The Battle Continues

Wow! Days are turning into weeks and as I checked out the blog this evening it dawned on me no one has updated it in a week. Again I apologize, no excuses, although there are probably plenty of reasons. The restaurant has been seasonally busy while school, sports, kids stuff, and Pop care seems to take the the rest of the free time. It's all good though and as I have said before "we welcome the blessings".
First things first ..... Pop is doing much better .... at least in my mind. Recently, as you recall, Pop was spending much of his time in the hospital trying to beat a low WBC count brought on by his first dose of regular chemo and second dose of his clinical trial medicine. We had been warned, so it wasn't much of a surprize. What was surprizing though, was the hard time Pop was having swallowing. The Doctors "scoped" him to take a peek and found that he has a terrible radiation induced burn near the bottom of his esophagus. It was the end of December when Pop had his last radiation treatment and that suped up tanning bed on steroids is still having it effects. Needless to say his esophagus has narrowed to the point he can not take solid foods and has a hard time with liquids. A week starving in the hospital trying to get his WBC count up pushed Pop to the limit. He convinced (with a little help from Shannon) the doctors to put a feeding tube (g tube) in to help him take nourishment. The Doctor mentioned to me it was his first time having a patient request(insist) on getting a feeding tube. Pop was determined to not starve. In fact, he had his appetitie back and was down right hungry. He was desperately trying to eat .... just nothing would go down. Pop got his wish and the doctors put a feeding tube in on Monday morning. Its amazing what a little nutrition can do. Within a couple days his color and attitude was much better. Friends have been visiting and some taking turns "feeding" him and I know he appreciates all the visits and attention. You all are blessings! Pop told me tonight he has a couple of appointments this coming week with his team of cancer doctors so we shall see what they have to say. It will be interesting to get their perspective and suggestions on Pops situation.

It seems Pop is battling lots of stuff .... to the point I almost forget its still cancer. Getting sidetracked on nutrition, feeding tubes, WBC counts, fevers, boosts, doctor appointments, and all the other stuff considered "the cancer treatment" is mind-boggling. So much so it reminds us that this is truely waging war on a terrible disease! An out and out war with many little battles, skirmishes, and conflicts from all angles. Battles I guess I had thought about but not really considered. Sometimes it seems Pop is battling the cure as much as the cancer. Doctors do what they can do, Pop does what he can do, and we hope and pray He is strong enough to fight one more day.

Its funny how our prayers change during this journey. I have continueously prayed for earthly healing for Pop, thats the selfish part of me pleading with God to make my daddy well. But my prayers lately have also included that during Pop's journey with cancer for God to show His power and His love in all the circumstances. That God himself will instill His Holy Spirit power within Pop to strengthen him to endure any pain and suffering with joy and peace. That people will see that Pop loves God and that Pop loves people and realize ....... that only comes from God. God loves us ..... and he loves you to .... simply because he chooses to. Cancer or not! What a thought!

BTW - Relay for Life is coming up. Lake Placid Family Restaurant is sponsoring a team, come by and join. If you are not in Lake Placid sponsor a team in your area. This event helps fund the American Cancer Society which supports lots of cancer related things including the Hope Lodge, a place where Pop was able to stay during his radiation treatment. Amazing place, amazing cause, amazing people that are on the front lines of the war on cancer everyday. Contact us if you would like more info.

Love God Love People
TW