We finally got some information on the last MRI taken. The tumor has grown to 4.9 cm X 2.8 cm. There is some adema (swelling) around it and possible bleeding inside the tumor itself. Apparently the Cyberknife radiation did not do much. We were told that a glioma tumor (which is what they are calling it) does not respond very well to radiation. So more radiation would not be something recommended by the oncology radiologist.
Condition:My dad seems to be getting weaker and weaker. Today he did not even get out of bed. They usually get him out of bed and sit him in a chair to change his bedding and today he couldn't do that. He is very congested. He always had a bit of a rattle due to his ashma, but now he is really rattling loud. The hospital has also put him on oxygen. His sugar is also elevated due to steriod. They stopped giving him the decadron and how he is taking prednisone. (Steriods) He did eat fairly well though. He is still very determined to eat on his own and I have to force myself to not help him. By the time he is done eating he is pretty exhausted! They have increased his zanax to .5 MG. This has been a big help with his anxiety. He has been in a pretty relaxed mood the last couple of days.
What to do next.....
After hours of discussing, thinking, and no sleep, we decided it was time to call Hospice in. It was a really hard decision for us to make. We know that there is no cure for what he has and comfort is what we need to concentrate on for him but it is such a painful moment when you sign the papers. I know we are not giving up but it just seems that way. Its really hard to not be selfish and keep poking and prodding him for some glimmer of hope that he will recover from this. But we realize its not about us and our feelings, its about him, his feelings, his dignity and what he wants. He is tired and miserable in the hospital and just wants to go home. So after careful considerations of home care vs. nursing home care we came to the agreement that we will bring my dad home. Hospice will set up everything in my home for me to care for my dad and we will hire a private nurse to help. Lynne, Arnie, Doug and Jessica all agreed to help. I am very scared but my gut feeling tells me this is the right thing to do. We were very close to choosing a nursing home, and nothing against nursing homes, but I just didn't feel comfortable putting him in one. I know eventually he may not know the difference, but I know I will and my family will. So the next step is getting him home...
