My father has now been in the hospital for 12 of the last 15 days.

The sores caused by the chemo are dealt with, the dehydration (and mild dementia caused thereby) have been bested, the pneumonia caused by the weakened immune system has been dealt with, and now, they must deal with the scar tissue in his esophagus that, for the third time since the surgery 2 years ago, has decided to close up, preventing food from getting into what little stomach he has left.

With the chemo still in his system, his metabolism running at full blast as a result, according to my sister, he continues to shrink. The IV just can't keep up. The man who was 190 before the surgery two years ago, and 170 pounds just five months ago, has now slipped below 140. Chemo has been suspended until they can get his strength and weight back up.

The hope is that with a procedure they are doing tomorrow, the esophagus will be kept open, regular eating can recommence, and he will start regaining his strength almost immediately. If all goes well, the plan is to restart chemo on the 21st....for two more rounds. I'm not holding my breath on that deadline being made.

Please lift up a prayer for Dad, and Mom, who has left the hospital once in the last 5 days.

Cancer sucks.