We knew this day would come, and we just didn't want it to happen. But the time has finally arrived when the doctors can no longer increase Dad's steroids anymore. Mom spoke with the social worker this morning and they basically told her that once the effects of the dose he's on now start to wear off, they will slowly start decreasing the amount he is given. I know I haven't mentioned on here the exact dosage that Dad has been receiving. But right now he is on 45 mg two times a day. When it was in pill form, that translated into 14 pills at a time! They have since put the sub-cue lines back in, so it's in liquid form and they don't need to try to wake him up to give him his meds anymore.
Anyway, for those of you that are familiar with steroid use and cancer - the typical dose that a person receives is 2-5 mg twice a day. So, when I have mentioned that Dad is on a very high dose - now you know HOW high! He was at 30 for quite a while, but for the last two weeks, he's been on the 45 mg. The doctors and nurses had a planning meeting this morning, and none of them have ever seen or known of any patient on such a high dosage. Which is why they have decided they can't go any higher. They aren't sure of what kind of side effects it might create, or what other problems that it might add to Dad's condition if they increase the levels anymore. So, what we can expect to happen is that as they decrease the dex., the side effects of the cancer will start becoming more apparent.
Needless to say, we are hoping that Dad will be able to remain in Riverview throughout the course of these next few weeks/months. There hasn't been any talk of him being moved elsewhere in the last week or two, so we are hoping that is good news and it means he will be able to stay there. We (and the doctors and nurses) have no idea how much longer Dad has, but they have made it sound like it might be quick once the dexamethasone starts being decreased. So, what is quick? Only God knows the answer to that one. It could be a week, it could be four. It could be three months. We don't know. But we do know that it is going to be increasingly hard on our family from here on out. We are still hoping and praying for a miracle. God is a very powerful God and we know that He can still give us one. But if not, please pray for strength for the family. For peace about the situation. For comfort. We appreciate your prayers more than words can express!
On behalf of all of us,
Dana
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6 comments:
I will continue to pray for you all - hoping you sense God's presence in the midst of this pain.
This note brings tears to my eyes and heart. Our family will continue to pray for all of you. Yes God is the HEALER of all however we also know that His ways aren't always our ways.
May God keep you in His care.
With love
Dorothy, David & Family
He is Lord and Master in all and through all in all. Even though the road is rough He is there. May you sense His peace - will continue to pray.
May God give you the peace, strength and comfort you all need. Our family will continue to pray for you all.
Melanie Drobot
As I did my housework this past weekend, I mumbled under my breath what a pain it was to have to do all this cleaning! Just as quickly as I mumbled, it was as though I got a jolt from God saying 'be thankful for every moment you have!' Whether a good moment or a bad one, it is a another moment, a gift of life from God. The greater gift comes in the promise of eternal life. He humbled me at that moment and I took time out to pray for your family and remember just how blessed we as God's family are--that despite the hardships we face, He is faithful and we can look forward to a pain and sorrow free eternity with Him! Miricales still happen today and we continue to pray for healing...anything with God is possible! God bless your family through this difficult time. John Annette and Ashley Lissenberg
Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 1:20PM
Dana, I know you and your family are traveling back from Brandon just now because of Gerald's rapidly deteriorating condition. I just returned his bedside where Gerald was surrounded by loving family and friends. Arlis asked me to accompany her to the meeting with the Palliative Care doctor at 12:20PM. They've made a clinical diagnosis of PE (Pulmonary Embolism) which explains the rapid deterioration of breathing, oxygen levels and weak pulse. Additional treatments are ongoing this afternoon but we all realize the gravity of the situation and (always) leave Gerald in God's care. It was good to be with Gerald and family. Our Hope is in Gerald's God and Risen Saviour.
Ray
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