If you have known Pete for very long, you will know that he is no stranger to aches and pains. Triggered by a near fatal car accident at 20 years old while on leave from the Navy, he lived an entire year in a body cast to mend his crushed bones. Since then he has shown all types of health challenges “who was boss”, including joint replacements, heart stints, and arthritis throughout the years. And what would have put most of us flat on our backs crying for our mothers, Pete did it without complaint and actually continued engaging in extremely physical work and an active life.
That’s why when Pete began complaining about his right leg earlier this fall, it was a bit out of character. Doctor after Doctor attributed it to the arthritis, which was undeniably severe. But when the usual analgesics, time, and rest weren’t touching this pain, it was clear something wasn’t right. After essentially staging a sit in at a local ER, he was finally admitted for palliative care.
After a few days of physical therapy and Tylenol, the right doctor ordered appropriate testing and read the results no one ever wants to hear. Masses were apparent in the left upper lung, right shoulder, L3, and T9 vertebrae. More testing would be required including a Biopsy.
The Biopsy confirmed Pete has stage 4 non-small cell adenocarcinoma that originated in his lung. He has received 10 rounds of radiation to the spine and 5 to the shoulder with the goal of alleviating the pain. He spent roughly a week in the hospital for additional pain management.
He is home now and though not pain free, is on a more tolerable regimen that allows him to rest more comfortably. He started his first round of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on Monday, 12/11. The plan is for him to continue with this as long as it is well tolerated and effective every 21 days.
We ask for prayers that the radiation continues to shrink the existing masses and the other therapies eliminate them altogether and build a strong defense against any new spots. We want him comfortable, coherent, and able to enjoy this family legacy he has built as long as possible.
We’ve enjoyed a great deal of time together and were extremely thankful for the grandkids to all make it home to share a Thanksgiving together and are looking forward to doing the same at Christmas.
Thank you for all of the cards and goodies sent over. They bring a smile to everyone’s face and it means so much. We hope to use this Caring Page as a means to communicate with all of you and share what is going on. You have an opportunity as well to make comments that we will share with both Pete and Pat. Feel free to share with anyone that knows the Colmans.
While in theory, they would love calls and visitors, the truth is, the house is a pretty busy place between home health visits, medication, oxygen, and rest. Plus keeping both Pete and Pat healthy for this journey is of the upmost importance. To reduce the bugs entering the home, we are limiting visitors during this time.
Speaking of Pat, after 61.5 years of anticipating Pete’s every move, she not only deserves sainthood, but also should be lifted up in your prayers. No one could give care better than Pat and no one could care more - but prayers for Gods peace and accepting His rest would be a wonderful gift for her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 1510 West First Street in Ankeny, Iowa.
Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the funeral home.
A military Interment Ceremony will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa at a future date to be announced.
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