A Smile Never To Be Forgotten

Today was a day that I have been praying for. I haven't been able to see my dad since he's been in the hospital, other than one time quickly with a bad connection (and I could barely see him). But today, God answered my prayers. For the first time since being at COH this time, we had a clear connection, where we could hear and see each other clearly. It's painful for dad to talk, so I asked him not to. Instead I joked with him and told him that we should use our softball signs to talk to each other. It was so fun laughing together and dad sure enough got his arms going, remembering every sign from my high school softball days (ones that I had even forgotten). It was so good to see him smile when he was doing them. Kenai also gave them good laughs with his hat sideways while he came on the camera saying his famous little line, "mushy mushy mustache, oh bra" (a little silly inside joke from some Hawaiian STNers). He's starting to talk so much now and was giving his grandma and grandpa lots of smiles, laughs and entertainment.

So, my mom and dad are really into the show "Sing Off" and their favorite group won while they were still at home. Mom was telling me about watching the finale episode. I guess the winner got to choose their own song to sing, and lo and behold..... guess what song they sang!!!???? "EYE OF THE TIGER"!!!!!!!!! I was so stoked when my mom told me that- I think it was just God's way of blessing my dad with a little reminder and encouragement :)

Another thing that my mom told me, that I loved hearing so much was that my grandpa (mom's dad) had stuck his head in the door to say bye to my dad at the hospital and tell him that he loved him and was praying for him. He also said to my dad to keep on fighting and get better so they could go fishing. Mom said that dad looked at him with an attitude as if saying "no duh, I'm gonna fight this and we're going fishing." I love my dad for having that attitude! I got to tell him today that I loved him so much and that he has more of the "eye of the tiger" than we ever did in sports, like he always told us to. I told him that it meant a lot that he wasn't just all talk telling us to have that "eye," but that he was a man that would also do over and beyond what he told others to do.

Chemo is going okay. As levels drop, the nurses are on it and fillin' him back up. They sedated him to get good sleep and mom also got to sleep a few hours. Dad got a bath today, mom shaved him and they changed the sheets. Feeling refreshed and ready to keep battling! They had a nice day alone and got to watch sports. My dad was completely stoked to see his favorite player joining the Angels!!!! He's been out of watching sports much lately, but to see that today on the TV just made his day! Go Angels! Mom got blessed by one of the nurses. These nurses are amazing! There's mom and dad's favorite girls that will work 12 hour shifts and then stay an extra hour to two hours just talking to my mom and hugging her, encouraging her. Mom had complimented one of the girls on her yummy smelling lotion. The nurse actually went down and bought her that same lotion in the gift store. How sweet! Another nurse walked into their room and told them that there was something different about their room, that there was a different feeling when she walked in- like a peaceful feeling. She said she had never seen anyone so peaceful than my parents after hearing news like they heard this week. This girl is a believer, and so she knows where that comes from.

I've had a good day today, with a smile on my face...... I got to see and talk to my daddin' :)

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

Starting Chemo Tonight

As the doctors had meetings again today, and with my dad's definitive answer of yes, chemo will begin tonight. Dad will be on a 3 day chemo drip 24 hours a day.

Dad's doctor Papawell, that has been his doctor all along at COH, discussed with mom and dad today that this chemo was the last treatment they would be able to provide at City of Hope. They have tried everything else that they are aware of working on lymphoma cancer. They say this is a cancer they've never seen before. Most lymphoma's are treated with chemo, but due to the rare type that it is, there is nothing more they can offer.

So we are asking that you all get on your knees (as we know so many of you already have been) and plead with God that this chemo would be the one to work. We would love if people could be fasting and praying these next three days with us.

This chemo is the hardest they've ever given him, but the doctor says that his body has been strong enough to endure so many different chemo treatments already. The doctor said that they would not be giving it to him if his body were not strong enough. We are so thankful to God that his levels are up, so that they can try this last chemo.

My mom and brother said that my dad still has that "eye of the tiger." There was no option whether or not to do this chemo- he still wants to keep fighting... whatever it takes. Dad's been receiving shots today to take away the blood clot in his leg. If these shots do not work, they will put in a net in his leg to block the blood clot from traveling to his heart. His blood work also came back showing that he has mersa (a staff infection). Everyone is fully covered going in to see him.

Mom is feeding dad ice chips in this pic, while my brother and I are type chatting on skype. Its such a bad connection which gets frustrating. I've been talking by phone lately and just using skype to see each other. I was able to see my dad today; its been awhile. But it was good to just see him and I prayed over him while mom and Trav laid hands on him. He doesn't feel up for pictures with so many tubes in him right now. The doctors have said that they will be in the hospital for at least 2 weeks to monitor him after the chemo. He will most likely need transfusions and white blood cell injections. This is comforting for them to get the best care possible being at COH.

I've never seen a man so strong before in my life. When he continues to get bad news, he doesn't even cry; he just gets that "eye of the tiger" look and says- lets do whatever it takes and I'm not giving up and will keep fighting.

Dad and mom continue to pray together every day and read the word. Dad is holding on this verse:

Joshua 1:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

He will continue to cling on to the words in this verse. We will continue to encourage dad to keep fighting and stay strong, keeping his eyes fixed on the Father.

Results Back from CAT SCAN

My dad had his CAT SCAN today around noon. The results came back showing the mass has indeed grown to a very large shape, now pressing on the bowel tract causing a small hole in the tube, which can be deadly if the bowels were leaked throughout the body. This is very dangerous and needs to be dealt with immediately. Along with the bowel tract, the small intestine is also confirmed to be completely closed off. The surgical team and dad's doctors met all day to discuss the options. They presented a few to my parents. One being: surgery to put in a new tube to become the new bowel tract tube and a new tube put in to become the new small intestine tube. These tubes would be placed where the mass would not touch it. This is a temporary help; though that mass has to be taken care of. We wish so badly that they could just remove the mass; but due to the type of cancer that it is (of the lymphoma family), it cannot be removed from the pancreas. Second option: to begin a new chemo immediately to hopefully shrink the mass, therefore no surgery would be necessary. Third option: would be to put a hole in dad's stomach with a tube directly feeding the stomach, thus no longer food going through the mouth and body to the stomach. All options have risks. Surgery on someone who is so weak is always a risk. They are looking at the first two options before the third. It looks as though they will try the chemo first, because of how well my dad has done throughout chemo. Some people's organs shut down from chemo, but dad's organs have stayed strong.

The CAT SCAN also showed that my dad has a blood clot in his leg. This is probably because he has not been walking the past couple of weeks from lack of energy with no nutrition. They will do a procedure tomorrow morning to keep the blood clot from going to his heart. Through testing, they have found out that my dad has lost 16% of his body mass since September. This has the doctors very worried and they have now placed my dad on high priority- so thankful for that. This evening they placed a tube into his nose which is going to his stomach to empty the green vile; this will give his body a rest from all of the vomiting. He is only able to have ice chips and small sips of water. The tubing is not just a small tube through his nose (like they do with oxygen). This is a large tubing that rests on his nose and is very uncomfortable and painful especially through the nose and throat. They have him on a constant dilaudid drip to help him stay relaxed and out of pain.

I don't know what else to say, but want to give you all the details of the most recent events. My mom is so strong. My dad is so brave. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and also my parents. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Through all of this, we know that God is large and in charge and we will still praise Him in this storm. Please pray for our hearts.

PLEASE HELP PAPA

Please be praying for my dad today. He was transported by ambulance to St.Mary's Hospital this morning, after a rough morning. My mom found his food bag still half full (which should be empty by morning), called the nurse, she came over fixed the problem but wanted to also check his vitals because of the way he looked. His blood pressure was way low and she was scared he could go into a cardiac arrest. She called the ambulance. Dad's friend/neighbor Leroy came over and helped mom get her things packed and ready. It was a long day at the hospital, but they got him stabilized. Dad's bosses Lana and Bart came and stayed with dad at St. Mary's, while mom left to get some things done before going to COH. My grandma also sat with my dad for a while. She asked him what she could do for him and he said "pray that God will have mercy on me." This is also my prayer.

They transported him this evening to COH. Mom will go in demanding a PET SCAN or CAT SCAN. We have to find a solution to this problem! They know that my dad is starving. My mom has been saying it and they no longer even get on the scale. But my dad is getting so skinny and not keeping any food in at this point. They have no other options now other than putting him on the food bag 24/7. We need those results and then will determine what is next. Thanks for praying! He is stable now, yet still needs lots of prayer to get nutrition.

Its been a tough morning. My grandma drove my mom down to the hospital (COH) and my brother is meeting them there. I'm sorry if this is all jumbled and hopefully it makes sense. My emotions, mind, heart... everything is in such a fog and broken. Sometimes I don't even know what to say or how to say it, but all I know is I've got to get this out there to have people praying.

Please pray!

New Tough Mentality

On Saturday morning, dad took on a new mental toughness. It all started when dad wanted biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Mom loves that he still desires certain things, and was excited to cook that for him. After having one, dad lost it right away. Mom said something changed in him at that moment. With his teeth gritting down, and a little growl, he said "I want another one and its gonna stay in." He put on a new tough mentality at that moment, saying that this was not going to get the best of him. He did indeed keep that next one down.

He is still vomiting now more than usual and we are in the process of looking into trying to get him an appointment in the high desert for a PET SCAN. We need those results, so we can possibly decide on a new approach. We need something that will work and we need to get it quick.

Dad had a nice visit with his brother Glenn and his wife Kara on Saturday. Though he feels like he's not great company, its sometimes nice to have a short visit with close loved ones. That day was also the day that a nurse came to the house to teach mom and dad how to give his white blood cell injections themselves. Dad wanted to try doing it himself, and he did great. He has to inject himself in the stomach- I don't know how he does it! Mom has the hardest time with even watching, but after seeing him do it these last two days, she wants give him the injections now and thinks she can do it. She doesn't want him to have to do this, with all that he is already going through. He has to have these injections for 10 days to get his counts up.

This morning (Sunday Morning), they drove down to COH. Dad had his blood tested and his platelet levels are above normal, so he needed no injections. Dad was very weak today with all the vomiting that he is now doing. He continues to have his food bags at night, but is really struggling through the day and night now in keeping anything down. Please pray that the vomiting will cease!!!!!

Thank you to those of you that have volunteered to bring meals. We just wanted to let you know that my grandma and mom have not forgotten you. With dad eating so little, mom has so many frozen meals still that she is using. But once those are gone, they will be calling. So thank you so much for wanting to help. Mom wants you to all know that she has not forgotten about your wonderful offers.

Keep praying for the PET SCAN to happen and God's direction on what we are to do next. Thanks for praying!!!!

Continual Daily Battle

Dad and Mom met with COH doctors on Thursday, after having a platelet transfusion. The doctors said that chemo for Tuesday is canceled due to low levels. He will have another transfusion on Sunday. Doctors would like another PET SCAN done before the next chemo, so they can see what is happening with the mass. If nothing is happening, then this chemo is pointless to continue. We will then think through some different possibilities. COH has another chemo lined up if this is the case. PET SCAN's are booked up until the 14th, which is what they have him scheduled for now. But he is also on the list in case someone cancels. The doctors will check his levels on Thursday.

The nurse has been to their home three days in a row teaching my mom how to connect dad's food bags to his hick man catheter. Tonight was her last lesson and she has now successfully learned how to do it alone. I'm so proud of her, for all that she does. She has to clean and take care of dad's hick man daily and now will be daily hooking him up for feeding. He will have it every night on a 10 hour drip. They will not have him doing it during the day, or else his brain will start telling his stomach to completely stop eating orally. We don't want him to become completely reliant on the food bags, just assist with the nutrition.

My mom has been on the phone so much asking questions and even trying to figure out how to do an operation or procedure on his intestine. He's so uncomfortable trying to keep food in 24/7. Still searching out more answers. Please pray that this can get figured out or that this feeling will just completely go away.

Last night, dad woke up in the middle of the night after fighting so hard all day to keep his food in; he had fought long enough and lost it around 1 am. After vomiting, he had that excruciating pain in his abdomen. Mom got him on the dilaudid (I think I've been saying and spelling it wrong) right away. Needless to say, it was a rough night. He spent some time with his mom today, while mom got a little time with her mom and ran some errands. They amaze me.... though fighting this horrific and hard battle, mom and dad are so worried about getting things bought and together for a Christmas package to send here to Sri Lanka for my family. I told them not to worry about it, but they insisted as they are so excited for some of the things they wanted to send my kids. Too sweet and selfless, I'd say.

Dad also had a visit from his Captain, Bart today. It's always nice to see him. He's always full of encouragement and love.

Please pray for dad this week to soak up the nutrition and to get strength back. Pray that the pain will not come back, the food will stay in, that gagging feeling will stay away, the platelet levels will come up, a PET SCAN will become available, and they can get rested and ready for what lies ahead with the next PET SCAN results.

Thanks for your consistent love, prayers and support.