July 14th 2008

Dad had been feeling pretty poorly this spring. So much so that the thought of leaving and going to Oregon for the summer just didn't appeal to him. His stomach pain was every increasing without relief in sight. So we (dad and I) worked out a plan for him to spend the summer in Show Low Arizona. Its closer to my work and I already had a place for him to stay up there. He lasted a few weeks without too much trouble. Then, after several trips to the Emergency Room, he wanted to see a doctor. After much searching for a doctor that accepted his insurance, we found that my doctor could take him. Dad had an appointment with lab work and a few tests but no real answers as to why he was having trouble. So his follow up appointment was for Monday July 14Th. A day full of information and some of it good. We found out that dad's prostrate cancer from years ago was more active then ever and it seems to be spreading rather rapidly throughout his body. So much so that we need to prepare for the worst. With this information in hand, dad felt it would be best (with my subtle hints) to move in with me in the house in Avondale Arizona so that I could work and he could have access to the doctors that he will be needing to help him with this newest challenge. We have set up a little apartment for him in the bottom part of my house and it seems to be helping. He does his pool therapy every night by walking around my pool. We have been managing his pain a little better and he sleeps well. Eating is hit or miss but has greatly improved.

His brother was here for a visit for a few days and it really perked him up. I also had my best friend from Show Low, Irene, here who helped take care of dad for me in Show low. Dad calls her his angel because she was there when he was in the ER. Marie, my partner in crime, set up the house in Avondale with a closet and dresser and also help bring the bed and chair from Quartzsite to the house. It has been a little bit of chaos but as things start to settle it should get better.

We have a surgery consult on July 29Th and a urology consult on August 1st. Hopefully then we will have a plan.

If you have any questions or want to send dad well wishes, e-mail me here or post a comment.