9.9.2008

Less than 48 hours post major brain surgery dad was moved back to IMC, remarkable. He has been up walking today, received respiratory therapy, eating solid foods, keeping pain under control, itching, and battling the hiccups...still. Mom, Marty, Teri, and Michele spent the morning with dad helping him get adjusted in his old room in IMC. Dad is in good spirits today, alert, aware and engaged in all conversations. Big Dave is his nurse today, we like him and it is obvious how much he likes dad. Mom's boss stopped by today to visit with her bringing with him a fun gift basket from her office filled with some of dad's favorite things. Uncle Rex and Beth also came by to visit with mom.

I arrived early in the afternoon to be able to be there when the Radiation Oncologist arrived. Michele left to get home to be with the kids and Marty and Teri prepared to leave for Boise. Goodbyes are always hard, today they were especially difficult for each of us.

Since Dr. Gaufin's preliminary diagnosis family members have been researching, investigating and exploring treatment options for dad. We were anxious to meet with the newest members of dad's medical team; a Radiation Oncologist and Medical Oncologist. We first met with the Radiation Oncologist and were grateful we had done our homework. The pathology had come back and it was as suspected Glioblastoma Multiforme, a very aggressive form of brain cancer. We were informed that during surgery Dr. Gaufin was able to remove some of the tumor which we did not think he was going to be able to, this was encouraging. This particular type of tumor responds to radiation and recent studies have shown that it responds even better to a combination of radiation/chemo. Options for treatment were explained to dad as well as the possibility of participating in a clinical trial. Dad did not hesitate when giving his answer as to what direction he wanted to take, "we will do treatment and we will participate in the trial, it is maintenance therapy for my heart that has kept me doing so well this long".

Dad will need to recover for two weeks and then radiation/chemo will begin. Treatment will be five days on two days off. Treatment will be done on an outpatient basis and the best part of all is that he will be able to receive treatment at the Hope Cancer Treatment Center at American Fork Hospital. As dad said "just another tender mercy".

Mom, Dad and I then met with the Medical Oncologist, he discussed the medical aspect of dads treatment and educated us more on the clinical trials available to us. We are excited that dad's Medical Oncologist is a Huntsman Cancer Institute Physician and also helps make decisions on what clinical trials will be made available to patients, we are so lucky that there are currently two trials that dad could possibly meet the criteria for. We feel we are in good hands. Once again dad reiterated that "we are going to do radiation/chemo and the maintenance trial". Both physicians were very encouraged and impressed with dad's recovery and were so pleased with how well he is doing. They commented that he is doing "remarkably well".

Dad is happy with his medical team and comments several times a day what good care he is receiving. Dad ate well tonight and is tolerating solid foods once again. Kendall is his nurse this evening and Stacie will be sitting with dad throughout the night. Big Dave had to change dad's IV from his right arm to his left before shift change, dad tolerated this well. PT has walked dad two different times today and instructed dad on hand and arm exercises for his left arm, his walking improves each and every day. He is a strong, strong man; this is our dad.

Mom had a doctor's appointment later this afternoon and we encouraged her to stay home and not return to the hospital. Bishop Rose stopped by for a brief visit, we are so blessed. Dave and I stayed with dad for the evening, visiting, resting, laughing, and striving to make dad comfortable. Staying on top of the Benadryl is key, back rubs with lotion for relaxation, deep breathing for the hiccups, and fresh peaches with milk for a late night snack. All is quiet here on the hospital front.

As I was driving home this evening reviewing the events, conversations, and news received from today I thought of how many times I have heard a young couple announce "we are pregnant" or "we are buying a new house". I observed today that Dad used the plural when he announced his decision for treatment "we will do treatment, we will participate in the maintenance study". This touched me deeply. There is no 'I' in this experience; only a 'we'. That sums it up, it is we who are standing up 2 cancer, it is we who are battling and fighting this battle, it is we who will be steadfast, immovable and bear with patience this trial.
Thank you mom and dad for allowing each of us to be a part of your 'we'.