All of the sudden (starting yesterday morning) Dad is feeling much better - his pain is easier to manage with meds, the oral dosing is going ok now, he's gaining strength to sit up for longer periods of time and has been able to walk with the help of one person instead of two! He even has been able to take a few rides outside to enjoy the weather and wheeled down to the cafeteria this evening to pick out his dinner - HUGE improvement from late last week. This must mean all of your prayers are working! Kyle, Canaan and I also went to church yesterday morning for the first time in a long time (hey don't judge, toddlers are hard to handle in 'quiet' places) ..guess this means we need to go more often! :) Anyway, they still can't find a clear reason for the pain, but at least they've been able to find a combo of meds that help with little/no side effects. We still didn't get a second oncology appointment, but Dads oncologist has finally recommended to start the Zelboraf (the BRAF melanoma drug). Dad wants to start this early next week. He wants to get out of the hospital (likely Wednesday or Thursday) and hopefully gain a little more of his strength and attend Austin and Kristin's reception for a little while on Saturday, before starting the medication..a decision/plan I can live with :) We'll start the medication and save getting a second opinion for later, pending how it works (it's supposed to shrink melanoma spots/tumors in as little as 5 days)
Anyway - keep those prayers coming! Thanks again!
This is an amazing update!!!! Praying praying praying!!!! Shelly
ReplyDeleteThinking of Uncle Earl everyday! Glad he's feeling a bit better today. Love you guys, hang in there. He'll get through this. xx - Raech
ReplyDeleteReally very happy to hear some encouraging news. Glenn was asking earlier this eve if i heard any news, He'll be happy to hear this in the am. Hugs, elaine
ReplyDeleteThat is good to hear. Saying prayers and thinking of you. Hope you feel good to enjoy the reception for awhile. Larry &Di
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear things are finally getting better. If you have any questions about Zelboraf, please call or email...Mike just started month 11! Side effects can be rough, but doable (especially when you're already on pain meds).
ReplyDeleteJulie McMillen
Earl, keep kicking asss my friend...my prayers are for you. MM
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear of news in the other direction. Keep fighting Earl. You are a tough ole bird. Prayers always from us. Glen and Geralyn
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your dad is feeling better and at least getting out of his room. Concerning your children in church, I always felt the same and would sit in the cryroom. Fr. Jerry Feldmann would say to me don't sit in here and not to worry if the kids make noise. They have more important things to say than I do anyway and Jesus said, "Let the Children Come to Me! Church with kids does get better just like all things, it takes practice!!!
ReplyDelete