Some of you regular readers already know that yesterday the gastroenterologist placed a second stint above the metal one that was placed two weeks ago in Dad's esophagus. Today he had his first pulverized food. He was not enthused.

Dad has a blood clot in his arm that has delayed a number of things this week. The port for new chemo which was supposed to go in yesterday, will finally go in tomorrow morning. Chemo starts Friday morning.

Recent complications include the collection of fluid in Dad’s legs, possibly the result of congestive heart failure or insufficient protein in his system. Pain management has become an issue, as the shots of morphine now cause periods of argumentative dementia. A new drug plan was put in place last night, that seems to be holding, so that those episodes can be avoided. The hip pain (one place where the cancer is in the bone) is keeping Dad off of his feet most of the time.

Neither Dad nor Mom believes that he can come home in his current condition after the port is installed, as was originally suggested by the surgeon. The oncologist is insisting that Dad stay in the hospital through the first round of chemo, so into early next week. After that, we may need to find alternatives.

Your prayers and good thoughts are welcomed and needed, particularly for Mom, who is growing very weary.

My brother is making a visit on Saturday with my niece and nephew, and we hope that will be a big boost for Dad’s attitude and well-being.

Sorry I don't have more pithy things to blog about...this is pretty much dominating my life. Well, that's not true...I've also got a retreat to finish planning for, a chorus concert to memorize music for, and a hymn to finish. Okay...stop...that is officially whining. And we'll have none of that here.

:-)

Oh yeah, and according to a chorus buddy, on Friday, turning 43 means I enter my "mid 40's". The little prxxk who said that is 27. We hates him now. :-)