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.