Chemo - Take 3

Yesterday, Dad and I met with his oncologist to discuss his health and the road ahead for treatments. The doctor seems to think that Dad is responding well to the treatments and that his condition is improving. Dad's lungs sound better and his cough has diminished. While we have to wait until next months for the tests to verify this, we consider this good news.

Dad received his third chemotherapy treatment after his doctor appointment. This process is becoming more familar to all of us. And even though he was at the hospital all day, Dad's spirits were still up in the evening to go out to dinner and do a little shopping.

Independence Day

(These signs have been up at Duke since we began treatment there. They were promoting smoke-free hospitals that went into effect July 4 - Independence Day. The signs read: "Beginning July 4, 2007, the use of tobacco products will not be permitted inside or outside any Duke Medicine hospital campus, outpatient facility, physicians or administrative offices, or medical and nursing schools. By providing a tobacco-free environment for our patients, visitors, physicians, and employees, we’re doing our part to promote health.")

Besides celebrating the 4th of July at a friend's BBQ, we had a busy week last week. Dad saw his surgeon on Thursday, got new x-rays, etc. This was a follow up from his leg surgery. The surgery was a success but Dad still has a lot of pain in his hip at the fusion site. This is normal for this type of surgery and continued exercise will help with this pain.

We also saw a new doctor who will function as Dad's primary care physician while he is here. It was just a checkup - but we did determine that Dad's heart has gone back into that irregular rhythm. They have adjusted his medicine and we will continue to monitor that situation.

We hope you all had a safe holiday!