Third update on my Dad

[Jean Jastillana]

Dear everyone,

Thanks to all of you who have continued to pray for my Dad and also for staying in touch with our family through phone calls and e-mails. Once again, they are deeply appreciated!

It has been a while since I've written to you all. Part of that is just lack of time. I've since gone back to school for spring term, while still working 40 hours a week (or more, when I'm trying to do some overtime). I go to school in the evenings, and most spare time I get, I try to do homework or catch up on lost sleep. It's been tough, but I'm trying to make it work. I'm blessed to still have a job, the demands of which haven't ceased but only increased. People seem to be more stressed these days and end up with heart palpitations or heart attacks in the hospital (I work for a cardiology practice) and end up needing bypass or pacemakers.

Enough about me, though. I just wanted to give you all a quick update on how Dad's been doing.  :)

We're now on week five of his six week treatment, and thus far, it's only been radiation. No chemo. In about two days from now, he will have another CT scan done to check on the progress of his treatment and to see if it's had any effect on his tumors at all. His doctors have been quite optimistic, saying that it's remarkable for a man of his age and what he's gone through to be able to stand through all these treatments... the main symptom he experiences is fatigue and weakness. Aside from that, he hasn't experienced any other symptom expected of a patient going through radiation--great news! 

As I mentioned, they'll be doing another CT scan and then, and only then, will the doctors decide whether or not to continue with a chemo cycle. Mom and I are hoping that it will not have to come to that. If that's the case, he has at least a week or so of radiation mixed with chemo which could possibly take a greater toll on him physically, and plus, it's basically injecting more chemicals into his body. Definitely something I wouldn't want for him. I'm really praying that he'll just have one more week or less of radiation and that's it. 

Despite everything, Dad's keeping himself busy and active, so long as he gets some rest in the afternoon after his radiation sessions. His nurses, according to him, have been wonderful and very accommodating and sweet--so much so, that the other day, he and Mom made them some leche flan (Filipino caramel custard to those of you who don't know) just to say thanks for all their care. I'm glad he not only has a very thorough team working with him, but a caring and compassionate one. Another huge blessing.

Basically, everything's been good except for the constant weakness he feels throughout the week. We definitely try to tell him not to exert himself so much and to listen to his body. Once done with radiation, he is planning to switch the entire family to a vegetarian--or actually, vegan--type of diet. If you stopped by our house right now, you'll see evidence of that: a Williams Sonoma vegetarian cookbook and a thick book called Vegan Planet sit on our coffee table in the informal living room. :) I, for one, think this is a wonderful idea. Some of you may wrinkle your nose at not eating any meat or dairy whatsoever, and thinking that anything organic taste like rabbit food, but personally... I think it would help keep him at optimum health. I'm starting to try and switch up my eating habits, trying to eat more organic, fresh produce and basically leaning towards the vegan side of things. Last time I went for a visit to my doctor and got lab work done, they still found high cholesterol levels and "glucose intolerance": medical-speak for "borderline diabetic". Definitely part of my motivation to change my diet for the better, along with Dad.

Aside from these lifestyle modifications, I know that nothing compares to the power of prayer. It's no secret that my family is one of faith, our lives centered on God. I ask that you continue to pray for a miracle for him, for healing, for strength. I cannot tell each of you just how thankful I am for checking up on my family, saying hi to us, contacting my Dad, and letting us know that you're there. It helps so much that you are all being so supportive--thank you, thank you, thank you and God bless you all richly!!

I will go ahead and end my already long update :) I'll certainly keep everyone as updated as I can. Feel free to email back or call us (at home would be best since my work number--though listed below--can be quite busy throughout the day and personal calls need to be kept at a bare minimum). 

Feel free to also pass these update e-mails on to those friends/relatives of ours whose e-mails I may not have.

With love and thanks,

Jean

SUPPORT THE CAUSE AND CANCER RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE!!!

Livestrong - http://www.livestrong.org 

Stand Up to Cancer - http://www.standup2cancer.org 

American Cancer Society - http://www.cancer.org 

--
Jean Jastillana
Medical Secretary/Scheduling
(Tyler Gluckman MD/Geoffrey Wilson MD/Jennifer Drew PA-C)
Columbia Cardiology Associates
9427 SW Barnes Rd, Suite 498
Portland, OR 97225
503.297.6234 ext. 140 (phone)
503.819.5961 (cell)
jean.ja...@columbiacardiology.com