The results are in and the news is bad. Dad has cancer in his lungs, lymph nodes, kidney, hip, and rib according to his oncologist. There is a slight fracture in his rib, undetected on the initial Xray, but found on the CT scan. The doctor thinks there is cancer in the bone which made it weak enough to fracture. Since that's where most of Dad's pain is, the doctor suggested getting that area treated by radiation, which should ease the pain.
He also gave Dad the option of limited chemotherapy, but noted his cancer is not curable. The chemo may give him some relief.
The growth on the kidney is generally inconsistent with small cell cancer, which is what the rest of the cancer is. Dr. Luskey said it could be biopsied, to determine just what exactly it is, but considering the extent of the other cancer, it may not make a difference what it is.
Dr. Luskey said if Dad would like to pursue getting his eyes treated, he should do so. We tend to think that since Dad's eyesight is key to his few hobbies of reading, watching football and painting, we will go ahead with the medicinal injections (sounds unbearable to me, but you do what you have to do).
We have a consultation with a radiologist Tuesday morning to discuss the pros and cons of getting the rib treated.
Tuesday afternoon is Dad's appointment for his eyes.
Dr. Luskey prescribed a low dosage of oxycodone in addition to his current pain reliever, and said he would increase the dosage as necessary.
So the big question was, how long does Dad have? Dr. Luskey said 2 or 3 months probably, possibly 4 maybe (he stretched out saying m-a-y-b-e) up to 6. He sounded very doubtful past 3 months. The chemo might buy him a month or two.
Dad has some options to think about - radiation? chemo? eye treatments?
He took the news like the Marine he is. He hasn't said much except that he had wondered if his cancer was back. We went to a Mexican place for lunch, then home for his nap.
Jon, Dave and I were all in the room as Dr. Luskey delivered the news. Fortunately, Chad had looked at the reports last night and gave us a heads up. I'll see if Chad can print the reports for me then maybe I can describe the results more accurately. Chad's understanding is that the cancer is everywhere, even Dad's brain. Dr. Luskey didn't mention the brain, and we didn't ask. We felt Dad had heard enough.
We haven't talked much about the treatments yet. Dad has not brought up the subject, so we'll give him a day or two. He is handling it very well, and enjoyed a visit from Chase and Cole this afternoon. He seems fine this afternoon - from all outward appearances.
Dr. Luskey suggested we talk to Hospice, and I will do that.
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