Upon returning from an early morning assignment at the Conference Center mom came home to a chilling and feverish patient. Dad commented "I am not having a very good day" this is a clear indication that he is not feeling well, our father never complains.
These symptoms of chills, and fatigue are not surprising considering the toxicity of the treatments he is receiving. We had been informed early into this journey of the possible side effects from chemo and radiation, however, one cannot be completely prepared for the sudden onset of such symptoms. Cancer treatment can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which can be risky and pose complications for recovery; fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever and infection are just a few of the symptoms dad could experience. We have been educated and understand that symptoms may not manifest until 2-3 weeks into treatment, we have just completed week three. We have been so blessed to complete half of this treatment phase with few side effects, we now need to stand up, increase our prayers, and practice faith.
Dad took a three hour nap today which is highly unusual for him, he kept reassuring mom that he thinks he got chilled following his shower and that is the cause for his chilling. Dad's appetite has also decreased somewhat today, this is another indication that something is not right.
Jeff and Steph stopped by this afternoon and dad visited on the phone with McLean. We are watching dad closely and will contact his physicians immediately upon any changes.
Monday, October 13, 2008
10.11.2008
Football, food, fire in the fireplace, faith and family are on the agenda for today, Dave and I had mom and dad over to watch the BYU game today. Our home was enhanced by their company, mom's squeals of delight when a good play had been executed, a yummy pizza dinner and a cozy fire as our backdrop.
As I quietly sat back and observed my parents today I marveled at their inner strength, through their strength and courage our family has been blessed with power and peace of mind. Our parents level of faith is sufficient and deep, they are showing us daily that we cannot become strong without sufficient faith in the power of our Father in Heaven. We have experienced a month full of faith increasing opportunities and we know that without faith we cannot receive answers to our prayers.
"Whose believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him" Mormon 9:21
We have witnessed extraordinary blessings and miracles throughout this journey, we continue to receive great strength and power through the many prayers offered in our behalf, and we deeply feel the love, compassion and concern for us during this challenging time. We pray that we will remain humble and teachable so that our understanding may be enlightened and expanded.
10.10.2008
Week three of radiation is complete, dad is sporting a new hairless style and is looking good! I met dad at radiation today and then we walked over to the hospital to have his weekly blood draw. The Medical Oncologist had ordered an additional blood test to check dad's dilantin level. Dad currently takes a medication to help prevent seizures and a medication to decrease brain swelling, these levels along with his blood count must be checked regularly.
We acknowledge that at any time we could find ourselves tossed about on the high sea throughout this cancer storm, we also know that a smooth sea never made a skilled mariner. We are grateful for our parents stable courage, strength, and skill as we sail these uncharted waters.
We acknowledge that at any time we could find ourselves tossed about on the high sea throughout this cancer storm, we also know that a smooth sea never made a skilled mariner. We are grateful for our parents stable courage, strength, and skill as we sail these uncharted waters.
10.9.2008
Dave and dad continue to enjoy their morning walks and will do so until weather does not permit. Dad was able to visit with his Radiation Oncologist yesterday when he went for his treatment, once again he was told how remarkable he is. His physician told him that in ten years of practice he has yet to see a patient with such promise, we are profoundly blessed.
Mom took dad over to Uncle Rex this evening to have his head shaved, it has become beyond difficult keeping up with dad's rapid hair loss. When dad removed his beanie this morning following his walk the entire inside of his cap was silver. Dad got out the vacuum when they returned home and began cleaning out his hat.
Mom took dad over to Uncle Rex this evening to have his head shaved, it has become beyond difficult keeping up with dad's rapid hair loss. When dad removed his beanie this morning following his walk the entire inside of his cap was silver. Dad got out the vacuum when they returned home and began cleaning out his hat.
10.8.2008
What was there yesterday is gone today, those subtle side effects of cancer are not so subtle today, dad's hair has started falling out. Mom had an event at the Conference Center this evening and dad wanted to ride with her to Salt Lake. Mom took dad in through the back entrance to limit his exposure to others, dad was able to check his e-mails and briefly see a few of their friends; this quick trip back to their home away from home was just what dad needed, he looks forward to the day he can return full time. It won't be long.
Dave and I went over to visit with mom and dad this evening and while we were visiting we watched as dad's hair fell out strand by strand. The hood of dad's sweatshirt was full of beautiful silver stubble. We have been surprised as to how quickly dad's hair had grown back following surgery; we are now surprised how quickly it is disappearing.
Dave and I went over to visit with mom and dad this evening and while we were visiting we watched as dad's hair fell out strand by strand. The hood of dad's sweatshirt was full of beautiful silver stubble. We have been surprised as to how quickly dad's hair had grown back following surgery; we are now surprised how quickly it is disappearing.
As dad was visiting with Aunt Connie on the phone this evening we heard him say "I've heard that bald is beautiful, we'll now find out".
We think our dad is beautiful with or without hair, beanie on or beanie off; but the things we find most beautiful about our father are his expressions of gratitude, his courage, his positive outlook,
his determination, and his testimony. We are experiencing a beautiful life.
10.7.2008
Dad continues to take care of his physical self which in turn is caring for his emotional self. Exercising has always been an important part of dad's day and regardless of any diagnosis he has received he has maintained a healthy exercise routine. Dad reminds us often that he most likely would not have had the positive outcome following each of his surgeries had he not been in such good physical condition going in, we couldn't agree more. Each time someone inquires as to how he is doing dad exclaims "doing marvelously well", regardless of the number of times I have heard him say this I continue to be amazed at his energy, enthusiasm, and faith.
Dad is in week three of chemo and radiation and we are now starting to see subtle glimpses of side effects: mild fatigue, and minor blistering of radiation site. Mom and dad took a drive up to the pasture this evening to check on the horses.
Note to self: stand up and kick up exercise routine, if a man with brain cancer can do it you certainly have no excuse!
Dad is in week three of chemo and radiation and we are now starting to see subtle glimpses of side effects: mild fatigue, and minor blistering of radiation site. Mom and dad took a drive up to the pasture this evening to check on the horses.
Note to self: stand up and kick up exercise routine, if a man with brain cancer can do it you certainly have no excuse!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
10.6.2008
One month ago today I thought our lives had been turned upside down, in all reality I am discovering that our lives as they are now are possibly more right side up than they have ever been. Priorities are more in line, relationships are stronger, prayers are more earnest, our testimonies are firm, expressing gratitude is now a habit, laughter is ever present, and we are witnessing daily miracles.
Mom took dad to his Medical Oncologist today for a routine appointment. It was no surprise to mom and dad to hear from another medical professional "you are remarkable". Each time dad goes to an appointment this sentiment is expressed; we agree, our father is remarkable. The doctor told mom and dad that he has dealt with this awful disease and diagnosis every day of his career and he rarely, if at all has the opportunity to tell a patient that he sees great promise for them. He reminded us that our focus needs to be on dad's quality of life and from his standpoint he finds dad's quality of life remarkable.
In one month's time we have learned some powerful lessons from our mother and father, it is now up to each of us to apply what we have learned so that we too can be remarkable.
Mom took dad to his Medical Oncologist today for a routine appointment. It was no surprise to mom and dad to hear from another medical professional "you are remarkable". Each time dad goes to an appointment this sentiment is expressed; we agree, our father is remarkable. The doctor told mom and dad that he has dealt with this awful disease and diagnosis every day of his career and he rarely, if at all has the opportunity to tell a patient that he sees great promise for them. He reminded us that our focus needs to be on dad's quality of life and from his standpoint he finds dad's quality of life remarkable.
In one month's time we have learned some powerful lessons from our mother and father, it is now up to each of us to apply what we have learned so that we too can be remarkable.
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