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.