Today is Dad's 65th birthday. 

The man asked for lasagna and cherry pie - and if you know my dad, this is his favorite. Unfortunately he feels like the room is constantly spinning and he's not feeling up to a party. Please eat a piece of cherry pie in his honor.

The past two weeks have been a doozie on Dad and the whole family. Monday 7/15 - Dad experienced a case of "rubber legs" while taking out the trash, and later felt poorly enough to head to the ER. A CT, EKG, and Chest X-Ray later - Dad was given the okay, but kept overnight for precaution. Later, a MRI scan showed a spot on dad's brain stem but because no contrast was used (he's allergic) there was no telling what the spot was. He was discharged and told to discontinue steroid use, which is unfortunately the only way he's able to eat food by mouth these days. It's still unclear if the steroids are causing Dad's symptoms, but it's the current theory.

Wednesday 7/17 - Dad and I were running from doctor's appointment to appointment when he unexpectedly collapsed. A case of rubber legs strikes again, dropping dad like a stone. An ambulance took him to Presby Dallas ER but we were soon given the all-clear and sent on our way. Dad was adamant that something was wrong and wanted to be seen by the docs he was familiar with at Lewisville Medical City, so to the ER we went. (a hospital-to-hospital transfer was out of the question.) 

With lots of care and preparation, dad was able to get four MRIs done with contrast to help determine what the aforementioned brain stem spot could be and to also rule out any nerve or damage causing these issues in his back. He was a rockstar and sat through all four in one session. 

Editors note: You know what they don't teach you in school? What to do when you believe a doctor has given your loved one medications that are for another patient in the hospital. Long story short, the hospital apologized and Dad was ultimately okay - but the event was stressful and caused a great deal of anxiety for all of us. 

Monday 7/22 - Dad's experiencing stroke-like symptoms. His doctors at Lewisville Medical City have concluded all symptoms are side effects of radiation and not TIAs (mini-strokes) as he's previously experienced. His Cancer Care team disagrees on this diagnosis, putting dad right in the middle of a doctor diagnosis fight. He has decided he would like to be transferred to be closer to his Cancer Care team and continue with skilled nursing care.  

We are hoping to get second opinions on his recent test results and see what the future holds for Dad. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He needs it more than ever. Thanks - Callie