Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

After noticing that my Dad was retaining fluid through his chest and into his ankles, my Dad's doctor ordered a CT scan which showed some fluid on his lungs. Yesterday my Mom was going to follow-up to ensure that an appointment was being made with a pulmonary specialist.

My Mom seems to feel confident that my Dad's issue can be handled with the right medications if they get in there and figure out the cause of the fluid retention. My Mom had my Dad at the house on Saturday and all reports were that it was a very good visit. I can't blame him for a second. It's good to be home.

But as I know all too well, it's often two-steps forward and one-step back when you're on a health-related journey. It can be a roller coaster ride.

I've come to learn that the Interferon that they have me on is certainly named appropriately, "Interfere On" everything. Every night after the injection earlier that day I get intense chills. Then later I get night sweats, small headaches and difficulties sleeping. My digestion becomes all screwed up and eventually I will have strong fatique and aches all over. How's that for well covered?

When my Mom had my Dad at the house, she called me and put my Dad on the line. It was great to hear from him of course, although my Dad and I aren't two of the bigger phone gabbers in the world.

I realized that a lot of the issues my Dad was working with I was working with too. Sometimes the simple routines of life proved a little challenging to keep up with.

Tomorrow I have my fifth Gamma Knife treatment. I'm setting new records there. Even doctors are surprised when they hear that. Ugh. Thursday I'll meet with the oncologist to ensure that the local oncologist and the doc from Sloan-Kettering compared notes. We'll see how it goes.