over one-third down!

thanks for sticking by us, even though i haven't updated this blog in far too long.  we have been on a rollercoaster ride for sure!

friday night found us at the fallbrook emergency room.  my dad's feet were both purple and ice cold, and we were concerned about possible blood-clots.  after being there for about 5 hours the doctor ruled out blood-clots, but did tell us to follow up with a doctor to further monitor the blood flow in my dad's legs.  we are hoping to get in to a doctor at UCSD tomorrow about this situation.

last thursday the radiation doctor at UCSD lowered the amount of steroids my dad is taking.  the steroids help with the inflamation around the 2 tumors.  even with that reduction we have seen marked improvement on my dad's left side.  talk about blessings and miracles! 

dad has been able to move his left arm more, even twice lifting his arm off of the bed and onto his chest.  we are now seeing movement in dad's left leg as well!  sometimes he can move his left ankle back and forth, and up and down.  it is so exciting to see this because the neuro-oncologist was not originally very encouraging about my dad regaining mobility on his left side.  we are just thrilled!

as of last thursday my dad was one-third of the way done with the radiation and chemotherapy treatments.  we have renamed the chemo pills "tumor busters." 

the treatments are very hard on dad.  they leave him extremely exhausted.  driving him to and from ucsd each day is grueling for him.  but everytime he comes out of radiation he is so happy.  he knows that it is helping him and he is so thankful.  dad has lost about 50 pounds since his diagnosis.  the treatment has really reduced his appetite.  thanks to dear friends from church and other friends and family nearby, we are frequently blessed with lovely and healthy meals for our whole family.

we are humbled daily by the offerings of others.  just today someone left "love notes" and letters from people wishing my dad well.  people have brought over delicious treats, mailed beautiful letters, accompanied us to treatment, given my dad inspirational speeches to listen to, and zillions of other kindnesses.  it is special to me to see people be so loving to my parents.  i am brought to tears often by people's generosity.

thank you all for your continued support.  please continue to pray for my dad.  we believe in miracles and are seeing them unfold before us.  please feel free to leave comments here for my dad/family.  he really loves hearing the notes that people send.  they cheer him and touch his heart.

miracles

since starting treatment my dad has received 5 radiation treatments and has been on chemotherapy for 7 days. 

we are seeing miracles take place before our very eyes.  not only can he squeeze his left hand a little bit, but he can move it up and down his chest a little, too.  and tonight he moved his left leg!  these are all small movements, but such huge accomplishments!!!

they thrill us so much!  we are excited to see his improvements and progression.

my dad is left very exhausted from the treatments.  but he is in good spirits.  thank you again for all of the love that you have shown to him and to our family.  we love you all!

treatment has begun

my dad started chemotherapy and radiation last thursday.  he will have 42 days of chemo in all.  the chemotherapy is in pill form, that he takes every night.  the radiation treatment is performed at UCSD in la jolla 5 days a week, for 6 weeks.  he has now had the chemotherapy for four days and is tolerating it well so far.  he is very tired, as is to be expected. 

one of the many wonderful things about my dad is his positvity.  he is so optimistic and so gracious.  his heart is full with love for and from our Heavenly Father.  he tells us many times a day how he marvels at how good God is.

because of where one of the tumors is located, my dad has completely lost the use of the left side of his body.  the tumor is pressing on the fibers in the brain that control mobility on his left side.  his left arm and leg have been paralyzed.  he has feeling on the left side, just not the ability to move it.  the doctors don't know if he will re-gain mobility after treatment. but we have been very hopeful.

every day my mom takes my dad's left hand and asks him to squeeze her hand.  of course, he has not been able to do it.  tonight, however, my dad could move his fingers.  he couldn't really squeeze, but he could move his hand!  just a pure miracle!!!

thank you so very much for all of your prayers and good thoughts.  we appreciate them endlessly.  my dad loves it when you leave comments here for him, so if you feel like it - please do.

after two days of chemotherapy, we told my dad "only 40 days left!"  and his response was... "like the flood."  we will weather the storm of the 40 days and then we will be looking for our rainbow.

changes

i have heard it said that the one thing we can count on is that things change.  and, boy, is that true.

dad's appointment for today has been cancelled, so his radiation treatments and chemotherapy will begin tomorrow. 

thank you for your continued support and prayers.

a big thank you

tonight we wish to thank all of you.  every single one of you.

thank you for your kindnesses, your generosity and your love. 

our family has been greatly blessed by so many people.  people have given us so much.  from oranges, avocados, beautiful dinners, cinnamon rolls, cards, posters and balloons, to heartfelt letters of support and the offering of fervent prayers.  i cannot even begin to list everything that people have done for us. 

we are amazed daily by the love that is in this world.  we have felt this love and been humbled by your support and many kindnesses.  my dad has been brought to tears many times as he marvels at the deeds and words of comfort and support from of all of you.  some of you have sent letters of sweet memories of my dad.  they have brought him great joy.

mark and julia ballif have retrofitted their huge van to accomodate a hydrolic wheelchair lift.  this will enable my dad to go to his daily treatments in san diego in comfort.  we can now even take him out for a drive, or go out and get a frozen yogurt!

it is so beautiful to see that in the midst of a very difficult trial we are so surrounded by goodness and love.  we are ever mindful of our Father in Heaven and the love that He has for us.  it is wonderful to see this love manifested through all of you.  tender mercies, indeed.

dad will be starting his radiation and chemotherapy treatments tomorrow, tuesday january 11th at UCSD.  we appreciate you remembering him in your prayers, and in your good thoughts.

thank you again for the outpouring of support.  we can't imagine making it through this without every single one of you.

a little introduction...

hi to everyone reading this blog.

thank you for joining us on this journey.

this blog is dedicated to following my dad, richard holladay, "there and back again" as he courageously battles two brain tumors.  i will give more information on his diagnosis in further postings.  right now i just want to get this blog started.

he is scheduled to begin radiation and chemotherapy on wednesday, january 11th. 

we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your concern, and most especially for your prayers for him.

i will be updating this blog with information as we go along.  please feel free to leave comments and to pass the blog address on to any who may be interested.

thanks for the love.