Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Update on Dad

My last week has been pretty busy. My Dad has had some downs lately on this up and down roller-coaster of his luekemia treatment. He has had to have his last two chemo treatments cancelled due to complications. He developed a stomach virus that needed to be treated--he wasn't able to eat for over a week and lost 13 pounds. That treatment has caused his blood counts to be too low to do chemo and he has needed more tests and more precautions. He and my mom are spending about half the time at my house for his medical care and half the time at their own house in between just to feel normal. He was able to enjoy a wonderful weekend with his brothers and sister that really helped bolster his spirits.
I am glad to be here for him while he is going through all this. However---It has dug into some of my PTO (paid time off) as I take time off to go with him to treatments and appointments and they have occupied future daughter's room for most of the time so I haven't been able to transform it into a lovely girl room yet. I feel selfish just saying that outloud.
We are still hoping for a good recovery by summer so that he can enjoy the summer.--After all, he has to be healthy for his 50th Anniversary Party in August!
On the adooption front--my agency is hopeful that things will open up in Kazakhstan more this summer but no other definite news. I have also heard that Kaz is closing adoption to those over 50. I'm not quite there yet but it hits close to home and I feel very bad for anyone affected.
Congrats to the Pere familiy that have just returned home to Minnesota with the fantastic Garrett and to Matt and Suzanne who are in Kaz with their two children and to all other families who are there now, are leaving soon, or have recently arrived home.

10 comments:

Steph and Dusty said...

Just wanted you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts. The Baker Family - Stephanie and Dusty

lisa said...

You are living in the moment and being there for your Dad, that is the important part. Hope he does well.

lisa said...

You are living in the moment and being there for your Dad, that is the important part. Hope he does well.

lisa said...

You are living in the moment and being there for your Dad, that is the important part. Hope he does well.

Kelly and Sne said...

Sorry to hear that your Dad has had some setbacks. I hope he gets back on the road to recovery soon. In the meantime, don't sweat the PTO - that's the attitude I took about the whole adoption and whether to stay for the whole time. In the end, which will I rather have done - spent more time at work or more time bonding with our child. Well, you should take all of the time you need for your father right now.

Karen said...

Sorry to hear about your dad's setback. It has to be hard on all of you. You're in my thoughts.

Also thanks for the mention. We're very happy to be home and that Garrett is doing so well. We truly feel blessed.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for reading our blog, and leading us to yours! It is always great to talk to someone else who is in process too! Congratulations on having your paperwork at the MOE- you really are so close now. That being said, the wait must seem so long.

I hope your dad is doing okay. We have experienced cancer in our family too, and I am familiar with the benefits-and pitfalls- of the chemo. Your family is in our thoughts.

The Chases

Aaron and Julie said...

Your dad remains in our prayers!!

Catalina said...

Thank you so much for your good thoughts. I can imagine how hard is to see your father fighting with leukemia, is great you can be with him when he needs you. My father died sudenly and I will also regret I was not there to say good bye to him. I hope from all my heart he is going to be OK for his 50th Anniversary Party and also to enjoy your baby as soon as possible. Making sure you are happy, will make him thousand times happier.

The Dusty Attic said...

We are thinking of you. Hopefully your dad starts feeling better. Your father is a lucky man to have a daughter like you! You will be in our thoughts and prayers.