Monday, December 15, 2008

Health Update

So much has happened and finally I am on the blog with good news to report! Dad is doing quite well. Here is a list of things he can do that even 1 month ago seemed pretty impossible:

  • Breathe without an oxygen machine.
  • Breathe deeply without extreme pain.
  • Walk with a cane (we have graduated from the walker).
  • Socialize with his family - he joined us for Thanksgiving in his glider rocking chair. Then he impressed all of us when he watched us play frisbee dodgeball for a few hours. 
  • Stand up (but still not straight up - but he is standing). 
  • Join us for dinner at a noisy burger joint and have him insist on paying for dinner - it's a Christmas miracle! 
  • Telling more jokes and stories than usual. 
  • Laughing harder at his own jokes than usual - I saw him throw his head back a few times! 
Most importantly Dad is in good spirits. He was in the hospital then a rehab center but as of right now - he is at home.  He had a list of infections from viral to bacterial. The latest infection was on his foot. BUT right now he is infection free. His immune system seems to be working again. He recently met with his oncologist and was told that he responded to the treatments "better than expected." His protein levels are low (which is good) and the doctor said, "You are in remission!!!!!!!" 

Round 1:   Cancer vs. Phil = PHIL WON!!!!!! WHOOOEEEE!!!!! 

Turns out he has more Whiting blood in him that we initially thought. This makes Dad our little miracle. He has had prostate cancer, a heart attack, spinal surgery, multiple myeloma - he is one heck of a fighter. 

We are grateful for the prayers and faith from all of you. Dad current health is proof that prayers can be answered.  It certainly was a little scary for a while but as of right now we are all taking a sigh of relief. Phew. 

And again - thank you to the siblings in Utah who all take turns making sure Dad has the best care possible. They are washing laundry, cleaning, cooking and administering medicine to Dad. It is a full time job and they have worked tirelessly. Dad is well. We are safe and sound and grateful for the holidays, grateful for family, blessings and most importantly the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.