Follow Up Visit

Well, it has been nearly a month since I last posted. As you know, Dad finished all his treatments about this time last month and has spent the last 4 weeks healing and getting better and better each day. His appetite has increased and he has been eating more and more lately. He still struggles with things that don't "taste right" or things that are too spicy. If you have seen him out lately, you will agree that he looks great and we are so grateful. His energy levels are climbing back too. He works full days and has given up his afternoon nap. (I think I would have figured out how to keep that!) Today he even went out and TRIED to hit a golf ball.

He had an appointment with Dr. Hardacre today. (His 4 week post treatment appointment) The visit went well and he told dad he was looking good. He is calling to set up a PET scan appointment and should call us with that in the next day or so.. Hopefully it will be soon. Once that is completed we will be called back for an appointment to go over it. If everything is clear, we will then schedule an appointment with Dr. Holmes, the surgeon in Birmingham. That is who Dad really wants to see. He is ready to hear the "action plan". The only concern that Dr. Hardacre had today was an irritated spot on the inside of Dad's cheek. About a week or so ago, he bit down on it by accident when eating. You know if you have ever done that before, that for some reason you keep biting it over and over making it difficult to heal. Well, apparently it is a little swollen and he was concerned that it might show up as "suspicious" on the PET scan. (I am guessing that irritated areas or anything that is not "normal" lights up) That being the case, they would feel obligated to biopsy it. We all feel confident that it is nothing, but just that word can make you a little nervous. So, lets pray that the PET scan comes back all clear.! Pray for the continue healing of his mouth and the return function of his saliva glands. It can be very frustrating to deal with a dry mouth.

Even though he is hungry and eating more, he still cannot seem to gain any weight. Dr. Hardacre told him not to worry too much about that. As long as he is eating and getting nutrition, his body is using everything to heal. We can handle that!

Thank you in advance for praying for Dad. We have been so blessed and pray that God's plan is for complete healing. I will post after the PET scan and let you all know. Until then, Michelle