It feels like we’ve been on this journey for a long time already, and yet time has passed so quickly. I am sure this is how many who encounter complicated medical circumstances feel as they traverse the distance between diagnosis and treatment. Since my last entry, we finally got to meet with “the quarterback” of Dad’s medical care team — the medical oncologist. This doctor will run point on all the plays and be the key decision-maker throughout Dad’s treatment, working alongside the radiation oncologist, the surgeon, and all the assisting specialists who run labs and deliver chemotherapy. We spent several hours at the medical oncology appointment this week, receiving an overview of the plan for chemotherapy and the process that will (hopefully) lead to a successful removal of the tumor via surgery in the coming months.
Gratefully, we learned that there is an option for the chemo infusions that is much closer to our home than where these early appointments have been in the Cleveland area. Thank you for praying about this particular aspect. Logistically, the plan is for Dad to go through 6-8 rounds of chemotherapy, which will happen in a repeating cycle:
infusion day (6 hours)
46 hours of additional chemo delivery through a pump pack that will be sent home with him
return to infusion site for removal of the pack
Rest for 2 weeks and then start the next cycle!
The medical oncologist and his team have explained that the particular “chemo cocktail” Dad will receive is a potent recipe and have prepared us for the varied potential side effects and impacts. Dad’s appetite has been changing a great deal in recent weeks as the cancer is changing how his body functions. We are keeping watch on the rapid weight loss and he’s been pushing himself to move around a little each day. As with most chemo regimens, we anticipate the impacts may intensify as treatment begins and then progresses. The goal is to shrink the cancer enough that they can follow up with radiation and surgery with greater potential for successful removal of the remaining cancer.
As you can imagine, there has been a lot of information to process. We are still organizing records, coordinating our calendars, and shifting things around to prepare for what’s ahead. Having Robyn with us last week was tremendously helpful, as she jumped in with practical support at each turn. We even got to enjoy a couple of meals out together as a family.
While these steps can feel overwhelming at times, we see God’s kindness each day whether in the sunshine on the last drops of this season’s colors or the (many) mail deliveries of encouraging notes, gift cards, and items from our Amazon wish list. It has been especially meaningful to receive care from faraway family, friends of friends, past neighbors, and even many people we’ve met through previous jobs or professional acquaintances. In a season where we have little capacity or opportunity to gather physically with others in the traditional sense, Christian community has come to find us with generosity and warmth. It has been a tender reminder to us of how much the Church reaches far beyond a physical building or one local expression of it.
How can you pray with us this week?
For restored communications within the medical system overseeing Dad’s care. While the caregivers and professionals have been kind and helpful, their data management system experienced a major security breach almost two weeks ago that is still preventing access from the online portal. This has added another layer of complexity to confirming appointments and instructions. We would rejoice if the system was restored soon!
For continued health for Lola as she works her part-time job and cares for Dad each day.
For me (Melissa) as I try to support both Dad and Mom with household and appointment logistics, while also continuing to manage work responsibilities and find pockets of time to maintain my love for walking.
For Robyn (my sister) as she supports us from a distance. We loved having her here recently, and we look forward to the next time she comes. But we also realize how hard it is on her to not be nearer during this season.
For Dad to sense God’s strengthening nearness when he feels uncomfortable or disappointed at the toll this cancer is taking on his body. I don’t want to speak for him, but I can imagine how it might feel to so rapidly lose one’s capacity for the things that previously came much easier.
For protection for each of us in our household as we step into this new life of healthcare management, that we would remain in good health generally and guarded from other illnesses or concerns that could exacerbate Dad’s health.
For the continued provision of our daily needs (and small joys!), whether that is in our ability to navigate complex medical documentation or access needed resources or maintain financial stability in the midst of so much change. We have established a support page for anyone interested in giving in this way. The gas and grocery gift cards we have received have been such a blessing to us already!
If you’re just reading this and want to catch up, you can start at the beginning for a summary of how we ended up here. If you’d like to reach out directly for more information or with any questions, and don’t have our personal contact information, you can email Melissa.