March 23 – glioblastoma multiforme progression

My dad is doing well today. He slept all night long and today has been a repeat of the past two days. He is awake more than he is asleep…and when he is awake, he is responsive. He only responds with one word…or a smile…and does not initiate any conversation. He is not able to stand…but is able to help my step mother transfer him to the wheelchair and back to the bed.

He is feeding himself small meals…a few bites here and there… it is nutrition none-the-less…and he is taking in minimal amounts of fluid by mouth. He is also still taking his regular medications.

His 80^th birthday is on Friday (March 25^th). I am almost afraid to speculate about whether or not he will still be with us. The past couple of days would suggest that he will be…but things tend to change with the wind. We do have a weather front moving across Kansas tonight…and I know that changes in the barometric pressure can impact sick and elderly people. I don’t know whether this will be an issue…I hope not.

We continue to be thankful that he isn't in any pain. Some days are harder than others...because I see him reduced to the words and actions of a toddler...and I know that if he was not so affected mentally...it would kill his spirit to be this way. Perhaps it is a small kindness that he is unaware of his situation.