A Small Delay and More Risks

Chemo did not end up getting started last night. The doctors wanted to load up dad with more potassium, blood transfusions, and bulk him up with as much as they could. They also wanted to wait so that the surgeon could come talk to dad and mom one more time today, to make sure that this is what my dad really wanted to do. The surgeon let them know some risks now with doing the chemo. Because this tumor is so big now, it has latched itself onto many different life-giving vessels. It has also, like I said before, latched itself onto the small intestine and bowel tract. The small hole that they found on the bowel tract is being closed off by the tumor, thus only air is seeping out of it. But the surgeon wanted to let dad know that if the chemo does work, this tumor would move away from the bowel tract and some very awful things could happen. They let my parents know that it would be very evident if this was to happen; he would be in desperate pain and become very sick. If this is going to happen, the surgeons will rush him into emergency surgery to patch up the hole. If toxins escape the bowel tract and move into the body, it will be deadly. My dad is not throwing in the towel, and was very confident on getting the chemo and when surgery is needed, then basically, "get-r-done."

Dad and mom didn't get any sleep last night. So please pray for strength for both of them. I know that every time my dad gets chemo, my mom can't sleep. She just sits next to my dad and holds his hand and watches to make sure he's breathing. Please pray for endurance and strength, especially because she will also be fasting and praying with many of us during these three days. We're so thankful for those joining in with us, including dad's boss Lana. Thank you, Thank you!

My dad's brother, sister-in-law, and dad's mom are all there visiting now. The chemo has already begun as of now. And now we just wait. My brother spent the last two days there helping out and spending time with dad, and relieving my mom. My mom's parents are staying down there at a hotel and are constantly a huge help with my mom, from making sure she's eating to being there to just hold her through this. My mom's siblings have also been amazing, in being there for mom as much as they can.

Continuing this walk... one day at a time.... with our eyes fixed on HIM