The chemotherapy treatments have improved greatly over the last decade. The treatment Dad is scheduled for has been tested to show good results on older people, with little / no nausea nor pain.
Dad will get a port surgically installed. That will be put into his upper chest to allow the medicine to be more easily injected into his blood vessels.
He will have four or six months of chemotherapy, after which the bladder will be examined and possibly removed. The 4 or 6 depends on the results of a not yet scheduled CAT scan. The treatments will be one day a week getting 3 hours worth of medicine injected via the port, with a shorter visit the next day to check his status.
Dad should even be able to drive himself to and from the chemotherapy sessions! He may feel a little weak after the chemo gets into him, but should be able to get home without trouble.
Dad is looking and sounding better and better. He is still tender, but is no longer in pain. He is praising God that the he no longer has a catheter and that he can sit or ride in a car without pain.
Mom was occasionally very worried for Dad, but then was reassured. Her memory is such that she forgets items, so I worry that she may forget the reassurance that the bladder cancer is not as serious.
My Uncle Chuck called this afternoon, and was able to further encourage Dad. Uncle Chuck currently has a port installed as part of his chemotherapy, which has turned out well.
I think perhaps one of the biggest challenges remaining for my parents is dealing with the disappointment of growing older and less independent. Dad was told by the doctor he should no longer be shoveling snow, and he should take care of himself. Mom was saddened that she did not have a nice dinner on the table. I am very glad that their worries are focused on items that while are sad to realize, are very common and a normal part of aging.
Praise God for modern medicine and the kindness of medical practitioners.
No comments:
Post a Comment