Chemo begins today...The Journey began some time ago

Hi all!  I am new to this blogging thing, but thought it might help to get some thoughts down about the journey we are going through with Dad.  So, here it goes!

My dad, John Thomas Schumaker (Tom to those close to him), is as stubborn as they come with a heart of gold!  He infuriates me at times, but I love him anyway.  I am sure he would say the same about me.

So... this journey.  It's one of those things where you never think it is going to happen to you... well it has.  All of my life, Dad has smoked.  He told me he started when he was 17 and in the Navy.  Mom says it was before then.  Who knows!  The point is he has smoked for over 40 years and now... has lung cancer.

So, back in February of this year, I get a call from Mom.  Dad is home and his stomach hurts on the right side.  Originally it was thought to be gallbladder.  However, the sono showed his gallbladder was just fine. It did show a spot on his liver... and it went from there.

Next was a chest X-ray and some liver function tests.  Then came the CT of the liver, abdomen and pelvis. Mom and Dad met with the family doctor and noted the enlarged liver.  On the 28th of February, they were referred to an oncologist.

The original appointment was set for Friday, March 4th.  However, on the 3rd, Dad was in so much pain, Mom called and got him in that day.  At that time, Dad's color was normal and they began scheduling some outpatient appointments....MRI, liver biopsy, and a PET scan.  So, the ball was rolling and they were to meet back with the oncologist on the 16th.

For various reasons, like meds needing to be stopped, appointments were changed and moved around.  The MRI happened on Friday, March 11th.  The liver biopsy was scheduled for Monday, the 14th, the PET Scan for Tuesday and meet back with the oncologist on Weds.

On Monday, they were unable to do the biopsy due to Dad's INR level being too high.  So, after several hours in day surgery, they released him to go home.  I decided I needed to be with Mom and Dad and headed to their house.

I had been over to visit the last couple weekends and had seen how Dad was getting progressively worse.  Several times I had talked to Mom about taking him to the emergency room.  However, he declined each time.  Have I mentioned how stubborn he is?

When I got over there Monday night, Dad was really weak and very yellow.

Tuesday morning, bright and early, we all get up and get ready for the day.  I drive because my van sits higher than Mom's car and it is easier for Dad to get in and out.  We get to the hospital and they give him four units of plasma.  Wow!  However, it brings his blood levels to what they need to be.  He goes in for the biopsy right at 12:30 and is back in the room before 1:45.  Not too bad.

Then the worrying happens.  Dad's oxygen sats are too low.  They are hovering in the 70's.  They are supposed to be in the range of 92-100.  Apparently, they had been low before the biopsy as well.  Through the four hours we were there after the biopsy, there was some concern, but since he didn't seem to in distress, not too much.

They transferred Dad to the recovery area and the nurse there, did get VERY worried.  A chest X-ray was ordered and he called several different doc to discuss the low levels.  Eventually, since Dad said he was not in distress, they discharged him.  Obviously exhausted, we all head home.

So, the PET Scan is next.  It had been rescheduled for Weds. morning and the doctor's appt. was set for Weds. afternoon.  When we got to Mom & Dad's, there was a message to call and reschedule the appointment for Friday.  OK...

When we get up Wednesday morning, we are getting ready to go.  One last test... the PET scan.  Or so we thought.  The hospital called to check on Dad.  Very worried.  Then Dad got another call.  This time it was a doctor who looked at the chest X-ray.  He said that Dad was not to go to his PET scan, but straight to the emergency room.

So, emergency room, here we come.  I drop Mom and Dad off at the entrance and park.  By the time I got in, the triage nurse had him back already.  He did a vitals check and when he saw the oxygen sats at 75, he said, "We'll get the rest of this back there" and we were off.  They got Dad to a room and the gang all piled in.  I think there were 4 or 5 nurses and then the ER doc.

Several tubes of blood, tests, and people, they decide Dad needed to be admitted.  So, here we are.  Dad is bed, Mom and I are here and things are rolling.  It's hard to watch this tough ol' guy having such a hard time.  Dad is not one to admit pain or any kind of weakness, so I know he isn't well.

The chemo was started right around noon.  His sats are still not where they want them.  He is hovering around 87 or so.  We have a long road ahead...

Mom is tough, but even she has her times.  Our faith is strong.  He's promised to fight and we are going to be with him every step of the way!

Well, that's it for now.  Please forgive any rambling or incorrect grammar... just my thoughts.

Krista