The Fighting Irish (St. Pat's Update)

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a jolly St. Patrick's Day!

A few updates. Dad finished his radiation treatments on Monday (3/14), the pain in his back was relieved as planned. He now, however, has a hip pain that he can't seem to shake. It's very difficult for him to get comfortable because of it. The doctor put in a script for a hospital bed, and we are searching for a flat, supportive recliner for him as well. It's very important that he gets his rest to keep his immune system strong.

As we search, we are open to any other suggestions to help with this. Seems as if sitting/laying in the same position for too long triggers the pain that shoots down to his knee, all on his right side. We've noticed that chairs with soft contoured cushions do not do much good for him. Does anyone in the area have a tempur-pedic mattress that he could lay down on for a little while to try? We think it might help him since it will conform to his body - but laying in a store bed for an hour, with a hovering salesperson seems less than helpful.

We got an appointment for my Dad at Sloan Kettering in NYC for 3/29 which we are very excited about. Sloan is the #2 top rated cancer center in the US. They have very strict guidelines and we cannot see them if he is currently getting chemo. We, of course, do not want to risk anything spreading while we wait - so our oncologist is calling for us to discuss his case and determine if we can wait or not. I should hear from her tomorrow and will update.

We have some great news! The cancer has NOT spread to Dad's spinal cord! There are tumors ON his spine - but NOT in! We are very happy about this. We have also learned that it has not effected any organs besides the left lung. This is good news.

Dad is scheduled for a PET Scan next week (a more intense CT, basically) and that will detect where the cancer is in more detail. Please keep those prayers, wishes, thoughts, vibes - however you do it - keep them coming.

Thank you again for all your love & support. We feel truely blessed for each and every one of you.

Love,
Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)