Everyday Mom

Well, my Dad is finally home from the hospital, yet again.  I thought he had been doing a bit better until we went to visit over Memorial Day weekend.  During our time with him, he was not well.  He was very weak and continued to complain that he was having a great deal of trouble eating.  He slept during most of our first visit and with poor weather on his side, he was unable to go fishing with the kids during our second visit.  His spirit was so down.  I had a really hard time keeping my composure.  I didn’t want to cry in front of him or my husband and children.  Man was it hard to keep it together.  I really wanted to just break down.  I’m an emotional person as it is normally.  I cry over sad or touching commercials and can never get through an episode of Little House on the Prairie without needing  a tissue.  Try to imagine me not crying seeing my Daddy so sick!

He had a doctor’s appoint this past Thursday and was readmitted to the hospital.  After running some tests, his oncologist has decided that he was malnourished and basically starving to death.  The lining of his colon has been damaged by radiation and is unable to absorb any nutrients from the food that he consumes.  He has been put on IV feedings and is only allowed to take in liquids through his mouth.  In just four days on this feeding regimen, he had put on nearly 5 pounds.  I don’t know how that is possible, but that’s what he says.  He’s been released with the IV insert and the help of a home health nurse.  Chemotherapy has been put off yet another two weeks while they let his colon take a break and his body bulk up.  He just isn’t ready for round two yet. 

On the brighter side, he is feeling a bit better and can move around without feeling so tired.  His color is back, and he sounds more energized.  I guess if you go from 0 calories per day to 3000 calories per day, you’re bound to feel better.  We’ve rescheduled our fishing trip.  Hopefully this time he be up to the outing! 

Thanks for reading.  Knowing that I have all of you to share with is a huge help to me!