Today my dad turned 60!The morning began with surprise gifts from my dad's former co-workers. This balloon with the dancing frogs was one of his gifts. He enjoyed all of the gifts very much and was overwhelmed by how many people cared enough to contribute to the gifts.
Of course, he has also received many other gifts and cards. Thank you all so much for taking the time to send them.
The afternoon was spent at the oncologist's office. My dad had his first appointment with Dr. Paul Ritch at the Medical College of Wisconsin. My mom, brother, and I also attended the appointment. There was no more bad news. Dr. Ritch restated information he received from Elmbrook Hospital records. The cancer is in the pancreas, gallbladder, peritoneum, and the lymph nodes. Dr. Ritch did mention that my dad has likely had this cancer for years.
Pancreatic cancer almost always has no symptoms until it is in the 3rd or 4th stage. This is my dad's case. More information about pancreatic cancer can be found on the PanCAN Website.
On Monday my dad will have preliminary testing done before starting chemotherapy on Thursday, February 1. This testing includes both blood tests and another CT scan with a higher resolution machine than was used at Elmbrook Hospital. The results of these test will be used to establish a baseline before treatment is begun.
The chemotherapy regimen will begin with seven consecutive treatments once per week. This will be followed by one week off. During the week off blood work will be redone and another CT scan will be done. We hope the chemotherapy will prolong and improve his remaining time with us. There is no curative treatment available because the blood flow goes through the tumor.
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