For Good

The past couple of days I have had two people mention a particular song to me from the musical "Wicked." So, I downloaded it off of itunes and I've been listening to it all day. It's a beautiful song and I thought I'd put the lyrics in this post since I thought, as many of you might, that it applies to Dad.

"For Good"

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

And So It Begins

This past week, Dad started chemotherapy. On October 9, Dad went in for a small surgery to put in a pic line, which is a semi-permanent IV in his shoulder. He also got a PT scan so the doctors can compare where he is in December, when he gets another one, to where he started out and see how much he has progressed. On Monday, Oct. 13, Dad went in and was hooked up to the medicine through his IV. He was there for around 5 hours, but was able to go home after and even went in to work. He went into work every day after, and even worked full days. They took him off the medication on Wednesday and he starts it again on the 27th. We're happy to say that he is doing great! He is a little tired of course, but so far, he is handling the medication well. He even met us all at the zoo on Friday, and we all were able to enjoy the nice weather and company together.

Onward, Ever Onward

Well, it has been a little while since my last update, and Dad is looking great! He's been to work several times and has made a few laps around the block. His appetite is getting better and these are all good signs that he is healing from the surgery.

Mom and Dad went in last Thursday for their appointment with the oncologist. His treatments will start next Monday, October 13. He will go in this week to get a "permanent" IV put in and also to get a PT (?) scan. Each treatment will be administered through an IV and lasts for 48 hours, but, thankfully he will be able to go home for the bulk of the treatment. Then he is off the rest of the week and has to start over again the next week. At the end of the treatments (between 4 and 6 months), they will take another scan and see how the Chemo has worked. Hopefully it will do it's job and send him into remission.

Please keep him and Mom in your prayers as he starts on the next phase of healing. We love you all and appreciate your kind words and thoughtful gestures towards us all.