Set Back

After going so long with good news, I hate to report that Dad is facing a set back.  I just spent the night with Mom and Dad in the ER at University of Utah hospital.  Dad had a series of falls outside in the garden yesterday afternoon, and after mom finally got him all cleaned up and resting in his chair, she took a second look at his face (which as scraped up) and noticed he was no longer able to focus his eyes or see anything.  She took him up to the ER where I met with them a few hours later.

They did a CT scan, with no obvious signs of stroke.  Then an MRI, which we were finally told showed something new on the right side of his brain.  They were unable to tell if it was a recurrence (new growth from the tumor) or if it was a stroke.  They said if it was a stroke it looked like it was from a few days ago.  They were leaving it up to Dr. Coleman to determine how to move forward.  We don't know when Dad will be able to see him, we are hoping sometime early this morning.

It is not a comforting feeling to walk into an ER, and realize your Dad can no longer see you.  We have no indication if Dad will regain his sight.  We ask for any and all prayers, good wishes and thoughts on his behalf.  

VERY GOOD NEWS!!

This is David and I when we spent the weekend at Russ and Chris' cabin a few weeks ago. We had a great time and so much appreciate being able to get away for a day. Thank you Russ and Chris!
Now for the good news. Today Abbie, David and I met with Dr. Colman, the oncologist, after having another MRI done last night. The news is: NO NEW GROWTH and even some reduction in the size of the tumor! David is on a blind study with the cancer drug Avastin which has been shown to be extremely effective in battling brain cancer. No one knows for sure if he is getting the drug or not, but today, the Doctor hinted that David must be on the drug because of the good results of the MRI. There will be another MRI in 1 month to make sure everything is going in the right direction and then hopefully we can go every 2 months for follow ups!!
David continues to work full time - which is amazing to everyone at the Cancer Institute. He works at the Temple most Friday nights when he isn't on chemo. He gets tired easily and takes naps quite frequently. He hopes to begin occupational therapy in the next few weeks and hopes it will help strengthen his right side and vision. He has 2 great hopes right now: 1) Go on a hike in the Uintas before the summer is over, and, 2) work with Mike, our son, on the new home he is building. The hike might be a little strenuous for him, but it looks right now like he might be able to do both!!!
We thank you all for your prayers, your good thoughts and wishes and your help as we continue to battle this Deathstar. Right now, it has pretty much been temporarily disabled - we just want to keep it that way!
We love you all and express our deepest appreciation
Janis.

My summer visit



Dad - irritated at the beeping & lack of diet coke in the infusion room

Well my summer visit is almost over.  Thursday was my last visit to the Huntsman for awhile, but Dad will have to keep going.  He had an infusion on Thursday and I wouldn't let Dad have his morning Diet Coke.  I did give in after the I.V. was started and ran up to the 5th floor and got him one.  I will miss seeing all of Dad's doctors, nurses, and PA's every month.  I will not miss the MRI days - because Dad hates them.  I didn't mind going up to HCI with Dad - I got lots of reading and sewing done.  I got to listen to Dad sing along with the songs I put on his iPod (He's good at Surfing USA and Wake Up Little Suzie)  and I got to spend a little time with Dad - even if all the beeping in the infusion room drives him nuts!  I love you Dad! 
Love,
Mel

Dad has another MRI and an appointment with Dr. Coleman this week.  Stay tune for details!