August 2, 2011

Hi Everyone,

I am updating based on our appointment yesterday with the doctor. It was a very hard appointment. This bleeding isn't seeming to slow down or stop yet, based on this problem the doctor said the following:
Options:
~Ask if more radiation is possible
~Ask GI (scope doctor) if another scope would help
~Go to Madison for Photo Dynamic Therapy
~Continue Transfusions
~Switch to comfort measures only

We have found that no more radiation can be given, we knew this back in April because we have exceeded our limit of getting safe radiation, we of course do not want to risk a radiation burn which is EXTREMELY painful. We have also found out that a scope would not help, the last scope that was done used a gas to try and stop the bleeding, it may have worked for a day or 2 but then the bleeding sped up even worse, so that has been ruled out as well. My dad truly doesn't want to go to Madison for the PDT. It is not guaranteed to work, it isn't just a short process, and he would be held in doors the rest of the year. The trip would be hard on him and Dr. Guenther, who we trust with everything, said that it wouldn't get my dad much quality of life and that the liver would soon act up even worse. My dad, along with my mom, brother, and I do not want to see the liver act up and have my dad is severe pain and suffering. My dad decided that he will continue transfusions for one more week (through next Monday) and then make a decision on how often to get transfusions and his next steps. We go for blood everyday these days which doesn't leave him any quality of life. He is tired often and in pain from the liver. He is definitely not a quitter and everyone should have nothing but utmost respect for him. No matter what my dad is always my Hero, he is such a special person and I am honored to be his daughter.

Keep praying that this bleeding stops. Keep praying for our miracle.

I love you so much Dad, If there was a way I could take all of this from you I would do it in a heart beat. I hate that you have to go through this. I can't tell you how much I admire your attitude, I cannot stress it enough. You are an inspiration, an amazing person, and my hero. I love you so, so much. Have I told you lately that I love you? You fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness, ease my troubles, that's what you do.

Love always and forever,
Your little princess

Update on Dad July 28, 2011

Hi Everyone,

Well not to much updates from last time, the bleeding continues and we are now getting transfusions pretty much everyday. No chemo right now due to the bleeding. We will talk with Dr. Guenther Monday and see what he suggests we do next. I will update again next week to let you know what we discuss Monday. Keep my dad in your prayers.

God Bless Everyone,
Jill


I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAD. You are so strong and are my hero, keep up the fight you are doing so, so amazing. I am so proud of you!

Blood Drive and Update

Drive for Morgan

View more documents from Jill Peterson

Hi Everyone,

That is the information for a blood drive that my mom's work is having in honor of my Dad. Please help reach their goal of 50, I want to see if we can reach my goal of 125 which is the amount of transfusions my dad has needed since the start of his cancer (this number may be up to 150-160ish at the time of the blood drive.) It would be great if all who could make it, would! If you can't make it, take the time to donate at your local blood center, all the blood donated does save lives. Like I have said in the past, until this point I didn't personally know anyone who got transfusions to save their life. Now, in the past 9 months, without blood transfusions I would have lost one of the people who means the most to me in my life. I wish there was a way for me to thank all of those people who donate blood all of the time, if you are one of them THANK YOU. I am going to donate on the clock every time I am eligible for the rest of my life. It's a big deal and that blood is like gold to our family these days. I know we aren't the only ones who are blessed to have it available either so help support all those loved ones who need it.

As for my dad's status, he is still having troubles with bleeding... The bleeding seems to be getting a little worse each week which is very, very hard. He is getting transfusions every other day of 2-3units each time. They did another CAT scan on Tuesday and found that the chemo he was on isn't working to fight the cancer much at all. Of course he is off of that chemo since it wasn't doing anything and because of the bleeding. He meets with the doctor in 2 weeks to see how the bleeding is going. They also found a blood clot in his left lung on the CAT scan. This was very, very scary to us because we had never had that problem before. They did ultrasounds of his legs, pelvis, chest, neck, arms, and abdomen but found no source of where the blood clot came from. They inserted a net that acts like an umbrella that will catch any blood clots that may start in the legs/abdomen area just as a precaution. They of course cannot treat the blood clot that is in the lung because the treatment is with blood thinners which my dad cannot have because of his bleeding. The doctor seemed to think that the blood clot in his left lung was small enough and that it wouldn't travel to the heart.

Please, Please pray that my dad doesn't get severe pain, that this bleeding stops, and that he doesn't have troubles with blood clots anymore. Your prayers mean everything, they really, really do.

God Bless,

Love always,
Jill

Dad, "If every word I said, could make you laugh, I'd talk forever... If the song I sing to you could fill your heart with joy, I'd sing forever..." You mean so much to me Dad, I would do anything for you. I love you so, so much and you are my hero, I look up to you so, so much.
I will never grow out of being your little princess!

Update on Dad July 15, 2011

Hi Everyone,

We are at the hospital waiting to get 3 units of blood. My dad got 2 units on Monday and needed 3 today. He has been losing more blood lately. It is coming from the same place, the esophagus/stomach. We continue to get checked every few days and pray that the bleeding slows down. We have no other plans or real options besides to keep getting transfusions. Pray that the bleeding slows down and that my dad doesn't get more severe pain.

He continues to keep such a positive attitude and everytime I see him I love him more and more (yes it is somehow possible!) He deserves a miracle more than anyone that I know. I would put his strength, attitude, and optimism up against ANYONE in this world. I Love you so, so much Dad and am so thankful to have you in my life. I would not trade you for anything in the world. I love you so, so much.

‎Dad, I wrote the following quote for you:

"A true hero is someone who keeps a truly amazing attitude, friendly, funny, and loving demeanor, and shows appreciation, commitment, and unconditional love no matter the circumstances."
-Jill Peterson
Dad you are a true hero, my hero. Everyday I strive to become more and more like you. Have I told you lately that I love you so much? Because I do ♥
Love always,
Your little princess

Chemo Tuesday July 5, 2011

Hi Everyone,

My dad had chemo this past Tuesday again. He started losing more blood lately again, he is needing about two transfusions a week. We had a scope done to see if the bleeding was coming from the same spot in the esophagus and it seems to be coming from that same spot. The doctor who did the scope used a gas to try and stop the bleeding at least temporarily, he said that it did slow it down but didn't stop it and that it won't work long term. We are getting blood transfusions again today, then checked again on Monday and most likely transfusions Monday. My dad's being a real trooper as usual. In extremely good spirits, has a great attitude, and is always such a pleasure to be around. I am thankful to be able to be home with him as much as I am this summer.

Keep praying that this bleeding stops or slows and that he doesn't have pain. He has been having some more severe pain in the stomach area that is horrible when it sets in. Pray that he doesn't get that and that we see the bleeding stop or slow down. Remember to thank God each and every day for your loved ones and all the blessings each of us have.

I will update again mid-next week unless something else changes.

Thanks for the prayers, thoughts, calls, cards, food, etc. We appreciate all of our loved ones so, so much.

Love always,

Jillybean

"Who loves you baby?"
"Daddy does."

Happy Birthday Dad!

Hi Everyone!

Well my dad is doing good, he is eating pretty well and feeling pretty good. He got two units of blood yesterday and is celebrating his birthday today. He is spending time with his brothers for the afternoon and my mom, Ben, and I for the evening.

Well Dad, I just wanted to say that you deserve the best birthday ever. You deserve a great day everyday. I hope you feel exceptionally special everyday, but especially today, June 28th because this is your day, the day you were born. I love celebrating you on this day. If you wouldn't have been born everyone who knows you would have been robbed of so much; we wouldn't have you in our lives to bring the positive, fun, energy that you always bring no matter what the circumstances. When you came and visited me for my birthday it made my dad. I hope I can help make yours:) I love you so, so much!

Happy Birthday To you!




I LOVE YOU DAD!!!