A Look Ahead

As of yesterday, Dad had his 5th round of Chemo. He's still looking good and the Doctors say he is doing remarkably well. We were all able to get together at Thanksgiving. It was great to be together and even better to have Mom and Dad there with us. We were all happy they came. Everyone was worried about Dad getting sick, because of his low immune system right now, but he wore his mask and washed his hands many times to avoid as many germs as possible. (Which are abundant with 14 grandchildren under the age of 10). The kids were great to stay away too if they had coughs or sniffles. So far, he has not gotten sick and I'm sure it's safe to say that he came through that one okay.

This coming Monday, Dad will be having a follow-up PT scan. This will help the doctors to see whether or not the medicine is working. We're hopeful that the chemotherapy is doing it's job, but it is still an anxious time. Dad will then meet with the oncologist next Friday to discuss the results and to take a look ahead. We are all planning a family fast on Sunday to help bring peace, comfort and assurance to Mom and Dad and to prepare him for the scan. Once again, all of Dad's co-workers, friends and especially family have been incredibly supportive during this time, thank you. Your prayers and thoughts will be appreciated this coming week.

I also thought it would be fun if those who want would post a memory they've had with Dad. It will be fun to share those with him at our Christmas party (Dec. 20th). I'm sure my siblings and I as well as the grandkids will enjoy them too.

I'll try to keep you updated and let you know what is going on as I get the information. So, until then, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Three Down

Good news! Dad has completed his third round of chemo this week. His body has accepted it quite well. He has only minor side effects. One being that his white blood cell count is low, which makes him susceptible to infection. He is constantly washing his hands and wears a mask often. He says that he feels like the masked man in meetings and when he goes out. This past Monday though, his count was up enough to continue his treatments, so that is encouraging. He has no idea how well the chemotherapy is working, but has faith (as do we all) that it is working as it was intended to. He will know more in December or January when he has another PT scan which will determine if the chemo is killing the cancer cells.

Dad looks great! If you didn't know it, you would just think that he has been on a good weight loss program. (Although he recommends that you don't try to lose weight this way :) ) He is doing exercises to strengthen his upper and lower body and has gained a couple of pounds. The danger of cancer is still there, but both he and mom, and the rest of us are all still praying that he will beat this. Dad is optimistic and thankful for the blessings that have come from this. We are grateful for your prayers and faith on his behalf. He has next week off from the chemotherapy, and then starts again on the 24th. We'll keep you posted on his progression.

For Good

The past couple of days I have had two people mention a particular song to me from the musical "Wicked." So, I downloaded it off of itunes and I've been listening to it all day. It's a beautiful song and I thought I'd put the lyrics in this post since I thought, as many of you might, that it applies to Dad.

"For Good"

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

And So It Begins

This past week, Dad started chemotherapy. On October 9, Dad went in for a small surgery to put in a pic line, which is a semi-permanent IV in his shoulder. He also got a PT scan so the doctors can compare where he is in December, when he gets another one, to where he started out and see how much he has progressed. On Monday, Oct. 13, Dad went in and was hooked up to the medicine through his IV. He was there for around 5 hours, but was able to go home after and even went in to work. He went into work every day after, and even worked full days. They took him off the medication on Wednesday and he starts it again on the 27th. We're happy to say that he is doing great! He is a little tired of course, but so far, he is handling the medication well. He even met us all at the zoo on Friday, and we all were able to enjoy the nice weather and company together.

Onward, Ever Onward

Well, it has been a little while since my last update, and Dad is looking great! He's been to work several times and has made a few laps around the block. His appetite is getting better and these are all good signs that he is healing from the surgery.

Mom and Dad went in last Thursday for their appointment with the oncologist. His treatments will start next Monday, October 13. He will go in this week to get a "permanent" IV put in and also to get a PT (?) scan. Each treatment will be administered through an IV and lasts for 48 hours, but, thankfully he will be able to go home for the bulk of the treatment. Then he is off the rest of the week and has to start over again the next week. At the end of the treatments (between 4 and 6 months), they will take another scan and see how the Chemo has worked. Hopefully it will do it's job and send him into remission.

Please keep him and Mom in your prayers as he starts on the next phase of healing. We love you all and appreciate your kind words and thoughtful gestures towards us all.

Doing Well

Dad is still home and doing well! He went to the doctor on Thursday and had his staples removed. The Doctor said that everything looks great and told Dad to get his strength back he needs to drink some protein drinks. But the Dr. said he shouldn't have to see him until December for another check up so that is great news! Go Dad! They also set up an appointment with the oncologist in a couple of weeks and hope to start on the next phase soon. Keep him in your prayers, and thanks for all you do.

He's Home!

Dad in the waiting area with Mom, Mike, Ann, Logan and Abby.

Dad with Mike and his kids, Logan and Abby.

Well, it has finally happened, Dad is home! Everyone is so happy that he is home, but no one is as happy as he and Mom are. It was a long 11 days while he was in the hospital. There were lots of ups and downs, but he is now home and there is no looking back. Dad is doing well this morning. I talked to him on the phone and he was able to get a good nights rest last night. This is the first in a very long time. I haven't talked to Mom yet, but I'm sure she rested easier knowing that Dad was home and doing better.

Dad also went to work for an hour today to check in and see how things were going. It's great to see him up and about. Dad is eating better and things seem to be functioning as they are supposed to, but the doctor still wants to see him on Thursday. This is just a check-up, but the doctor is cautious because of the fevers that Dad has been having. Dad is really improving. He is eating more regularly, still not as much as he has eaten in the past, but he's slowly working up an appetite again. He also seemed in good spirits which is also a good sign.

We'll keep you posted on any changes, but for now we are just keeping an eye on him and hoping for no more fevers.

On The Up-Swing

Well, it's been a few days since I last posted, sorry about that. As far as news, the last few days, there hasn't been much new happening. Yesterday, Friday, I went in to be with Mom and Dad. Mom and I got out and about. A little change of scenery was needed on Mom's part. I'm sure Dad would like a little change of scenery too, and that is what we're hoping for today. Yesterday, Dad ate both breakfast and lunch. He said he was feeling better than he had in a month! When Mom and I got to the hospital we stepped out of the elevator and there he was sitting in the waiting room reading. He looks great! We sat and talked in the waiting room for a while and then went on a walk. Soon after his walk, Dad started shivering. This wasn't a good sign. It lasted for about 45 minutes. We covered him with warm blankets and it didn't seem to help. Finally we got a nurse to check his temperature. It was up to 103. Dad and Mom's hopes at coming home today were shot. Dad's appetite to eat was gone and morale was low. The nurse called the doctor and they did some cultures on Dad to see what could be wrong. Dad seemed to have a simple infection. They hooked him up to an antibiotic and we let him get some rest. We came back about 8:30 and his fever was down to about 100! He was looking and feeling much better and....our hopes were restored at his coming home! We're hoping that his digestive track is back online this morning and his appetite is back. The doctor won't send him home until he is functioning properly and eating regularly. We are just praying it is very soon. Both Dad and Mom are tired of being at the hospital, and I don't blame them one bit. After ten days, I'd be going crazy!

I know both he and Mom will feel better once he is home and things will get pretty much back to normal. Other than the infection, Dad really is doing great. I couldn't believe the difference a week has made. The way our bodies can heal themselves just amazes me. Once again, thanks for the prayers. We're just hoping he can come home very soon.

A look ahead

Well, it turns out major surgery and not eating for several days straight does have its downside. Dad's system isn't processing food efficiently yet, so the doctors have decided to keep him in the hospital where he can continue to get the right care and nourishment until it does. This is ok, even though Mom, Dad and the rest of the family would love to see him home.

Mom and Dad met with the oncologist a couple of times Tuesday. He has given them hope for possible remission. Once Dad is fully recovered from the surgery, he will begin regular chemotherapy treatments every-other-day with a week's break in between treatment regimens. Mom and Dad will learn more about what that will entail and what to expect over the coming days and weeks, but they are planning to fight the disease with the tools available. The oncologist shared the story of a patient he's been treating with a very similar situation to Dad's who is now eight years beyond diagnosis. This is great news to hear.

As always, thank you for your prayers and continued support.The notes in the mail, comments on the blog, the anonymous gifts of food, and all the other thoughtful gestures have been overwhelming. We appreciate the blessings we are already seeing and look forward to many more small miracles. Know that we share all your comments and well wishes with Dad, so please keep them coming.

Coming Home!

Well, we have some good news! Mom called this morning from the hospital, and told me Dad is probably coming home tomorrow. We are thrilled! He was also able to eat breakfast this morning. I believe this is the first time he has had real food since last Tuesday. Being able to eat is a huge step, because it means his body is healing and functioning properly. He is also off of the oxygen and will probably be taken off the IV later today. He and Mom are also meeting with the Oncologist sometime today, and we will let you know how that goes.

We know his improving so quickly is due to his positive attitude and hard work, but we also know that your fasting and prayers have played a huge part in all of this. Thank you all for thinking of us and for your kind thoughts and prayers. I know I am not just speaking for myself when I say that I have felt peace and comfort this past week, we have all felt your prayers on our behalf.

Throwing away the training wheels

Dad took a big step today...literally. He took his regular laps around the 4th floor, but today it was without the walker. Even though the walker he's been sporting was a black, 4x4 model, Dad gave it up for walking on his own. Even though the nursing staff will likely insist he continues to use the walker, just in case, this represents another step on the path back from surgery, which continues to go well.

They have discontinued monitoring his oxygen level, which represents progress on the respiratory front, and he hasn't had pain medication for two days. Other positive signs continue to indicate Dad's well on his way to recovery from the surgery.

We continue to appreciate the comments people are leaving on the blog, getting to us by phone and through visits. Thank you all so much for your love and support. It truly makes all the difference.

Optimism: The Best Medicine

We had to share a Dad-ism with you from our visit with him today. In typical positive form Dad said, "I'm going to welcome each visitor with a smile on my face. I don't want anyone to come here worrying that they need to cheer me up." Probably this type of outlook on life that has endeared so many to him.

Feeling Good

Dad and a few grandkids at Lagoon (summer 2007)

It has now been two days since the surgery and so far Dad is, according to the nurses, "doing amazingly well." We are proud of him and his accomplishments. One nurse told us that most patients who have gone through a particularly rough surgery are not up and about for days. But, he was up and walking less than 12 hours after his surgery, took several laps around his ward yesterday and today walked to the waiting area near his room, around the set of elevators and back to his room. Quite the marathon for him and he wasn't even breathing heavy when he finished.

He had quite a few visitors today, mostly family. (Thank you all) So he will probably sleep well tonight, at least as well as anyone can in a hospital. He doesn't go too long without a nurse coming in and checking on him, or some machine beeping, but we are grateful for the good nurses who have been caring for him and their hard work.

There really isn't much new to report other than he is healing well and he is very optimistic (like Dad can be anything else :) ). We are all grateful for the prayers on his and our behalf as well as the beautiful flowers, food and well wishes sent our way. Thank you so much. We also appreciate the comments made on this blog. We read each of them to Dad and your thoughts mean a lot to all of us.

Taking laps

Recovery is going well. In fact, Dad has taken several laps around his floor of the hospital today. This is a good sign. The nurses also told us the incision looks great and is healing well already. Good news is great to hear, and we know there's more to come. We continue to appreciate the love and support we feel flowing our way. Thank you.

Recovery from surgery

After a rough few hours immediately following the surgery, Dad is doing much better this morning. In fact, Ryan (second oldest son) is with him and describes him as looking and sounding 100% better. That is great news. The nurses are planning to have him up and walking a bit this morning, which is most encouraging.

The rest of the family is working to cover the bases and stay rested. We really appreciate all the calls and well wishes we've received.

Some unfortunate news...

As many of you likely know by now, we got some unfortunate news this week about Dad. After not feeling well for several weeks, Dad's been diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors performed surgery Thursday evening in hopes of getting a handle on things, but it didn't turn out quite that way. The surgeon found more progressed and widespread tumors than we had hoped.

Even with this news, we know there's a bigger plan and that things are going to work out as they are supposed to. We have faith that Heavenly Father is in charge and that He will see us all through this tough time. We really appreciate all the concern and well wishes that have already been expressed. We hope you'll keep in touch through this blog, which may be the easiest way to keep everyone updated in the days and weeks ahead.