Almost a year since the last update... so I'll do a quick recap of the past year.   After coming off the study at Emory Dad had a 5 sessions of targeted radiation to his spine in hopes to keep bone mets in that area from spreading too quickly into the spinal cord/nerves.  Then it was back to the oncology department at Kaiser where he started chemo again, a different cocktail this time.    His last round of chemo was July 7th, as he was planning on a 30 day wash out period in hopes of starting a new FDA approved drug called Pluvicto.  There were some concerns about low blood counts, but after a blood transfusion Dad was set to go.  His first infusion was wet for September 7th.  Then on Sept 5th dad was taken to the ER for suspected stroke. After many tests and scans it was confirmed he had a very small stroke.  Of course this meant no Pluvicto, but the focus shifted to recovery from the stroke and getting Dad back to a place where he could start treatments again.  After several ups and downs  with low blood counts again and several more units of blood, it was finally decided that Dad was no longer a good candidate for Pluvicto... that the risks would outweigh the benefits. This means that there are no more treatment options. After spending 4.5 years fighting stage IV Prostate Cancer, it's time to shift priorities.  

After many visits and talks with the oncologist and palliative care team to discuss options, Dad has decided the next best step is to start fight for something different... his comfort, quality of life and peace, all while being at home.  Dad has been placed on hospice services.   We are all doing ok right now, still adjusting a little bit to all the extra help from the CNA's and Nurses that we see weekly.  It's actually kind of nice that everybody is coming to him now.  :) 


Changing the subject.....

We have had some visitors from California lately.  In September, Dad's sister Mary and one of her daughter's Denise were able to come for a long weekend. We had a great time catching up.  Then, at then end of January, Wes, Jamie and Eva came for a visit! It was such a wonderful visit and we were all so sad when they had to return to California.  The kids had some amazing "cousin time" and Poppy did his best to pester them as much as he could.  He also let the big kids go through his knife collection and pick out a knife.  I think the kids really enjoyed that.  I know Poppy did.  :)