CancerCompass message board discussion started by Barkley on 2/20/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21159,0.htm Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Today Dads chest tube and drain was removed.  He was taken off the Nestles Nutrition bag during the day.  Nestles will now only be given to dad from 7PM to 7AM.  Dr. Anderson again said that it was a T-3 tumor and that the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes.  Dad took four walks today, one 400 and three 800 yard walks and not connected to his drug stand on wheels.  He met with the respatory therapist and hit 1500 on the breathing machine.  I left the hospital at 7:00 and he was ready for bed.Dad comes home tomorrow.  Home health care is set up and we meet with the nurses tomorrow afternoon.  We have the groceries ready.  From Thursday 2/21 to his first Dr. Appt. 2/29 dad is on a full liquid diet.  Six small meals a day.  We have memorized what he can and can't have.Dads Drs. told us today that the next stage is learning to eat all over again.  Dad entered the hospital 8 days ago weighing 173.  Today he weighed in at 167.I want to thank everyone for your kind words and prayers.  When this whole thing started I found this site to be the place that I would go to learn about EC.  From the sharing of individuals that I have never met but have a common bond with due to EC I was able to learn what was ahead of my dad and my responsibilities as his care giver.  I thank all of you and again you were in my prayers at mass today.  I have shared your responses with my dad and he appreciates each one.  His response is always that he did what he had to do.  His choice was to either give into EC or fight it  and get rid of it.  Today before I left I told dad how proud I am of him and that we have to continue to take this one day at a time.Today I wanted to hug dads doctors and nurses.  I told Dr. Anderson he and his staff are life savers. My dad would not be here if it were not for Dr. Anderson and his entire team.  They are amazing.Thank you all, you and your families are in my prayer. Barkley Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wow-Your Dad amazes me. Can't believe the progress at his age. Such a blessing. When you mentioned the surgeon and team, I could relate totally. I feel like my husband's surgeon is an angel who came to our rescue in a time of real need. Even during his recent bowel resection where she wasn't involved in his care, she still stopped in regularly to check on him and answer my questions. I regularly feel like I could dance with his oncologist. So he's heading home today-a great day! You've been a wonderful and devoted son, and your Dad is blessed to have you amongst his caregivers. You will remian in my prayers. tongrenhealer Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Your Dad sounds alot like my mom. When she was told what she needed to do by her oncologist, whom she trusted because this Dr treated her for breast cancer in 2000, she just did it. I suspect your Dad did as much for you as for himself. I know my mama did it for her kids as well as herself.  My dad died when I was 4 so my Mama has been and still is everything to me. I pray your Dad continues to improve. Thank you for your prayers.                                                                 Pat  Patty5 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Steve,I wish I could come up with a better word, one that hasn't been used and over-used. but I can't. So....yes, your Dad is amazing for any age. If he was 43, instead of 83, he would still be amazing.As good as the medical staff is and as comfortable as they have made his stay, being home will be wonderful. Sitting in your own Lazyboy, sleeping in your own bed, having full control of your routine (and the TV remote), and just being in your own place is the greatest.Don't forget to keep us posted.Tell your Dad to keep it up and Keep Moving,Steve  Cyclist Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wow - I'm so excited he is coming home already!!!  Your Dad has become  our Dad!  Please continue to tell him how much we love him and are praying for his continued wonderful progress!!  We are walking beside you both in this journey!   Please keep us posted!!!  Love - karen Worriedsick Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT