Thursday

We still have no definite answers, but they are speculating that Dad's condition is related to the GVHD (graft vs host) and I think they are talking about proceeding with that course of treatment. That means, Dad will be in the hospital another two weeks. : (

On a side note, now his counts are starting to drop and we don't know why that is. The doctors were on rounds when I talked to my Mom a few minutes ago and I should learn more later today or tonight when I see her.

The upside to today, if there is one, is that Hayden FINALLY went on the potty. HIP HIP HORRAY. It's the little things in life, seriously.

Now I hope she just keeps going on the potty. What the odds?

Scopes

So...today is my Mom's birthday. Yeah! Sherry and I went to the hospital to take her out for lunch today and we all had a nice visit.

Then I went up to see Dad for a bit. The gastroenterologist (sp?)came in while I was there and they are going to "scope" dad from both ends today and take some biopsies to see what is going on. They are looking for infections, GVHD (Graft Vs. Host Disease) and any inflammation etc. I am really hoping they find something and can fix it.

If there is a good side to all of this, it is that Dad's overall numbers are great and his vitals remain constant (i.e. blood pressure etc). Now, we just need to get rid of the rest and get him eating again.

We should know more in 24 hours.

Pray for the best!

Dad's back in the hospital

Dad went to his clinic appointment today and he is still suffering from nausea and stomach upset issues. The doctor was very concerned about his lack of energy and just overall condition. He checked Dad back in the hospital to just figure out what it going on. It could be an infection. It could be the graft vs. host disease rearing its ugly head. Who knows?

Dad's numbers are looking really good still, so he is still in remission, but these other factors are not helping him enjoy it. Hopefully we'll figure this out quickly and he can go back home.

Tomorrow is my Mom's birthday. If you think about it, call her or send her a card.

I know Dad's in the best place and apparently he wasn't upset about checking in - so he must be feeling like scum. I feel so bad for him.

Keep us in your prayers. We know you do. Hopefully this roller coaster ride will be a quick one and we can move on to bigger and better things for all of us.

It's a brand new day - 2

Dad's result yesterday was amazing, overwhelming, unbelievable.

I am still crying about it and as relieved as I am, I am also freaking out because now I feel like we wait for it to come back. This monster lurking in his veins just waiting to strike again at him, at us. I actually let my mind wander a little yesterday and believe I could imagine having Grandparents Day with my Dad at school this year and a birthday with him, holidays, maybe a vacation. I am afraid to entertain too many future events because what IF, that demon rears it's ugly head again and disappointment, dreams are destroyed.

This disease is an awful curse. Only the steadfast, the brave can even attempt to take it on. It's fierce. As strong as we all are, as courageous, I just hope it's enough.

I have prayed and begged with God to give me time. 10 years, what is that in the span of a diety. I just need time and I need relief to build memories with my Dad for my kids. I feel like the Lord has given us this reprieve and I want to make the best of it. I hope it lasts. It just has to.

It's a Brand New Day

Last evening before I was headed out the door to a girls' night out, my Mom called. It was a very unusual time to call and I knew she was on her way to the Muny, so of course my heart jumped in my throat. I said, "Hello" and she said, "I wanted to call you with some good news for a change." and I knew it - Dad's biopsy came back clean.

All week, I had forced myself not to even consider any other result. I just knew in my mind and heart that we'd have good news. It just couldn't be any other way. But actually hearing it...I didn't expect to feel so emotional. I hung up with my Mom and started crying. I guess I must have been burying all my worries so deep they finally bubbled up and out of me. It felt good and scary too.

I know this is just one step in a long journey for us. But it was huge. Dad's meeting with his doctor this morning and I am guessing they'll continue with the same plan. He'll still go in for blood work a couple times a week.

Keep praying, keep the faith, thank you for your love and support. : )

Now we wait

The biopsy went really well today. Those things can be really uncomfortable, but the doctor who did it, was really good Mom said.

Dad's next appointment with his doctor is Friday. I don't expect to hear any results until then.

All things considered, we're all handling this very well. I'd say on a scale of 1-10, our anxiety levels are about a 20. : )

Keep the prayers up, keep the well wishes up and keep up our positive attitudes. That's half the battle.

More Friday.

Shot in the Butt

Dad's having a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow morning to see what's going on inside. Cross your fingers, say a prayer and do whatever good luck thing you do for us. We may have results tomorrow, but more than likely, not until Friday (Dad's next appt).

The doctor is very positive that things are going the right way, so let's hope that he's right! He just wants to see what's happening.

Come on donor cells, do your thing!

It's a brand new day

We got back yesterday from our camping trip. All was good. WE got a little wet, then drenched, but we all dried out. We had some colorful experiences along the way and some adventures. The kids got an earful, eyeful and an education in just PEOPLE this weekend, but that was okay too.

Dad has his first clinic appointment today. I think he had an okay weekend. Mom said he was much more active on Saturday than Sunday, but he probably had some adrenaline running through him from getting home. We should know more about a course of treatment after today, so we'll see what happens.

Thanks for checking in! We'll get you more info as we know it.

Have a great day!

Day 28 - Going Home

They said it would be a stay of about 28 days way back on day one! They were right.

Dad's homebound this afternoon.

He has a lot of work ahead of him and I think they will be sending a Physical Therapist to the house for some of it.

There was scuttlebutt about doing another bone marrow biopsy soon to see how things are going. That will be another stressful hurdle to wait through.

Keep praying, keep the faith.

For right now, today - I'm just so thankful to have a good end to a very long and turbulent week. It's also Carl's birthday, so what better gift than to have everyone in the family home.

We're off to camp! Wish us luck!

Day 27 - Not there yet!

They hooked Dad back up to IV fluids this morning because he was dehydrated. His blood work was looking so good and then it dipped yesterday, probably due to the lack of hydration. He was at 3.1 WBC and 2700s on the ANCs - both good.

So...one more day in the hospital. He is still having tummy troubles and some nausea, but some of that, I think, is having all the medication they give him on an empty stomach. What do I know, though, right?

We are leaving tomorrow to go camping for the weekend and I am hoping when we get back that Dad is settled in at home.

Have a good weekend and many blessings!