So lets see...My Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer on Monday. This is the second time he has had lung cancer and it is in the same lung as before. Fourth time to have cancer all together (skin, lung, bladder and lung again). They took out part of his lung last time so this time they are going to take out just a wedge of it. He had a stress test today and did well. Next is a scan of his brain. I talked to him today and he sounded good. I feel bad being this far away...
I don't think I have written about it yet but my oldest son was diagnosed with a blood disorder, von willebrand disease. Today we spent from 8am to 4:30pm at the cancer/hematology center at Texas Children's Hospital so that he could do the DDAVP challenge. This is a medication and today was to see if it works for him. He got his first ever IV. They took his blood, gave him the meds and then took his blood again 1, 3 and 5 hours after the meds were administered. We weren't just at the cancer center but in the infusion area. There were lots of different kinds of kids there. Some for chemo, some for sickle cell stuff (blood transfusions) and some for other stuff. The kids all seemed okay. There were lots of games, movies, crafts and even a dance group came for entertainment. The parents (myself included I am sure) all looked so tired and worn out. You could see sadness in their eyes. Alot of the parents were either just sitting staring off into space or like myself reading and dozing off from time to time. Riley's blood disorder is not severe and I probably have it as well as it is genetic. I know my kids have their health issues...both of them now...but I am grateful today. Grateful that things are the way they are and are not worse, ya know? It has been stressful lately with the heart cath and then the seizure 2 wks later, the VWD diagnosis for Riley and now with my dad having cancer again...and yes, stressful is an understatement...but I am grateful for what I do have.
Another piece today that has kept things in perspective...please pray for the Dereksen family...Tommy lost his fight with CHD last night (and boy did he fight!). He was such an amazing boy and he will be missed.
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4 comments:
Becky,
It's obviously been a difficult time for you guys. I'll be hoping and praying that you all get through this, sounds like you really need a break from the hospitals for a while! I hope your Dad's brain scan is negative, and that the wedge resection takes care of the cancer.
I have followed Tommy's story for the past few weeks, he really was a special child and will be missed by many.
And blessed we are... Prayers for your Dad and that the med's work for Riley. Keep us updated...
Hope you still read your messages here... for some reason I haven't been able to reply to messages forever to our TOF group although I still receive them.
Of course you know we live in Bardstown KY. We are blessed to have a cardio whom we consider family - seriously - he is outstanding. His name is Dr. McOmber and he is with Arensman Boone & McOmber Pediatric Cardiology phone # (502) 454-7107. We have dealt with all of them and they are gems. Our surgeon at Kosair is Dr. Austin and well... he is amazing. He is at Kosair, his office is with University Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates (502)583-8383. I'm sure Kosair has the other specialist you need. Our pedi. is in Louisville as well - Childrens Health http://childrenshealthpediatrics.com/ . We have seen all of these and they have been great. Please email me with other questions. By the way... we have an AWESOME parent/child support group - Team Brave Hearts and we would love to welcome you.
I hope things are going better - it seems you have more than your share of stress to have to deal with. I wanted to drop in and let you know that we keep you in our prayers.
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