Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Good News!

Since I was home for the week, I was able to accompany mom and dad for his monthly MRI and doctor visit at Huntsman Cancer Institute.  I hadn't been there since late May, and was greeted by several familiar faces.  The view of the valley up there is amazing!! 

Mom was really anxious to see how his brain looked after the scary strokes dad had about a month ago.  He's also had a rough couple of weeks where he took some pretty serious falls several days in a row.  Dad is pretty scrapped up and his muscles and joints hurt.  His balance is really suffering.

Dr. Coleman showed us the MRI after the stroke and the one taken today side by side.  The area where the stroke was is nearly back to normal.  The brightness seems to have decreased significantly!  Good news!  Also the area with cancer seems to be quite stable with no new growth and even some decrease of brightness in some areas!  More good news!!  Brain swelling doesn't show up on an MRI, and Dr. Coleman alluded that might the cause of his loss of balance and strength on his right side.  Dad was prescribed a new steroid that should help if that is the case.  He will go back in another month for another follow-up MRI.  If that one is also stable, we will try go 2 months until the next one.  Good news all the way around!

Dad seems to be in good spirits though he has very limited energy.    Just taking a shower and getting ready in the morning wipes him out.  He needs a nap afterwards.  We're working on strengthening his right side and his endurance.  Hopefully, with a little more cooperation (hint, hint dad) we can make some more small improvements.  He does seem to lose track of time and days of the week.  He is also having a hard time navigating around the computer and his phone.  When you get an extra phone call from him, just smile and tell him you love him! 

I'm enjoying being back in Utah with the family.  Lincoln, Sawyer, Crew, and Hudson came to visit on Sunday night and brought their parents!  I love my nephews!! We had a great time playing and I am the proud owner of two Star Wars trading cards. 

Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support.  We appreciate and need them. 
Love to you all,
Amy

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for the report Amy! It has been very interesting following in the footsteps of my big brother at the JCC. I hope he knows how many friends he has at work who miss him and are thinking of him every day. There is a lot of love out there for Dave. As I spoke to Dave tonight on the phone, there were moments when time was peeled back and I heard the voice of a year ago. That gave me hope.

    Uncle Russ

    ReplyDelete
  2. So glad to hear the good news. We will keep him in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy for you and the good news! Yay!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I read a message you left on A Blog About Love, you mentioned your fathers terminal cancer. I just got done watching the Burzynski movie on Netflix http://www.burzynskimovie.com/ Very interesting, worth watching. Also the clinic website, http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/contact-us.html My prayers go up for you and your family.
    xo~Brandy

    ReplyDelete