the most expert practitioners perform the procedure. This was supposed to be on an outpatient basis, but for some reason, dad’s bili level skyrocketed after and he was admitted overnight. He has not eaten/drank for about 36 hours and is being monitored with no estimate of discharge. Now they are talking about maybe having to do another ERCP immediately if his liver functions don’t show improvement. Again, the roller coaster of this disease. It seems like it’s always a couple small steps forward followed by a huge jump back. It’s difficult for me and obviously infinitely more difficult for my dad, but right now it really breaks my heart to watch my mom. I worry that the emotional and physical toll of the last 22 months is really starting to reach a head. and now we’re looking at the prospects of another procedure which likely means several days of recovery in the hospital, with mom in a folding cot by dad’s side.
…”roller coaster” doesn’t even do this disease justice. The doctor just came in and said that the ERCP specialist believes the bili spike is likely not something to worry about and is probably a result of normal debris/inflammation/clotting post-ERCP. In other words, if dad can tolerate liquids for the next few hours and doesn’t experience fever, significant pain or vomiting then he will be discharged this afternoon.
God works in mysterious ways. Just as I was about to hit “submit” to ask for another prayer the news got better.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you Jeff and Carol and Kris and Mary Anne and Fran and Marions and Eric and MissingU
Richard
Jeff/Bill,
Thanks for the info. I hope that my dad’s liver functions get better enough to at least have a chance to explore these options.
BTW, do either of you know of radiation oncologists in southern California that practice in SIR spheres or 3D conformal radiation. I was very surprised to hear that UCLA does not practice SIR spheres.
Richard
Carol,
That is such great news! It makes me feel better to hear, especially since my dad is going through a tough time right now, and i’m actually typing this at the hospital, sitting next to his bed. Thanks for the prayers.
Tell Charlie I’ll be rooting on our Cowboys tonight even though I won’t be able to watch the game.
Richard
