This Man

This man is amazing. Everyone who is reading this right now already knows this. You wouldn't be reading if you weren't concerned about him. You know what a great father, husband, son, brother, uncle, grandpa, neighbor and friend he is. You've been checking in to make sure he's doing OK. You've remembered him in your prayers. You've witnessed his miracles. You've been cheering him along all this time.

This man is a fighter. He was back on his bike again today, riding ten miles before heading to the hospital for platelets. When we got together earlier tonight, gathered in Mom's family room either in person or via Skype, we discussed Dad's options: hospice or treatments with adverse side effects. We discussed the side effects and how the treatment might buy Dad an extra week. We asked Dad how he felt about it. His response? "If it gives me another week, I'll take it." He is not at all ready to stop fighting.

This man is my hero. It's impossible to convey how much love, admiration, respect, appreciation and pride I have in him. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your prayers. And thank you Dad, for fighting. Semper fi.

Love, Nan

Dear Family,

My dad hasn't been doing well for the past week or so. He has lost 10 lbs and has also lost his appetite and taste. Within the past month he has had 5 teeth pulled and needed another two root canals. The leukemia medication has caused his teeth to become very weak and they break easily. His mouth has been full of blood for the past few weeks. He also had a lesion taken off of his face that was found malignant but the dermatologist was sure that he got it all out. Today he went to his bi-monthly doctors appointment at the cancer institute and had a blood test only to find that his cancer is back. He will be going to St. Marks tomorrow afternoon for a blood transfusion because his platelets are very low again. There is not much they can do for him at this point. They will be taking him off all of his medications except for pain medications. There is also a medication that they can give him to prolong his life but Robert said that there are adverse side effects that may not be worth it to dad. Robert has a call in to dad's oncologist and he will call us to let us know what our options are. They have told us that he only has weeks left, he wants to continue to fight and do all that he can.

I told him tonight that I need him and he laughed and said "I need me too." Earl gave him a beautiful blessing tonight and we all had a good cry. He doesn't have a lot of energy lately but I know he appreciates reading your comments. He loves us all so much. Please keep him in your prayers. We may have more info tomorrow. I will email again after I talk to Robert.

I love and appreciate you all so much!

Love, Karen

Teeth and Skin

Either the cancer itself or the chemotherapy has caused Dad's teeth to rot and decay. But because Dad's dentist is in Tooele he hasn't been able to go for a long time because he is too weak to make that drive.

With the help of a loving and concerned Bishop and his wife, Dad was finally able to see a dentist and had five of his teeth pulled. Two more will have root canals.

The cancer doctor also recommended that Dad see a dermatologist about some cancerous spots on his face. Again thanks to the Bishop's sweet wife, Dad was able to find a dermatologist and have them removed.

He is still exercising every day and continues to amaze us with his strength and attitude.

Our family has been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful Christ-like people who have offered help and service at every opportunity.

We are filled with gratitude for all Dad's wonderful cheerleaders and supporters. Thank you!