WELL. Round 2. Here we go...
We hopped in the car and headed up to Philly yesterday to see Dads new doctor, Arati Desai, at the Hospital University of Pennsylvania. Let me begin by saying that Dr. Desai is AMAZING. She made us feel so comfortable and she really helped us to understand exactly what was going on. Dr.Desai actually brought up Dads' past two scans so that we could compare and contrast - and therefore better understand what exactly is going on. Before they thought that Dad's growth may have been a residual affect of the radiation he went through last year. BUT, this scan shows SIGNIFICANT growth within the past three months - which is definitely not a result of the radiation, but a progression of the disease. We knew that we weren't walking into good news -- Dad's vision, memory and mobility have been getting worse recently. His numbness is back and his shingles are bothering him again as well. As always though - he is a trooper, and rarely (if ever) complains. Dr.Desai discussed our plan of attack and helped us to understand the pro's and con's of this and that. She said that the upcoming weeks and months are going to be an extremely difficult battle -- but all of us, in our hearts of hearts, know that we are prepared to fight til the bitter end. She put him on steroids instantly to save that vision that he has less. The steroids will make him ravenous and heavy - but who gives a damn...more to hug! The steroids have helped instantly - helping with the pain that he feels from the numbness and shingles. In another week he will begin oral chemotherapy, via Temeador. We've been down this road before with this exact drug, so we have an idea of what to expect and what to prepare for. In the following months we may be looking at more Avastin infusions as well, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. SO, the news was less than desirable - but we are ready to weather the storm. As is our way - we finished our day in Philly with a delicious meal (@ my favorite, Green Eggs Cafe in South Philly). The next few weeks we are going to enjoy endless amounts of family time -- filling our house with food, laughter, family and friends. Prayers, intentions, and positive vibrations are welcome and encouraged. We couldn't have done this the last time without you - and we hope to have you on "the team" once again. Love and Light everyone <3
Green Eggs Cafe has the most outstanding coffee in Philadelphia - and it's made even better by the small touches, like these super cute little raw sugar cubes.
I knew that Dad would need some cheering up after the bad news - so I ordered him "the Kitchen Sink", once of Green Eggs signature dishes. Served in a cast iron pan, it begins with sauteed potatoes, onions and peppers on the bottom, topped with scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese, finished off with biscuits and gravy!
As always, I had the outstanding Quinoa Porridge. I've recreated it myself, and it's definitely a breakfast of champions. Check out my rendition here.
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