Hello everyone. I went to see my dad in Atlanta, like five minutes after my last post. I couldn't take it.(last Thursday) I arrived Friday to the VA in Atlanta and found my dad very casually reading his paper in ICU. He had his titanium bar removed the day before. They found out that he's had full blown pneumonia (for weeks) which he got from drinking water and the water going down his lungs instead of his throat. No more swallowing- period.(I swear I saw him sneak some water- old habits die hard) He got a thach that will be permanent.
They found more cancer. Lots more in the roof of his mouth, tonsil, and cheek. They said it is very aggressive and non-operable (the throat part). The doctor suggested maybe another surgery on the roof of the mouth(I doubt my dad will do this) and more chemo. My dad is getting a second opinion. We are not second guessing the doctors- we just need to sleep at night knowing we have weighed all of our options.
My dad has chosen to do the next round of chemo. He will start this in a week. We will see the new doctor in two weeks. Maybe the doctor can incorperate some other kind of treatment into what he is doing now.

Just being around my dad made me feel better. I know he is sick (that didn't make me fell better), but his courage and understanding of what he is going through has made me see things in a new light. It's his thing now, and he is going to ride the wave until it is over. Instead of running up and down the hospital hallway like I'm on fire, I too will ride this wave.

He is blowing my mind daily. That's what parents do. Teach you things. This will be one lesson I'll never forget.
All I can say is EARLY DETECTION/TREATMENT. My dad waited maybe a year or longer to see the dentist-doctor. He had no idea. He thought it was an ulcer.
I'll keep you posted. I hope everyone is well.

Hi Karen,

I'm so glad to read your post today and see that you have come to this conclusion. It sounds like your Dad is making very sound decisions regarding his care. It's also clear that you are close to your Dad and this is hard for you. I hope you will continue to draw on each other for strength. Please keep us posted.

Regards JoAnne

Karen, I'm so glad that you and your Dad have each other and even with all that he is going thru, he was able to make you feel better! I'm sure he so appreciates the love and caring that you've shown him, and that it is giving him the strength and courage to keep going. What an awesome Dad you have! I hope everything goes well with the chemo and that you both continue to find courage and strength in each other. Please let us know how things are going.

Hi. Thank you Jo Anne and Anne Marie. It really is an incredible journey. It has been hell getting to this point, but you do, and when you get there it's somehow ok. Thanks for the support. I know you both have gone through this too. Stay strong and big huge HUGS!

Karen, Glad to know that you can ride that wave with him! Make the most of every day. Amy in the Ozarks