Portraits of Vince & Anita

Mom & Dad took some portraits on New Year's Eve before we went to dinner. Here's a sample. Aren't they cute?

Dad is still feeling good. He had a tiny touch of upset stomach on Monday evening but took his Rx for that right away, sucked on some peppermints & was back on track. Depending on how he feels after treatment, he may even sneak in a few business trips before surgery!

Until next time...

1 Week Down, 4 To Go

Hi all,
I visited Mom, Dad & Grandma yesterday after work and Dad still isn't experiencing any side effects. He's eating well, resting when he needs to, and working a pretty good schedule. He has completed his 1st week of chemo/radiation treatment and has 4 more to go. We'll keep you posted as we count down the weeks.

Have a good weekend!

So far so good...

Dad met with his radiation oncologist yesterday morning after treatment. Dr. LaNasa said that since Dad wasn't yet experiencing any side effects from the radiation that he most likely won't. We're hopeful that any side effects he may begin to experience from the chemotherapy will be minimal as well. Stay tuned!

Treatment Center

Just thought might want to know where Dad is being treated...

The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
http://www.texascancercare.com/default.aspx

Dr. Henry Xiong - medical oncologist
Dr. Peter LaNasa - radiation oncologist

(mini) Happy Dance

Hi everyone,

We got some good news today that calls for a "happy dance" albeit a mini one. Dad received the results of his PET scan and it appears that the cancer has NOT spread to the surrounding lymph nodes or anywhere else in his body. His thyroid is enlarged a bit and something they are going to check further but his medical oncologist did not seem concerned with this just now.

So he has finished his 1st day of radiation/chemo treatment with flying colors and we hope he's able to sustain that along with much of his normal routine. When I spoke to him this evening, he sounded better than I had heard him in weeks. Thank y'all for all your love, support, and prayers - it means a lot to all of us to know so many people are pulling for him through this!

Pics from New Year's Eve

(Chris, Jennifer, Dad, Mom, Silvia & Dionicio)

(Silvia, Chris & Dionicio)

(Dad, Jen & Mom)

Wishing you & yours a wonderful 2009!

On your mark, get set...

...go! Well not quite but very soon. Dad met with the radiation folks this AM to run through another simulation as part of the prep for his 1st radiation treatment on Mon.

On a different note, for New Year's Day Dad made his annual batch of black-eyed peas, rice & ham hocks but rounded out the meal with rhutabagas and fresh lobster. Yum!

Stay tuned for some pictures of our New Year's Eve dinner at Lambert's to be posted before the weekend is out...