Nancy, thanks for the advice. Dad knows that a PEG tube may not be avoided this time, however he still does not want it. I don't mention it to him, but he did bring it up when we were at the doctors office and he said, "I don't want that". To try to talk him into something right now would only be upsetting to him. If the day comes that he needs it, he will know that it is unavoidable and will do what he has to do to get better. Dads pain is increasing daily even with two patches on and the percocet for break thru pain. We will take your suggestion about the roxanol before the MO on Friday when they have that appointment. My boss is a pharmacist and he will be in the office next week. I plan to talk to him too about other pain management options as well.

Colleen, Dad was so pleased with your recent clear scan. He said (jokingly, not sadly) "I wish I had made it two years.....I wish I had made it for two months!" He said to thank you for the prayers...keep them coming! I wish he were at least a little computer literate so he could come out here and talk to everyone directly, but sometimes I'm grateful that he's not. You and this board have provided so much valuable information. I can't imagine going through this without it and each of you.

Just a quick update: Radiation will start on the 17th. He meets with the MO on Friday to find out about the chemo. He met with the prosthodontist Tuesday. We were so hoping that they would be able to make him a set of uppers this time (All he wanted for Christmas was a set of upper teeth ) but because of the upcoming treatment it will be March before it even becomes a possibility. They also made an impression of his lower teeth, which is something they had not done before. It is a possibility that he may now loose the lower teeth due to the radiation. Wasn't exactly what we wanted to hear, but it is what it is.

Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. They are very much appreciated.

Hugs,

Joy

Joy
Haven't been here in a while and now two thoughts ONE your Dad seems to have his perspective in order and his resources YOU in place KEEP COMMUNICATING! You are amazing. Good stuff.
TWO Prayer has something?? what? Your Dad has ours cause somehow that power helped us Huge....
Peace
Denise

Hi Denise, Thanks for the prayers. We know how much of a help they are. I wouldn't say that I'm amazing, just doing what any good daughter would do. Dad has been taking care of me my whole life (even after I've been out on my own for many years). Now it's his turn to sit back, get well and let me do for him. If I am amazing it's because I had good role models.


Update: Tuesdays will be chemo days. He will receive 7 treatments of Cisplatin. His pain is still increasing, but the MO has now taken over the pain management side. So now he is on 50 ml patches of Fentanyl along with Percocet for the break through pain. We are encouraging him to take the Percocet more often than he has been in order to get the pain under control. I think he is starting to understand.

Thanks again to everyone for all the thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. I can't say enough about how much we appreciate them at this time.

Hugs,

Joy

Hi Joy

good luck with all your dad is going through,it will be tough on you as well so i hope you like me will find the strength you need with the help and support of all the special people on this forum.

love liz

Liz,

There are some truly remarkable people out here. You included. It took me from March until June to find this forum. I so wish I had found it back at the begining. But thats all in the past and the important thing is that I'm here now. I'm feeling much stronger and I know that I'm not alone. I just wish we were all closer.

Enjoy your vacation!

Joy

PS. I'm glad you got good news at your appointment