Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Cancer Update:

First off I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the sweet comments you all have left, it has really been wonderful to know that people love us. As for a little update on my dad, things are not great.

He got some results from his biopsy and was able to meet with his doctor last week. Prostate cancer is scored on a scale called the Gleason Score that rates the severity of it and if they think it has spread. The Gleason Score ranges from 1-10, a 1-3 being really low, not a huge concern, and a pretty common score. A 9 or 10 is considered very very agressive, likely to have spread already, and pretty advanced. My dad's score was an 8, so pretty bad considering there isn't much difference between a 9 and 10. One of the regions tested positive for spreading, he will be getting a bone scan and CT scan done this week. The two areas that prostate cancer tends to spread to is the lymphnodes or the bones. If it has spread to the lymphnodes they might do surgery or chemo or radiation or some combination. If it has gone to his bones there isn't much they can do for him. The best they can do is slow it down, but its extremely painful and terminal. So if it has spread we are praying it isn't in his bones. Of course I am completely overwhelmed and devistated but two of my sisters from out of state came to see him so it was a wonderful relief and distraction to have them here. Thanks again for all of the love and support. I need friends more than ever right now.