Welcome to A Gravel Road Journey!

NOT SO LONG AGO, Dad RE-named his art studio, "A Gravel Road Studio", and so this seemed an appropiate title for his blog.

Why 'Gravel Road'? As Dad explains, "Gravel roads take us off life's busy highway and force us to slow down. When we slow down we have time - time to notice the things around us; the things that matter the most; life and breath, the flowers and the trees. Gravel roads allow us to taste the dust of our travel and give us time to breathe."

Since his studio is a place of quiet reflection and contemplation, we wanted to create a space for family and friends to do the same as we journey together down this new and unknown path. We also wish to keep family and friends updated on his diagnoses and treatment, so please check in often for updates and new information.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Latest News

Sorry for the delay in updating. Dad was supposed to have a meeting with the Palliative doctor last Friday, but we didn't hear anything all week until Jared and I were at Mom and Dad's on Wednesday night for supper. The meeting ended up not happening. I think they just talked to the doctor over the phone. Or to the palliative nurse, Mom didn't really specify. Either way, they have decided to switch a couple of Dad's medications back to pill form for a while, but that was the only change after his CT scan.

Dad had a great personal accomplishment on Wednesday, though. He's been asking to go up to his art studio for a few weeks now and he finally had the energy to make it up there with the physical therapist on Wednesday! He was very proud of himself, and we were very happy for him that he got to see his studio again. It's funny how your priorities change once you become sick. Who would have thought five months ago that walking up two flights of stairs would be such a big deal? It really puts things into perspective and makes you realize that so many of the little trivial things that we worry about each day are really not all that important in the long run.

Friday, February 6, 2009

CT Scan Results

Well, Mom and Dad were at Health Sciences today getting the results of Dad's CT scan. The news wasn't great, but it was what we have all been expecting to hear. The swelling has been reduced, but the tumor is still there and hasn't shrunk at all. There is a chance it has grown further down into Dad's brain, but they can't tell that at all from the CT scan, so we have no way of knowing for sure. The palliative care doctor, Dr. Garcia, will be making a trip to the house this next Friday (the 13th) to re-evaluate Dad's condition and possibly mix up the concoction of medications that Dad is on. Mom mentioned that they might put Dad back on the pill form of the steroids, instead of the liquid ports that he has now in order to give his arms and legs a bit of a break from that.

Since I haven't posted at all since the art show, I wanted to take a minute to mention that as well. It was a very good weekend - very busy - but it was so good to see so many people out supporting Dad and the family. Thursday night at the opening was PACKED! It was wall to wall with people! We heard around 400 in total - I'm sure we broke the fire code regulations for the building! But it was good. Dad even stood up and gave a short speech. He returned again on Sunday for the closing ceremony, and again said a few words. There was a constant stream of people passing through all weekend, and there were a lot of books and prints that sold, as well as a few pieces of artwork. We haven't heard final numbers of books or prints sold yet, but I know there was a lot! So thank you to everyone that came out. It was so great to see so many friends, family, and acquaintances. And a huge thank you to Steve Bell, Jamie Howison, and all the others that organized the event. It was something really special for Dad to look forward to, and we were all very grateful that he got to be there to see everyone's hard work come together.

And finally, a word about some rumors.....we've heard a few things through the grapevine since Dad got sick that we've shaken our heads over and wondered how people heard such things. The latest tidbit of information that floated our way was that Dad's tumor is gone. While we would love for that to happen, and we are still praying for that miracle, it is not the case. So, I am officially setting the record straight, and I ask that before you repeat anything that you hear about Dad, please check the blog first to confirm if it is true. We created this blog in order to keep people informed - so if you hear something that hasn't been posted on here, please check with an immediate family member before spreading the news around. We appreciate your co-operation, and we are doing our best to keep you up to date on Dad's condition.

On behalf of all of us,
Dana