Today was my dad's first appointment at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance where we met his Oncologist, Dr. Whiting. We were all very impressed with him. My dad will be starting Chemo soon. The plan is for him to get blood work done on Monday the 29th, and then start treatment the following day. He has chosen to do his treatments in Seattle instead of trying to find a closer location. We just like the doctors in Seattle too much to walk away at this point. The first day of his treatment will be a 3-4 hour chemo drip, followed by two days of treatment from home. He will repeat that process every two weeks as long as he is getting good results.
Prior to starting his treatments my dad will get a port in his chest. He will also have a PET scan and additional tests. The doctors approached the family about getting some genetic testing completed as well. They intend to biopsy the tumor that was removed from my dad and then do blood work on Angie, Jake & I. At that point they can look for genetic similarities and determine if any of us are at a higher risk for developing colon cancer. Our family has chosen to go forward with the test. None of us want to hear that we have the same genetic make up as dad's tumor, but statistically... we know we are all walking time bombs anyway so we might as well get tested and stay proactive.
We know that we have a long road ahead of us but the things that come easy in life usually aren't worth having. We are up for the fight and we look forward to getting started. In the mean time we are preparing for the results of mom's appointment, which is at 7:45 am tomorrow. Assuming everything goes well, they will be leaving for Palm Springs on Thursday evening. Although they both have a lot on their mind, I think a few days away from home will be good for them. Mom and Dad are staying in Seattle tonight so I'm not sure if she has internet access. She wants me to assure you that she will update everyone as soon as she can get online.
Thanks for the kind words. It's nice to know that we have so many people rooting for my parents.
One day at a time-
Amy
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4 comments:
Thanks so much for the update Amy. Please remember that we are rooting for you and Angie and Jacob also. You kids are amazing and human! Please remember that I pray for your whole family every day and if you need anything, please let me know.
Love you to the moon and back
Debbie H.
Thanks for keeping us updated, I think of you all daily. Keep your chin up, you're not alone in this. We are all here for you all. Let me know if you need anything.
Take care.
Shellee :~)
“Anything is possible. You can be told that you have a 90-percent chance or a 50-percent chance or a 1-percent chance, but you have to believe, and you have to fight.”
Lance Armstrong
--Dave in MT
Rick and Doreen, You are in our prayers daily. A couple of years ago I overhead a cancer patient tell another that "anyone can get through chemo". Now that I have had the same experience, I agree. It can make you sick, it can make you weak, it can bring you to your knees. But, Rick, you can make it!
We love Palm Springs - our favorite vacation spot in all the world. Make sure you go to the College of the Desert on Sat. or Sun. and take your credit cards! Have fun in the sun. Love, LZ
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