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I have not updated Dad's site for awhile so I need to catch everyone up what is going on. This past summer we celebrated Dad's defeat of colorectal cancer after chemo, radiation, and multiple surgeries. His ileostomy was reversed and while some lasting effects of chemo lingered, Dennis's life was returning to normal. Mid-September though, Dennis began to experience abdominal pain. It was determined that he had a bowel obstruction caused from scar tissue after his surgeries. Initially, the plan was observation to see if the obstruction would resolve itself. After it was clear that it was not going to resolve itself, Dr. Graham, his surgeon, decided to proceed with surgery on October 16. When Dr. Graham began surgery, he realized that the cancer was back and had spread through Dennis's abdominal cavity. The surgery that was meant to take 2-3 hours ended up taking 6 hours. Dr. Graham was able to remove some cancer and placed another ileostomy. The surgery took a lot out out of Dennis, literally and figuratively, but he is recovering well and is home now. Today, Dad and I were able to see his oncologist, Dr. Hinton. At this point, Dad has 2 options, do nothing or chemo. The chemo that he received previously was about as aggressive as he could receive, but there are still some other options. This next chemo they will be using will be 5FU with Irinotecan and Avastin. The protocol involves an infusion at the cancer center then a portable pump at for 2 days. Unfortunately, with the spread of the cancer, the treatment is very challenging at this point. The treatment cannot eradicate the cancer, but can only slow and manage. Sometimes the cancer can learn and mutate. And sometimes the patient tires of getting the treatment. Dr. Hinton was very open and honest with us and explained that without treatment, Dad would have 6 months or less. Treatment may give him 1-3 years. There is a small chance that some molecular testing could ID a genetic abnormality to possibly serve for target/novel alternatives or a clinical trial. Dr. Hinton encouraged Dad to keep working as long as he felt up to it. It can keep him moving and motivated. Dad, Chris, and I have decided to just take things day by day and step by step. Dad is ready to give treatment a try. Please pray for healing for Dad, wisdom for Dad's care team, and for peace in all of our hearts.
We said goodbye to our wonderful Dad yesterday evening. Dad took his final earthly breaths just as he had wanted, at home with Chris, Lauren, Lance, and myself by his side just as the sun was setting. He was surrounded by love and it was very peaceful. The immense sadness we feel is only matched by the joy and relief that he is free from his suffering and is with our Lord in heaven. Private services will be held soon, and when the Covid 19 crisis has passed, we will plan the celebration of life that Dad deserves. Chris and I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and support they have given Dad through the last couple years. You were all so important to Dad.
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