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!

Update!!! (With Lots of Exclamation Points!!!)

I talked to Dad on the phone this morning. He sounded happy and cheerful and better than I've heard him in a long time.

Here are some updates that deserve all the exclamation points I am going to give them:

He has gained over 30 pounds!

He no longer needs the feeding tube!

He has been riding a recumbent stationary bike every day (sometimes twice a day) for the past thirty days! He started out riding 15 minutes at a time and now he's up to 33 minutes!

Way to go Dad!

He has his appetite back!

He feels better than he did thirty days ago!

He enjoys spending time each day with his sweetheart and several grandchildren!

He still has pain in his hands and feet so he sees a doctor for the pain about twice a month. Because of this pain, it is hard for him to write emails or make phone calls. But please know that he would if he could! He really appreciates all your comments, prayers and concern. So please keep it up!

I asked about the Bone Marrow Transplant. He will be seeing his oncologist on September 20 so they will discuss his options at that time. Technically, he is in remission right now; but as we've mentioned before, he needs the transplant to beat the cancer completely. We'll update the blog as soon as we hear what the oncologist wants to do.

He still can't get around without the walker; with its help he can get around the house but doesn't get to make it outside very often. Although once a week he does leave the house completely to have dinner at Earl and Tifiny's!

Dad has beaten so many odds already and has come SO far. This has been a tough and trying year for the Roses but above all, we are so grateful for this man. His courage, strength, fortitude and attitude have been inspirational. Please continue to remember him (and Mom) in your prayers.

And we will continue to update you.

Please leave a comment to let Dad know you are checking in on him; your support is invaluable.

Dear Dad,

I had a dream about you last night. You were driving your Corvette and you came to my house to deliver some goodies. Together we ate Twinkies and chocolate cream pie. You were happy and healthy and laughing. It was a great dream.

I called you this afternoon to say hello and see how you were doing. You sounded so great. I could hear the smile in your voice. Robert and Liz had just arrived and you were sitting next to your beloved little Stella.

I asked how you were feeling and you said you were feeling "good, considering". You went on to tell me how you've been riding a stationary bike three miles a day for the past eight days.

Way to go Dad!

I am so proud of you. You are a fighter and you are fighting hard! You continue to inspire us all. We love you so much and we continue to pray for you every day.

Before you know it, my dream will be a reality. You'll be cruising around in your Corvette, happy, healthy and laughing. And as much as I'd enjoy some Twinkies and chocolate cream pie, how about we share some shave ice and malasadas on the beach at sunset?

20 LBS!

Dad is starting to look healthy again! Since he got the feeding tube he has been able to put on about 20 pounds, so starting tomorrow they will cut back on his calorie intake and he'll only have to use it for 12 hours a day, which means he will only wear it at night. He is looking and sounding more himself everyday!

He still has a lot of pain in his hands and feet which makes it very difficult for him to get around but he never complains, just manages to do what he can. It's so great to see him smiling and talking and enjoying his grand kids so much. We have the most amazing parents in the world and we know that dad's progress is an answer to all of the many prayers that he has received. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful support from family and friends.

Lookin' Good!

Dad went to another appointment at the Cancer Center today and the doctor was very happy with his progress. He weighed in at a whopping 201 pounds... YAY!!! He looks so good and he sounds good and besides being weaker than normal and not able to leave the house except to see the doctor, he seems like my old dad again! It's so great to hear him laugh and see him eat and though he has a long road ahead, we know that because of all of your faith and prayers he is doing as great as he is.