Newest Dad/Allan Update

Hello Everyone!! Today I took Mom/Colleen and Dad/Allan to dad's chemo appointment. We got his newest blood count ... everything is once again normal and high so dad can go back to work. We also received the results of his CAT/MRI (sorry don't remember which it was) and some is good but most of it not so much. The good news is that the masses in dad's lungs have reduced in size some ... the doctor was not specific on how much. The other news is that the masses in his kidneys and liver have increased 25% or more and he has new masses in both the liver and the kidneys, as well as, one in a lymph node. The scan also showed some new masses in his bones, his pelvic area, basically, where the joint in his right hip is. Dr. Dalal is taking dad off of the chemo treatment he has been on for the last 2 months, because when the cancer grows 25% or more and spreads then it is not working properly. He is starting dad on a new treatment called Alimta. It only takes approximately 25 minutes to do and he will also be taking a bone strengthener, which takes about 40 minutes or so ... total taking about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. Which is 6 hours less then the old treatment. He will also be getting a B12 shot every 9 weeks to help with the possible side effect of being worn out and tired. Dad will also be taking 3 days of steroids before each of the new treatments instead of the 2 he was taking with the old one. The doctor is also putting dad on folic acid pills to assist with possible side effects. Dad currently weighs 155.8 lbs ... he has lost 6 pounds in 3 weeks, a total of 20 lbs since he was diagnosed with the cancer. Mom asked Dr. Dalal about something to improve dad's appetite, sorry I do not recall the name of most of the drugs dad is not on, but he did prescribe something to help rebuild his appetite. Dad got his first shot of B12 today and wont need another for 9 weeks. After the appointment we went to the hospital to get an X-Ray, we should have the results next Tuesday when he goes in for the new chemo treatment. Next Tuesday he also has an appointment with Dr. Ledley to check one the masses in his brain. I will be trying to go with them to it so that I can provide support and help update the blog more so that mom doesn't have to as much.

All in all, dad had a pretty good day, considering the news he got. I showed up at their house this morning and surprised them, we went to the appt and then to get the X-Ray, went out to eat and then to Wal-Mart to pick up there meds. He was able to go see Tommy at work (Tommy and I needed to trade vehicles for the day.) Once we got home dad and I messed with the pool (in the process of cleaning it from the weeks of neglect from when we were in Cali last month.)

Please continue to pray for both mom and dad. I know that both of them love it when they are able to see the responses you guys post and they can feel your love and support, so do I. I love you all. Molly J. Connell