Aug 28

Hello all,

Some new updates. My dad has been relatively stable now for the past week or so. A repeat CT scan was done just to see the progress of his cancer and it looks about the same. It also shows the same severe obstruction that they saw before. The consensus now seems to be that it's a mechanical obstruction - caused by the cancer - the bowels are narrowed and kinked and twisted.  It's obviously not completely blocked because my dad continues to have minimal pain, no nausea or vomiting and he's having consistent bowel movements. He's booked to have a G tube placed on Thursday as a back-up. Basically the tube will be inserted through his skin into his stomach and if his bowels close off and cause him to get backed up and become nauseous he can open up the tube and drain off the stomach contents relieving his symptoms and possibly preventing another hospital admission.  Whether or not he can also have feeds through this tube is still being discussed.

His main issues now are deconditioning and strength as well as malnutrition.  He is on full fluid diet and will rely on ensures/boosts going forward. My dad finds it tough to eat so if we could get his feeds through the tube that would be helpful.  Additionally, my dad has become progressively weaker throughout his hospital admission. He has difficulty doing stairs right now so he's going to have to work with physiotherapy before he can come home. We're hoping once the tube is put in maybe we can feed him through there and give him more strength so he can work with physio better and get stronger.

Additionally, my sister Holly and her fiancee Chris have decided to move up their wedding from December 10th. They are still having the December wedding that is already planned, but with the uncertainty surrounding my dad my sister wanted to ensure that he could celebrate with her on her big day.  They have decided to have a very small private ceremony in September for just the immediate family followed by a dinner and we're hopeful my dad can get out of the hospital in time to walk her down the aisle.

As always thanks for all the love and support. We will continue to update as my dad progresses.

Matt