Pics from Abuelita's Birthday

Here's the whole family singing Happy Birthday!

Here's Mom with Aunt Brenda & Uncle John, the ever-gracious hosts!

Here's Uncle Rick & Dad chilling out.

Hurry up & wait (w/pics from Valentine's Day)

Well, we're waiting to hear the "final, final" schedule for Dad's surgery but it still looks like the end of March. As always, we'll try to keep you in the loop. It sounds like they might be in Houston 2-4 weeks depending on recovery but we'll see.

In the meantime, Dad returned home safe and sound from Salt Lake City and Abilene last Friday. He's taking it easy and working from home this week before he heads off to Anaheim this weekend. In mid-March, Mom will join Dad in Las Vegas to celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary! Isn't that sweet? It's especially nice since that's where they got married on March 14, 1970 at The Chapel of the Bells. I hope Chris and I continue to have similar luck since we got married at the same place back in 2002!

Other than that, things have been busy for me at work but we did manage to get together with Crystal and Jonathan along with Mom and Dad for a Valentine's Day dinner at Del Frisco's. It was delicioso! Thanks again Dad!

On the road again...

Well Dad finished up his chemo drugs on Saturday and is hitting the road again on Monday for work as he heads off to Salt Lake City until Thursday then Abilene, TX before heading home Friday evening. So keep him in your thoughts that all goes well on this trip, esp. since it's so cold in Salt Lake City. Brrr!

Last Chemo Treatment!

Hi all! Dad was cleared to have his last chemotherapy treatment this morning. The doctor also cleared him to resume his regular medications and to finish the remaining 2.5 days worth of oral chemo drugs. His last radiation treatment is tomorrow, Feb. 6th. So Mom & Dad will be back in touch with his surgeon, Dr. Pisters, at MD Anderson early next week to see about any pre-surgical appointments and scheduling his surgery around late March or April. Overall, he's done very well during his treatment in maintaining his weight around 200 lbs and is just now experiencing a slowdown in his appetite within the last week.

Thanks again for your continued support and I'll keep you posted.

"Home" stretch

Hey folks,

Well, it looks like the treatment is finally kicking in. Dad went on a biz trip to Mississippi Friday AM and came back Saturday. He was pretty wiped out so Mom, Jonathan & Crystal picked him up from the airport so he wouldn't have to drive himself home. He lounged around this weekend and we went to watch the Super Bowl at their house and he seemed to be doing ok. Today was supposed to be his last chemo treatment through the infusion but his blood pressure, hemoglobin and platelets were too low so the doctor has postponed it and his oral chemo drugs until Thursday. He still had his radiation treatment this AM and they gave him fluids and potassium via IV. They'll run his labs again tomorrow to see if he's doing any better. He's done really well until just a few days ago so we're thankful for that. It looks like he may not make his trip to Salt Lake City next week but we'll see. Please send happy thoughts to Dad & Mom as they try to get through the home stretch of this phase of treatment.

Thank you!
Jennifer

Week 4 out of 5

Brrr! It's not supposed to be this cold in Texas! Hope y'all are staying safe & warm.

Dad started his 4th week of treatment and is still trucking along. His weight and blood pressure have stabilized nicely as has his hemoglobin, thanks to the addition of a 3rd iron supplement per day. He's even going on a short business trip this Friday. And in case you were wondering, he's as ornery as ever! In other words, he's pretty darn normal. (Sorry Dad but it's true & we love you for it!)

Treatment Update: Week 3 of 5

Hi everyone,
I thought I would provide a quick update on Dad's treatment. I guess we shouldn't be surprised but Dad is still pushing along through his treatment without ANY side effects! Even his local team of physicians is surprised at how well he's doing. We suggested he might be a good candidate for a case study!

We're very happy this is the case and proud of how he's handling the whole thing. He's got his routine down and still drives himself to and from The Center every morning. Mom goes with him on Mondays since he's there longer, from about 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and he sees Dr. Xiong during that time too. He's also been in touch with Dr. Pisters at MD Anderson in Houston to get on his schedule for surgery, possibly in early March.

His weight and blood pressure have re-stabilized and he seems healthier than before he went into the hospital in late October 2008. They continue to watch his hemoglobin or iron levels since he's borderline anemic. But he was that way well before his hospitalization and diagnosis so they aren't terribly concerned. More spinach, broccoli or even liver and onions for Dad! :-)

Anyways, that's all for now. Thanks again for your continued support!