Well, today has NOT been a good day for dad.... I talked to him this morning and he was pretty out of it... said that he was really weak and loopy. He said this is the worst day yet. I didn't talk to him long because he was slurring his words and I didn't want to confuse him or upset him anymore that he already was.
But, this afternoon I talked to my mom and she said that this afternoon he was asleep when she got there but he had eaten a little bit because his stomach is beginning to settle. She said that he was still in pretty bad shape though.
At least in my conversation with him he said "I am giving it all to the Lord, that is all that I can do... better days are coming".
Please continue to pray for him, I have a feeling the en grafting has begun and it will be rough for several more days for him.
Thanks to all of you again!
-Natalie :)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday Update
I apologize for not posting before today but once again life has been busy!
When I saw dad on Sunday he was not doing so well, wasn't feeling well, still had diarrhea; wasn't eating and thus he was weak. At this point it had been three days and nothing to eat (beyond the fluids he is getting in his IV). Spirit wise he was good; not down and out; just longing to feel better after his new bone marrow grafts with his old bone marrow.
Yesterday he had a much better day; he got up and exercised three times and went to PT. His spirits were really high and I believe that he ate some jello and soup. He also had a "normal BM" which was a real plus for his stomach pain and feeling like he was finally on the upswing.
Today was another story.... he is weak because he has eaten in so many days and his diarrhea has returned. When I talked to him this afternoon he was out of it from a pain pill they had given him his stomach pain (due to not eating) but he did say that he had exercised today. His white blood cell count is still 0.0 which tells us that the new bone marrow has not grafted with the old yet. He has been getting neupogen shots several times a day to help with the white blood cell growth promotion.
One thing that I did learn this weekend is that when he gets better he will have to have all of his immunizations again as if he is a new born baby because his immune system is starting over. He is VERY concerned about the swine flu right now; he said that when he was younger and was in the military he got the swine-flu immunization but now he does not have the immunity for it since he is starting over.
Thank-you once again for all of your thoughts and prayers.
Please continue to pray for my parents.....I am sure that my dad just wants to feel better and he is growing impatient.
God bless all of you!
-Natalie:)
When I saw dad on Sunday he was not doing so well, wasn't feeling well, still had diarrhea; wasn't eating and thus he was weak. At this point it had been three days and nothing to eat (beyond the fluids he is getting in his IV). Spirit wise he was good; not down and out; just longing to feel better after his new bone marrow grafts with his old bone marrow.
Yesterday he had a much better day; he got up and exercised three times and went to PT. His spirits were really high and I believe that he ate some jello and soup. He also had a "normal BM" which was a real plus for his stomach pain and feeling like he was finally on the upswing.
Today was another story.... he is weak because he has eaten in so many days and his diarrhea has returned. When I talked to him this afternoon he was out of it from a pain pill they had given him his stomach pain (due to not eating) but he did say that he had exercised today. His white blood cell count is still 0.0 which tells us that the new bone marrow has not grafted with the old yet. He has been getting neupogen shots several times a day to help with the white blood cell growth promotion.
One thing that I did learn this weekend is that when he gets better he will have to have all of his immunizations again as if he is a new born baby because his immune system is starting over. He is VERY concerned about the swine flu right now; he said that when he was younger and was in the military he got the swine-flu immunization but now he does not have the immunity for it since he is starting over.
Thank-you once again for all of your thoughts and prayers.
Please continue to pray for my parents.....I am sure that my dad just wants to feel better and he is growing impatient.
God bless all of you!
-Natalie:)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Today is Dad's 62nd Birthday!
Well here I am sitting in my parents' apartment in Houston. I spent most of this afternoon/evening with dad for his birthday! He was feeling pretty average and I enjoyed our time together. As of today his white cell count is 0.0 which means that he is EXTREMELY susceptible to any type of illness. The doctors are waiting for his white cell counts to go up when his new bone marrow begins to "graph" with his old bone marrow. He really looked great... his color was good and his spirits were even better. He still has an upset stomach and some sort of bladder infection. But, he feels "okay". The next few days could be rough since the "en graphing" is taking place. One thing that I can say about my dad is that his mind is perfect.... he is still smart as a whip and able to discuss very deep things.
Anyways..the boys spent the afternoon with grannie and she took them bowling and out to dinner. I know that the wore her out but I am sure she enjoyed the break from the monotony. The boys can't see him because no one under 12 is allowed on his floor. Duane made it down this evening to see dad after being in Huntsville for the annual rugby alumni game. Then he took the boys home and I stayed here.
I plan on spending some time with him tomorrow and will write tomorrow night.
Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers.... we all feel them!
God bless all of you!
-Natalie :)
Anyways..the boys spent the afternoon with grannie and she took them bowling and out to dinner. I know that the wore her out but I am sure she enjoyed the break from the monotony. The boys can't see him because no one under 12 is allowed on his floor. Duane made it down this evening to see dad after being in Huntsville for the annual rugby alumni game. Then he took the boys home and I stayed here.
I plan on spending some time with him tomorrow and will write tomorrow night.
Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers.... we all feel them!
God bless all of you!
-Natalie :)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday Update
Well, talked to dad at least six times over the past two days but I have been swamped with both school work and work work....and stuff with the kiddos.
I am sorry that I have not posted but the past two days have been yucky for dad! He has had terrible diarrhea and has felt like crud! His nurses suggested the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) and this will help him to feel better. All of this is very normal with both the chemotherapy and the transplant. Better days are ahead I know that for sure. His spirits are great and he tells me each time that we talk that he is giving it all up to God. I know that will help him for sure!
I will be going down on Saturday after my son's golf clinic for his birthday and will be donating my platelets. There is a shortage and I know that my mom called many people to come and donate. I know that at least five confirmed that they would come down and donate.... maybe I will see some of you on Saturday!
He says that this is just a bump in the road..... I will update soon.... thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers!
God bless all of you!
-Natalie :)
I am sorry that I have not posted but the past two days have been yucky for dad! He has had terrible diarrhea and has felt like crud! His nurses suggested the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) and this will help him to feel better. All of this is very normal with both the chemotherapy and the transplant. Better days are ahead I know that for sure. His spirits are great and he tells me each time that we talk that he is giving it all up to God. I know that will help him for sure!
I will be going down on Saturday after my son's golf clinic for his birthday and will be donating my platelets. There is a shortage and I know that my mom called many people to come and donate. I know that at least five confirmed that they would come down and donate.... maybe I will see some of you on Saturday!
He says that this is just a bump in the road..... I will update soon.... thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers!
God bless all of you!
-Natalie :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tuesday Update
Well, it has been exactly one week since the transplant and so far so good..... Easy for me to say since I am not the one who probably feels like I have been run over by a MAC TRUCK! I didn't blog last night because I got home too late. But, I did talk to my dad about three times yesterday and it was an average day for him.... a little groggy... a little out of it.
Today I have spoken to him three times as well and he sounded pretty worn out. He always seems to feel better after he walks and gets his blood pumping and oxygen pumping. He is on lasiks (sp?) and is having to use the restroom a lot, feels pretty groggy and his stomach has been upset... though no vomiting. Today he said was a yucky day.
I am pretty certain that the new cells are trying to mingle with his old cells and they may be battling.... this is normal or so says the doctor. The next few days will probably feel the same for him.
My mom is doing well... brings him lunch and visits him a lot during the day. She is one tough cookie too dealing with all of this has to wear on her spirit as well.
This Saturday, April 25th is my dad's 62nd birthday.... please reign him with emails and emailed cards, I know that he would enjoy that.
I can't wait to see him, they boys and I have a surprise for him!!!
Until next time,
Thanks again for the prayers!
-Natalie :)
Today I have spoken to him three times as well and he sounded pretty worn out. He always seems to feel better after he walks and gets his blood pumping and oxygen pumping. He is on lasiks (sp?) and is having to use the restroom a lot, feels pretty groggy and his stomach has been upset... though no vomiting. Today he said was a yucky day.
I am pretty certain that the new cells are trying to mingle with his old cells and they may be battling.... this is normal or so says the doctor. The next few days will probably feel the same for him.
My mom is doing well... brings him lunch and visits him a lot during the day. She is one tough cookie too dealing with all of this has to wear on her spirit as well.
This Saturday, April 25th is my dad's 62nd birthday.... please reign him with emails and emailed cards, I know that he would enjoy that.
I can't wait to see him, they boys and I have a surprise for him!!!
Until next time,
Thanks again for the prayers!
-Natalie :)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Weekend Update
Well, I apologize for not posting yesterday..... but I have news to share today.
I talked to my dad twice yesterday and twice today.
Saturday he was pretty nauseaus and tired... but didn't feel "that bad".
Today we talked for about thirty minutes about lots of things (I can honestly say that my dad is the smartest person that I know) and his mind was just a ticking! We talked a lot about what his body was going through at that moment - basically he said that his white cell count is .2 (normal is 4.0) and that the new bone marrow cells will begin competing with his host (his own)bone marrow cells any time now. He is expecting to feel like he has the flu, high fever, etc. He said his body will try to fight the new cells that are in his body (or that have been in his body for 6 days). I reminded him that this was supposed to begin happening yesterday or today and that it had not started yet.... YEAH!! Maybe he won't react the way that others do.... we can only hope! He mentioned that he had an appetite, was eating, was exercising and walking as he was told. He also said that his arms had blue bruises on them (from low platelets). BUT, he feels good! I know that I mentioned this earlier in the week but that is not a word he ever uses to describe how he is feeling! Thanks be to God! I can only pray that my future posts will have such great news!
I also talked to my mom and she said that he is better than she has seen him in months! She said he looks great, has a great attitude and can tell that he is feeling well. I can sense the relief in her voice for sure.... she has been through so much also! She said that he has had a very spiritual Catholic nurse who said that she felt the Holy Spirit in his room and knew that he was going to be fine.
Thanks again to all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
God bless all of you!
-Natalie :)
I talked to my dad twice yesterday and twice today.
Saturday he was pretty nauseaus and tired... but didn't feel "that bad".
Today we talked for about thirty minutes about lots of things (I can honestly say that my dad is the smartest person that I know) and his mind was just a ticking! We talked a lot about what his body was going through at that moment - basically he said that his white cell count is .2 (normal is 4.0) and that the new bone marrow cells will begin competing with his host (his own)bone marrow cells any time now. He is expecting to feel like he has the flu, high fever, etc. He said his body will try to fight the new cells that are in his body (or that have been in his body for 6 days). I reminded him that this was supposed to begin happening yesterday or today and that it had not started yet.... YEAH!! Maybe he won't react the way that others do.... we can only hope! He mentioned that he had an appetite, was eating, was exercising and walking as he was told. He also said that his arms had blue bruises on them (from low platelets). BUT, he feels good! I know that I mentioned this earlier in the week but that is not a word he ever uses to describe how he is feeling! Thanks be to God! I can only pray that my future posts will have such great news!
I also talked to my mom and she said that he is better than she has seen him in months! She said he looks great, has a great attitude and can tell that he is feeling well. I can sense the relief in her voice for sure.... she has been through so much also! She said that he has had a very spiritual Catholic nurse who said that she felt the Holy Spirit in his room and knew that he was going to be fine.
Thanks again to all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
God bless all of you!
-Natalie :)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday Update!
Well, it has been raining like cats and dogs here!! And from what my dad says in Houston as well.
I have talked to my dad three times today and each time he sounded great, he said he was feeling "good". He walked three times today (they have to walk around the nursing station a few times each day) and went to his "exercise class". He is eating well. When I spoke with him on the phone he was in good spirits, laughing and his voice sounded great!
My mom called me about an hour ago and said they are trying to build his white blood cell count now with neupogen shots. I asked if he needed white blood cells again (like he did in September/October) and she said that the doctors felt the neupogen would do the trick! What a relief. She also said that he may be getting out in two weeks which was news to me. I am not sure if that is because he is doing so well or if it is protocal? He now needs to build new white blood cells with the new bone marrow and then he is on his way to recovery.
I will update again tomorrow.
Thank-you again to all of you for your thoughts and prayers!
-Natalie
I have talked to my dad three times today and each time he sounded great, he said he was feeling "good". He walked three times today (they have to walk around the nursing station a few times each day) and went to his "exercise class". He is eating well. When I spoke with him on the phone he was in good spirits, laughing and his voice sounded great!
My mom called me about an hour ago and said they are trying to build his white blood cell count now with neupogen shots. I asked if he needed white blood cells again (like he did in September/October) and she said that the doctors felt the neupogen would do the trick! What a relief. She also said that he may be getting out in two weeks which was news to me. I am not sure if that is because he is doing so well or if it is protocal? He now needs to build new white blood cells with the new bone marrow and then he is on his way to recovery.
I will update again tomorrow.
Thank-you again to all of you for your thoughts and prayers!
-Natalie
Thursday, April 16, 2009
~~~ Thursday's Update ~~~
Today was an average day for my dad. He said that he felt pretty miserable and was just plum worn out when I talked to him this morning. I talked with him this morning and again this afternoon. This morning he was not doing well.....tired and groggy. He did go exercise and said that he felt better afterwards. That was a relief also.
This afternoon he called me and was doing much better. He had taken a nap and was rested. He talked to the boys and was joking around with them which really relieved me. Any laughter at this point is gladly accepted.
Tomorrow he says that he will begin his two days of chemotherapy and anti-rejection drugs. It may be a rough day. I will post tomorrow.
God bless all of you!
Keep the prayers coming!
-Natalie
This afternoon he called me and was doing much better. He had taken a nap and was rested. He talked to the boys and was joking around with them which really relieved me. Any laughter at this point is gladly accepted.
Tomorrow he says that he will begin his two days of chemotherapy and anti-rejection drugs. It may be a rough day. I will post tomorrow.
God bless all of you!
Keep the prayers coming!
-Natalie
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday Update....
Well this morning my dad called me at about 7:45 to let me know that he was feeling well and that I did not need to worry. He said that he was a little bit woozy and tired but other than that he was feeling "good". This is a discriptive word that he has not used since September.... WOW!
We played phone tag off and on all day and he left me two voice mails. Finally after school I was able to speak with him and he sounded great! He sounded tired because they had given him benadryl before they gave him a bag of gamoglobin. He said that he has eaten, attended exercise class (PT) and had walked a little bit. I am just so thankful that his spirits are up and that things are looking up!
I will post tomorrow to let you know how he is doing.... honestly I feel that this next week will be a roller coaster ride.... he will have good days and bad days.
Thanks be to God for the good days!
Thank-you again for the prayers!
-Natalie
We played phone tag off and on all day and he left me two voice mails. Finally after school I was able to speak with him and he sounded great! He sounded tired because they had given him benadryl before they gave him a bag of gamoglobin. He said that he has eaten, attended exercise class (PT) and had walked a little bit. I am just so thankful that his spirits are up and that things are looking up!
I will post tomorrow to let you know how he is doing.... honestly I feel that this next week will be a roller coaster ride.... he will have good days and bad days.
Thanks be to God for the good days!
Thank-you again for the prayers!
-Natalie
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I got word.... all is well for now!
Well right after I posted my mom called me and I had to head out the door with the boys for baseball practice.
My dad got his four bags and all is well. He was not put to sleep like was originally planned. When I talked to him for a couple of seconds because he was so tired he sounded fine; just tired. He had been up all day awaiting the transplant and didn't get a chance to rest.
I pray that tonight he will get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling like a new man. The doctor says that it will take three or four days before he most likely will feel the efffects and his body may reject it... at that point he gets more chemo..
I will update tomorrow.
Please continue to pray!
God bless all of you!
-Natalie
My dad got his four bags and all is well. He was not put to sleep like was originally planned. When I talked to him for a couple of seconds because he was so tired he sounded fine; just tired. He had been up all day awaiting the transplant and didn't get a chance to rest.
I pray that tonight he will get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling like a new man. The doctor says that it will take three or four days before he most likely will feel the efffects and his body may reject it... at that point he gets more chemo..
I will update tomorrow.
Please continue to pray!
God bless all of you!
-Natalie
Today is the day..
Well I am sitting here waiting for the call that all is good. He was supposed to have the transplant this morning, then he texted me and said 12:00, then he texted me and said 2:30. So, I am sure that he is finished but I haven't heard anything.
The four bag drip was supposed to take 45 minutes to complete and he was to be put to sleep for it and a nurse was going to be with him for the time.
I will post tonight about what happened.
Keep the prayers coming please!!!
-Natalie
The four bag drip was supposed to take 45 minutes to complete and he was to be put to sleep for it and a nurse was going to be with him for the time.
I will post tonight about what happened.
Keep the prayers coming please!!!
-Natalie
Friday, April 10, 2009
.....Easter at MD Anderson.....
So, I am here with my dad right now at MD Anderson. He was admitted last Sunday and began chemo on Monday.... so far so good!! He is in great spirits. Today is Good Friday and he has three more days of chemo... then on Tuesday he will get his transplant!!! Thus far (knock on wood and Thanks be to God) he has not gotten sick. He has called me about five or six times a day to tell me how he is doing and this morning at about 10:30 he was a little whacked out. But, he is okay now (and he is sitting next to me) that the chemicals have made their way through his system.
His room is HUGE and the nurses and staff are really taking great care of him. Tomorrow I think will be a bummer for him. Up until now he has had chemo (called Busulfan and Fludarabine) but tomorrow he will get this and ATG (the anti rejection drug for the transplant). I am so glad to be here with him. My mom went to Kerrville to unpack the boxes for their new place while he was here and being cared before. She will probably get back here tomorrow or Saturday. I know that she must be exhausted.
He has enjoyed playing with his new Ipod touch that my mom got him for his birthday (that is April 25th) and can get email, etc. on it. If you email him he will be able to read it on it. Right now he is listening to the Holy Rosary on it. Prayers from all of you have gotten him to this point and will get him through the transplant successfully. Thank-you very much to all of you!!!
God bless and Happy Easter!
He is risen! <3>
-Natalie
His room is HUGE and the nurses and staff are really taking great care of him. Tomorrow I think will be a bummer for him. Up until now he has had chemo (called Busulfan and Fludarabine) but tomorrow he will get this and ATG (the anti rejection drug for the transplant). I am so glad to be here with him. My mom went to Kerrville to unpack the boxes for their new place while he was here and being cared before. She will probably get back here tomorrow or Saturday. I know that she must be exhausted.
He has enjoyed playing with his new Ipod touch that my mom got him for his birthday (that is April 25th) and can get email, etc. on it. If you email him he will be able to read it on it. Right now he is listening to the Holy Rosary on it. Prayers from all of you have gotten him to this point and will get him through the transplant successfully. Thank-you very much to all of you!!!
God bless and Happy Easter!
He is risen! <3>
-Natalie
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