My dad was released from the hospital today after his second radiation treatment of the day. I hear he's up and walking around at the condo - yipee!

In the end, they felt there was no pneumonia; although they must think it was something. He was on IV antibiotics for 3 days and he is now on Augmentin and a Z Pack for the next 10 days. He has a cough that they've prescribed Hycodan for.

The speech pathologist came in yesterday and today to evaluate and said he was still swallowing well. The doctor was asking him to consider a PEG since he still has a week of treatment and then several weeks following where swallowing could be an issue. My father told them he felt the fentanyl (25mg), hydrocodone, and magic mouthwash were allowing him to drink his Carnation VHCs and he felt he could get by without the PEG. I hope he does not regret his position. He gained 1/2 pound this week, and is 10-12 pounds over his ideal weight at this point (he packed on the weight before treatment, in anticipation of the weight loss). The doctor told him to ramp up the fentanyl another 12.5mg if the pain gets worse.

He is looking forward to leaving Houston and recuperating at home. He is hoping to leave Houston on the 27th of March, which will be two weeks after his last radiation session. He has 7 treatments left....

Thank you all for your encouraging words.