Much has changed...

It has been several weeks since I have updated the blog and much has changed especially in the last few days. Dad has started at an oncologist and the first test they did was a PET scan. This scan shows the location of cancer in the body. The results came back today and were not good. The cancer is spreading very quickly and is now in Dad's liver and lymph nodes. His stomach cavity also has a lot of unexplained fluid.

They admitted him to Missouri Baptist Hospital (Room 1356B) this afternoon to try and resolve a number of issues including the fluid in the stomach, edema in his legs, his lack of strength, and a couple of other general things that as Dad said are 'fu#&ed up' (that's a direct quote). He will probably be in the hospital about 4 days and they'll start chemo while he is there.

We're trying to stay positive, but this news came like a punch to the gut. Dad's internist called to discuss his options and noted that he had quite the battle ahead of him if he chose to fight. Dad said, 'Laying here and doing nothing is not on my to do list, so let's start chemo.' His stubborn nature may just be the key. I guess we're back to hogging up some of the lines to heaven, but if you can throw a few extra prayers Dad's way we'd appreciate it.

On a good note...Dad got to see the final book today (he even signed 100 of them before they took him to the hospital) and he was ecstatic over the final product. Book signing at Schlafly Bottleworks on Monday, October 19th at 7:00 pm - still on tap. I have noticed that in between his major beer events, Dad fills his time at hospitals. I'm wondering if he has a nurse-fettish or if we should just schedule beer things every weekend to keep him on the up and up! Hmmm...