Another update to on my dad. It’s been really rough.
My sister wrote this but just makes it easier for any advice or suggestions that it’s already written in one place. Also, my dad has KRAS 12v strain and in May found he is stage four lung cancer that metastasized to his brain —- he began chemotherapy and immunotherapy at the end of June and has now completed two cycles of treatment. Despite everything his body has been through, he was able to get through those first two rounds, and we recently received some news: his latest brain MRI showed that the tumors in his brain are stable, with some actually decreasing in size. After whole-brain radiation and two rounds of treatment and hearing that some tumors have gotten smaller, our family was given an incredible amount of hope.
On August 3, Dad had an episode that appeared to be a seizure. My sister and Mom were able to get him safely to the ground and Dad was quickly transported to the hospital where he remained until last week.
Once at the hospital, doctors discovered another serious complication: large blood clots in both of his lungs. The pulmonary embolisms extended throughout both lungs and were putting significant strain on the right side of his heart. Dad was immediately started on IV blood thinners and was eventually transitioned to Eliquis, which he will continue taking to prevent additional clots while his body works to break down the existing ones.
Additionally, he also re-started on other medicine to help prevent additional seizures, as well as other medications.
It was an incredibly scary stretch, but after more than a week in the hospital, Dad stabilized enough to be discharged on August 12 to a one of the best assisted in-patient rehabilitation facilities close by.
That is where we are today: focused on recovery and getting Dad stronger.
Dad is still extremely weak and gets tired very easily. He is receiving physical therapy and IV hydration throughout the week, and he continues to push himself to do a little more each day.
Most importantly, Dad is still fighting and still wants to continue treatment.
His oncology team is encouraged by the stability of his cancer and plan to resume chemotherapy and immunotherapy once he has had a little more time to recover and regain strength. Right now, the hope is that treatment can restart within the next couple of weeks.
Guys… I’m exhausted. When I first posted months ago I was hopeful. Now I feel empty. I am so incredibly close to my dad and seeing him like this is making my heart implode. How do we get through this? I’m just so sad.