Memories from Julie

My kid's memories:

I agree about including the scooter rides--that's my kids fondest memory of Grandad. Unfortunately Lane never got her ride : ( Last night at dinner they shared their favorite memories (Cade still can't talk about it but he nodded to me that he loved the scooter rides too). They can vividly remember cruising around New Horizons, honking the horn, and laughing with Grandad. Cas of course remembers almost crashing a few times as she would take over the driving and Grandad would let her and then he would take over just before they would crash into the wall!

Another memory they have is how he would tease the younger kids about not knowing their name--Granddad: "Who are you? Jack, right?" "No, I'm Cas!" My kids were laughing about that last night!

Another thing the kids remembered was that Grandad would be their "Dad" at Dad's day at their preschool. Dad's day was every Fall and every year Joe was out of town for soccer so Grandad would "sub" for Joe. It was a 2 hour "playdate" at their preschool where they would sing songs, do a craft, have a snack, and play. Every year Grandad would walk in and ask, "where's the beer?" My kid's preschool teachers loved him and always looked forward to seeing him on Dad's day as he always made them laugh!

Some of my memories:

Joe's 1st National Championship banquet, your mom and dad were seated with Cade and I at a table in the front. Joe's old boss--Ron Prettyman-- was at our table and he was not a drinker and didn't look at drinking favorably. Joe's at the podium speaking to the crowd and your dad puts a straw in his beer and let's Cade drink from the bottle. Ron's eyes were as wide as can be and I could tell he was appalled but he couldn't stop watching Grandad. I tried to whisper to Grandad to stop but he can't hear me so then I tried to nudge him but he didn't get it so I just gave Joe "big eyes, like what the hell am I suppose to do?" I don't know if Ron ever recovered from that!

The one thing that you can add to the climbing through the window story is that he had moved our big heavy dresser to get into the room and scratched our hardwood floors! He cut himself so there was a trail of blood through my house. He scared me so bad that I made him a key and told him to always use the front door.

During the inspection of our first home in Torrance, we asked Grandad to come over and give us his opinion. I was so excited to hear his ideas on how we could fix it up. Beaming with excitement, I asked Grandad, "what do you think?" He said EMPHATICALLY, "ABANDON IT!" Joe said that all the air had been sucked out of my body. Within a couple months, he backtracked and told Joe what a great deal we had scored.

Anne's written comments (from John F's perspective) rough draft

What an odd relationship Dad had with cars. His sense of direction was non existent; his tales of woe and side streets and off ramps missed when going to his union meeting were the stuff of legend, so much so that we all wondered how he and Harry ever found California when they drove out from Michigan in 1961; for all we know he was heading to Buffalo.

It never occurred to him to buy any of his kids cars but for some reason he very enthusiastically spent hours and hours performing questionable repairs on the ones we bought. Unfortunately, WD-40 was his answer to almost any repair problem, including squeaking brakes. Using it on Pat’s brand new bicycle brakes didn’t teach him a lesson, probably because I did the test drive and suffered the subsequent crash, but using it on the Moped’s brakes finally cured him.

And he very nearly scared off what eventually became a son in law when John Yenny happened upon him with a can of white latex paint and a brush, heading toward the white station wagon to paint over a scratch.

Every trip in the car was an adventure, mainly because none of us kids were ever truly confident that we would arrive at our intended destination. But the trip was usually narrated with him talking into the seatbelt buckle like a microphone pointing out local history which he made up on the spot.

And getting lost, or not arriving at intended destination wasn’t limited to driving. In 1981 we were all together in Yosemite in a cabin. One morning dad pointed to Wawona Point, grabbed a backpack and a hat and announced that’s where he was headed. He was gone for so long that mom sent us out looking for him, but he showed up just before dark telling tales of sites seen and danger barely averted.

That night we all went to the Wawona Hotel for a drink and as we crossed the porch every other table said “hi Jack” as we passed. It didn’t take long for the sisters to realize it was all rangers and firemen who were greeting him so they insisted on an invitation. Turns out dad had only gotten one mile from the cabin before happening upon the ranger/fireman annual picnic, so instead of climbing to Wawona Peak he played horseshoes and availed himself of their keg for the entire day, and only headed home because it was getting dark.

So he seldom got to where he was going, and if by chance he did get there, he had no idea where he was. In 1987 mom and dad took all five kids to Hawaii for Thanksgiving. Dad found a bar he liked and told us kids to meet us there. Gave us vague directions … go that way to you reach some stairs … go up … the place is called “the house of the three brothers”. We wandered and wandered until we finally found him in a bar with some unpronouncable Hawaiian name. Since he couldn’t pronounce it, he simply renamed it. And, of course, he couldn’t understand why that didn’t make sense. We should have figured it out since the three guys in the band were all brothers.

And while I’m talking about names, now would be a good time to apologize on his behalf to all our friends and old boyfriends and old girlfriends who never once got called the correct name. If they were lucky, they got called the same wrong name more than once. The only indication we ever had that he liked the people we eventually married was when he made a since attempt at correct pronunciation, although “Yenny” never did sound right with his accent.

And God help any friends of ours that he liked. They were treated like members of the family, which unfortunately included orders to take out the trash, move their car from the lawn and opinions on haircuts and attempts at fashion and critiques on jobs done. Fortunately John Yenny was already married to Anne when dad dragged him and me to Desert Hot Springs to work on their place. John Yenny began the weekend perfectly capable of hammering a nail but by the end was rendered incapable of even being able to hold a hammer.

Mom seldom left us alone with him for long, but there is a cooking story for every meal he was responsible for. The worst trip, for us kids at least, was when mom went to Australia for 4 or 5 weeks, with a one-week layover in Hawaii on the way home. She left a house of mostly adult children, who soon became so driven to distraction by dad missing mom and his attempts at housekeeping and cooking and insistence that whatever we were doing was wrong that we got him on a plane to surprise mom in Hawaii. He met her and our Aunt Margaret at the airport and in the cab home politely informed her that when she returned home she would be greeted by the pitter patter of little feet.

Now, while we were adult children, we were all adult UNMARRIED children. After the blood drained from her face he informed her that Galahad had joined the family in her absence. And little did we know that Galahad would soon become not just a favorite pet, but a favorite family member.

And God help any friends of ours that he liked. They were treated like members of the family, which unfortunately included orders to take out the trash, move their car from the lawn and opinions on haircuts and attempts at fashion and critiques on jobs done. Fortunately John Yenny was already married to Anne when dad dragged him and me to Desert Hot Springs to work on their place. John Yenny began the weekend perfectly capable of hammering a nail but by the end was rendered incapable of even being able to hold a hammer.

We were all so lucky that dad raised us when it was still “raising your kids” as opposed to “parenting”. When one friend asked him why he took his kids with him everywhere he simply replied “whose kids am I supposed to take”. But fortunately he could count to five and didn’t …. Often … leave any of us behind. He was very good about stopping by the courtesy desk at K Mart or Zodys and picking up the ones he had misplaced. Before we could read we knew how to recognize a name tag and knew that indicated a responsible adult. We would simply turn ourselves in and await collection. His reputation was such that when he lost Jonathon in a toy store, when Jonathon was only three, Jonathon marched up to the clerk and informed her that his Granddad was lost and somebody had better start looking for him.

But lucky him, eventually he would have to count to 10 when we all got married and the number of his kids doubled. Someone once asked him how many grand kids he wanted and he replied that he wanted 11 since that would give him a soccer team. When the final number came in at 15 he told everyone that it was always good to have a few subs on the bench.

And what musical taste. For years we listened to him singing “do you think I’m sexy” and Luciano Pavrotti singing opera on the stereo.

These are comments from the Daily Breeze Obit

Joe, Julie & Family,

Our prayers are with all of you thru this hard time. I know how much your Dad loved watching you coach. I recently lost my mother. It's such a hard thing to lose a parent, but we wouldn't be who we are today if it wasn't for their love an support.
Roy & Linda Peters/Nathan & Allison Reeves

John, Ronda and entire family:

We would like to convay or deepest heart felt sympathies to your entire family at this time of such great loss.
Mike Roberts & Alaine Farmer

Patti, Mike, and entire family;
We wish you the sincerest sympathies and our condolences.
Gerry & Jeri Kinzel

Patty,

The Berger family wishes to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Chuck & Karin

My sympathies to Nan and the family. Jack meant a lot to me, a good handy-man coming to my rescue, a good neighbor and I loved to talk to him over a cup of coffee. He was an invaluable help to New Horizon. He will
be sorely missed for sure. Sleep in peace.
Lovingly Evy M. Palson, Torrance

Jack never lost his Scottish accent and he never lost his sense of humor. He always had something funny to say to me and when he was sick, I never heard him complain. He would drive around New Horizons on his scooter,lending a helping hand to anyone that needed it. When my wife, Jean,and I moved to New Horizons,Jack helped us with the little problems we had. Jack goes to join many of his Scottish friends who passed on over the years. We will miss his smiling face. Andy Bairden

Nan, Anne, John and family,
My sincere condolences on the lost of your husband and father, My recollections of Jack were of a lovely man, a quick wit and a doting husband and father who had a terrific sense of humor. My heart aches with your loss.
Pat (Hall) Doyle in Canada

RIP Jack, I only met you a few times when visiting my parents at New Horizons and I'll never forget your smile and sense of humor.

Theresa,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Holly Short

Nan and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry that we won't be able to make the service, we will be thinking of you all, and most of all Jack.
With Love, Garry and Marie Monaghan and family.

Our sympathies to Theresa and her family at this difficult time. We enjoyed Jack and his humor many times. Will never forget him hurrying us along (we were a bit late) when we went to Pete and Theresa's wedding and of course the party's at P & T's as well. We know the family has precious memories of family activities and enjoyed the many pictures of Jack and the family at their vacations Theresa sent along to us.
We love you guys.
Wayne & Jan

Dear Theresa and family,
How blessed you were to have him as your father. May you find comfort in all the good memories you carry in your heart.
Laura & Jerry Oreskovich

John Yenny's eulogy

I will also post John Flanagan and Joe's comments as they become available.

Jack Flanagan

After 84 years Jack Flanagan has provided those who knew him with so many memories and stories that it's almost overwhelming. A stranger would look at this life and might find it unremarkable. But if that stranger ever met Jack Flanagan he would probably never forget him. Jack had a love of life that was infectious, as we've heard, he could make the most trivial task fun and anything nontrivial became an adventure.

He wasn't a rich man or a powerful man or a famous man. But he was a blessed man. He lived a life that rest of us can only hope to match. 54 years of wedded bliss, a strong and tight family that adored him, a long rewarding working life followed by a long and satisfying retirement. His children are all married to their original spouses and everyone is still on speaking terms (endless speaking terms it sometimes seems). The grandkids are all healthy, generally happy and so far, no one has had to be bailed out of jail.

These last few months have been difficult for the family. But everyone stepped up when the time came and did whatever they could to make it easier on both Jack and Nan. John and Patty especially showed strength that the rest of us can only marvel at and that Jack, I'm sure, was proud of. I know that the Wee Young Scot is at peace now and probably relaxing and enjoying a Budwieser with Harry right now..

By the measures of life that really count, Jack Flanagan was one of the most successful men I will ever know. Although I share the pain with the rest of the family at the loss his passing brings, I can't help but feel joy at the life that Jack lived.

Daily Breeze Obit

Hey all:

I was just over at the Daily Breeze obit page. There's a real easy way to leave comments if you're interested. Some nice comments there already.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailybreeze/obituary.aspx?n=john-flanagan-jack&pid=136371017

I'll be printing everything out for my mom (that having been said, I'm going to try to introduce her to this "Internet thing" in the coming months).

Monday, November 30, 2009

Greetings all.

Just a couple of words to thank those who joined us at my dad's vigil and also at his funeral. I have no idea how many people were there, but as my Nathaniel said: it looked like Easter!

There is a feature at the mortuary where you can leave a note or a favorite memory of my dad. After a month or two everything will be printed out in a book format for my mom.

You can access the site here:

www.MeM.com

or

http://www.mem.com/ContentDisplay.aspx?ID=17865312

Or just do a search at www.MeM.com for Flanagan J.

Thanks everyone.

xoxoxo

Anne

Jack Flanagan 03-21-25 to 11-22-09

Obit for Tuesday's paper

Flanagan, John (Jack)

After a brief illness, Jack Flanagan passed away on November 22. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 21, 1925, Jack lived in the South Bay with his wife Nan and family since 1960. Jack was preceded in death by son Harry, and is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nan, daughter Anne and husband John Yenny, daughter Patricia and husband Michael Leighton, son John and wife Ronda, daughter Theresa and husband Peter Wright, son Joseph and wife Julie, 15 grandchildren and brother Harry Flanagan of Glasgow, Scotland.

After retirement in 1988, Jack became a well known, active resident of New Horizons, where he and Nan lived since 1994.

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 24, at 6:30 pm at Halversons Mortuary, 1223 Cravens Avenue, Torrance. Funeral service will be on Wednesday November 25, at 9:30 am, at Nativity Catholic Church, 1447 Engracia Ave, Torrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to your local hospice.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Greetings all. I hope we have managed to make all the calls that needed to made and that you're not finding out about my dad's passing via the Internet. For those calls that should have been made and have not, I apologize. It is a testament to my dad how many lives he has touched over the years.

He went very peacefully at 2:18 this a.m. We knew the end was near and he was surrounded by all of his children except Joe, most of his sons and daughters in law and several grandchildren, and of course my mom, who never left his side.

Joe is flying home from Colorado as we speak. While he feels awful not to have been able to be with my dad at the end he was well represented by his ever-stalwart wife Julie.

For those who have tried to reach me via email, 2 days of ignoring AOL caused my box to become completely full, so your email has probably bounced. I have cleaned out and I can be reached at AnneFlanagan@aol.com My cell # is (626) 393 9100

A rosary has been scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday evening at the mortuary, the funeral will be at Nativity at 9:30 am on Wednesday. Once I get home I will post the addresses.

I can't thank all of you enough for your thoughts and prayers and well wishes. Everyone has been a tremendous comfort to my mom and of course all us kids.

I think my mom is okay and doing as well as can be expected; please know that we are all watching her very closely and promise to take good care of her.

Love to all,
xoxoxo
Anne

Saturday Afternoon

Hi all:

I've made a few calls today in my continuing role as "communications czar". I am stuck in Monrovia with a pot of chicken soup and a bad cold. Doc says I am contagious; I think I will be shot on sight if any Flanagan children see my anywhere near my mom as the last thing she needs is to get sick at this point.

Joe is on a plane as we speak to Colorado; his boys and girls teams keep winning.

My dad has not stirred much since yesterday in the a.m. He is in the hospital bed and on oxygen. Pat, John and Theresa are all taking turns staying with my mom. Hopefully I can take a turn by early next week.

John says he appears to be fairly comfortable, so we are grateful at least for that.

Thanks for everything,

xoxoxo

Anne

Wednesday, November 18

Hi all:

Just to let you know, dad seems to have slowed down some. We have been describing him as "quiet", the best I can do is now describe him as "quieter". His voice is very weak, as are his movements.

Pat and mom made the arrangements to get a hospital bed delivered tomorrow; while his sleeping has been okay he is definitely more comfortable sitting slightly upright in his chair in the living room. Being able to tilt the back of the hospital bed should give him the same comfort.

Pat and I are going to get a big screen TV for the bedroom tomorrow ... I guess mom and dad proved the experts right on how to have a happy marriage as they have never had one in their bedroom in all these years.

We are proceeding with Thanksgiving plans, dinner is going to be at Joe and Julie's this year; it's a miracle they can fit us in between soccer games. Joe's girls and boys teams both had big wins last weekend, meaning there will be more big games this coming weekend. We are hoping Mark and Maureen will be able to join us.

So that's that. We will keep you posted and thanks again for everyone's thoughts and prayers. Mom and dad have received dozens of cards and notes and letters; I can't tell you how much it means to them.

xoxoxo

Anne

Tuesday, November 10

Hi Everyone:

Just wanted to let you know I added some new pictures to the albums. There are some misc BBQ pics in Pat's 50th BD and some great pictures of Lane's baptism thanks to Ronda.

Hope all is well,

Anne

Saturday, November 7

Exceptional Service Award

The New Horizons - South Bay Association

takes pleasure in presenting

this certificate to

John "Jack" Flanagan

With deep appreciation for your dedicated and outstanding service as an active resident. We are grateful for your accomplishments as our audio specialist, medical equipment coordinator and the many other talents you shared.

Several board members awarded dad the above today (pictures to the right under "dad's award"). Mom and I were there along with John (Flanagan), Ronda and Taylor.

Dad's efforts over the past 15 years at New Horizons seem to be very much appreciated by the residents.

Dad appears to be feeling about the same; still no pain. Everyone wishes his appetite was better and mom wishes he would drink more fluids. But he has definitely perked up; not sleeping nearly as much and is more more engaged.

Big soccer weekend for Joe; both his boys and girls team won this weekend so Julie is off to Stanislaus with kids in tow.

Saturday, November 7

Am leaving for mom and dad's. Dad is to receive a commendation from their association at New Horizons (you may know it as its Flanagan-Children preferred name: Lost Horizons)

I'll be back later with details and pictures.

Anne

Tuesday, November 3

Hi Everyone.

Stopped by mom and dad's today, bearing soup once again. I think I have finally found something I can cook consistently without screwing up. After 23 years of marriage, the relief in this house is palpable.

The above picture was taken with my Blackberry. I hope everyone is impressed that I actually know how to get it out of my Blackberry, onto my computer and then onto this blog and will not notice that I have no idea how to focus.

The sweater Dad is wearing was knitted by his late sister May years ago. Being made of wool it is being very appreciated now that dad is feeling the cold.

Like a true Flanagan, Dad seems to be reacting well to the extra hour's sleep over the weekend. Mom reports (and I noticed today) that he doesn't seem to need as much sleep. We watched a soccer game; I have no idea who was playing or who won. I seem to be the only Flanagan missing the soccer gene; the only team I follow is Joe's and even then have to believe my siblings (or nieces or nephews, for that matter) when they claim a referee call is bogus.

Dad is feeling about the same; any pain he feels can be handled by Tylenol for the moment. Still using the walker and staying very close to home. He claims to be eating my soup; the only reason I believe him is because he would never be polite enough to claim otherwise. To be honest I don't think his appetite is very good but he is trying.

My mom and dad appreciate all the cards and phone calls; thanks everyone for your well wishes and prayers.

xoxoo

Anne

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Hi all,

I spent last Wed with mom and dad and stopped by again yesterday after a sister lunch.

Dad looks amazingly good, but is sleeping more and more. Whatever pain he has can be handled by Tylenol, so that's good. He is also "feeling the cold". He is quite often to be found bundled up in 2 or 3 sweatshirts and a blanket. Mom also got out a wool sweater that Dad's sister May knitted for him years ago.

Mom is doing okay. Dad looks so good that she is having a hard time believing that he is as sick as he is.

Love to all and thanks for your good wishes and prayers,

xoxoxo

Anne

p.s. For those on skype, my username is anneyenny and Pat's is patricialeighton.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Hi everyone.

There are some new pictures added to the album for Pat's 50th BD thanks to Maureen and Theresa has donated a few to Lane's baptism.

Pat and I spent all day yesterday at mom and dad's getting them set up with the hospice nurse and doctor.

At one point the nurse asked about :

depression

anxiety

moodiness

I answered "yes" to all before I realized she was actually inquiring about dad's status and not mine. Dad answered no, so no shock he is doing better than me.

While it can't be described as a good day, I think Pat and I walked away feeling that mom and dad are in the hands of very experienced and caring individuals. They reiterated over and over that dad should eat whatever he wants as this is no time to be worried about high sodium or high cholesteral; he was even encouraged to have a couple of beers. Pat, however, insisted he not salt his bacon like he did when we were kids.

The doc also encouraged him to get out and about and do whatever he wants and feels capable of. Dad has definitely slowed down and is unsteady but is okay when using his walker.

We left him with a fish and chip dinner and a Budweiser.

Anne

Treatment Update

Good morning all.

I had a good conversation with Mom on the phone last night. She and dad, along with Pat and Theresa, went to see the oncologist yesterday.

Dad and mom have decided for forgo chemotherapy and all other treatments. After much discussion, they decided that the (possible) benefits were not worth the side effects.

The doctor recommended that they contact hospice. We all think that dad doesn't need hospice yet but there is no harm in getting the ball rolling in anticipation of when he does need it.

All of us agree that dad has noticeably slowed down just since Saturday. That having been said, Pat, Theresa and I were all at the house at one point on Tuesday and he had us laughing several times. He describes his legs as "heavy" and is very unsteady. While he was out of the room we all moved some furniture around to make it easier for him to use his walker inside.

Before I left he noticed the coffee table tucked out of the way and asked me to help mom move it back where it belongs. I explained why we moved it and he was NOT amused. Knowing him and mom, he had mom move it back to its original spot after I left.

xoxoxo

Anne

Pat's 50th BD

More pictures to come, but this is the best of the day. Except, of course, of pictures of Joe, Julie and/or their kids. Please, anyone, if there is a bad pic of that branch of the Flanagans please forward because I've never seen one.

Since it seems I am taking the lion's share of the pics these days and there are no pics of me, please know I was having a good hair day. And concerned relatives will be happy to hear my shoes remained on. (I made the unfortunate mistake of mentioning in an email that I threw my shoe at Jonathon just before the last party. Those who know me well will not be surprised - and those who know Jonathon well will find it appropriate - those who do not see me often were under the impression this type of behavior was unusual for me.)

A few surprises for Pat with some old friends we invited but I'm sure the biggest surprise was that she had to host her own party. Mike did a wonderful job arranging for us all to be fed. And if I do say so myself, the basil dipping sauce was once again a hit. (someone, anyone, tell my mother-in-law that the last batch wasn't a fluke)

Mark was unfortunately under the weather in the a.m. but rallied by party time. I do believe we Flanagans are having a positive influence on priorities. Everyone was happy to see Maureen and Mark; my mom has called me twice today to email her to thank them for making the journey.

We tried desperately to keep conversations away from all-health-issues-all-the-time but Suzie Kane and I did spend a grim hour comparing dental nightmares of the past year.

Jonathon was of course missed but it was good to have Alix join us. And John Samuel surprised all and delighted some by showing up with a hair cut.

I ended up using Maureen's camera for much of the night. I will get those pictures posted once I talk Maureen through the uploading process.

xoxoxo

Anne

Oncolgy Appt.

Hi Everyone,
We had the meeting with Dad’s oncologist this morning. She laid out Dad’s options as:

- Chemo once per week for 3 weeks, and then 1 week off, and then repeating indefinitely. She explained that Dad would be in charge, and could stop any time he wanted. This will involve some meds prior to the treatment, along with the appointment once per week, which would end up being about 1 ½ hours all inclusive of taking blood, and the chemo treatment itself. This will be a less aggressive chemo approach, given Dad’s age and prognosis. The doctor also explained that this might give him an extra couple of months, and can be easily tolerated by some. She said that day three of each treatment tends to be the worst, if he does have side effects. The side effects she mentioned are: possible hair loss, nausea, feeling tired, risk of infection….They will, as they always do, take his blood regularly, and watch the white cell count.

- A Pill taken once per week, but they don’t find this very effective, especially with patients that smoked in the past.

- Doing nothing, and living out his life without further treatment.

She also explained Hospice. We all agreed that Dad was not in need of that at present, and she repeated several times that he looked well, which for those who haven’t seen him lately, he does. Hospice is considered “end of life” care, where they make you as comfortable as possible. Once a part of Hospice, you are not longer seeking any treatment like chemo, etc, and you would not call 911 any event having to do with the cancer.
There is also something called palliative care. This seems to be an in between. You can be on palliative care and still be seeing your doctor, receiving chemo treatments, etc. They would work like Hospice as far as providing needed equipment; help with obtaining your medications, etc. Again, none of us present felt the need to start this type of care at this time. This, along with Hospice, can start any time we feel it necessary.

At this point, Dad has elected to try chemo and see how it goes. I am sure he will stop, if he feels any harsh side effects. (He asked us all to vote on the chemo! Like we would actually over rule his wishes!) His doctor stated that the soonest the chemo treatments would start would be at the end of next week, or the following week, starting with an info session first. Mom and Dad will receive a phone call setting the appointments up, so we will keep you posted on that.

All in all, Mom and Dad seemed to take all the news ok. He isn’t experiencing any new side effects of the cancer at this time. (His legs still feel heavy, and he feels this effect the worst in the am, and has a pain that comes and goes in his chest & back around the lung area.) We talked about making sure to make the most of their time, and not just focus on the next treatment, or doctor’s appointment, etc. As you all know, Dad isn’t much of a talker, so he didn’t speak on anything more specific. As I think I have posted in the past, he isn’t someone with any unfinished business to take care of. We will all just try to help him spend what time he has left in whatever manner he wishes. Whether that is watching soccer on TV, sitting outside on their patio area reading a book, going for a run down to the esplanade, etc…..

Hope you all are well
Pat

October 4, 2009

Lane's baptism was wonderful. Lane wore the baptism dress that Dock (Julie's mother) bought for Cas; we were all relieved it fit. Hard to believe anyone was ever worried about Lane not gaining enough weight.

The priest was surprised to see such a crowd. I believe he said to Joe and Julie: I was expecting just the family.

Little did he know we were one family short; the Leightons were in Berkeley watching USC beat Cal at football (and also visiting Alix and Mark and Maureen while they were in the neighborhood).

The baptism was held in a little chapel behind what used to be the convent (heaven only knows what they use it for now. It's been a long time since I saw a nun at St Lawrence.) Lane, being ambulatory, did try to escape but fortunately what she mistook for a door was a window and she found herself trapped. More than one teenager noted how appropriate that was.

The priest did a lovely homily about "choices" which involved all the kids being honest and saying that they wouldn't, in fact, go to school if they were given the choice. And the priest telling them how fortunate they were to have parents that "chose" school and baptism for them. A more clever writer than me would be able to tie-in the above "trapped" comment at this point.

Jonathon was in full uniform as Godfather and I (as Godmother) tried to not be mistaken for a grandmother.

We celebrated afterwards at John and Ronda's (thanks guys!). As always, it was great place to celebrate. It now takes two bar-b-ques to feed us all.

Dad was quiet and seemed tired. Probably the cumulative effects of the radiation treatment. Betty Yenny was also there; anyone who wants to hear the story of her disbelief at how good my dipping sauce was (with home grown basil!) needs to call me. For those who have heard it: how DO you grow salsa???

I have posted a few pics to the right. I will add to the album as I get Ronda, Theresa and Julie's contributions.

xoxoxo

Anne

Hi All,

I took Dad to his last radiology appointment today. We saw a doctor briefly, who told him that he WILL lose his hair, or at least some of it. She spoke about the possibility of what they call radio-surgery, which is a more targeted radiation to the brain tumors. If they did this, it wouldn't be until after the MRI on Oct. 30th, and only if they end up treating the lung cancer in some fashion. In addition, the doctor has reduced his steroid meds.

I don't think we have talked about his weight on the blog - he started all of this on 9/4/09 at 162, and today was 146.4. Although this is not good, he was as low as 145.3 on 9/21, so.....

His mood was matter of fact, and he did talk about his situation & dying, and that everyone has to go sometime........Says there is no point being angry, and where one might ask "why me?" he said "why not me"........We talked about how - if all goes well - everyone will have to experience the loss of their parents........How no one wants to, or should have to live with the loss of a child..........and unfortunately that our cousin is currently having to deal with that heartbreaking loss .......I agreed, but told him that that doesn't mean that it doesn't still suck.......We talked about the only way for any of us to avoid this, is to isolate ourselves from anyone we might care about, and obviously, that is no way to live life.......He thinks Mom is doing better..........Says there is nothing that he feels he needs or wants to do, and is enjoying sitting out on his patio reading.........Went to the club house on his scooter yesterday, and enjoyed that, but doesn't want to go when he knows there will be a big crowd there. As far as the weight, he says that he would be fine with 1/2 the amount he is eating, but is making himself eat all that Mom puts in front of him.


Hope that keeps you all updated. Keep him in your prayers....

Pat

Tuesday, September 22

Hi everyone.

I picked Nate up from school and went to visit mom and dad today. Dad was at radiation with Theresa when we arrived, but they got home soon after. (Mom was asleep so Nate and I stayed on the patio.)

Dad and mom both seemed in good spirits; we started telling old road trip stories and Nate enjoyed it immensely.

John Flanagan stopped by while I was there for coffee. John Flanagan has since reported via text that Dad has gained 2 lbs, which is great news. And I thought Dad looked good today. He had some color and seemed to be a little more upbeat than over the weekend.

Sunday visit

Hi All,

Both your parents seemed in good spirits when we got there and even as we left, we talked about general stuff, the past 2 weeks of Dr's. appts., Joe's soccer teams, my family a bit, my aunt Pam who had a breast removed due to breast cancer and part of her lower left lung due to cancer and now has gone into her right lung (not sure what is going on there still), they brought up some friends that they have recently conversed with regarding their own experiences with cancer/radiation/chemo etc... your dads voice sounds abit more horse ( ? spelling) and I guess the fact that he wasn't holding down much food. We bought some Sweet N Low that your mom requested (she mentioned that your dad only drinks about half the cup of coffee and then she ends up tossing out the rest)... I made some cookies and brought those as well, a little comfort food even if he can't eat much I thought it might be nice for them both!
Your dad mentioned that his legs feel very heavy and hard to move around... and that in the morning it is hard to get going, but once he is shaved and showered he feels better...
He mentioned that he has been walking around the grounds abit.... and that all seems like it is good for him....He dozed off a few times towards the end of our visit, but said as we were leaving he was going to watch a bit of TV with your mom....

One scary thing/sad thing, not sure how to look at it... was that your dad brought up the possibility of not doing any radiation/treatments cause he was saying what if it's not worth going through... if I'm going to die anyway... (sorry... crying right now) John basically looked at him straight in the eyes and said "Dad", " you have to do this part if not for you for mom!"

John said at least start these radiation treatments and see how it all goes, let's take this day to day and see how it goes for you and for mom and make adjustments/decisions as they have to be made"

I know (or feel) that in your dads mind right now he is just definitely not sure what to think or do and feels possibly that this is all for nothing but I think it is good for him to look at it as that this is not just for him...
I thought it kinda made your dad buck up a bit and he seemed to agree with John....

Anyway, when we left, as I said, they seemed ok, and I think were looking forward to the appt. today...(insert today- John told me the news about possibly 1-3 months and I am just so sad!)( I agree in the not telling your parents (right now?) of the time frame as I too agree in keeping their spirits as high as possible- and doing the Summers End BBQ is a good start on getting together possibly weekly?)(John/we also told Johnnie and Taylor yesterday due to Johnnie wanting to leave to school this weekend and thought they needed to know now... both Johnnie and Taylor have been told not to say anything to any cousins unless told otherwise and know the little cousins are not to know at all that that is being left to their own parents to tell)

(Sorry... crying again).... You all (and I ) have been so blessed to have a father like you have (and mother) and I know that what I feel for your dad is in no comparison in what all of you feel... I just keep praying that whatever plans God has for your dad on when he wants to take him up to heaven that your dad never suffers to much however long he has...

Your dad in his 5'7 stature has always seemed like such a bigger man to me cause of who he is, has been and will always be to me and I know all of you! He is a man of strength, character, charisma, charm, respect, adventure, and love ( You know the Sean Connery type ) (as i smile) and I can't tell you in words how blessed I am to have him in my life! (as well as my husband, your mom and All of you!

I hope I have not or do not overstep any boundaries in what I say or do in regards to all that is going on, but whatever I do, it is cause I love your dad and mom and all of you! So, please let me know how to help and what to do if you need to!
This road we are all traveling on right now is going to be a long one and sometimes seem never ending... I hope we can all travel together and help each other along the way!God please guide us all through this journey and give us all strength, courage and comfort for the days ahead, Amen...

LOVE YOU ALL!
RONDA

Bone Scan, etc.

Hi Again,

I believe that Dad, and Mom too, feel best on the days that there are things to do, like appointments to get to, and when people visit, since it breaks up the monotony. When I was there on Saturday, Maureen called and spoke to both Mom and Dad, and then to me. I know that they both were glad she called. Friday was definitely the worst day, as far as their moods, but today there was some worry, since Dad was up most of the night getting sick. It started just after dinner, and I guess ended at around 4:00am. He said that he thought it was his acid reflux and caused by the chicken he had for dinner, but that has never lasted like this. Usually he says that he throws up once and is good to go.... Also, I could see the doubt and worry in Mom's eyes.

I picked them up at 10 am for his 10:30 body scan appt, and once we got going, they were both better. Dad brought a bucket along in case he got sick, but did not have to use it. For the scan, they injected him with a radioactive isotope, and sent him home, only to return again, at 1:00pm. He was afraid that he would not be able to drink enough of the water required, but was able to choke down around 4 glasses, along with a small amount of milk, and keep it down. We returned to Kaiser at 1pm and he was seen right away. We didn't even make it to the waiting room. The scan lasted for about 40 minutes, and we were home just after 2pm. We were told that the results would be in by Wed or Thurs at the latest.

As I believe all of you know, I was able to move up the radiology oncology appt to 9:00am tomorrow - Monday, so that is next on the agenda. I will pick them up at 7:30am, and Anne is planning on meeting us there, for a second pair of ears. Other than being sick during the night, the only other symptom he seems to have right now is that he still feels a bit numb - his arms and legs. I think this is what he was feeling once he had the pulsation feeling in his arm, and I guess it has continued. He is going around and around in his head about all the cancer stories he has heard, and is hearing about, as is Mom. He was really interested in talking to a neighbor of his, who he knew has cancer. We went and saw her on Friday, and she shared her experience. Mom is just realizing the reality of the stories of Aunt May and Mary O'Donnell, and how there was very little time once they started with their own symptoms that lead to the doctors finding cancer in the brain. But, she is also holding out hope she finds in other stories of people lasting much longer. I think they are both looking forward to tomorrow, and getting started on radiation therapy. Maureen also shared her radiation therapy experience with me. She had it every day for 6 weeks, and felt ok until close to the end. She feels that she was trying to do too much, and it caught up to her. I have read that it can make you tired, and this is what she experienced. So, Dad may or may not experience this, and if he does, it will be important to rest. Maureen was also able to tell me what she used on her skin to protect it as best you can. She used aloe vera - which Dad and I were both told about from the conversation with his neighbor, and "Aquaphor" which is something you can find in the baby section of any drug store, or even grocery store. I found this at Von's yesterday, and have already given it to Dad. I plan on going to Whole Foods for a real good quality of Aloe Vera tonight or tomorrow.

In addition, from a call I got from Raquel, it was suggested that if we get a time frame for Dad, meaning an estimate of time left, we do not tell Dad. This is something I ran by Mom, and she agreed. Maureen said that this is also the choice they made with Aunt May. Whenever Aunt May asked, they were evasive. A "Date" might also be something we choose to not tell Mom as well, or perhaps exaggerate?? Another thought is that if the Oncologist says that other than radiation, they are not recomending any other treatment, Anne and I were wondering if there was some sort of "placebo" that could be offered, so Dad believes he is fighting it. Just a thought. Raquel's mom received chemo for her cancer, and after 2 months Raquel was told they could not continue because her mom's cell counts were not stable enough. Raquel explained to the doctor that her mom gained a lot of hope from these treatments - that she was fighting it, so it was decided that they continue with the appointments, but there was no chemo in the iv! Sounds like a pretty neat story.

I believe John and Ronda are over at Mom and Dad's as I right this, so perhaps they will have more info on their mood, etc. later tonight. I will blog again after tomorrow's appointment.

Pat

The News

Hi Everyone,

Theresa took dad today to get a chest scan and an abdominal scan, and all went fine. Theresa may blog about this, but she said that Mom and Dad were in ok spirits.

I received a call from a Dr. Woo, since Dr. Chaise - who he called Dr. Chi (with the i being long). He confirmed it was cancer and said we would be hearing from the radiation oncology dept. Theresa and I went to Mom and Dad's to tell them the news. They took it pretty well, as I think we were all expecting it. I then got on the phone and was able to get a direct phone number to the rad. oncology dept - 323-783-2841. Dad now has an appointment at 2:00 pm on Wed., 9/16 - Jack & Drew's birthday. It will last about 1 hour and they will explain things, give him a brief exam, and answer questions. Assuming all is a go, they will then start to schedule radiation treatments. I assume that this is when we will find out how many treatments, etc. This appointment is at 4950 Sunset Blvd. I told Mom and Dad that I will take them, although Theresa offered as well. I don't know if anyone else wants to go? I would like to go, but also don't want to monopolize these things either. I am sure all of us going would be a bit much. So, unless some of you want to go, I will plan on it.
In addition, Dad has a bone scan scheduled on Sunday at 10:30. This is a two part appointment. At 10:30 he will be given an injection, and then sent home until around 1:00 pm. He then goes back for the 2nd part, which will take about 30 to 45 minutes. I will take him at 10:30 as planned, and take him back at 1:00, too. I know John and Anne are out of town, and I also know that Joe's teams have games that day, so no worries.
I also talked to Dad again about just taking it as it comes,, and otherwise, go about his life. This has obviously been with him for a while, and a week or two ago, he was doing just that. He and Mom were both in agreement and seem to be hanging in there, although I am sure it is tough at times, as it is with all of us. Mom even talked about going down to the beach here and there - maybe take a book and sit on a bench and read - and the both seemed interested in going back to Kincade's for happy hour. So, no time like the present! Theresa and I talked about trying to schedule something like "Kincades", but perhaps under the pretense of Anne's birthday. When we do these things, we just have to go with it, and not worry if a few of us can't make it.
Also, I forgot to tell Dad about the "boxing" match here after they left on Monday. Dad will certainly enjoy that story, so someone remember to tell him. I will also upload the video I took and show him/them.

Love You All!

Pat

Biopsy

Thanks for all the info Pat. And John and Pat, THANK YOU. I am sure you didn't realize this would be an all-day affair but it sounds like we're lucky it all got taken care of.

Dr Kwan sounds like a nice guy and obviously a man of taste! I look forward to meeting him.

Sorry I can't help with anything in the next week. Nate, JY and I leave early Thursday and arrive home on Sunday at around noon. I will check in when we arrive; if timing is right we will swing by to see mom and dad before we head to Monrovia.

We / I don't have any plans after this trip; I hope I can be of more use in the coming months.

xoxoxo

Anne

Biopsy

Hi All,

Dad had his biopsy done by Dr. Kwan. (He happened to be in the emergency/hospital with his wife, when Dad was in. Kaiser didn't want to schedule the biopsy for today because Dr. Kwan was by himself, so they wanted it to wait until Tues. Dr Kwan insisted on today, because he felt like he knew us thinks we are a cool family! I guess he saw/heard us all weekend while being at his wife's bedside. She has something wrong with her colon, and the specialist doesn't know what it is - says it looks like the measles inside her? Anyway, obviously a very nice man! He also thought a lot of Dad) He said that Dad did great, and that got 5 samples from him, and feels like they are all good ones. There is a danger of the lung collapsing, but Dad seems to be fine. The x-rayed his chest after the procedure, and all looked ok there, too. If he experiences shortness of breath or pain, he is to call 911.
While we were there, Mom got a call from Kaiser. Dad is now scheduled for two scans on Thursday at 11:30 - a chest scan and an abdominal scan, and is scheduled for a bone scan on Sunday at 10:30. Theresa will take Dad on Thursday, and I will probably take him on Sunday. Mom offered to take him on her own, but I told her that one of us should always take him. He fell this morning with John. The floors are non-slippery, and with the way he walks, he catches his foot and trips. In the future we should always get him a wheel chair.
In addition, keep in mind that even if he is going in for a test and they tell him not to eat or drink, he needs to take his blood pressure medicine. We didn't know this, and his blood pressure was really high this morning. This may, in part be what delayed the test today, although Dr. Kwan said it was also because he was so busy.
I got him home about 5:30 and he said he was feeling fine. We tested his blood sugar level and it read 125.
Anne is correct in that we should hear something by Thursday. If you remember, Dr Chaise is hoping to get a preliminary report on Wed, and if cancer is confirmed, she will then try to get the radiation treatments scheduled. I don't know how that will occur. It may be that Mom and Dad just get a phone call to set up the radiation appointments. We will have to wait and see.

Pat

Tuesday, September 8

John just transferred dad duty to Pat at around noon.

Per a text message from Pat 10 minutes ago, the biopsy is done and the radiologist said Dad did fine. Dad will be held for about 4 hours for observation.

I am not sure when results are expected, but if memory serves it will be a couple of days.

anne

Regarding Monday, Steptember 7 2009

BBQ at Pat's tomorrow at 1:00. Menu to be determined. Pat will let us know later.

Doesn't matter if you need to come late or leave early. Mom and dad were up for the idea so we want to take as much advantage when they want to do something.

See you tomorrow,

xoxo

Anne

Sunday visit from Theresa

Well, went by mom and dads this morning around 11 AM. John arrived soon after. Guess mom was having a hard time doing the blood testing. Because I wasn't there last night, we just waited for John to get there, and show us. It went fine, and his blood sugar level was 86. So, dad took his pills and then ate his breakfast. Think he will try and get up a big earlier, just so it's easier to get the 4 blood tests in the day and to be able to take all of his pills.

John left after a while, and I stayed until after 2 PM, when they would do the next blood test. Dad will soon be driving mom crazy, going over everything over, and over, and over. But all in all, it was a good visit. At 2 PM, mom went ahead and did the blood test. Everything went fine, except that the machine that gives us the number, had already turned off by the time mom was ready to prick dads finger. So, instead of doing it the way the directions read, mom will get the lancer tool ready first, then put the strip in the machine, and do the test. His second reading was 92. So, I left just after that, mom was making his lunch.

Theresa

Phone numbers

Pat: Great information. Either your memory is a helluva lot better than mine or your notes were more than the one notebook I saw you with.

I thought it would be helpful to post the phone numbers you have of the involved doctors and also the number for Kaiser in the event someone has to call with a bad blood sugar number. We should all put the numbers in our cell phones.

Good advice on one day at a time. It's going to be tempting to do the if this / then that game (one of dad's favorites) but it think it will be wise for us all not to get ahead of ourselves.

We will no sooner get used to a situation and it will change, so staying lose will be the key to us all getting through this.

I know that I will be taking the least of the brunt since I am so far away. But JY will be available if need be. Since I can't run by mom and dad's every day for an hour or so I can certainly spend a day at a time or whatever. Just know that I'll do whatever's needed.

xoxoxo

Anne

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Ok, everyone. Now that you have the time line, another few words: If Dad's preliminary diagnosis stands and this is lung cancer, we still all need to remember that he is feeling fine right now. He is still with us. We have been reminded here that life in finite. We still have time to enjoy his company, and he still has much to offer us all. John has repeated several times for us all to take one thing at a time, as the information comes, and this is good advice. As we do that, let us all appreciate each day we are given, not just with him, but with all who share our lives. I only pray that if this is what will eventually take him from us, it will be slow moving, until suffering arrives. At that time, I hope and pray that God takes him home quickly.

Love You All,
Pat

Time Line

All Pat's info:

Doctors:
1. Primary: Dr. Wong
2. Internal Med.: Dr. Tran (his doctor in the hospital, and one who read the x-ray and CT scan)
3. Oncologist: Dr. Chaisanguanthum (Dr. Chaise)

Timeline for Dad

Aug 18, 2009: Pulsation feeling in left arm for approx. 10 seconds. Then experienced lingering numbness/weakness in arm and hand/fingers all complicated/confused by his Charcot Marie Tooth disease. As feeling and strength returned in arm, numbness in fingers remained
Aug 24, 2009: Pulsation feeling in left arm for approx. 15 seconds followed by same symptoms listed above.
Obtained Doctor’s appointment with Dr. Wong for Aug _____ , 2009 and some tests were ordered: – MRI scheduled for Sept 1, 2009 at 5:30PM. Blood drawn for testing. (Mom and Dad were at this appt.)
Sept 1, 2009: In am, while still in bed, pulsation feeling in left arm for approx 5 minutes, followed by same symptoms listed above. Called Dr. Wong’s office and left message.
Went to MRI appt at 5:30. (Pat with Mom and Dad) After MRI, spoke to Dr. Wong or his office, and was told he was going on vacation soon and an appt. was scheduled for Sept 3, 2009 at around 11:00am, prior to his vacation departure.
Sept 3, 2009: Dr. Wong explained that although the radiologist had not reviews the MRI, they could see 2 “shadows” in the brain area. When pressed on what this could be, cancer was mentioned, but advised to take it slow, and that a lot of test would be ordered. (Mom and Dad at this appt) Upon returning home, they received a call to schedule a “contrast” MRI at 5:00 the same day. A neurology appt was set up for Sept 4, 2009 with Dr. Shaw.
Sept 3, 2009: At 5:00, went to Contrast MRI appt. (Pat with Mom and Dad)
Sept 4, 2009: At 9:45, went to neurology appt – Dr. Shaw (Pat with Dad) Dr Shaw ran Dad through some strength tests and reflex tests. No discernable difference was found between his left and right side. He then disclosed that there were 3 tumors in Dad’s brain – 2 on his left and 1 on his right. Being that there was more than 1, they believed that there was another tumor somewhere in his body that had metastasized, or traveled to his brain. We were told that since it had metastasized, they would most likely find that the tumors would be malignant/cancerous. They would need to run tests and they felt the most time efficient way to do that was to admit him to the hospital. We were advised to go directly to emergency to be admitted. I asked about the blood tests that had been done with Dr. Wong’s office on Sept 3rd, and was told that everything in those tests looked ok, and that Dad’s prostrate was ok. Dr. Shaw also stated that they would be putting Dad on anti-seizure medicine (because the tumors can cause seizures), and steroids (to control swelling). Dr. Shaw also stated that the pulsation in the left arm was not a seizure.
Arrived at emergency at 10:50am, and was seen to an emergency bed/bay at approximately 12:45. At approx 1:00pm, Dr. Blair spoke a few words to Dad, said they would take some blood for testing and do an x-ray, and internal medicine doctor would come to admit him. Over time, blood was drawn, and a chest x-ray was done, and an iv was installed with anti-seizure and steroid medicine. The internal medicine doctor – Dr. Tran – came by and spoke to us briefly. She again explained why they thought there was another tumor somewhere else – because there were 3 in his brain, rather than 1. She could not say how long Dad would remain in the hospital, since they didn’t know how quickly they would find the main source. She also did a private examination on Dad. She said they would be admitting him, and were trying to get a bed ready. She later returned to say that they had found a mass/tumor on his left lung from the x-ray. We were told that it was typical of Lung Cancer to travel to the brain, so this probably was the primary source. The brain tumors are considered a “secondary” cancer, and although in the brain, would be considered lung cancer. They would continue with a CT scan (to see the lung tumor more clearly and to see if there were any other tumors) and schedule a biopsy, which looked like it would be Tuesday. They would continue to admit him to the hospital to get the CT scan done the next morning, and to monitor him on the new medication to make sure Dad tolerated them ok. Later, Dr. Chaisanguanthum, -goes by Dr. Chaise) Oncologist, came in and spoke to Dad, Mom, Anne & John. (Theresa and I were in the waiting room) She spoke to them about the tumor on the lung, and that it would be inoperable, since it has metastasized. Dad asked about removal of the lung, and she said there would be no sense putting him through that major surgery, because even if they removed it, he still would have cancer. (This is again under the assumption that it is cancer.) She said that her primary concern is to treat the brain tumors ASAP. They then spent some time trying to move up the biopsy appt., while finally moving him to the hospital. When John & Joe left the hospital that night, they thought that the biopsy would be done the next morning, along with the CT scan.
Sept. 5, 2009: Pat arrived at the hospital at approx 9:00am. Dad was awake and stated that he they would not serve him breakfast due to the CT scan. He was on an iv for fluids. They did not have a time on that yet, and the biopsy was moved back to Tuesday. Around 10:30 am, Dr. Chaise arrived, and during our conversation with her, Mom and Anne arrive to hear most of what she had to say. We were told that for the CT scan, they would normally give a contrast solution in Dad’s vein, but that this was hard the kidney’s and his were not in good shape. I asked about that because in viewing Dad’s med. records it shows he has chronic kidney failure, and Mom and Dad have never been told that. She said that at Dad’s age, basically everyone has this. Anyway, she said that they could also give him a contrast solution orally, but this made the scan less effective. (I believe that this was less harsh on the kidney’s, but still harsh, so there was talk that perhaps they wouldn’t do the CT Scan, although they wanted the info it would provide) She left the room to contact Dr. Tran. Dad’s nurse came into the room with 2 bottles of a white solution – looked like milk – and poured one in a cup for Dad to drink. Dr. Chaise returned as Dad was starting to drink, and confirmed that this was what they would do. As Dad drank, Dr. Chaise discussed her primary concern was the brain tumors since they will cause a lot of problems if they continue to grow. She confirmed that the br. tumor on the left is the largest, and that there are 2 on the right. She also confirmed that the pulsation in Dad’s arm was not a seizure, but probably one of the tumors pressing on a nerve. Dr. Chaise stated that she wants preliminary info from the biopsy confirming cancer asap, so she could then set up radiation treatments to attempt to shrink the brain tumors. Even though she would have liked the biopsy to happen sooner, she said that the reality was that they still probably wouldn’t get any results until Tues or Wed., so, not getting the biopsy done on Saturday morning was not causing much of a delay. She said that she hopes to have a preliminary result of the biopsy by Wed. or Thurs at the latest, so she can set up the radiation treatments, which could then happen as soon as Thursday or Friday. The radiation plan will be for a week or two – done M – F, and the appointments will be at a Kaiser location on Sunset Blvd., & Vermont. The actual radiation lasts for a few minutes, and will be done daily. There will also be a consultation appt. that could happen locally, but will probably be at the Sunset location for time efficiency. Side effects of the treatment are: sunburn to area treated, hair loss to area treated, and there can be cognitive function loss. This risk is FAR less than the risk of not doing the radiation treatment. She stated that they have good results with the radiation treatment, and that their expectation would be for the tumors to shrink, or for the treatment to at least slow the growth of the tumors. Towards the end of the radiation treatment, or once completed, Dad will have an appt with Dr. Chaise to go over his prognosis, any further treatments that might be available and that they might suggest. She said that due to the side effects of steroids, she will be trying to wean him off of steroids after the completion of the radiation treatment.
Dad was taken at approx 12:00 noon, and Anne, Mom and I left to get some lunch. We returned about 1:20 or so, and Dad was just finishing his lunch, stating the scan had only taken about 5 minutes.
Dr. Tran arrived around 2:30 or 3:00pm and discussed the preliminary results of the CT scan. It has not been read by the radiologist yet, but did confirm a large tumor on his left lung. She did not see any other tumor, but said the radiologist will get a better reading on this. She was able to pull up the scan on the computer in Dad’s room for us to see it. At this time we were informed that the steroids can cause hypertension, or high blood sugar levels, and this was the case with Dad. To manage this, they would have to prescribe insulin shots, or a diabetes pill, and a machine to measure his blood sugar levels. She said the pill would be easier, so that was prescribed. These pills should drop his blood sugar level, and he is to take ½ of a pill each morning with breakfast. He is not to take this pill if he is not eating breakfast, like prior to a test that requires an empty stomach. Dad is to measure his blood sugar 4 times per day – before breakfast, lunch and dinner, and prior to going to bed. A good blood sugar level is between 70 and 110. In the event that it reads as high as 300, we are to call Kaiser. In the event is drops below 70, he is to drink a glass of juice and some milk, or eat a piece of sweet candy – like chocolate- that melts quickly, and call Kaiser with his blood sugar reading. Signs of low blood sugar are confusion, being shaky, and/or sweaty. Low blood sugar is more dangerous. No real signs of too high a level, but he might just not feel right. He was also sent home with the steroid medicine – taken 4 times per day – like 9am, 1, 5, & 9pm, and the anti-seizure medicine. He is not to take aspirin or ibuprofen, but to continue with his other meds for high blood pressure, etc.
Dad was release and home by approx. 6:30pm, while Anne and Mom picked up his meds.
Dad is to set up an appt with his primary doctor – Dr Wong in 2 wks – and at this time will get more information on what the radiologist found on the CT scan. His biopsy appt is on Tues, 9/8 at 8:00am and John will take him. He is not to eat or drink anything after midnight Monday night.

And, by the way, his nurse made his day when she said he sounded just like Sean Connery. And... Anne and I did eat some of his chocolate. It was Cadbury - can you blaim us! He will have to make do with the apple juice. That is safe, at least til the grandkids come over!

Pat

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Hi Everyone:

Pat, John, Joe and I were all at mom and dads together for a few minutes tonight. I am pretty sure most of us are up to speed on dad's situation.

Pat took really good notes all day today at the hospital and there are a lot of details about various drugs that dad will be taking.

In addition, he has a biopsy on Tuesday morning. Once results are confirmed, he will have (2 weeks? 10 days?) of radiation treatments for the tumors in his brain.

We all decided that a blog would be the best way for us all to communicate rather than our standard email method. We can use this as a running diary to share data (for instance, Pat will be posting all the various prescriptions and whatnot) as well as working out schedules for driving, etc.

We can all sign in using the same email / password:

AnneYenny@gmail.com

0909scotland

You only need to sign in to post info. You can "comment" on a post but I don't see the point. I think anything you would normally be putting in an email to all of us, just do a new posting.

You should also sign up to "follow" the blog using your usual email address. That way when any of us posts new information you will get an email notification.

It will keep all information up to date and in one place. I think we should make sure we "label" well, for instance if every update to do with drugs is labeled "drugs" it will be easier to find if needed.

If there was a time I was more grateful for the brothers and sisters I have, or their spouses, I can't imagine when it was.

xoxoxo

Anne