August 30th, 2008

Dad is doing well. We worked on getting the laundry and house put together through the evening. He seems to be hanging tight and maintaining a even keel at this time. He did pool therapy today as well as walked to the mail box. He says that he will be walking more in Quartzsite but we shall see.

August 28th, 2008

Well Irene brought down dad's car yesterday. It was time for dad to start leaving the house once in a while and get out for a morning doughnut or something. Well it worked because he went to the store close to the house and did some of his shopping. It went well and he didn't even get lost in the big city. It's good to see him get out and move about. So far the last couple days are good and today was no different. I hope this trend keeps up. He wants to head back to Quartzsite in October so we will have to see.

Dad wants to thank everyone for the e-mails and well wishes. Take care everyone.

August 25th, 2008

Well dad was having a great day today until the weather changed a little bit. He was in the pool having a good time and an Arizona monsoon hit the yard with wind and what not and so ended the pool play. He was more upset that it entered his pool time then anything. It was really good that he feels well enough to get in and out of the pool with little or no help. Also it seems that it has improved his joints and there function.

I'm on the the tail end of a six day run at work. Sleeping not as well as I would like and looking forward to a few days off.

August 24, 2008

Well after a week of getting dad lined out a little better I can finally get the rest of the world caught up on the who and the what. Last week had a lot of ups and some very steep downs but with a little change in mind set and a few new methods for keeping cleaned out, I am happy to report that dad seems to be having a good day today. He was a little shaky this morning when I offered some new insight to his feeling good and thought we should try to help him a little more with some new pain techniques. But as most of you know, my father is not really a big fan of change. So at this time my father will just keep with the current plan and shoot for returning to Quartzsite in October. He will still return to my place every other week to help keep him on the same track. He also has realized that walking and getting up and doing something other than sleeping is much better than just laying around. (That is why the pool is working so well for him.)

Little side note, sorry to all those who have been looking for updates and getting nothing. Just been a little busy with a few items. Like the publishing of my new book. Yeah me.

August 13th, 2008

Well the much awaited GI doctors' appointment was really what I expected. Dad met with the new doctor and made up his mind right then and there. He has chose to just wait and see if he can keep doing as well as he has been. The doctor wanted to have tests, blood work, and a butt scope right away. When he warned dad the there is the possibility of tearing his bowel and forcing him to have a crap bag for the rest of his life, well that interview was over. (For the record, the doctor has to inform dad of the potential for complications and the odds of that actually happening are very slim). But that information was enough for dad to go right over the edge. He feels really good lately. I don't know if it's the overall plan or the great care he is getting (toot my own horn a bit) but what ever it is, the pain is getting less and the smiles are getting bigger. The pool has helped tons and the good food being made doesn't hurt either. Today I realized that dad is still very much the man I have always admired. The man that stands firm in what he believes in. And right now he believes in his son.

With great pride and honor I accept the challenge.

August 12, 2008

Dad has had a few bad days this past week and we are hoping that is not a trend of things to come. He seems to be having a bit of an up swing right now and we will ride that wave as long as we can. On the thirteenth we have some more follow up and consult appointments with the hope of a new game plan. The decrease in morning coffee has seem to help a lot of the morning pain. But he misses it dearly.

Finished my return to work today and it wasn't too bad. The people I work with are very helpful and understand whats going on. Thank god.

August 10th, 2008

This morning I realized that dad is very in tune to all his surroundings. Which is a good, heart felt thing to be, but it can also cause some panic. He picks up on how people are feeling; sad, happy, excited, whatever. The problem is that when things appear to be bad he takes a turn for the worst. I started back to work this last week and they sort of scheduled me a lot of days in a row. These days have made me be away for several hours a day (14 to be exact) and he seems to be effected by that. With great reassurance he is understanding that it has to be done. But I think I am going to have to make some career changes to help him feel better. And who knows it may be good for me as well.

Dad in the Backyard

August 8th, 2008

Well I was watching dad in the pool last night and I have made my mind up. He will be heading to China to compete. Just kidding. He's doing good. This next week we have two more doctors appointments but it doesn't seem to be bothering him. Heck he even has been driving around town a little. Go country boy.

August 7Th, 2008

Dad had a great night last few days with the up and down day. Seems to be that dad's plan for just letting it ride seems to be working well for him. As a medical professional I can only tell you that sometimes medicine doesn't have all the right answers. The human mind has great power. It can often heal the body with just positive vibes. I know, it sounds sort of hoke but you have to believe in something. Dad is doing better and he feels better so it is working for him. If his mind has set him free from this prison then so be it. I really just want his quality of life to be acceptable to him.

I'm doing well, work is great, and blah blah blah. Irene is here to help out. She always works so hard to help us. She starts nursing school at the end of this month. We want her to do great so everyone pray for her.

August 5th, 2008

After the last few days, this post will update and surprise some. For others it will just be another in an obvious Clarke line of things we just do. My father has been known to gamble on occasion with the phrase "let it ride". With that passion at heart my dad has chosen to avoid any extra testing at this time and just see how things go. He has been feeling very good these days and wants to keep the momentum going for as long as he can. With a lack of real desire to seek any excessive treatment anyways this plan has personal merit for him. As long as he feels good he will just keep doing what he is doing in regards to bowel movements and medication. This decision alone has increased his level of activity and put a little spring in his step. Some times the cure for your ills is ignorance. And on a positive note, he has lost 13 pounds with a balanced diet and increased exercises.

August 3rd, 2008

Today is a great day with a slight cloud on the horizon. Dad has had a couple of great nights with good sleep and good eats. This trend has helped him feel a little more up and at them. But with the pending exams tomorrow he has had a couple of small panic attacks today. Nothing that completely erases the good days, but still something that brings him down a little bit. We have a lot more work to do, but he is better today then I have seen him in a long time.

Dad wants me to send out his love to all of those who have supported him and sent him e-mails of support. Also to those that have called him and checked up on him. He can't thank you enough for all the prayers and words of encouragement. I read him the e-mails and messages and he just can't believe this Internet thing. But he likes having people checking in on him.

And for those that have a little concern on how little Earl is doing, well I'm a survivor. Its what I do.

August 1st, 2008

The doctors appointment today yielded much more promising results. That is to say that we now have a plan of attack. On Monday dad will go in for some tests to see what and where the cancer is and how extensive of treatment we will be looking at. He felt a little better having some plan. He was also glad that the doctor had a small index finger. Ha Ha Ha. The appointment was late in the day today so we went afterwards to the hardware store and had a good lunch. (A hot dog and a soda.) We returned home late in the afternoon and both of us had a nap. He had one for being up since 4 am and I had one so I could go to work tonight.

All in all he had a good day. His mind is starting to settle down a little with more answers than questions.