Thank You, Dad

Dear Dad,

Thank you.

I hope everyone who reads your blog, who loves you and hopes all the best for you will take the time this Memorial Day to think of you and thank you for your service. It is thanks to heroes like you that we enjoy the freedoms this wonderful country provides. And it is thanks to your example that I have grown up with pride and honor for our country.

Thank you for your selfless sacrifices. I hope you are able to enjoy your holiday. I hope you get some sunshine and lots and lots of food!

I love you.

Semper fi,

Diana

CAFE RIO

Great news! Dad was finally able to eat a full meal!!! April got him tamales and a burrito from Cafe Rio last night and he managed to eat it all! We're hoping this is a sign that his appetite is coming back and he's going to start gaining weight instead of losing it.

Keep up the good work dad!!!

KEEP THE FAITH

Dad had an appointment today at LDS hospital with his transplant specialist, she had the results of his bone marrow biopsy that they did two weeks ago. April, mom and I went with him. The doctor informed us that Dad's leukemia had gone into remission and that they did not see the Philadelphia chromosome. We thought that this was wonderful news, however because dad is still on oxygen and has lost so much weight and strength and can't even eat, he would most likely not make it through a transplant right now. She said that the toxins would be too much for his body to handle. April asked the doctor how long he could be in remission and gain the strength to receive the transplant and she said that he would have only months to live. Dad's insurance no longer covers a physical therapist to come to the house and work with him, but between mom and all of his kids, we are going to get him healthy enough for the transplant.

He has an appointment with his Oncologist at St. Marks on Thursday, so we will talk to her about a feeding tube so he can at least get his nourishment that way until his appetite comes back or at least where we can mention food without him getting nauseated.

When dad does receive the transplant she said that he will have a 20% chance of the leukemia being cured and without the transplant he will not make it.

We all know that dad is strong and that he has already beat the odds several times. Let's not focus on the percentages right now, but have faith and prayers that we will witness yet another miracle.

His spirits are a little low right now but we are going to do all we can to help him fight this.

Again, we love you all and appreciate the friendship, support and prayers on our father's behalf.

Please continue to pray and have faith and feel free to email him or comment on this blog and we will make sure he gets all of your messages (he loves it!)

Thanks again! Love Karen

At Home

Sorry for falling behind with Dad's progress report. I'm happy to say that it is mostly because he has been doing so well. He and Mom are home now and loving it. Mom has been an incredible caretaker and nurse and Dad has been feeling well and happy.

We are now just waiting to find out when he will be going in for his Bone Marrow Transplant.

Please do continue to keep him in your prayers. We still have a long way to go but we are so grateful for this time he has been feeling so well.

Dad actually had the opportunity to read this entire blog from beginning to end including all your comments. He was very touched by all the love that has been expressed and sends his apologies that he can't reply to each of you individually.

He is hoping to get feeling and use back in his hands so he can do just that in due time.

Thank you again for the love, thoughts and prayers. We continue to look forward to Dad's progress and improvement and eventual defeat of this disease!

Home Tomorrow!

I figure that everyone is really busy right now, so I'll go ahead and post this. :)

Mom/Susie has probably already called many of you, but just to let you know ... Dad gets to come home again tomorrow!!!

Mike talked with Dad yesterday and said that he sounds so happy and strong. Mike is down at the house right now helping get things ready for Dad to come home tomorrow morning.

Movin' On Up

Dad is moving upstairs to rehab today. They have his liver and lungs under constant care and things are looking good.

They are excited to have a new room on the fifth floor and it's nice to know that the doctors are just downstairs should they need them.

Dad has been really optimistic and positive this week. We are so proud of him for being such a fighter. We are so grateful for your comments and your prayers. And as always, we'll continue to keep you posted!

Pulmonary Embolism

Last night just when we arrived at the hospital to visit Dad, Mom was rushing out to get the nurse because Dad was in a cold sweat and his arm was swollen.

They ordered a CT scan and I called Mike to come give him a blessing. Mike arrived soon thereafter and was able to help Dad feel a lot better after the blessing.

The CT scan showed that he has a pulmonary embolism, meaning that blood clot has moved to his lungs.

They did an EKG and are monitoring his heart.

Prayers are needed!

Thanks and I'll update when I know more.