The long awaited update

To start this off we need to apologize to everyone. We've thought about doing an updated blog for along time, but never had any action on it. As you can see in this picture Dad hasn't quite any of his fun. It could be sledding with the grandkids to fishing or four wheeling.
He had a bone marrow biopsy done before Thanksgiving. On Dec. 3rd they went in to see the doctor and get the results. The doctor was very pleased to say REMISSION!! He is in complete remission 2 (I think that's what they called it) Now he has started his two year maintenance plan which consist of a pill a day, shoot a week, and a big syringe of chemo once a month. We are extremely excited, as you all could imagine. We are also grateful to all of you who have continued to pray and hope with us. We pray that you may be blessed for your love and friendship. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Quick catch up

Dad is home and still fighting his head cold. He has seen the doctor a few times and still working on getting his numbers back up. He's had platelets, blood, and then platelets again. They are thinking at this point he should be on the rise and hope that when he sees the doc next Wed. they will be able to pull out his pick line for good. (Everyone cross your fingers) He seems to be doing a lot better the last couple of days. He is excited to be done with chemo!!! We continue to pray that he will be at O cancer cells when they do the next bone marrow biopsy. We will continue to keep everyone posted on that, and his continued recovery. Thank you to everyone who has keep him in your thoughts and prays.

The Home Stretch

Well Dad is in the hospital for his final treatment. The doctor was a little hesitant to admit dad, but he will be on call this weekend so he could be aware of how things are going. They had to do a recovery bag first, so they won't be starting the chemo until tonight. Dad and mom have been a little concerned about dad's energy level, but the doctor said otherwise. He said if dad has the strenght and energy to fish and do a few other things, then he is doing very well. There is some patients who can't do much of anything. Over all the doctor is very happy with his progress. He also said that if dad's bone marrow biopsy hadn't been 0 cancer cells after round 5, than there wouldn't be a chance of 0 cancer cells after round 8. To hear this, made us very happy. Dad continues to enjoy all your calls and visits. Thank you for your continued love, support and prayers. As a family we feel it very much. Thank you.

Room 777
Phone 357-5777

Between treatment cycles

It has been rough between cycles. He hasn't had to have any blood or platelets. However this cycle can cause neuropathy, and he has really felt it. He was excited, and looked forward to attending a "Reel Recovery" which is a fly fishing retreat for cancer patients in Altimont, UT. He was excited to go, but he did not have the energy to walk, hike stairs, and fish for three days. Therefore he came home a day early.

Reel Recovery Group

You can tell dad has some great people who care about him. On Saturday the 4th of October, there were 5 men from dad's guard CE unit that came down on their drill weekend to help build a garden shed. This could be done, because it was authorized as training. It was a cold rainy miserable day. Mom did a great job on keeping them as warm as possible by making good meals, and hot chocolate.

Kenny, Shane, Merrill

Brian, Joe

Dad

As we type this posting there are 2 men out helping dad with the shed. One being Merrill Brown, who was here with the guard, and Ron Walker, one of dad's fishing buddies and long time friend.


On Sunday, between conference session we took a drive up Payson Canyon and saw some beautiful colors. The kids had a ball running and exploring, while the adults watched. Here is Dad, Mom and 6 of 9 grandchildren.

Dad is scheduled to go in on Friday the 17th to start his next and LAST cycle. He does however have a head cold right now, so we don't know if that will change. We are all excited to have this over, and continue to pray that when they do the next bone marrow biopsy that it will once again say 0 cancer cells.

Treatment #7

Dad is back in the hospital for treatment #7.
Room 789
Phone 801-357-5789

In his past break Dad's platelets went down to a 6, which is as low as they have ever been. That didn't slow him down though (does that surprise anyone). He went to 3 BYU games with a great friend and enjoyed every minute. He also had friends Brian and Kay ,from Iowa, come and visit. Dad and Mom really had a great time. On top of all this they managed to get a quick trip in the Cedar City and Las Vegas. to visit kids and friends.

Being back in the hospital has made Dad a little discouraged. He is starting to get sick of this routine, and ready for life without chemo. On the other hand, he's is excited to know that there is only one more treatment after this.

For all those who would like to visit or call, he will be in the hospital until Friday morning. Thanks for all your love and support.

Home Again

Dad came home today. He is feeling a little shaky and tired. Here is a picture of he and Trevor napping on the chair.

He has started to get a little hair back. It looks like it is going to be a silver color.

Treatment #6

Sorry it has been so long since we last updated everyone. Since last we wrote Dad and Mom went to Salt Lake for a visit with a specialist on bone marrow. She said that he really isn't a candidate, and that the radiation they would do beforehand could possibly kill him. He is doing really good with the path he's on, so she would recommend that he stay on that path and do a 2 year maintenance. That would include: a pill a day, a shot a week, and a small chemo bag every month for the whole two years.
Dad didn't get any help this last round to get his numbers up faster because they wanted his body to do the work on its own. It took until Monday the 25th to start his next cycle of chemo. This is cycle number 6, which is the harder set of drugs. We're hoping his body can adjust accordingly.
He is in room 797
Phone 801-357-5797
We would once again like to thank everyone for your support and ask that you continue. If any on you have a little extra time in your busy lives we know he would love to see or hear from you.

Dad is home

Dad did come home on Friday and is feeling pretty well. He is hitting his bottom so does not have a lot of energy. But all in all we are all feeling so excited about his biopsy that the future looks bright. Dad says it helps with the treatments and the continued treatments. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.

Great Day!!!!

Dad had a bone marrow biopsy last week and we have been waiting for the results. We knew anything under 50 was good. Today we finally received the results and...... they found O cancer cells. Yeah!!!!!!

He will continue through all 8 treatments to make sure there aren't any hiding or sleeping cancer cells, and then we'll go from there. He also had his 5th (or 6th) cat scan of his head, along with another spinal tap. The brain bleed is completely gone, and his spine showed no sign of cancer.We would like to thank all of you for the prayers on dad's behalf. They have truly helped this miracle come to pass. We will continue to pray that as the 8th treatment is completed, we will have the same result as we have now. He is currently having his 5th cycle chemo now in his corner room 797. He would love to talk or visit with any of you. His hope is to go home on Friday.
Phone 801-357-5797

Family Reunion in Loa, UT

Last week our family had a reunion on my mom's side. My parents were in charge and we decided to try a lodging in Loa. There was a variety of things everyone could do: Capital Reef, Parkers, Fish Lake, Boulder Mountains, etc. We all had a fun time. It was from Thursday to Sunday. Dad couldn't come down until late Friday evening because he had to get platelets before coming. Here is a family picture we did with almost everyone that came.One of our cousin, Angela, had a great idea to make a scrapbook for dad. Each person did a page that is decorated, has an individual picture, and some sort of message to dad. This is to be a book he can look at often and hopefully help uplift him whenever he needs.

Here is the group of us right after we gave him the book. He was overwhelmed with emotion. He loved every page from the youngest,which consisted of scribbles, to the adults who gave great memories and encouragements.

After his last treatment, it is taking longer to bounce back. His blood work just isn't building on it's own like it did in round 3. Since it is taking longer the doctor said it will be another one to two weeks before his goes in for round 5. He will have another bone marrow biopsy before round 5 to see if the chemo is working. So please KEEP PRAYING. We are grateful for everyone who has helped in so many ways, it's nice to know we have a huge support system.

Nasty Bruise

This is a picture from the 14th. His platelets were low so he got a 7x3 inch bruise from a shot. But he was up and fishing today. He got 6 fish in all. 3 big ones. He was just wiped out when he got home. When his platelets are low it causes him to not have much energy.

Quick update

Claudia's family had their family reunion this past weekend. So after 2 days of blood and platelets Dad was able to go. They had a lot of fun. (More on that to come.) But yesterday he was really tired. Today he found out his platelets were low so he had to go in to get some more. He seemed to be doing good this evening. He is hoping to have some good days ahead. (There should be pictures coming.)

Happy 4th of July

Things are going pretty well. Dad doesn't have much of an appitite and he has his headaches once again. He is hoping there is an open room on the east side so he can go and watch the fireworks tonight. He is hoping to be able to go home sometime this weekend but we shall see. Continues to enjoy phone calls and visitors.

Chemo Treatment # 4

Well they are back from their wonderful vacation to New Orleans, and they are sure going to miss all the amazing food down there. Dad is already missing the Cajun food. They got back last night and Dad went in for Chemo treatment #4 this morning. He is at his halfway point. Dad is in room 797 and still enjoys phone calls ,visitors and prayers. It is sometimes hard to go back in knowing you are going to feel crappy when he has been feeling good for a few days. But He sure enjoys his support team from family, friends, ward members, guard members and temple workers. Mom has had a busy day to. She has gone to work, did yard work and took Grandpa over for cataract surgery so she has been busy too.

Trip to the Hospital

Dad had to go to the hospital to get blood. They got there at 2:45 P.M. and left at 1:00 A.M. Mom said it was a little much, a lot much. The Dr. was really happy because his platelets were going up on their own and his white blood is up due to the shot he gets. He is pretty sure he is going to go to New Orleans with Mom, Val and Annette for their trip to the Award ceremony. He will find out for sure tomorrow. He starts his next round of Chemo on July 1st.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Fathers Day to all those dads out there. Our Dad is doing well. He is recovering slowly but surely. Thursday was really his only good day. Friday and Saturday were kind of rough. He has his good days and his bad days, his good moments and his bad moments. He had a hard morning but his afternoon went well. A funny story... he was outside grilling a sweet potato and he noticed some movement out of the corner of his eye. Nana has been complaining about squirrels eating the nuts of the walnut trees and making messes, so Carson told her he would catch them. Well..., Nana had already tried that so she told him if he could catch them she would pay him 5 bucks a piece. Well..., Not only did he catch two but they were raccoons not squirrels. Needless to say we now know who has been making all the messes.

The Recovery

Dad has kind of had a hard day today. He has been feeling pretty sick. He said he was worried he would have to go back in the hospital and got all worried about it and when the doctor told him he didn't he was happy but his body was still all in knots. Poor Dad. When I talked to him he was just hanging out in his Lazy Boy. Hopefully this will pass soon he is pretty miserable.

Home Again

Well Dad went home from Kansas last Tuesday and started Chemo Wednesday. But he is home from that now. He is doing well. Just sometimes doing to much physically. He is feeling pretty good. His numbers haven't bottomed out quite yet but are on there way so he can build them back up. He just finished his third round, and will start a new round in about 21 days. He appreciates all the visits and phone calls. Mom is working her little heart out on the yard and at her job with the town.

We are in Kansas

Sorry this has taken so long. I told Tina I would be on the ball but as you can see I am not. I guess that is what you get with a new born but he sure loves Grandpa.

Dad came to Kansas for Trevor's baby blessing. It has been so much fun to have him here and so nice for him to get away. He is doing well. He was really sick from the flight out and we have worked him hard shopping almost every day but other than that he is doing great. Dad and mom fly home tomorrow after there 5 day vacation and he goes into Chemo on Wednesday.
Zac in front of the pig at the BBQ place we went to when Dad and Mom got here. Dad was really sick and needed food in his stomach soon.

Trevor ready to go to Church.

After church we had a BBQ with the complex families.

Zac feeling Grandpa's Head

Quick trip to emergency

Last night Sat. Dad took a quick trip to emergency. He has been having some neck pain that turned into a headache. They ended up calling the doctor and he wanted another CT scan of his head to make sure his brain bleed wasn't getting worst. In the ER they did the CT scan and it came back great. It has gotten smaller since last time. They did find his platelets were lower then what they should be. He had platelets on Fri. and then they gave him more last night. When he went in today for his drive by shot (for his white blood cells) he had to stay a little longer to get platelets again. He was told that his hematocrit was still dropping, on Tues. he'll need another whole blood transfusion unless needed sooner.

Update

Sorry we haven't updated this for a little while. Things have been going quite well. On the 17th we had a BBQ for dad's 57th birthday. We had a great time.

We all think he's not bad looking for a bald man.

Here is 6 of the 10 grandkids.

Alright, dad has already been down to zero on his numbers and is now working his way back up. He is still going in daily for a shot in his stomach that helps stimulate the bone marrow, which then builds his white blood cells. His white blood cells are already starting to rise, but the platelets are still dropping a little. The doctor said they are the last to recover. Because of this on Wed. he had 2 six packs (bags) of platelets and today he had 2 six packs of platelets and also 2 bags of whole blood. On Sunday his eyes started hurting which is a side effect so he had to get a prescription medicine for them. Then on Thurs. afternoon his hips were hurting really bad. This is from the bone marrow trying to reproduce. I think I would be safe is saying this has been one of the stronger pains he has dealt with through the treatment process. Once he was able to get the correct pain killers he seems to be doing a lot better. Things are coming along very well for him. The doctor is trying to get everything in the correct order so dad can go the Kansas this next weekend to see his newest grandson blessed.

Home Again

Dad finished his 2nd cycle of chemo yesterday the 16th, and was able to come home. He is feeling pretty good considering the circumstances. His stomach is a little unsettled and he seems like he doesn't have as much energy which is expected. He will have to go over to Provo daily and have his levels checked and also get a shot in his stomach to help build his white blood cells again. The doctor said his blood levels would drop again, if they go too low he will go back in the hospital to get them raised up.

2nd cycle of chemo

Dad went back in the hospital yesterday (Monday) to start his next cycle of chemo. When he got there they first did a CT scan of his head again, and the results came back good. The bleeding still looks like it's shrinking. After that they started the treatment. They did a "quick push" of chemo, this means they put a bag of chemo into him in 2 hours. By doing this they obviously get a high amount of chemo on board fast. After that bag they did a slow drip over 24 hours. He is now starting another form or make up of chemo. This is one that can make him have some major side effects like, his levels could drop drastically, nausea and vomiting, sore mouth, eye pains, could appear to have symptoms of a stroke, etc. He should be done with this cycle on the 15th if we understand things right. Depending on his side effects and how he makes it through this cycle the doctors are saying he could go home as early as the weekend. Through the last cycle, dad lost 22 pounds, since then he has gained back about 9 pounds. We hope this is a good update for all of you, and once again we thank you for your support and interest in dad.
Room 797 in the East building
Phone 801-357-5797

Doing Good

Dad has been doing very well. On Friday the 2nd he went in to have another CT scan of his head, and then today a check-up visit with his doctor. He is happy with dad's progress. He said the CT scan looked really good, it looked as though it may be diminishing a little. However he said that he wanted to re-admit dad to the hospital on Monday the 12th to start the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy. It will take 5 days to get through the cycle. There will be a different set of drugs used and the doctor wants to keep a close eye on all his level. We are hoping he can bounce back quickly and be home soon after the cycle is done.

Catch up

Dad has been doing great, I think a little too great. He hasn't sat home much. Wed. he was craving a hamburger and fries so that's what he got. Tina and five of the grandkids went for lunch. Thurs. was spent with some great buddies in the car. They took a nice drive to see how the lakes looked for fishing. Today, Friday, he has went with Mom, Joel and Kim to Ephraim so they could go for a 4-wheeler ride with the Masons. Dad and Mom where staying back to watch Kim's boys. Things are going well for him as you can tell. We love having Dad home and enjoy our time with him.

Coming Home

Day 18 (today) has been a long day, because the words "go home" has been mentioned. Dad had a CT scan on his brain today and everything looked the same which made them happy. The neurologist said he thinks the body will just absorb the blood and that would be better than doing surgery. He also had a spinal tap done, which is why it's taken so long to get home. We won't know results on that for awhile, but the main reason for doing it was to give another chemo treatment in his spine. His number are looking much better every day. The white blood cells where 73 yesterday and 83 today, platelets 89 yesterday 106 today, hematocrit is dropping a little but not a huge concern, anc (fights infection) 6.6 yesterday 7.5 today this makes him safe to go in public. He's clear until the 2nd of May when he'll have to go to the hospital for another CT scan and then on the 6th to see Dr. Wallentine to determine when they'll start the next chemotherapy treatment. Life should be more normal for the next little while so the blog may not be updated as often. We knew as a family we could be strong and support each other, but we had no idea there would be so many of you to join us on this fight. We are extremely grateful for your visits and calls.

Great News

Sorry we haven't posted anything in a couple of days. It has kind of been a mad house at the MacNaughtan's with all of the kids home.
Yesterday Dad got his Genetic testing results. They showed he has a better prognosis of good health and he will not have to have as much medicine in the next chemo treatments. He got a cat scan and his brain bleed hasn't gotten any worse.
Today he got good news too. The doctor came in and asked him about his numbers because they have almost doubled. The doctor asked if Dad had had any more platelets and Dad told him no. So they may do the spinal tap today so that Dad can come home Tomorrow!!! Hopefully it will last longer than last time. They are going to start him on solids today as well.
They are doing the spinal tap because they are still worried about his headaches and want to make sure the cancer has not gone to the brain. They take a little bit of fluid out of spine and they put the same amount of fluid back in with some chemo.
Dad is starting to loose his hair and should be bald by the end of the day. It is coming out quickly. But it has been a couple of good days.
Again thank you for all your support and prayers. They are truly felt by the whole family.

Good Day

Today was a good day for Dad. He had a better night sleep and had enough energy to walk around the halls 5 times. He had a CT scan of his brain and found there was a very small brain bleed. The doctor is not worried at this point, but will have another CT done later to compare if there are any differences. He is still on the IV feeding, but said tomorrow they would try soft liquid foods like jello to see how his stomach reacts. Last and best Dad got to see his new 1 week old grandson Trevor. Joel and Kimberly drove from Kansas to come see Grandpa.

Mom's Birthday

Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Today was pretty uneventful. Dad got 2 units of blood and I think some platelets as well. The doctor said if he could hold a normal temperature for 24 hours then they would talk about sending him home again. Since his GI track is inflamed he is on an IV diet, no food or water! This doesn't really bug him much other than the fact that his mouth gets really dry. It makes it so he doesn't talk as much and when he does he talks different. Doctors say none of this is uncommon.

More information

Dad started his chemotherapy on April 12th (day 1) and today is day 11. We are told that days 10 thru 14 are when he is the most susceptible to infection and are the most physically trying. His blood levels are really low, which is not surprising due to the cycle of treatments. The chemotherapy attacks growing cells in the body and blood with the cancer cells being the first to be hit, and then usually the gastrointestinal (GI track) suffers which is what dad is experiencing now. He was diagnosed with inflammation of the colon today and he is on heavy antibiotics for his infection. In most cases around day 21 the blood levels have raised enough so they can start the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy.
Once again at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center
His new room is E797 (southwest corner of the floor)
phone # 357-5797

Not a great day

This afternoon things didn't go so well for Dad's daily "drive by" routine at the hospital. He had a slight fever which means he has some sort of an infection. Their not sure where it's coming from, they just know they need to get on top of it. After being over there all afternoon doing blood tests and so on, they admitted him back into the hospital. I don't know much, so hopefully we'll get more information and update you tomorrow.

Quick info

Not much has changed. Dad had to get another shoot today for his white blood cells, and then he's taken it easy. He didn't have a good night last night, so he took a pretty good nap this afternoon. He is liking the taste of food a little more, but has to be careful with his stomach. He was told that his stomach would be a little unsettled while he was in chemo. Never the less, he is still grateful to be home.

Little "big" Trevor

Here is our newest member of the family, Trevor August Wilstead. He was born April 17th, at 11:46a.m. weighing 8lbs. 10oz. and 201/2 in.

Already trying to show off those muscles

Zac and Trevor

First day at home

It is every neat to have Dad home. The only words he can use to describe his feelings is "it's wonderful". He loves to be in his own environment: his own chair, his own bed and yard. It didn't take him long to walk around the yard after he got home. He didn't sleep much better, but he still enjoyed being in the comforts of his own bed. He has eaten better since he's been home. He was excited to say he ate pizza for lunch today. Dad also had to go back to the hospital today to have some blood drawn, and get another shoot in his stomach to help build his white blood cells. He'll have to do that for the next few days. As you can see Kirk gave him a hair cut. He figured if it was going to fall out, make it short so there would be less of it.

Leaving the hospital
Wearing a mask for his own protection

Cozying up in his chair with family around

Before getting a hair cut

After words, what a different looking Dad

COMING HOME

Doctors are very happy with how well Dad is doing. They said he could COME HOME!!! We will have to be very strict on a lot of things. But still he's coming home. He is soooo excited. I'll write later and give you more details.
Home phone: 801-754-3064
Address: 610 E. 800 N.
Genola, UT 84655

Thank you all. We definitely feel that this is happening because of all you prayers and love. We truly appreciate all you. We love you and hope that you will continue to pray for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A quiet day

Today was not Dad's best day, but not his worst either. He was given more platelets, and also a couple shoots in his stomach to start the process of building new white blood cells.
Just as a side note to everyone, we are happy to say there will be a new addition to the MacNaughtan family tomorrow. Joel and Kimberly will be having a new little one, which will be their second. We'll give you all the details on that tomorrow as well.

Good News

The doctor came in with good news today. He said the Spinal Fluid was clear so there was no sign of cancer in the spinal cord, His CAT scan was clear and his Eco Cardiogram came back better then they expected. That was really reassuring to hear. He also finished his first of eight courses of chemo and the Dr. was pleased with how well my Dad handled it. The Dr. said usually the first course is the worst but Dad came through with flying colors.
Dad wanted you all to know how much he and the family appreciate all the thoughts and prayers said on our behalf. We feel a great deal of comfort and peace through them. We truly thank you, and your prayers are felt by all. We also appreciate all the visitors and phone calls. If your phone call is not answered however please call back. Dad's phone may be turned down when he is resting.

Questions answered

Some question were answered today for us. The doctor said if Dad's cancer would have been caught earlier it wouldn't have made much difference. He still would have to go through the same treatment. We've also been told that this cancer is not genetic, it's simply something you acquire. When he gets done with this 4 day cycle of chemotherapy, they will wait to see how his blood levels hold before they start another cycle. To our understanding, there will be 8 cycles of chemotherapy. The doctor was happy with how healthy Dad looked and he also start a few different antibiotics to help protect him while his immune system is low. His hematocrit level was at 25, it should be in the high 30's to low 40's, so they gave him whole blood today. His spirits seem to be high, for that reason we want to thank everyone for your love and support.

A Good Day

Today was a good day. They got his headache under control for now. He had 2 units of blood and more chemotherapy. He had lots of good visitors including family, neighbor, guard and temple friends. Thank you for your support in calls and visits. Just to let you know, afternoons and evenings are a better time to visit for now. Dad seems to be more tired in the mornings.

Started Chemo

He has had a major headache from his spinal tap and the pressure difference with all the testing and treatments. They started him on Chemo that he will get every 12 hours for the next 3 days. He is now able to check e-mail if you would like to send him a note other then the blog and he seems to be doing well. We continue to be optimistic and appreciate all the concern on our behalf.

Starting treatments

Doctors said the cancer is moving really fast, and with Dad's age and previous heart problems it's going to be an uphill battle which also increases the risks. The day started with an echo cardiogram, and then they inserted a pick line, or a central line, that starts right above his elbow and goes almost the the middle of his chest. His veins were getting pretty hashed so this is something they can give meds through, and also draw blood from as well. After doing this they had to take an x-ray of his chest to make sure it was in the right spot. This afternoon they gave him a platelet transfusion of two 6 packs (2 bags) to raise his platelet level up to at least 50, and also 2 units of blood so they could start a spinal tap. By doing this they sucked out the fluid in his spine and filled it up with the chemo fluid to help prevent his cancer from moving to the spine. If everything stays as planned they will start the regular chemotherapy treatments on Sunday.

A.L.L.

They have found out the type of Leukemia it is. It is called A.L.L. or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It is an aggressive and rapid growing type. The Doctor said those are usually more likely to be cured then the slower ones. They asked when he started having symptoms and Dad told them January and the doctor said it probably has not even been that long. They will probably start treatment very soon. They do know however that he will be in his Apartment for at least a month. My Mom and Tina are already starting to rearrange his room to make it more comfortable for my Dad.

New Apartment (Hosptial Room)

So we decided to make Dad and Mom their own blog. We will see how they do once Dad gets home. Dad called me and told me he is in his new apartment. He has been moved to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo so he can be closer to the Doctors. His room is E777 and his new phone is 801-357-5777. We are so grateful for all your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. We have truly felt the peace that only comes through the love and support of family and friends and our Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you very much. We continue to be optimistic and anticipate news soon. I will continue to blog something every day. We as a family just feel it is a great way for you to all be able to know what is going on. Thank you again for your love and prayers.