Update on my dad

My dad had his third chemo treatment yesterday. So far things are going well. The only bad side effect he has had so far, is his mouth is full of sores. He is pretty much on a liquid diet right now because his mouth hurts too bad to eat. The doctor prescribed him a medicated mouth wash yesterday - so hopefully that will help. My dad's platelet levels were also on the low side. Last week they were 115 and this week they were 93. So the past 2 treatments they cut down on the dosage. Next week if his platelet level is still too low, they will skip a round of chemo. My dad told the onocologist that he thinks the chemo is working, as he has way less pain. I pray and hope that is true.

We also found several articles on the healing properties of asparagus and cancer. So he is also doing that. We figure what does he have to lose? He purees the asparagus and takes 4 tablespoons twice a day.

My dad's attitude remains positive and upbeat - which is the best thing for him, and for all of us. I know if anyone can beat this dreadful disease, it is my dad. Just based on his attitude alone. Let's all keep praying for a miracle - and above all for a cure for cancer.

Swimming Lessons

I signed McKenna up for swimming lessons today. I am so excited! I hope she likes it. I know she will probably be very reserved and scared at first. One thing I am not excited about is the thought of having to buy, and having to wear, a maternity swimming suit. The image in my head in not too good. I just hope I don't scare the other kids!!

My desert mission is going well (how could it not)! Today was day number 9.
Day number 6 I had a cranberry and white chocolate cookie from the Farmer's Market. It was okay. Definetly a nice change from the standard choloate chip cookie.

Day number 7 was filled with deserts! I was at my grandpa's 90th birthday party! I had a magic cookie bar that was chocolate chips, buterscotch chips, coconut, and chocolate! Super good!

Day number 8 was a strawberry armaretto cake. Mmmmm, it was very good. 8 out of 10!

Day number 9 was a cupful of fresh berries, yogurt, and granola. I know this is on the healthier side and may not be considered a desert, but it was still yummy, sweet, and enjoyed after my lunch - which to me qualifies it as desert!

A day to remember...

Today is 3 years that we lost Nevaeh. In some ways I cannot believe that it is 3 years already, and then again it seems like a lifetime ago. 3 years ago I never thought it was going to be possible to be happy again. Now I have a beautiful daughter that is the absolute light of my life. McKenna is the reason I am so happy today. I thank god every day for her.

But that happiness will never take away the missing piece of my heart that is now in heaven. But I can gladly say that I now remember that happy times we had with Nevaeh. So far today there has been few tears which is an improvement. I hope our little girl in heaven knows how much we love her and think about her.

Tonight we are having family pictures at my parents house. I think it is important to capture these images. Especially since we don't know how long it will be before my dad loses his hair. He had his second round of chemo on Thursday. So far he is handling it well. I just pray that it is doing the job and shrinking the tumors. I am so thankful for Scott Eastman of Great Scott Images. He is a great friend and has offered to do our pictures for free. I don't feel right about the free part - but I know he won't accept any money if I offer it to him. It just makes me feel really good that there are such good people in the world.

On a lighter note - I am going on day 6 of my dessert challenge. Day 4 was chocolate swirl cheesecake! It was very good - an 8 out of 10. Yesterday I had black forest cake. It was super yummy. My second favorite so far! 9 out of 10 for sure!

50 Desserts in 50 Days

So I am on a new mission! 50 desserts in 50 days. I figure with everything going on in our lives right now - it is time to indulge! You only live once - and I am going to live it up! I'm gaining weight from being pregnant anyways, so what's a few more pounds? So I diet and do boot camp again, and the weight will all come back off.

So I started this glorious endevour on Monday. The Aurora Hospital by my work has a grand dessert selection. I had the tuxedo cake. By far the BEST cake I have ever had in my entire life. I give it a 10 out of 10! I think this cake is the reason for my new mission. I can't wait until they have that cake again. I think I even dreamt about it last night.

Yesterday I had Bailey's Cream cheesecake. It was okay. About a 6 out of 10. Today I have Strawberry shortcake. I haven't tried it yet, as part of this deal is I am making myself eat a balanced meal before the dessert. I am trying to finish off my corn before letting myself indulge.

*Update* the Strawberry shortcake is not that good. 5 out of 10. The strawberry on top was the best part of this dessert.

So check back daily for a dessert report. If anything, it will give me something light and upbeat to blog about!!!

So far, so good

So far my dad is doing okay on Chemo. He was very tired the first few days, but yesterday he felt so good he mowed the lawn and weeded the whole garden. He stayed awake until 10 last night! My mom and him are going over night to the casino tonight - on a well deserved mini getaway. Let's hope next treatment goes as well.

McKenna is feeling better, even slept the whole night through last night for the first time in a week. I couldn't resist sharing this picture of her. Her shirt reads - Grandpa is the best!

Murphys Law

I think it is murphys law that McKenna is sick every holiday. Today I have off for the 4th - and she was up all last night. She had a 102 fever this morning. Thanfully the doctor's office was open, and able to get her in at 9:20. She has another double ear infection. Her tonsils and annoids were also big. She suggested we go see the ENT to have tubes put in, and her tonsils and annoids out. I am a little hesitant, just because it seems McKenna only gets ear infections when she teeths. She is getting her last 2 year old molars - so I am hoping this is the last one. But we are going back in 2 weeks for a check, and if they are not better, then we will see the ENT.

I felt like a bad mom then because after the doctor I needed to stop at the grocery store. The store was a zoo of course. I was zipping through the aisles getting the few items I needed, and looked down and noticed McKenna shivering. I felt horrible. I bee lined it to the check out - and she fell asleep on the way home. When we got home her fever was up to 103. So I gave her more tylenol, stripped her down, and put a cool cloth on her head. She now finally dozed off. I am hoping after this nap she will start to feel better.

My dad is feeling okay so far after his first chemo. He is just very tired and sleeps a lot. Which is better then being sick. He said he was feeling pretty well, and even slept on his side a little last night, was in a little less pain. Hopefully that is a good sign.

Chemo Update

My dad is getting his port put in today at 8:00, and then will have his first chemo at 11:30. Please pray that the chemo does it's job and shrinks the tumors - with minimal side effects. I would hate to see my dad sick all the time.