It has been about a week since I wrote my last blog post. Lots of things have been going on here. The biggest thing that happened was my dad got his PT scan results today to determine how he was doing with his treatment for his lung cancer. It has now been 7 months since his initial diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer. Since then he has gone through 6 rounds of chemo and 2 hospital stays. As of 6 weeks ago he started a pill treatment which is something he has taken every day but we wouldn't find out the results til today.
So I went with my parents today to the doctor to see what was gone on. Short of a miracle of the cancer totally leaving my dad's body, we got the best news we could have gotten. The total volume of my dad's tumor has shrunk by close to 85%. After we heard the results, I heard a collective sigh of relief in the doctor's office. My dad is by no means out of the woods but he can now at least see some light.
Throughout this diagnosis with my dad, I sometimes wonder when the other shoe will drop. I have seen 2 friends in the same period lose their parents to cancer so why is it that my dad is doing so well? I don't have the answer to that. I am just going to learn to be thankful and have faith that this is the time my parents can enjoy themselves a bit. I already convinced them to take a trip this summer to see my dad's family. The tix are booked and my parents are super excited (even if they don't admit it to me).
In the meantime, I spoke to the doctor and my dad will have a bone scan so that we can see more clearly how the other hot spots of cancer are doing in his body. As I told the doctor I would rather we know now than later if there is an issue we need to address.
In the meantime, my dad has been joking around with the kids - here he is with baby girl (she is trying to escape) .
My parents have had the last 7 months to see my kids grow and for all those memories, nothing can take that away.
I have also been busy planning my boy's 5th birthday party. Seeing as he is an angry birds fan, we decided he will have an angry birds party. So I have been busy sewing all of these guys:
And we were busy working on his birthday invitation - to keep it simple I decided I will use some ideas I have seen floating around of a "Save the Date" idea by putting the info on his party in a frame and taking his photo with it:
I have been making these angry birds like crazy using a tutorial I found here. I do want to try to make all the angry birds for the boy in time for his Birthday as part of my present to him. But we will see as he also requested a pinata and for that I will have to come up with something.
And finally I have a new zipper trim tutorial up to make these:
You can see it here:
And sign ups started last week for Artistic Journey 2011, we are almost sold out for the event! So excited I know it will be amazing.
I have also been working hard on our mid-release. All the details should be out by the end of the month with lots of fun new goodies from Maya Road you will definitely want to have. Can't wait to share it with you all.
I am so glad to hear the news about your father! Tell him to keep up the good work :)
Posted by: Lucy | May 05, 2011 at 07:10 AM
Both Angela and I are both so pleased with the news of your fathers improvement!!!! I am sure they will have a great trip and your son looks like he is set for an amazing party!!!!
Posted by: Sarah | May 05, 2011 at 07:24 AM
I'm glad to hear about your Father. It's a scary thing to go through and I'm glad it's a positive outcome. I really like your zipper flower tutorials. They're really cute! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Scrappin Shonie | May 05, 2011 at 08:04 AM
so glad to read this, thanks for sharing the good news! Blessings to you and your dad and your family.
Posted by: Jing-Jing Nickel | May 05, 2011 at 08:37 AM
I usually lurk on your blog but I had to pop in and say WOOOHOOO~! for the encouraging news! I am so happy for you to spend many months together. My family lives overseas (in Japan) so I value my time with them when we get together (unfortunately not enough). Safe travels to your parents :) and a wonderful birthday to the "big boy!"
Posted by: MargieH | May 05, 2011 at 08:46 AM
P&PT for your dad! Love that they're taking a trip soon.
Pinatas can be purchased - unless you're going the Angry Bird route. Can't wait to see more pictures!!!
Posted by: slammie | May 06, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Caroline, I just read your post about your dad and I am really happy for you all. As a cancer survivor myself, and having friends who have had parents with lung cancer, I know how terrible it is to deal with, and I am just so very glad to read the update. Keep the faith! :-)
Posted by: janis m | May 09, 2011 at 03:22 PM