Dad's situation does not seem to be improving as much as was hoped. His calcium levels continue to be to high and his hemoglobin levels to low. Yesterday he had an x-ray to see what was causing him to be short of breath too. The doctor told us that he has a partially collapsed lung because of being in bed all day, but mostly because the cancer continues to grow on his lung. He also has a type of pneumonia. The doctor continues to treat these symptoms with anit-biodics. His heart rate is also elevated and normally to control this, he would be given blood thinners, however, in his situation, this would greatly increase his chances for a stroke.
This morning he was given a blood transfusion to help with his breathing as this has been difficult for him lately too. Last night he said was rough due to a hard time breathing. As the days progress from morning to evening, his mind seems to get clearer. The mornings are definitely rougher then the evenings. From time to time he mentions that he is in pain, but he is on a heavy dose of pain medication.
This afternoon he was brought in for a CT Scan on the lungs. We hope to get the results of this soon. Stay tuned.
This week dad had plans to go to Vancouver to get some tests done in connection to the trial drug he was going to be taking, however, it looks more and more that he won't be able to take the drug. One of the prerequisits for this trial is that he is able to be mobile on his own strength for at least 50% of the day. He is not able to do that at this time. The paliative doctor meet with mom today and mentioned that if his calcium levels don't come down in the next day or two, we might have to think about dad going to a hospice. However, that being said, she mentioned that it could still go either way and that it is still a little to early to predict anything.
Dad continues to have strength in his faith and shares that faith with those around him. We can all praise our Heavenly Father for all that He has given us and also during this time we can see the Lord's hand at work in dad's earthly life. We pray to God for the continued strength for Dad and Mom and the rest of the family and hope that one day soon, Dad will be able to be pain free and with his Heavenly Father.
We wait in hope for the LORD;
ReplyDeletehe is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you. Ps. 33: 20-22
Keeping you in our prayers,
Adrian & Rita
Whom have I in heaven but you?
ReplyDeleteAnd earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 73 vs 25 and 26.
We continue to pray for each one of you.
Brian and Joyce Hendricks
Pete and Carrie and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God grant strength and patience in these trials. Continue to remember that our Heavenly Father upholds all things with His almighty Hands! He will be your support today.
ReplyDeletePraying that the Lord also grants the doctors and medical staff wisdom for the care and treatments granted to your Dad.
Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!
Jan and Karen
I haven't followed the blog for a while and am very saddened by the turn of events. May God continue to bless you with strength and comfort. I might just be able to walk up to the hospital this morning, hopefully I'll be able to see you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your family
Theresa and John Van Dop
Just want you to know that our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you. May our gracious God comfort and sustain you all through this trying time.
ReplyDeleteLove, John & Margaret Byl
Our thoughts and our hearts are with you Pieter and family and we pray that God may uphold you and comfort you in these times
ReplyDeleteJ and M de Boer