snowlady

Just when we expected to start round 2 of the Xeloda, the doctor did not like the results of the liver function test. Also, his bloodwork showed calcium was leaking into his blood. He received IV medication to try to reverse that process. It will be at least a week before we know if it worked. Based on those two things, the doctor can not continue to chemotherapy.

Dad is retaining a lot of fluid. His ankles and stomach are swollen. His lower legs are so tight they must be so uncomfortable for him. It looks like the liver is not producing the proteins necessary to break down what little water and food Dad was taking in. Due to that, the doctor recommended we just take Dad’s lead and not push for fluids–which in turn can cause dehydration. He is eating and drinking very little. To compound matters his mouth and throat are red and sore, which of course makes swallowing difficult. He did finish an entire Popscicle today which helped temporarily anyway.

What has been so difficult is the rapid progression of this disease and its side effects. It seems we can’t catch our breath from one thing before another hits. We were told that the only constant from this point forward would be change. Today was a little promising because Dad was less confused and could actually communicate. You never know what tomorrow will bring.