When we took my father to the emergency two weeks ago, they had to do an MRI. When my father got back from the radiology room he started to cry and said, "they broke my arm... Oh My, they broke my arm!!!" Ever since he has been complaining about his arm hurting so much. Doctors kept saying that it is the disease and perhaps the positioning he was on while getting the MRI....
They have to turn him in bed so his skin can breath and his wounds heal. not too mention he needs to get cleaned.... turn here, turn there.... screams of pain... more painkillers... more crying, more pain...gggrrrr,... frustration...
Infections later, he had to be transferred to the ICU, as I spoke about in my last blog. We had asked many times if the doctors could do something about his arms, if perhaps it was broken? Finally last night an angel nurse said," this pain in the arm doesn't sound right, I am going to order an X-say of his arm"... What did they see?
A broken arm!!! Thanks Docs for neglecting my fathers pain and his word expressing a broken arm.
Can you imagine the pain? The pain of having a broken arm and people touching it and turn your whole body against it for almost two weeks? Unforgivable in my opinion...
A specialist came in and said that surgery would be too risky for him, and that his arm should heal with time. They cannot cast it because it is near the shoulder.... so they are trying to keep his arm stable, so that his bones can heal!
Aside from all this... dad sat on a recliner today. he suffered from pain as always, and he had to get a blood transfusion. He is off of the blood pressure meds and his blood pressure has been stable all day long! Good sign, hopefully he is fighting the infections well. (He's got two: staff infection, and e-coli).
The priest came to anoint him today and we had the entire family gathered around him, and we all called him OUR HERO... as he cried he look at my mom and said... No, She is MY HERO!!! Unforgettable moment and words!
My grandparents from mom's side got in town from Brazil today- so happy they are here!!
WE are sooo blessed for all our friends, i cannot even express how thankful we are for each and every single one of you. Thank you Loreci for your kind words and for bringing us dinner twice. Thank you to Sarah's family for making us delicious brownies, cookies and meat pies...Thank you for The Andueza family for bringing us dinner... And thank you for all of you have been showing support thru e-mails, messages, calls, hugs, prayers, thoughts, etc... You are all equally AMAZING! God bless you all!
We will take one day at a time and we will continue to pray for that sooo wanted miracle.
MUCH LOVE- XXXXXOXOXOXO
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
ICU.... (UTI)
Hi everyone. Just a few updates on dad. We have had very tough last three days.
Tuesday evening dad was transferred to the ICU. (Intensive care unit.) He has gotten an infection that has spread to his blood. It was causing his blood pressure to be dangerously low. We made the decision to take him to the ICU and try to treat this infection with a lot more monitoring.
Tuesday was a tough day... a day of sorrow, a day of fear... achey hearts. Luckily his sister was here as well, my Aunt Sandy and Nick. He was happy to see them. he was suffering a lot on tuesday.
Weds was a rough day as well in the ICU, we love his team here, they are very caring and very nice. Dad is on medication to control his blood pressure (to raise it) and is responding well to the minimum dosage. He has not had a fever again and is taking 4 different types of antibiotics. Yesterday he was a bit "offline" as i say it, but Doctor Barrett his oncologist came in and pretty much said there is nothing they can do for his cancer anymore... He said he wasn't closing all the doors, but in order for him to be able to even treat him with chemotherapy he would have to be very well and out of the hospital.... which he made it sound like it would be extremely unlikely. None of the less our faith still remains strong. Today me and my mom prayed the rosary twice.
Thursday- dad is feeling better today and for most of the morning he was off of the blood pressure medicine. Unfortunately he had to be on it again in the afternoon. He has eaten very little... a bit more each day. He feels better today, and he seems more peaceful. he is also with less pain, they have been able to control his pain a bit better... He is still on antibiotics and pain meds, along with fluids and all other kinds of stuff that...too much to write. But he is stable and today he told me he wanted to keep fighting... but he is tired... tired of pain, tired of suffering... he did say he wants to go home.
None of us want to see him suffer anymore... it is too painful to see....
he is resting a bit now... I will write on the blog again as I get more updates... for now our faith remains strong... and I will not mourn something that has not happened. We are focusing on the present, which is a gift from God- hence why it is called present. He allowed me to be with my dad today and we laughed together, cried together and prayed together... thank you God for all your gifts and may my Dad find peace and strength to keep fighting, if that is his will and Your will.
Tuesday evening dad was transferred to the ICU. (Intensive care unit.) He has gotten an infection that has spread to his blood. It was causing his blood pressure to be dangerously low. We made the decision to take him to the ICU and try to treat this infection with a lot more monitoring.
Tuesday was a tough day... a day of sorrow, a day of fear... achey hearts. Luckily his sister was here as well, my Aunt Sandy and Nick. He was happy to see them. he was suffering a lot on tuesday.
Weds was a rough day as well in the ICU, we love his team here, they are very caring and very nice. Dad is on medication to control his blood pressure (to raise it) and is responding well to the minimum dosage. He has not had a fever again and is taking 4 different types of antibiotics. Yesterday he was a bit "offline" as i say it, but Doctor Barrett his oncologist came in and pretty much said there is nothing they can do for his cancer anymore... He said he wasn't closing all the doors, but in order for him to be able to even treat him with chemotherapy he would have to be very well and out of the hospital.... which he made it sound like it would be extremely unlikely. None of the less our faith still remains strong. Today me and my mom prayed the rosary twice.
Thursday- dad is feeling better today and for most of the morning he was off of the blood pressure medicine. Unfortunately he had to be on it again in the afternoon. He has eaten very little... a bit more each day. He feels better today, and he seems more peaceful. he is also with less pain, they have been able to control his pain a bit better... He is still on antibiotics and pain meds, along with fluids and all other kinds of stuff that...too much to write. But he is stable and today he told me he wanted to keep fighting... but he is tired... tired of pain, tired of suffering... he did say he wants to go home.
None of us want to see him suffer anymore... it is too painful to see....
he is resting a bit now... I will write on the blog again as I get more updates... for now our faith remains strong... and I will not mourn something that has not happened. We are focusing on the present, which is a gift from God- hence why it is called present. He allowed me to be with my dad today and we laughed together, cried together and prayed together... thank you God for all your gifts and may my Dad find peace and strength to keep fighting, if that is his will and Your will.
Friday, October 15, 2010
miss information....
....is UNNECESSARY right now.
yesterday a doctor intern came in the room early in the morning when only my mom and dad were in the room and said she needed to speak to the family. My mom said 'there is no one here, just me and Philipp'. So she proceeded by asking questions such as 'you know the prognosis of his myeloma right? You are familiar with his situation right? I don't want to give you false hope...we are just doing radiation to make him comfortable." My dad looked at her crying and said "You are taking all my hopes away..." she said I'm sorry that is not what i want, i just want to keep you updated with your condition.... She left the room.... THANK God. I was at work and so was Jonathan. Vanessa was at the house with the grandparents. She calls me crying, you are not gonna believe what this doctor told mom and dad etc.... So i panic i leave work and head to the hospital. When at the hospital i walk in to find the whole family there. :) what a great family i have. I asked for them to call Doctor Perkins we would like to speak to his treating physician (oncologist). after an hour or so he came in and we explained what had happened in the morning and he sincerely apologize for that and said that what the Intern said is INCORRECT. They are giving him radiation to shrink tumor size and help control disease as well as to make him comfortable. They will still continue with chemotherapy next week and he said it seems dad's pain is less each day and that the movement of his feet had improved in one day. He told dad to keep up the good work. Dad was talking, had a big lunch and we were all so relieved to see him come in and show us that he is very hopeful and positive about all the treatment. He rested the remainder of the day and evening, and he an an "ensure" shake for dinner. (This is a protein shake)
We have had priest and pastors come in and pray with us. Our priest Father Dan prior to leaving said that he felt a wonderful connection with Philipp. :) The pastor came in later and before he left after saying his prayers he said I usually don't say this, but since the first time i came in this room I felt the presence of God. We know from others that there is a big chain of prayer from Nuns from all over North America, South America, and Europe praying for dad. We are so so so blessed...
I know today he is the same as yesterday, a little bit "out of it", with some pain. But one day at a time. I am confident he will be healed!
God bless all!
yesterday a doctor intern came in the room early in the morning when only my mom and dad were in the room and said she needed to speak to the family. My mom said 'there is no one here, just me and Philipp'. So she proceeded by asking questions such as 'you know the prognosis of his myeloma right? You are familiar with his situation right? I don't want to give you false hope...we are just doing radiation to make him comfortable." My dad looked at her crying and said "You are taking all my hopes away..." she said I'm sorry that is not what i want, i just want to keep you updated with your condition.... She left the room.... THANK God. I was at work and so was Jonathan. Vanessa was at the house with the grandparents. She calls me crying, you are not gonna believe what this doctor told mom and dad etc.... So i panic i leave work and head to the hospital. When at the hospital i walk in to find the whole family there. :) what a great family i have. I asked for them to call Doctor Perkins we would like to speak to his treating physician (oncologist). after an hour or so he came in and we explained what had happened in the morning and he sincerely apologize for that and said that what the Intern said is INCORRECT. They are giving him radiation to shrink tumor size and help control disease as well as to make him comfortable. They will still continue with chemotherapy next week and he said it seems dad's pain is less each day and that the movement of his feet had improved in one day. He told dad to keep up the good work. Dad was talking, had a big lunch and we were all so relieved to see him come in and show us that he is very hopeful and positive about all the treatment. He rested the remainder of the day and evening, and he an an "ensure" shake for dinner. (This is a protein shake)
We have had priest and pastors come in and pray with us. Our priest Father Dan prior to leaving said that he felt a wonderful connection with Philipp. :) The pastor came in later and before he left after saying his prayers he said I usually don't say this, but since the first time i came in this room I felt the presence of God. We know from others that there is a big chain of prayer from Nuns from all over North America, South America, and Europe praying for dad. We are so so so blessed...
I know today he is the same as yesterday, a little bit "out of it", with some pain. But one day at a time. I am confident he will be healed!
God bless all!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Latest news....
It's been a good while since i have written on the Blog...
We went to the Mayo Clinic and are back home... the visit was informative, yet painful... it was awful for dad to travel so many miles and back... But would like to thank Mike(my fiance) and his parents for having us over at their home in Arizona.
We got a new treatment proposal and have started the new cycle of Dexa, Velcade and Cytoxan.
Dad had to increase intake of morphine and methadone...
This past weekend on the 9th of October we had to call 911 and take dad to the emergency because he could not walk or feel his right leg, as a suggestion by the oncologist on call. And so we did.... 14 hour ordeal at the emergency and he was finally admitted to the Critical Care Oncology dept at MCV.
They have found massive tumors on his spine and ribs. One of which is compressing the spinal cord, causing him to be unable to feel or move his legs... right now it is unknown rather he will regain movement of his legs or not... They are treating him with intensive radiation therapy,, steroids and a lot of pain medication.
Because of all the heavy medication he is taking he is confused, tired, anxious, and weak. he has not been eating for the past 3 days. They are giving him alot of fluids, but so far he has not shown interest in eating. He cannot sit down and obviously not walk...
He had a couple rashes and bed sores on his back from laying in bed for so many days... Of course with that he also got muscle atrophy. Its been very hard to try to feed him and we are afraid to have to use feeding tube... :*****(
My grandfather and grandmother, his dad and wife are in town from Brazil. My grandad is 91 years old and I am so happy to see him again... Dad's sister comes in town Monday evening 18Th of October along with her husband uncle Nick.
We have been receiving support from all parts of the globe and we are soooooooooooo THANKFUL for all of our friends and family.... I cannot express how wonderful it is to have such amazing people in our lives.
We have received lots of love, calls, letters, cards, flowers,skype convos, hugs, food, cookies, fruits, friends giving rides, friends visiting at the hospital, friends that lend a shoulder for us to cry on, friends that cheer us on, friends that pray for us and with us, friends that bring communion to Dad.... we are so blessed and please know that every one of you holds a special place in our hearts....
KEEP PRAYING.... God will make a way....
We went to the Mayo Clinic and are back home... the visit was informative, yet painful... it was awful for dad to travel so many miles and back... But would like to thank Mike(my fiance) and his parents for having us over at their home in Arizona.
We got a new treatment proposal and have started the new cycle of Dexa, Velcade and Cytoxan.
Dad had to increase intake of morphine and methadone...
This past weekend on the 9th of October we had to call 911 and take dad to the emergency because he could not walk or feel his right leg, as a suggestion by the oncologist on call. And so we did.... 14 hour ordeal at the emergency and he was finally admitted to the Critical Care Oncology dept at MCV.
They have found massive tumors on his spine and ribs. One of which is compressing the spinal cord, causing him to be unable to feel or move his legs... right now it is unknown rather he will regain movement of his legs or not... They are treating him with intensive radiation therapy,, steroids and a lot of pain medication.
Because of all the heavy medication he is taking he is confused, tired, anxious, and weak. he has not been eating for the past 3 days. They are giving him alot of fluids, but so far he has not shown interest in eating. He cannot sit down and obviously not walk...
He had a couple rashes and bed sores on his back from laying in bed for so many days... Of course with that he also got muscle atrophy. Its been very hard to try to feed him and we are afraid to have to use feeding tube... :*****(
My grandfather and grandmother, his dad and wife are in town from Brazil. My grandad is 91 years old and I am so happy to see him again... Dad's sister comes in town Monday evening 18Th of October along with her husband uncle Nick.
We have been receiving support from all parts of the globe and we are soooooooooooo THANKFUL for all of our friends and family.... I cannot express how wonderful it is to have such amazing people in our lives.
We have received lots of love, calls, letters, cards, flowers,skype convos, hugs, food, cookies, fruits, friends giving rides, friends visiting at the hospital, friends that lend a shoulder for us to cry on, friends that cheer us on, friends that pray for us and with us, friends that bring communion to Dad.... we are so blessed and please know that every one of you holds a special place in our hearts....
KEEP PRAYING.... God will make a way....
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Back... a little happier...
So yesterday I was angry and had a moment of weakeness... but nothing like the day after...
We had a good time with dad last night, we had a lovely dinner with family and a beautiful strawberry cake for him. I will be posting some pictures hopefully tonight.
Yesterday dad started out bad... but I think he was happy to have had so much love from friends and family on his birthday. Thank you all for the calls, cards, prayers, thoughts, posts, e-mails, etc... He really felt touched and loved!
God bless all, and let's keep up the prayers, soon we will be flying to Arizona. We leave Richmond Sept. 29th. Crossing fingers for a great outcome from this visit!!! :)
We had a good time with dad last night, we had a lovely dinner with family and a beautiful strawberry cake for him. I will be posting some pictures hopefully tonight.
Yesterday dad started out bad... but I think he was happy to have had so much love from friends and family on his birthday. Thank you all for the calls, cards, prayers, thoughts, posts, e-mails, etc... He really felt touched and loved!
God bless all, and let's keep up the prayers, soon we will be flying to Arizona. We leave Richmond Sept. 29th. Crossing fingers for a great outcome from this visit!!! :)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Pain...
Today is a special day. It's Dad's BDAY! He is turning 57 today. All I wish was that he was feeling better... I wish he wasn't in so much pain. Dad woke up this morning and he is in extreme amounts of pain. Mom helped him shower so he could get ready... You would think most of us on our birthdays would be getting ready for a day full of life and surprises. Well dad is getting ready to go to the hospital to get chemo... :(
Please my God help him!! Give him strength and give him peace... We hate to see him suffer!!
I wish I had good news... but I dont... and I'm sorry I'm to hurt to write on this blog today.
Please my God help him!! Give him strength and give him peace... We hate to see him suffer!!
I wish I had good news... but I dont... and I'm sorry I'm to hurt to write on this blog today.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Goodness...
Hello everyone!! Sorry for slacking on my posts, been busy and was on vacation for some time.
Dad got blood taken out last Tuesday to check on the progression (hopefully) of the treatment. He had a good week last week, eating healthy and eating lots, which is excellent- :)
Thursday we had an appointment with Doc and I went with dad. Mom was anxious and decided to stay home. No need to be anxious though, because God is hearing our prayers!! YAYAY!!! According to the doctor dad is responding well to this chemotherapy, his protein levels are going back down, just the way they should. Being on the right path of treatment is so crucial right now. We want to kill as much of those naughty cells as we can, so he can proceed to have a bone marrow transplant! Which is our hope for a remission, and a long one, because God is good!
Dilemma- We will continue with this chemotherapy, even though it is a bit harsh on dad, but we are also going to Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona for a second medical opinion. The Mayo Clinic has many excellent doctors who focus on multiple myeloma and we hope that by their research and experience in the field they will be able to guide us towards that so wanted remission. On that note, dad has started the chemotherapy last Thursday more velcade and doxil. Monday he received Doxil and has been very tired and feeling pain, but we were expecting this to happen. We just hope he continues to eat and feel strong.
Jonathan called the Mayo Clinic yesterday (Tuesday) and spoke to a receptionists who gathered basic information about my dad and his situation. This information will be forward to the Hematology/Oncology department of the Mayo Clinic. They will assign dad with a doctor who will be contacting us and the current Doc within the next week or two to get more information and set up the appointment. We are anxious but glad we have decided to get that second opinion- I think in more serious illnesses one should always seek the most amount of knowledge as possible to receive the best outcome from treatment.
(Happy late B-day to Jonathan: He turned 28 on Sept 8th!!! :) )
The whole family is hopeful and we continue to pray and cheer for dad!
Florida was great, me and Mike had lots of fun with friends and enjoyed the nice weather and the beach. We now look forward to seeing Vo Montague & Maura, and Nick & Sandy to come visit in October. I haven't seen grandad in almost two years, he is 91 and I am so glad he is still healthy to make these long trips. Can't wait to spend some quality time with the family!!!
Daniel- went to see Daniel this past Monday, Sept 13th at the V.A. Hospital (Veterans Hospital)here in Richmond. He looks great and I was sooo happy to see him. At first I was hesitant to go, maybe anxiety? But he looks wonderful and he is even standing up during physical therapy. One thing I was really disappointed with was the actual Hospital. I have been in many types of hospitals before, but this one was extra depressing. I thought it was kind of dirty and not the best area of town, if you know what I mean. My question is why can't Daniel choose which hospital he wants to stay in? Why not stay in a private hospital where they have more assistance and better technology? Is it because the Government doesn't want to pay for it? Strange because this proud American has put his life at risk for the benefits of the country he loves and after all that he can't pick a hospital to get treatment? It just baffles me... Sorry for judging, but I just can't help to wonder and feel this way...(this is solely my opinion, not anyone else's- to make it clear.) I'M CHEERING FOR YOU DANIEL!!! You are a HERO- thanks!!
This is all for now- I will be back with more information in a couple days- maybe even tomorrow! God Bless Everyone!
FYI- Dad's birthday is coming up on September 20th!!! :D
Dad got blood taken out last Tuesday to check on the progression (hopefully) of the treatment. He had a good week last week, eating healthy and eating lots, which is excellent- :)
Thursday we had an appointment with Doc and I went with dad. Mom was anxious and decided to stay home. No need to be anxious though, because God is hearing our prayers!! YAYAY!!! According to the doctor dad is responding well to this chemotherapy, his protein levels are going back down, just the way they should. Being on the right path of treatment is so crucial right now. We want to kill as much of those naughty cells as we can, so he can proceed to have a bone marrow transplant! Which is our hope for a remission, and a long one, because God is good!
Dilemma- We will continue with this chemotherapy, even though it is a bit harsh on dad, but we are also going to Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona for a second medical opinion. The Mayo Clinic has many excellent doctors who focus on multiple myeloma and we hope that by their research and experience in the field they will be able to guide us towards that so wanted remission. On that note, dad has started the chemotherapy last Thursday more velcade and doxil. Monday he received Doxil and has been very tired and feeling pain, but we were expecting this to happen. We just hope he continues to eat and feel strong.
Jonathan called the Mayo Clinic yesterday (Tuesday) and spoke to a receptionists who gathered basic information about my dad and his situation. This information will be forward to the Hematology/Oncology department of the Mayo Clinic. They will assign dad with a doctor who will be contacting us and the current Doc within the next week or two to get more information and set up the appointment. We are anxious but glad we have decided to get that second opinion- I think in more serious illnesses one should always seek the most amount of knowledge as possible to receive the best outcome from treatment.
(Happy late B-day to Jonathan: He turned 28 on Sept 8th!!! :) )
The whole family is hopeful and we continue to pray and cheer for dad!
Florida was great, me and Mike had lots of fun with friends and enjoyed the nice weather and the beach. We now look forward to seeing Vo Montague & Maura, and Nick & Sandy to come visit in October. I haven't seen grandad in almost two years, he is 91 and I am so glad he is still healthy to make these long trips. Can't wait to spend some quality time with the family!!!
Daniel- went to see Daniel this past Monday, Sept 13th at the V.A. Hospital (Veterans Hospital)here in Richmond. He looks great and I was sooo happy to see him. At first I was hesitant to go, maybe anxiety? But he looks wonderful and he is even standing up during physical therapy. One thing I was really disappointed with was the actual Hospital. I have been in many types of hospitals before, but this one was extra depressing. I thought it was kind of dirty and not the best area of town, if you know what I mean. My question is why can't Daniel choose which hospital he wants to stay in? Why not stay in a private hospital where they have more assistance and better technology? Is it because the Government doesn't want to pay for it? Strange because this proud American has put his life at risk for the benefits of the country he loves and after all that he can't pick a hospital to get treatment? It just baffles me... Sorry for judging, but I just can't help to wonder and feel this way...(this is solely my opinion, not anyone else's- to make it clear.) I'M CHEERING FOR YOU DANIEL!!! You are a HERO- thanks!!
This is all for now- I will be back with more information in a couple days- maybe even tomorrow! God Bless Everyone!
FYI- Dad's birthday is coming up on September 20th!!! :D
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
I am back...
...was just taking a "vacation" from the blog. But I realize there are may people following it and wondering about it... and I wanted to THANK everyone for the support...
Last I spoke about new options perhaps or things that may help dad live a better everyday life.
We met with Karen, the nurse practitioner on Thursday August 19th. (we came to find out this past weekend, she attends our church as well- Saint Michael's- I thought it was neat to see her, she just had a surgery herself to remove skin cancer from her lip.) At the appointment we asked all the questions we had planned to ask. One was for physical therapist, and -guess what?- dad decides while I am asking her that he doesn't want physical therapy... GREAT!!! gr.. stubborn- he makes me angry sometimes... but OK... I will let it slide this time... lol
The other question was about 'Quadramet'- the radio active material to reduce pain in his bones- she said she will investigate on that and let us know next time we see the doctor, which is coming up Sept 9th. (I just can't believe it is September already!!)
Last question was pertaining to his red blood counts and bone marrow stimulants. I am so glad I asked- the same day he received a shot of it. This helped him for a couple days to feel more energy.
Their decision on treatment: Same, one more cycle of Velcade, Doxil, and Dexamethasone.
He started by doing velcade on the 19th. Last week he had doxil and velcade and this past Monday one more velcade. END of this cycle- THANK GOD!!
Dad is very weak right now. He was in bed 80% of the time last week- and this past weekend. He's been very nauseous, and very tired. He went two days without barely eating anything. Muscle atrophy is something we are very familiar with at this point. Dad's legs are skinnier then mine and he's lost more weight. Right now his weight is 62 Kilos or 136.5 pounds. His ideal weight should be at no less then 154 pounds. So we must work on adding those 20 pounds soon.
Although he is weak, and at times emotionally sensitive, he is sooooo incredibly strong- his faith, his strength is really something out of this WORLD. I thank God everyday for that.
I know this is taking a toll on all of us at home. If you never had anyone with a disease or disability at home you may not understand, but it takes a toll. WE are living with cancer, not just him- it is hard for some people to grasp that, unless they were going through the same thing. I know I would not be able to understand otherwise. We have our moments of great weaknesses. I try to live my life as normally as I can, but sometimes all of this hits me, and hits me hard inside.It is a feeling that I cannot describe- pure sadness- emptiness... It rips you inside. I carry this problem with me in my heart everywhere I go. I go to bed with it, I wake up with it, I exercise, eat, breath, drink, smile, party, work, live with it. But I let it out by crying, by praying- So I consider myself one of the luckiest persons alive.
I am so lucky because I have friends, family, love, support, faith... I am so lucky to be able to be next to my parents thru this. I am sooo lucky to be able to help as much as I can... I am so lucky to have people all around me that understand and want to help! I am lucky because during this journey I have met new friends- nurses, cancer patients, doctors, friends of friends, coworkers, people I wouldn't otherwise be blessed to know.... People that really make a difference in others lives. I have found inspiration, and motivation... So if you ask me how lucky I am, I would say I am so incredibly blessed! I think sometimes we are too busy with our everyday lives to count our blessings and thank God. But if we take a moment and think of our lives- do we recognize all of the blessings? They are all around us, as a matter of fact, WE are blessings...
Dad will draw blood next Tuesday to find out if the chemo has been effective or not, then Thursday we will find out from the doc what is next... He will have at least a 10 day break from the chemotherapy- time to renew, eat, exercise and get strong again!!!
KEEP praying!! - I will be going to Florida for the long weekend with Mike. But I will try and make a few more posts by the end of the week.
I just spoke with dad and he is feeling better then yesterday- See!!!! - Another blessing!!
Last I spoke about new options perhaps or things that may help dad live a better everyday life.
We met with Karen, the nurse practitioner on Thursday August 19th. (we came to find out this past weekend, she attends our church as well- Saint Michael's- I thought it was neat to see her, she just had a surgery herself to remove skin cancer from her lip.) At the appointment we asked all the questions we had planned to ask. One was for physical therapist, and -guess what?- dad decides while I am asking her that he doesn't want physical therapy... GREAT!!! gr.. stubborn- he makes me angry sometimes... but OK... I will let it slide this time... lol
The other question was about 'Quadramet'- the radio active material to reduce pain in his bones- she said she will investigate on that and let us know next time we see the doctor, which is coming up Sept 9th. (I just can't believe it is September already!!)
Last question was pertaining to his red blood counts and bone marrow stimulants. I am so glad I asked- the same day he received a shot of it. This helped him for a couple days to feel more energy.
Their decision on treatment: Same, one more cycle of Velcade, Doxil, and Dexamethasone.
He started by doing velcade on the 19th. Last week he had doxil and velcade and this past Monday one more velcade. END of this cycle- THANK GOD!!
Dad is very weak right now. He was in bed 80% of the time last week- and this past weekend. He's been very nauseous, and very tired. He went two days without barely eating anything. Muscle atrophy is something we are very familiar with at this point. Dad's legs are skinnier then mine and he's lost more weight. Right now his weight is 62 Kilos or 136.5 pounds. His ideal weight should be at no less then 154 pounds. So we must work on adding those 20 pounds soon.
Although he is weak, and at times emotionally sensitive, he is sooooo incredibly strong- his faith, his strength is really something out of this WORLD. I thank God everyday for that.
I know this is taking a toll on all of us at home. If you never had anyone with a disease or disability at home you may not understand, but it takes a toll. WE are living with cancer, not just him- it is hard for some people to grasp that, unless they were going through the same thing. I know I would not be able to understand otherwise. We have our moments of great weaknesses. I try to live my life as normally as I can, but sometimes all of this hits me, and hits me hard inside.It is a feeling that I cannot describe- pure sadness- emptiness... It rips you inside. I carry this problem with me in my heart everywhere I go. I go to bed with it, I wake up with it, I exercise, eat, breath, drink, smile, party, work, live with it. But I let it out by crying, by praying- So I consider myself one of the luckiest persons alive.
I am so lucky because I have friends, family, love, support, faith... I am so lucky to be able to be next to my parents thru this. I am sooo lucky to be able to help as much as I can... I am so lucky to have people all around me that understand and want to help! I am lucky because during this journey I have met new friends- nurses, cancer patients, doctors, friends of friends, coworkers, people I wouldn't otherwise be blessed to know.... People that really make a difference in others lives. I have found inspiration, and motivation... So if you ask me how lucky I am, I would say I am so incredibly blessed! I think sometimes we are too busy with our everyday lives to count our blessings and thank God. But if we take a moment and think of our lives- do we recognize all of the blessings? They are all around us, as a matter of fact, WE are blessings...
Dad will draw blood next Tuesday to find out if the chemo has been effective or not, then Thursday we will find out from the doc what is next... He will have at least a 10 day break from the chemotherapy- time to renew, eat, exercise and get strong again!!!
KEEP praying!! - I will be going to Florida for the long weekend with Mike. But I will try and make a few more posts by the end of the week.
I just spoke with dad and he is feeling better then yesterday- See!!!! - Another blessing!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Family visit...
**If that 'ain't' love, then I dont know what love is...**
*****Cheers!!!!******
***Goofball!!- Clive***
We had the pleasure of having Uncle Clive(dad's brother) and cousin Dudo in town for the weekend, they came to the US for business and stopped by Richmond for three days to spend time with us. Clive is funny, so we had our share of laughter this past weekend! :D
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DAD:
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Dad had an Ok weekend. Had moments of weakeness- he is very anemic. He wants to just lay down and sleep... But he was able to walk around the house, get on his office, and even left the house- on sunday we went to Williamsburg for a bit- he had to leave early, in pain! It was worth going, we had a great lunch together and spent time with family. It is good to see my dad out of the house!! He had pain, he was a bit nauseas,and he had a blister in his mouth and nose- this is taking quite a long time to heal, because his immune system is so impaired!
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THIS is the situation- dad is very anemic and he is weak. So I have spoken with Gamal, Minerva and my mom and discovered that there might be things he could be doing to help him raise his red blood counts. If dad's kidneys are working perfectly- which they seem to be, he can get an injection known as bone marrow stimulant- This helps the production of red blood counts. He can also get injectable B-12, which also helps in production of red blood counts and will boost his energy. So thursday when we go for the doctors appointment we will discuss such things.
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For the pain there is something called 'Quadramet'- radio active material- that can help decrease bone pain tremendously. Which is GREAT news- however this causes immune suppression, therefore his blood counts have to be at least close to 'normal'. MCV has a nuclear medicine department and we will also ask the doctor about Quadramet.
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Another point we will bring up will be for my dad to be more closely monitored. This is very important in his situation. We want to request a physical terrapist to come over the house three times a week and work with him, building his muscles and doing exercises that are sensitive enough yet provide him with more strenght. EXERCISE is essential to fight cancer!!
Until Thursday we will have no answer if any of these things can or will be done. But I sure know I won't be giving up on the ideas that quickly. I will gather facts and information and do the best I can to help him.
DANIEL:
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Daniel's ultimte decision is to keep his leg! :D I am so happy for that!
He is however in great amounts of pain. :( We will keep praying and thinking about him! He is strong and him and Vanessa make a wonderful couple!!!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Believe and continue the fight...
Dad
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Tuesday: Dad received chemotherapy today, even though he was very weak. We got results back from blood test and everything seems OK with his kidneys and pancreas, however the Protein count (cancerous cells) went up again from 3,900 to 4,700. He was at 7,000 when he was diagnosed and he's been down to 1,000 at the beginning of this year. This means chemotherapy he is currently taking is not doing the trick. His body is not responding to the chemo. What does that mean? We will be visiting the doctor on August 19Th to find out what the next approach is. Dad went back home from hospital and went straight to bed... He did not eat or drank anything and was nearly unresponsive. he slept all afternoon... We were thinking the next day we must take him to the hospital, he's in bad shape.
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So me and my mom decided to light up a candle and pray to Mother Mary- Our Lady of Fatima. With great faith we prayed and asked for her to bless and help dad...
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Wednesday: Miracles do happen! Thank you Mother Mary!!! Dad woke up another person, had a big breakfast, was walking around, talking to friends and family on skype and he sounded absolutely normal. He even watched part of Evan Almighty- funny movie- and was laughing...so good to see him like that!! If you were to see him Tuesday night and then on weds you would not believe that this was the same person... I hope more people BELIEVE, because it is just so pure, so amazing and so beautiful... I witnessed a miracle so from now on we will keep praying to Our Lady of Fatima by the use of the Rosary
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One of the three children who reported the Our Lady of Fátima messages stated that she was told by the Virgin Mary: "There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary."
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Daniel
Daniel has received his Purple Heart and is in stable condition. His hand grafting went well and it will take approx. a month to heal and they have put artificial skin on his leg to cover the wounds... he is still in alot of pain, but it is being controlled with pain killers. He still has many procedures ahead of him, so we keep on praying and thinking about him constantly.
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Tuesday: Dad received chemotherapy today, even though he was very weak. We got results back from blood test and everything seems OK with his kidneys and pancreas, however the Protein count (cancerous cells) went up again from 3,900 to 4,700. He was at 7,000 when he was diagnosed and he's been down to 1,000 at the beginning of this year. This means chemotherapy he is currently taking is not doing the trick. His body is not responding to the chemo. What does that mean? We will be visiting the doctor on August 19Th to find out what the next approach is. Dad went back home from hospital and went straight to bed... He did not eat or drank anything and was nearly unresponsive. he slept all afternoon... We were thinking the next day we must take him to the hospital, he's in bad shape.
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So me and my mom decided to light up a candle and pray to Mother Mary- Our Lady of Fatima. With great faith we prayed and asked for her to bless and help dad...
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Wednesday: Miracles do happen! Thank you Mother Mary!!! Dad woke up another person, had a big breakfast, was walking around, talking to friends and family on skype and he sounded absolutely normal. He even watched part of Evan Almighty- funny movie- and was laughing...so good to see him like that!! If you were to see him Tuesday night and then on weds you would not believe that this was the same person... I hope more people BELIEVE, because it is just so pure, so amazing and so beautiful... I witnessed a miracle so from now on we will keep praying to Our Lady of Fatima by the use of the Rosary
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One of the three children who reported the Our Lady of Fátima messages stated that she was told by the Virgin Mary: "There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary."
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Daniel
Daniel has received his Purple Heart and is in stable condition. His hand grafting went well and it will take approx. a month to heal and they have put artificial skin on his leg to cover the wounds... he is still in alot of pain, but it is being controlled with pain killers. He still has many procedures ahead of him, so we keep on praying and thinking about him constantly.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Its been a while....
...since I last updated the blog- sorry everyone- I needed a break- I needed to re-energize myself- was having moments of weakness...
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Dad-
Friday: He went to the hospital to have chemotherapy, he was still having pain, however the new approach to controlling his pain is working better for him.
Saturday: We all had dinner together and hung out at home together- I fell asleep on couch at 10:00 pm, so I am not sure about the rest of the night- but how great it was to finally get some rest!!!
Sunday: Dad woke up with good spirits, a little "drugged up", sometimes he makes no sense, but it is funny- you have to have fun with your situation- at least try to. Jonathan, Sarah, Me, Mike, Nessa, mom and dad all went to Lake Anna to spend a couple hours on dad's new boat!! It was scary at first to take him out there, since he is a bit weak and fragile, but with great care we were able to be out on the boat for a good hour and half. We stopped by Lake Anna Cabana Restaurant for some fish and chips- dad's fave!! and it was delicious, aside from the hour wait to be seated and me almost passing out from heat exhaustion- that was really scary. I have low blood pressure and sometimes I cannot take heat for long periods of time. But a little bit of salt and lots of water later I was feeling like new!! Mom and dad left right after lunch around 3:00, it was already a long day for dad, but he had a good time. I will post some pictures here soon of our adventure.
The boat failed on us right after they left- isn't it amazing how things happen at the right time? We called Bass Pro Shop, where the boat was purchased at and they said there is a recall on the part that failed on the engine. We had to leave- oops no water tubing this time- maybe next weekend...
We all were exhausted by the end of the night and got some rest.
Monday: Dad woke up with just a little bit of pain, but he was shaking, his urine was dark, and he was feeling light headed- We arranged to take him to the doctor at noon- He went and they did an extensive blood test and gave him lots of IV fluids- I was suspecting he was very dehydrated. They say the pain near his stomach and chest may be a pancreas inflammation- a side effect from the new chemotherapy (Doxil). We are waiting for blood test results which will come today- Tuesday- when dad goes in for more chemotherapy. Until then we keep on praying and staying positive!!
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Staying positive is the way to go. I have been having a really hard time the past few weeks with everything that is going on. I had several break downs (away from dad), but I was able to lift my head again- thanks to the AMAZING support of friends and family. I think that aside from praying one must stay positive and try their best to see the positive in every situation as hard as that may be.
If my Dad can go everyday being positive, I think any of us can do the same. His strength, his belief and his positive spirit is something out of this world. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! So thank you Dad for teaching us something everyday, and for sharing this with so many. We all look up to you and I just pray that I will one day be as incredible as you are. I love you!!
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Daniel-
Last week they found a blood clot in his right leg(the good leg) and also found fluid pockets. They took care of it and gave him blood thinner for a couple days. This past weekend he was coughing a lot and having a hard time breathing, they suspect the blood clot went to one of his lungs. However he is now stable and able to breath normally.
Daniel was in the OR (operating room) for nearly 12 hours yesterday. They did his hand grafting and worked on his left leg some. We still do not know what the decision is for his leg. But I will keep everyone posted. I will try to update blog everyday.
Today- Tuesday, Vanessa went back to Maryland to see him, he will be receiving his 'Purple Heart' today. The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military.
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Purple heart:
Type: Medal
Eligibility: Military Personnel
Awarded for: "Being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces"
Thanks to all of the Heroes! Stay strong Daniel. We love you!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Difficult days...
DAD- He's been on chronic pain, and yesterday it was extra painful. He woke up with so much pain, he couldn't move. Breakfast in bed it was... After a little while he was able to get up and go to the hospital for his Chemotherapy. While in the hospital they had to inject him twice with morphine to control his severe pain, which is now located on his chest and legs. He had an OK evening. The nurse asked him to take Advil as well, because it "may" be an inflammation. You see, I am not OK with the "MAY BE this" "May be that" analogy anymore... I want answers- "Maybe" they should take a closer look? run exams? As much as I am terrified of hospitals I think my dad could benefit being hospitalized, so they can see for themselves the pain he goes through everyday and "maybe" they will run more tests on him to help control his pain...
Gamal (Mike's dad) suggested a PET scan.--Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique which produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body. (he is a nuclear medicine doctor and works with PET scans on many cancer patients.) He said my dad may benefit from this, since we do not know the cause of his pain, this may give some answers.
They made an appointment for him finally with a Pain Management Team this coming Thursday. Alleluia! Let's just hope they may have some answers... we wait anxiously...
DANIEL- Is making a decision about his leg today. To salvage or to amputate? This has got to be one of the hardest decisions one has to make... I couldn't even begin imagining. I ask God to give him guidance during this difficult time and that he may make the right decision...
Daniel, no matter what the decision is, we will be here to fully support you... we continue to think about you everyday and I can't wait to see you. Stay strong and soon you will be good again! Sending much love and positive energy your way!!
Gamal (Mike's dad) suggested a PET scan.--Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique which produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body. (he is a nuclear medicine doctor and works with PET scans on many cancer patients.) He said my dad may benefit from this, since we do not know the cause of his pain, this may give some answers.
They made an appointment for him finally with a Pain Management Team this coming Thursday. Alleluia! Let's just hope they may have some answers... we wait anxiously...
DANIEL- Is making a decision about his leg today. To salvage or to amputate? This has got to be one of the hardest decisions one has to make... I couldn't even begin imagining. I ask God to give him guidance during this difficult time and that he may make the right decision...
Daniel, no matter what the decision is, we will be here to fully support you... we continue to think about you everyday and I can't wait to see you. Stay strong and soon you will be good again! Sending much love and positive energy your way!!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Good weekend... good old friends....
DAD- Started his new cycle of chemotherapy this past Friday. He questioned the doctor about his pain in the legs, so he decided to take a look at X-rays from two weeks ago and said they do not see any fractures, and that they don't even see any spots- no spread of disease- GOOD news!!! We will hopefully do more tests to find out why he has so much pain in his legs. The nurse said it may be a side effect of Doxil- the new chemotherapy he just started with. He is still monitoring his pain on daily basis with Methadone and Morphine.
He has been taking Decadron- steroid - as part of his treatment- I call it the "talkative pill"- ha ha, if you were around him when he is on it you would understand why I call it that...
Unfortunately mom and dad were unable to attend Karina's wedding this past Saturday(which was absolutely beautiful!!), and speaking on the behalf of everyone, they were greatly missed. However they had the visit of Cristina & Gerson Assman, Jacque & Roberto Seibel, and Tina & Jorge Jorge for lunch on Sunday. It is so amazing to have friends you know will be there no matter what life brings you... WE are blessed to have them and it was just like old times. Friends you may not speak to everyday or even every month or year, but you can just sit down with them and pick it up where you left off last time...
I was very pleased to know that we have friends from all over the world following this blog and praying and cheering for my father. Thank you Gerson for forwarding this to so many!! And thank you everyone for the amazing support!
We will all be missing the ones who left us behind in good OLE' RICHMOND... ;) So hurry and come back soon!!
DANIEL- Is out of ICU. It seems like there might be hope for him to salvage his leg. Doctors are meeting up to chat and make a decision, which hopefully will take place this week. He will be doing skin grafting on his left hand and his face is looking good, no major scars. We are all praying for Daniel's full recovery! Stay strong Daniel we love you!!!
He has been taking Decadron- steroid - as part of his treatment- I call it the "talkative pill"- ha ha, if you were around him when he is on it you would understand why I call it that...
Unfortunately mom and dad were unable to attend Karina's wedding this past Saturday(which was absolutely beautiful!!), and speaking on the behalf of everyone, they were greatly missed. However they had the visit of Cristina & Gerson Assman, Jacque & Roberto Seibel, and Tina & Jorge Jorge for lunch on Sunday. It is so amazing to have friends you know will be there no matter what life brings you... WE are blessed to have them and it was just like old times. Friends you may not speak to everyday or even every month or year, but you can just sit down with them and pick it up where you left off last time...
I was very pleased to know that we have friends from all over the world following this blog and praying and cheering for my father. Thank you Gerson for forwarding this to so many!! And thank you everyone for the amazing support!
We will all be missing the ones who left us behind in good OLE' RICHMOND... ;) So hurry and come back soon!!
DANIEL- Is out of ICU. It seems like there might be hope for him to salvage his leg. Doctors are meeting up to chat and make a decision, which hopefully will take place this week. He will be doing skin grafting on his left hand and his face is looking good, no major scars. We are all praying for Daniel's full recovery! Stay strong Daniel we love you!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
News...
Daniel
...is on his way home from Germany. He will be here (Maryland) this evening- we keep on praying for his recovery. He is truly a Hero, like all the men out there fighting to end terrorism!!! :D
Dad
...had an OK weekend. We had a very eventful one. Went to the Jorge's house on Friday for Nina's very first birthday party. It was great seeing friends and family, but dad left early because of pain.
Saturday we had my engagement celebration at my parents house and it was FABULOUS. We worked hard and it all worked so well. A BIG, HUGE thank you for you MOM- you did most of the work and made sure this was a special moment for me and Mike--- I love you sooo much...
Dad made a beautiful speech, I hope I will be able to share this on here as well soon. It was just so meaningful and beautiful- THANK YOU DAD--- you are the best! Mike's dad gave a great speech as well and said "PHILIPP, you WILL be here to see your grandchildren grow!!!" Oh tears... but happy ones...
Dad was ok for most of the time, he got tired after some time and went to lay down and get some rest. His legs have been hurting alot.
So far this week he is feeling no nausea, just pain--- :( But he is strong, and will remain strong. Friday he is due for chemotherapy- start of a new cycle. The cycle that WILL cure him... God please heal my father!!
That is it for now- I will have more good news coming soon---- after all, we are praying for that, aren't we?
...is on his way home from Germany. He will be here (Maryland) this evening- we keep on praying for his recovery. He is truly a Hero, like all the men out there fighting to end terrorism!!! :D
Dad
...had an OK weekend. We had a very eventful one. Went to the Jorge's house on Friday for Nina's very first birthday party. It was great seeing friends and family, but dad left early because of pain.
Saturday we had my engagement celebration at my parents house and it was FABULOUS. We worked hard and it all worked so well. A BIG, HUGE thank you for you MOM- you did most of the work and made sure this was a special moment for me and Mike--- I love you sooo much...
Dad made a beautiful speech, I hope I will be able to share this on here as well soon. It was just so meaningful and beautiful- THANK YOU DAD--- you are the best! Mike's dad gave a great speech as well and said "PHILIPP, you WILL be here to see your grandchildren grow!!!" Oh tears... but happy ones...
Dad was ok for most of the time, he got tired after some time and went to lay down and get some rest. His legs have been hurting alot.
So far this week he is feeling no nausea, just pain--- :( But he is strong, and will remain strong. Friday he is due for chemotherapy- start of a new cycle. The cycle that WILL cure him... God please heal my father!!
That is it for now- I will have more good news coming soon---- after all, we are praying for that, aren't we?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Praying for you DANIEL...
We are with you Daniel, in thought and in prayer... be strong...
And see you soon....we LOVE you!
Thank you for being a HERO!!
When it rains, it pours...
... but sun will soon shine again...
Yesterday dad had a good day overall. His legs are hurting him now, but he got out of bed, even left the house!!- :)
We have a lot to look forward to this weekend... I went to the mall with Nessa to find a dress, we had so much fun...until we got home...
Bad news- not from dad but from Vanessa's dear boyfriend who is in the U.S. Marines, fighting the war in Afghanistan. We received a phone call from his parents yesterday saying Daniel was hit by a bomb. :*( There are three stages- injured, serious condition, and critical condition. Daniel is in serious condition and is flying to Germany at the moment to seek medical help. We don't know too much yet... So today and for the next few weeks we will be praying for Daniel's full recovery and for his family- that they may find comfort and strength in the hands of God.
We are all in shock, but trying to be strong for one another... so much going... Now I understand the saying- "when it rains, it pours"...
But I know there is a reason for it all... and I know happy days are coming our way...
Yesterday dad had a good day overall. His legs are hurting him now, but he got out of bed, even left the house!!- :)
We have a lot to look forward to this weekend... I went to the mall with Nessa to find a dress, we had so much fun...until we got home...
Bad news- not from dad but from Vanessa's dear boyfriend who is in the U.S. Marines, fighting the war in Afghanistan. We received a phone call from his parents yesterday saying Daniel was hit by a bomb. :*( There are three stages- injured, serious condition, and critical condition. Daniel is in serious condition and is flying to Germany at the moment to seek medical help. We don't know too much yet... So today and for the next few weeks we will be praying for Daniel's full recovery and for his family- that they may find comfort and strength in the hands of God.
We are all in shock, but trying to be strong for one another... so much going... Now I understand the saying- "when it rains, it pours"...
But I know there is a reason for it all... and I know happy days are coming our way...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Updates...
Dear friends and family, I want to first thank you for the continuous prayers... Prayer is so powerful and it is pulling us through.
Pain- The usual, but for the most part he is feeling no pain. The pain in his back has never gone away, so that is still there, but it is under control with medicine.
Nausea- He has been nauseous all week so far, but he has not vomited, and he has been eating really well. Mom made shrimp with pasta last night- DELICIOUS.
Chemotherapy- Yesterday he went to the hospital to get chemotherapy, but was unable to be given any. This would have been the last injection of this cycle. The reason why he could not get any is because his blood platelet count was way too low. This is also known as Thrombocytopenia. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that play an important role in blood clotting. Platelets stop blood loss by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel holes.
His new treatment has been known to cause thrombocytopenia in patients. The nurse called this morning saying he will only go back to receive chemo again on the 30th. Which we think he will be starting a new cycle of chemo. His blood should go back to normal as we go. Everything else in terms of blood counts have improved since last week- so yay!!
Physiotherapy?? - I am trying to convince my dad that he needs to do some physiotherapy. He has been in bed most of the time for the past week or so, causing muscle atrophy- lost alot of his muscles, his legs are too thin, which makes him weak. I know exercise is extremely important when treating cancer as well. So let's cross our fingers he will agree to see a physiotherapist.
We do not know yet how the cancer is responding to the treatment, but we continue to think positive... We keep playing the ball forward- attacking... and hopefully soon score a goal!
Pain- The usual, but for the most part he is feeling no pain. The pain in his back has never gone away, so that is still there, but it is under control with medicine.
Nausea- He has been nauseous all week so far, but he has not vomited, and he has been eating really well. Mom made shrimp with pasta last night- DELICIOUS.
Chemotherapy- Yesterday he went to the hospital to get chemotherapy, but was unable to be given any. This would have been the last injection of this cycle. The reason why he could not get any is because his blood platelet count was way too low. This is also known as Thrombocytopenia. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that play an important role in blood clotting. Platelets stop blood loss by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel holes.
His new treatment has been known to cause thrombocytopenia in patients. The nurse called this morning saying he will only go back to receive chemo again on the 30th. Which we think he will be starting a new cycle of chemo. His blood should go back to normal as we go. Everything else in terms of blood counts have improved since last week- so yay!!
Physiotherapy?? - I am trying to convince my dad that he needs to do some physiotherapy. He has been in bed most of the time for the past week or so, causing muscle atrophy- lost alot of his muscles, his legs are too thin, which makes him weak. I know exercise is extremely important when treating cancer as well. So let's cross our fingers he will agree to see a physiotherapist.
We do not know yet how the cancer is responding to the treatment, but we continue to think positive... We keep playing the ball forward- attacking... and hopefully soon score a goal!
Monday, July 19, 2010
God will make a way...
God is good.
For the first time this past Saturday I heard my dad say "I feel no pain"- need I to explain how happy that made me feel inside? God hears our prayers and fills our lives with miracles and goodness everyday... Dad has been laying off on the morphine since Friday evening and is feeling no pain!!!! I continue to ask God to help my dad...and thank everyone from the heart for all the prayers...
Unfortunately he has been feeling nauseous since Sunday. Chemotherapy-- why can't they find remedy without harsh side effects? ...He seems to be OK so far this Monday...
You know I came across some people who said "Oh that is such a horrible disease, I am so sorry, that is terrible".... bla bla bla... STOP! Granted this is a hard disease to treat you don't have to talk as if there should be no hope. We do not care what science books say, or what life expectancy the Internet may provide you with... This is my dad, and clearly some people do not understand that he is a fighter, and that we are here with hope and with faith and with a smile on our face... we will beat this beast... I know I can talk for myself, I don't want peoples pity without hope, or negative comments....NO I just want reassurance, hope, smile... because HE IS ALIVE and HE IS WELL and HE IS FIGHTING... Can't people show sympathy in a hoping way? (this does not apply to anyone who is reading this blog, so don't worry ;) Sorry, I get frustrated sometimes...)
Speaking of HOPE... me and my family do a prayer from a Brazilian channel. It is 30 minutes long and it is everyday. Its called the NOVENA DOS FILHOS DO PAI ETERNO. You pray for a week as a cycle of prayers, then you start again the following week with another one... Just a continuous prayer... It is so good. They show testimony of people who have received God's mercy and grace in their lives. Yesterday a woman gave her testimony- She was suffering from bone cancer and plasma cell cancer. She was doing the NOVENA everyday...She got a bone marrow transplant and is now CURED- even doctors can't believe that she is cured... I question, is this God giving us an answer? A sign? Regardless, we continue to BELIEVE...
Some may call this coincidence... I call this the working hands of a LOVING GOD!
I have a feeling this will be a great week!! :D
God will make a way....
For the first time this past Saturday I heard my dad say "I feel no pain"- need I to explain how happy that made me feel inside? God hears our prayers and fills our lives with miracles and goodness everyday... Dad has been laying off on the morphine since Friday evening and is feeling no pain!!!! I continue to ask God to help my dad...and thank everyone from the heart for all the prayers...
Unfortunately he has been feeling nauseous since Sunday. Chemotherapy-- why can't they find remedy without harsh side effects? ...He seems to be OK so far this Monday...
You know I came across some people who said "Oh that is such a horrible disease, I am so sorry, that is terrible".... bla bla bla... STOP! Granted this is a hard disease to treat you don't have to talk as if there should be no hope. We do not care what science books say, or what life expectancy the Internet may provide you with... This is my dad, and clearly some people do not understand that he is a fighter, and that we are here with hope and with faith and with a smile on our face... we will beat this beast... I know I can talk for myself, I don't want peoples pity without hope, or negative comments....NO I just want reassurance, hope, smile... because HE IS ALIVE and HE IS WELL and HE IS FIGHTING... Can't people show sympathy in a hoping way? (this does not apply to anyone who is reading this blog, so don't worry ;) Sorry, I get frustrated sometimes...)
Speaking of HOPE... me and my family do a prayer from a Brazilian channel. It is 30 minutes long and it is everyday. Its called the NOVENA DOS FILHOS DO PAI ETERNO. You pray for a week as a cycle of prayers, then you start again the following week with another one... Just a continuous prayer... It is so good. They show testimony of people who have received God's mercy and grace in their lives. Yesterday a woman gave her testimony- She was suffering from bone cancer and plasma cell cancer. She was doing the NOVENA everyday...She got a bone marrow transplant and is now CURED- even doctors can't believe that she is cured... I question, is this God giving us an answer? A sign? Regardless, we continue to BELIEVE...
Some may call this coincidence... I call this the working hands of a LOVING GOD!
I have a feeling this will be a great week!! :D
God will make a way....
Thursday, July 15, 2010
God has a meaning....
Things don't just happen for absolutely no reason. God knows the reason, even though we have a hard time seeing it... For example, Tuesday while it took forever to get pain killers at the hospital, a doctor came in and told my dad that maybe he should go on morphine for some time. Since then he is feeling better... So when things are bad, know that there is also something good coming... Things happen because they are meant to happen...I don't believe in coincidence. I personally think its weak to believe in it...
So...Dad had a much better day yesterday and so far even better today. Seems like morphine is really doing the trick for him. He even got out of bed today... With some help. His legs are a bit weak. Amazing how quickly you can lose your muscles... only three days in bed...But he will try and walk a bit today... start building those muscles back...
We keep on cheering him on.
We never lose hope, and faith, even in times of despair...
And that is the key to survive in life...
Hope I can continue to post more good news the weeks to come...
So...Dad had a much better day yesterday and so far even better today. Seems like morphine is really doing the trick for him. He even got out of bed today... With some help. His legs are a bit weak. Amazing how quickly you can lose your muscles... only three days in bed...But he will try and walk a bit today... start building those muscles back...
We keep on cheering him on.
We never lose hope, and faith, even in times of despair...
And that is the key to survive in life...
Hope I can continue to post more good news the weeks to come...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Pain and New chemotherapy
Yesterday started out very troublesome... I woke up & took the dogs out to pee as I do everymorning when I saw my mom and she told me "go see your dad he didnt sleep at all last night."... (Im so glad I am living at home right now...) When I got in the room to see him he was shivering due to extreme pain. I then started to massage him in the hopes it would go away. But it didnt. Calling off work was what I needed to do. My parents needed me... And so we fed him more pain killers and Lorazepan so he could get some rest. He slept for a couple of hours then it was time to get up and get ready for the hospital to start his new chemotherapy.
He was very weak yeasterday, he needed some help walking... But we got to the hospital and quickly went to a room where he could lay down. Blood work was done and the counts seemed good. At least good enough to get the chemo started. We dimmed the lights and he was able to rest a bit more. Two hours later they started him with Velcade(chemo) and the new one Doxil. That took a couple of hours thru IV. It took longer because they wanted to make sure he wouldn't have an allergic reaction to Doxil. They kept his vital signs in check the whole time. The nurse was amazingly attentive and sweet.
Around 3:00, still in the room getting IV dad started to have extreme pain again. Around his chest, shoulder blade, and right arm. According to the doctors this pain is due to the progression of the disease- attacking the bones. We waited more then 45 minutes to get one miserable methadone pill so he wouldnt feel pain anymore. Lets imagine someone grabs your arm and pinchs you really hard, and they will only let go until someone comes to help you... imagine the affliction? Why does it take so long to get medication? Makes me angry, just hard to understand.
Another doctor came in and prescribed morphin for him. Injetable morphin was given there at the hospital. Now dad is taking stronger pain medication- makes him sleepy but so far it has helped to control the pain.
It is undescribable the feeling you get to see a loved one in so much affliction and pain... If I could only take his pain away...
Last night he got more sleep, he is having an ok day so far... I pray that it only gets better... Please God, Have mercy!!!
He was very weak yeasterday, he needed some help walking... But we got to the hospital and quickly went to a room where he could lay down. Blood work was done and the counts seemed good. At least good enough to get the chemo started. We dimmed the lights and he was able to rest a bit more. Two hours later they started him with Velcade(chemo) and the new one Doxil. That took a couple of hours thru IV. It took longer because they wanted to make sure he wouldn't have an allergic reaction to Doxil. They kept his vital signs in check the whole time. The nurse was amazingly attentive and sweet.
Around 3:00, still in the room getting IV dad started to have extreme pain again. Around his chest, shoulder blade, and right arm. According to the doctors this pain is due to the progression of the disease- attacking the bones. We waited more then 45 minutes to get one miserable methadone pill so he wouldnt feel pain anymore. Lets imagine someone grabs your arm and pinchs you really hard, and they will only let go until someone comes to help you... imagine the affliction? Why does it take so long to get medication? Makes me angry, just hard to understand.
Another doctor came in and prescribed morphin for him. Injetable morphin was given there at the hospital. Now dad is taking stronger pain medication- makes him sleepy but so far it has helped to control the pain.
It is undescribable the feeling you get to see a loved one in so much affliction and pain... If I could only take his pain away...
Last night he got more sleep, he is having an ok day so far... I pray that it only gets better... Please God, Have mercy!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Week-end...
So dad had a good weekend, after all the bad news... He's a strong man! He was in a lot of pain, his shoulder has been bothering him for sometime... I forgot to mention in the last post that hes had two surgeries in his back- called kyphoplasty.
Kyphoplasty is a medical procedure that attempts to stop the pain caused by the bone fracture and attempts to restore the height and angle of kyphosis of a fractured vertebra (of certain types), followed by its stabilization using injected bone filler material.
This has reduced his pain to a certain level and in certain parts of the spine and back. His new pain is on his right shoulder blade and around the blade. Its a very sharp pain, he cannot stand up when it hits hard, but its a pain that comes and goes... Doctors have taken x-rays and seen no fractures, so for the time being he's just taking methadone and tramadol everyday to cope with the pain.
Tomorrow he goes to the hospital to get his new chemotherapy. We are nervous but I believe this will work very well for him and we will kill those naughty cells...
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7.
Kyphoplasty is a medical procedure that attempts to stop the pain caused by the bone fracture and attempts to restore the height and angle of kyphosis of a fractured vertebra (of certain types), followed by its stabilization using injected bone filler material.
This has reduced his pain to a certain level and in certain parts of the spine and back. His new pain is on his right shoulder blade and around the blade. Its a very sharp pain, he cannot stand up when it hits hard, but its a pain that comes and goes... Doctors have taken x-rays and seen no fractures, so for the time being he's just taking methadone and tramadol everyday to cope with the pain.
Tomorrow he goes to the hospital to get his new chemotherapy. We are nervous but I believe this will work very well for him and we will kill those naughty cells...
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
His life since diagnosis...
Before all this happened to my dad and our family I thought of cancer as a horrible thing, yes... a bad disease...but little did i know how bad it really was.... to the patient and to the family...
I thought several times before making this post. This wasn't meant to be written for sympathy, I just want to give all an insight by using few words of what my dad's life has been like since his diagnoses in January of '09...
I could write a book about all of his life since then, but words will tell a story for themselves...
Extreme back pain
MM diagnoses
blood work
kidney problems
bone marrow samples (if you don't know how these are done, you should look it up...painful to say the least)
MRIS- several
CAT scans-several
pneumonia- lasted two weeks,and 5 different antibiotics later
biopsy of the bone
biopsy of the lung
antibiotics
muscle atrophy
wheelchairs
face masks
bone pain
nausea
chemotherapy
vomiting
confusion
anemia
hospital stays, in and out
blood transfusions
doctors, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists
reuniting to his kids in Virginia-what a blessing that was
back supporters
finding out his mm is the risky type with genetic mutations- harder to treat
holistic remedies
steroids- decadron
special diet, absolutely no sugar and no meats, for sometime not even salt
HOPE
disease under control
disease attacking again
switching chemotherapy due to inefficiency
bone marrow transplant team and plans
FAITH
special blessings at church
worldwide prayers
PAIN- day in... day out
Vitamins
FAMILY
cries
desperation
BELIEVING
Research- Internet and books
Special moments with loved ones---including surprise bday party for him :)
We were able to travel to Arizona and Mexico as a family... what a blessing that was...
good news
bad news
AND the hope and faith that he will achieve full remission...that they will find a cure to his cancer- they are so close to that, thank you Lord for science...
I believe these words can tell a bit of his journey, and our journey...a journey that isn't easy to live but one that has increased our faith and our love for each other... one that will have a successful ending...one that so many other families in the world are currently experiencing...
......If I was granted one wish.......
Friday, July 9, 2010
2009
2009 Was a hard year I can surely say that... Here is a bit more about what happened then...
February 2009- after we found out dad diagnoses the first thing we did was to search it only... oh boy... not sure that was the best idea at all... As a friend have said- the Internet can be a scary place. Sure you can find things in the click of a button, but sometimes things are better left unknown...
So here is the general definition of multiple myeloma according to the Mayo Clinic:
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make proteins called antibodies to help you fight infections.
In multiple myeloma, a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a higher than normal level. Since these cells normally make proteins, the level of abnormal proteins in your blood also may go up. Health problems caused by multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count(anemia).
There are several ways to treat the condition which include:
*Bortezomib (Velcade). (dad started out with velcade and he is still on velcade since his diagnoses)
*Thalidomide (Thalomid). (he was taking this along with velcade for sometime, it was responding well, but then his body became immune to it.)
*Lenalidomide (Revlimid). (this drove his little naughty cells crazy and lots died, but it is no longer working for him)
*Chemotherapy (even tho all the above are chemotherapy as well, this one refers to a mix of different medicines. Right now he is gonna start next week with mix of velcade, doxil, and dexamethadone(steroids).)
*Corticosteroids. (the steroids... they can really alter someones state of mind and well being... dad is funny when he's on it.. he talks so much, i think he may talk to walls at times...lol... Now its become an inside joke in the family, if one is talking too much we ask if they have been popping dads "Decadron"--- sometimes you have to laugh at things in life!)
*Stem cell transplantation (this is where we are trying to get, so he may achieve remission)
*Radiation therapy (has not done any radiation so far)
To this day there is no cure for multiple myeloma. Some people have achieved partial and complete remission. Complete remission only means that the cells are not detectable by the standard tests, but doesn't mean they aren't there ready to start working again.
Our ultimate goal for now is to achieve complete remission. In order to get there we will have to fight for a few more months doing chemo to lower cancer cells in order to proceed to have an auto bone marrow transplant. (auto transplant, means they will harvest my dad's good plasma cells, freeze it, then reintroduce it to him after a massive chemotherapy. It has less risk then from a donor.)
One more thing doctors came across was that my dad has a genetic problem as well, making his type of multiple myeloma extra hard to treat. his cells become more resistant to chemotherapy. He has a genetic mutation of chromosome 13... I won't get into that because quite honestly I don't understand it myself...
BUT.... We will not let those factors scare us. Because we are here to fight. We are here to prove this can be beaten. We will score that GOAL! We have achieved more then doctors have expected form the geico. Don't doubt the power of a Couldrey! ;)
February 2009- after we found out dad diagnoses the first thing we did was to search it only... oh boy... not sure that was the best idea at all... As a friend have said- the Internet can be a scary place. Sure you can find things in the click of a button, but sometimes things are better left unknown...
So here is the general definition of multiple myeloma according to the Mayo Clinic:
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make proteins called antibodies to help you fight infections.
In multiple myeloma, a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a higher than normal level. Since these cells normally make proteins, the level of abnormal proteins in your blood also may go up. Health problems caused by multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count(anemia).
There are several ways to treat the condition which include:
*Bortezomib (Velcade). (dad started out with velcade and he is still on velcade since his diagnoses)
*Thalidomide (Thalomid). (he was taking this along with velcade for sometime, it was responding well, but then his body became immune to it.)
*Lenalidomide (Revlimid). (this drove his little naughty cells crazy and lots died, but it is no longer working for him)
*Chemotherapy (even tho all the above are chemotherapy as well, this one refers to a mix of different medicines. Right now he is gonna start next week with mix of velcade, doxil, and dexamethadone(steroids).)
*Corticosteroids. (the steroids... they can really alter someones state of mind and well being... dad is funny when he's on it.. he talks so much, i think he may talk to walls at times...lol... Now its become an inside joke in the family, if one is talking too much we ask if they have been popping dads "Decadron"--- sometimes you have to laugh at things in life!)
*Stem cell transplantation (this is where we are trying to get, so he may achieve remission)
*Radiation therapy (has not done any radiation so far)
To this day there is no cure for multiple myeloma. Some people have achieved partial and complete remission. Complete remission only means that the cells are not detectable by the standard tests, but doesn't mean they aren't there ready to start working again.
Our ultimate goal for now is to achieve complete remission. In order to get there we will have to fight for a few more months doing chemo to lower cancer cells in order to proceed to have an auto bone marrow transplant. (auto transplant, means they will harvest my dad's good plasma cells, freeze it, then reintroduce it to him after a massive chemotherapy. It has less risk then from a donor.)
One more thing doctors came across was that my dad has a genetic problem as well, making his type of multiple myeloma extra hard to treat. his cells become more resistant to chemotherapy. He has a genetic mutation of chromosome 13... I won't get into that because quite honestly I don't understand it myself...
BUT.... We will not let those factors scare us. Because we are here to fight. We are here to prove this can be beaten. We will score that GOAL! We have achieved more then doctors have expected form the geico. Don't doubt the power of a Couldrey! ;)
News and the soccer analogy....
First I would like to tell everyone that I will slowly tell the story from the beginning but for now this is where I start...
*We received bad news and good news yesterday. The doc called and said that level of protein (cancerous cells) went up--- this is no bueno, this means that the chemotherapy dad is on now is not responding to the little naughty cells. Good news- there is hope, next week he will start a new "potion" of chemotherapy. This should work... God is in control after all...
*Other news: Dad is been in pain for the past week, bad pain, bone pain... Doc took xrays and it seems like no new fractures were found since may of last year! THANK YOU GOD!!
We have been in World Cup spirits this summer... there is a saying in Portuguese that says "bola pra frente"... "ball forward" meaning- move on...
Got me thinking this morning as I was driving to work after a day of bad news...
This battle is like a soccer game, we started really bad, on defensive most of the time, then slowly we started to attack...no goal yet...Cancer is hard to beat you see, we went back and forth from defensive to attack- different strategies involved... The latest attack strategy didn't work very well for us, so now we are back on DEFENSE just waiting for that counter attack and.........GOALLLLL.... we will make that goal happen... watch us.
Ole, ole, ole, ole... Philpp, Philipp!!!!
Who is in this cheering with us???
*We received bad news and good news yesterday. The doc called and said that level of protein (cancerous cells) went up--- this is no bueno, this means that the chemotherapy dad is on now is not responding to the little naughty cells. Good news- there is hope, next week he will start a new "potion" of chemotherapy. This should work... God is in control after all...
*Other news: Dad is been in pain for the past week, bad pain, bone pain... Doc took xrays and it seems like no new fractures were found since may of last year! THANK YOU GOD!!
We have been in World Cup spirits this summer... there is a saying in Portuguese that says "bola pra frente"... "ball forward" meaning- move on...
Got me thinking this morning as I was driving to work after a day of bad news...
This battle is like a soccer game, we started really bad, on defensive most of the time, then slowly we started to attack...no goal yet...Cancer is hard to beat you see, we went back and forth from defensive to attack- different strategies involved... The latest attack strategy didn't work very well for us, so now we are back on DEFENSE just waiting for that counter attack and.........GOALLLLL.... we will make that goal happen... watch us.
Ole, ole, ole, ole... Philpp, Philipp!!!!
Who is in this cheering with us???
Thank yous....
First and foremost I want to thank GOD and all Friends and Family who have been by our side since the beginning. They are the strength that drive us forward...
Thank you to all the doctors and nurses that have helped us each and everyday... The ones in Brazil, as well as the ones in Virginia. They have a hard work in their hands on a daily basis. I know it because I've see it. I went to the hospital with my dad several times to get chemo- Let me tell you- that is one depressing place to be everyday.... From the heart I thank them all!!
I have been following a few blogs for sometime and had thoughts in starting one... so I thank my coworker Adrienne (she is going through similar situation with her husband) who has inspired me the most to start this blog and keep family and friends posted.
So we have a year and half to catch up.... I will briefly try to tell our story, and from now on hopefully keep the blog updated with news on dad's health and live...
Thank you to all the doctors and nurses that have helped us each and everyday... The ones in Brazil, as well as the ones in Virginia. They have a hard work in their hands on a daily basis. I know it because I've see it. I went to the hospital with my dad several times to get chemo- Let me tell you- that is one depressing place to be everyday.... From the heart I thank them all!!
I have been following a few blogs for sometime and had thoughts in starting one... so I thank my coworker Adrienne (she is going through similar situation with her husband) who has inspired me the most to start this blog and keep family and friends posted.
So we have a year and half to catch up.... I will briefly try to tell our story, and from now on hopefully keep the blog updated with news on dad's health and live...
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Acceptance...
One thing I have learned from going through this situation with my dad is that the first thing one should do is to ACCEPT...
Accept the situation, yes... accept the fact that the doctor just told you a bunch of bad news...
Acceptance for the patient is one step closer to a successful treatment...
Acceptance for the family of the patient means strength to carry this thru and to support one another.
So with time, prayers, and lots of tears we have learned to accept- this isnt something you can change with your own hands... this isnt something it will go away the next day...it is not something you can erase or throw away... So learn to live with it in harmony...
Accept the situation, yes... accept the fact that the doctor just told you a bunch of bad news...
Acceptance for the patient is one step closer to a successful treatment...
Acceptance for the family of the patient means strength to carry this thru and to support one another.
So with time, prayers, and lots of tears we have learned to accept- this isnt something you can change with your own hands... this isnt something it will go away the next day...it is not something you can erase or throw away... So learn to live with it in harmony...
How it all began...
December 2008- Capao da Canoa- Brazil
Family was on vacation as we do every year for new years. Brazil such a beautiful and wonderful place to be. Beach, caipirinhas, party, family, friends, etc... except this year it wasn't the same. My father Philipp ended the year with extreme amounts of back pain....There was no champagne for new years... there was no walking to the beach to watch fireworks...
January 2009- Brazil
1st I left to go on vacation with my fiancees family. I said goodbye to my dad with a bad feeling and a knot in my heart...we cried and said farewell for the time being. Three days went by and I called to discover that my dad was in such terrible pain, he hasn't gotten out of bed in 3 days. 2 days later he was sent to the ER by ambulance to the big city- 1 1/2 hrs away.
Met with a spinal specialist who gave him injections in the spine, thinking it was nothing more then inflamed discs in his spine. Gave him pain medicine and sent him on his way back to the beach.
2 days had passed I was now back in Virginia, where I live, and my dad was in really bad shape- He was still in Brazil. Ambulance came once more to take him to the hospital. At Santa Casa Hospital he was giving more steroids and pain medications.... he was getting worse by the minute... until a family's friend doctor came in and said i would like to see the MRI. There it was.... he was sent to a different hospital right away... a group of doctors started doing extensive work on him and immediately started to give him medication.... On the same day the doctor told my mom that his kidneys were only 20% functioning and that if he hadn't come to the hospital that same night he wouldn't have made it alive...
After that shock a couple days passed in the hospital and doctors were still running additional exams. Me, my brother, and my sister were all in Virginia... my mom was there with a friend named Jaque(she was a guardian angel that came to us at the right time... she arranged everything at the new hospital and she was there for my mom when we couldn't be)and with my
dad. We then received a phone call from my mom a day later letting us know my dad was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma... Stage 3.
Our reaction? speechless.... heartbroken.... it was a stab in our hearts... We were thousands of miles away and we couldn't even hug our dad, comfort our mom... PAIN...deep pain...
****So what now???
Family was on vacation as we do every year for new years. Brazil such a beautiful and wonderful place to be. Beach, caipirinhas, party, family, friends, etc... except this year it wasn't the same. My father Philipp ended the year with extreme amounts of back pain....There was no champagne for new years... there was no walking to the beach to watch fireworks...
January 2009- Brazil
1st I left to go on vacation with my fiancees family. I said goodbye to my dad with a bad feeling and a knot in my heart...we cried and said farewell for the time being. Three days went by and I called to discover that my dad was in such terrible pain, he hasn't gotten out of bed in 3 days. 2 days later he was sent to the ER by ambulance to the big city- 1 1/2 hrs away.
Met with a spinal specialist who gave him injections in the spine, thinking it was nothing more then inflamed discs in his spine. Gave him pain medicine and sent him on his way back to the beach.
2 days had passed I was now back in Virginia, where I live, and my dad was in really bad shape- He was still in Brazil. Ambulance came once more to take him to the hospital. At Santa Casa Hospital he was giving more steroids and pain medications.... he was getting worse by the minute... until a family's friend doctor came in and said i would like to see the MRI. There it was.... he was sent to a different hospital right away... a group of doctors started doing extensive work on him and immediately started to give him medication.... On the same day the doctor told my mom that his kidneys were only 20% functioning and that if he hadn't come to the hospital that same night he wouldn't have made it alive...
After that shock a couple days passed in the hospital and doctors were still running additional exams. Me, my brother, and my sister were all in Virginia... my mom was there with a friend named Jaque(she was a guardian angel that came to us at the right time... she arranged everything at the new hospital and she was there for my mom when we couldn't be)and with my
dad. We then received a phone call from my mom a day later letting us know my dad was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma... Stage 3.
Our reaction? speechless.... heartbroken.... it was a stab in our hearts... We were thousands of miles away and we couldn't even hug our dad, comfort our mom... PAIN...deep pain...
****So what now???
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