Merry Christmas From Mayo Clinic

Things have been very stable the past few days.  His pain is managed and he’s been in a great mood.  His appetite is fabulous!  Having his pain managed has made a huge difference in his overall attitude and physical presence.  He’s gained back about 10 pounds, which he needs!  He finished his round of chemotherapy on Tuesday afternoon.  He’s now only on pain medication through his IV. 

His ammonia level is still high and is making his confusion frustrating for him.  The results of his bone marrow biopsy showed 42% of his bone marrow having cancer.  They had to remove more fluid from his lungs.  This time just shy of a liter.  It also had plasma in it.  The docs have said they shouldn’t have to do that again.  His M-spike is just over 1.0, and that’s good considering not being on chemo for over two weeks.

If this all goes well, he will be getting a bone marrow transplant.  If this doesn’t we’ll be looking at experimental drugs until something sticks.  The docs have repeatedly said he is very sick but they are doing their absolute best to fight his cancer.  I believe them and so does Dad.  We have a lot of faith in the success of treatment.  Dad has said, “What choice do I have?”  It’s either do treatment or quit.  Quitting is not an option for him.  There is value in that opinion.

There is talk of him being released.  Depending on how his confusion is, they are going to let him go “home” for recovery.  If he is as confused as he is they won’t let him go.  Today they discussed managing his pain through oral medication and working toward getting him off IV. 

His side effects from the chemo will start to show in the next day or so.  So far, he’s been great.  No nausea!  The next two weeks we’ll watch him closely and make sure he’s taken care of.  Whether that’s in the hospital or not, we’ll do our best for him.

Things in La Grande are good.  The kids had a good Christmas despite the separation from the family.  I’m hoping to get their flights booked today to have them here by Monday.  Dad misses them and the kids miss Dad. 

I went up with Josh and my kids to spend the day with him yesterday and it was a good day.  He enjoyed seeing his grandkids and Josh.  He was perky and wore himself out trying to stay awake for us.  It was a good but long day.

I have a lot to get done at my house in preparation for the kids moving in.  I’m expecting their things to arrive in Sierra Vista sometime next week.  It will be a lot of boxes and lifting.  I’ll probably poll some friends to help unload when I know!  J

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