Well dad had had about 14 out of 40 treatments of this second round of radiation for his re-occurance (split course of radiation - 2 times a day for a week then off a week) they say they won't know for about a month if it is working.. My sister thinks its killing him,, I think his oncologist would prefer hie just do chemo.. How much can ones body take.. he is in so much pain from the cancer at time he wishes for death other times he is peppy and like his old self - he says the pain from the tumor is like someone is stabbing his head with a knife. The hope is that this will shrink the tumor enough to ease the pain.. Does anyone know of any other options like deadening the nerve or soemthing?

Now dad has pnuemonia so is being admitted to the hospital; I wonder if this is because his system is soo compromised by the radiation or the cancer or what.

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death of the elderly and they seem to be especially susceptible to contracting it when they are suddenly bed ridden. His pneumonia needs to be aggressively treated or his cancer won't matter.

yes, I guess he was having raspiness for a few days but they thought it was from the mucous then they did a chest x - ray and found the pneumonia and have done some cultures to determine the type and will be stopping the radiation for tomorrow and then determine if they will continue or not...

So sorry to hear about something else. I will be keeping you all in my prayers.

Thanks, I keep wondering if I should fly back to be by his side

Thats a hard question. I know there were a number of trips I wasn't sure I should be making, but now am more than thankful that I went each time. Its a hard call given all the other pulls one's life has on you. Good luck.

If and when he kicks the pneumonia, get him a pneumonia shot. I used to get that blasted stuff at least once a year and sunce the shot, none at all and that is a few years ago.

Thanks, I will see if he has had the pneumonia shot - He is still in the hospital and we will see if they will discharge him today. Maybe he is better off in there since they can keep him hydrated but then they say one is more apt to get infections in the hospital. I have a trip booked in January for my parents 50th wedding (hope he makes it) but may try and go sooner.. It's a bit hard with 10 month old twins, (they take me and my husband to manage) work, and living across the country... We spent a week with him over Thanksgiving. The Dr's still cant seem to get his pain managed.

I have to give you congrats on the twins. That has to be nice and altho fun, hard at times for you both. I hope your trip works in your favor.