Not much has changed today. Dad’s pain is still far from being tolerable. He has hovered around an 8-9 all day with several spikes into the 10+ scale. Dad did go for his second of five whole-brain radiation treatments and now he has tomorrow (Saturday 10/27) and Sunday (10/28) to rest without treatments. So far there is no noticeable improvement in the pain as a result of the radiation, but it still may be too early to tell. Right now we seem to be in a bit of a waiting game to see how Dad responds to the radiation.

Meanwhile, the doctors are still trying to figure out any medication that may help ease the pain. One of the problems is that they are running into is that, so far, the only thing that seems to even touch the pain is a very strong narcotic. While this drug works quickly to ease the pain, the problem is that it often results in a very bad rebound headache once the medicine wears off. This is often when Dad’s pain spikes into the 10+ category. The doctors are trying to find something else that will not have these side effects, but that will also work just as good for pain control.

On the positive side, Dad has been able to eat a few waffle fries from Chick-fil-A yesterday and part of a bagel with cream cheese today. And, yes, he has had coffee as well – that was the first thing he asked for when he was cleared to eat or drink anything that he wanted. Dad has seemed to remain in good spirits when the pain isn’t as severe, joking and cutting up with the doctors and nurses and making playful remarks with those of us in the room with him.

Please continue to pray pray that the doctors will be able to find the right medicine or combination of medicines so that he can come off of this very strong pain killer.

Please pray that God will supernaturally intervene to lessen Dad’s pain so that he can both rest and gain strength to fight this disease.