Journal entry by Denise Klaus —
First, let me start with the positives in this fight. Dad and Mom are true warriors. They continue to keep a positive loving attitude, and I believe it is through all of the love, prayers and genuine support from all of you that make it possible. So, bravo and blessings to each and everyone one of you. Keep up the prayers. We are humbled from the outpouring of kindness you are all sharing.
We have been able to have a couple of outdoor outings, and they have been quite liberating. You can see from the photos how happy Mom is to finally have some socializing.
Now for the update, Dad has just started his fourth week of treatments, he finished his fourth chemo treatment today. All seemed to go as expected, but then tonight at the dinner table he fainted and fell out of his chair. Thank God, after a trip to ER, he check ok. The doctors attributed it to dehydration and low sodium levels. Additionally, he is also now starting have pain swallowing. I pray he doesn’t travel as far down that same path as Mom. Overall, he has been doing very well with his treatments.
Today, we also had appointments for Mom. We got a bit of bad news, in that they are no longer recommending immunotherapy. It seems her lungs and esophagus are still super inflamed, and to add more “chemicals” to her system would jeopardize the progress she has made. She still struggles with her swallowing, and it is only the pain meds that are allowing her to add actual food instead of liquids to her diet. The good news, she is maintaining her weight and won’t have to get a feeding tube. Every little hurdle is a blessing.
My brother, David, has been a rock star taking my Dad to his treatments in the midst is his own health challenges. This is a nightmare I don’t wish on anyone, but it is with faith, love and prayers from you all that are getting us through this. Believe me we feel it, and you are giving us strength.
We are so thankful for so much, and especially you.
Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you.
Love, Denise, Lita, Jim & David
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