We had a great concall w/ John (complete remission). Conference call with Dad, Susan, and John from Savannah. John is in complete remission from Multiple Myeloma for 3.5 years now, and shared his story, his treatments, his outlook, and his faith. Recorded esp for Eddie (w/ grad school recruits) on my FaceBook Wall or here:
http://apps.facebook.com/divshare/?page=download&file=10256080-8e3
Conference Call with John Roland 2010-01-.wav
FYI all the prior status updates on dad somehow got split up in 2 places:
http://www.facebook.com/JamesDeanMiller?v=feed&story_fbid=413474070429
Lots of "comments...", replies & "see more's" on both:
http://www.facebook.com/JamesDeanMiller?v=wall
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22 at 10:37am - Jim
My dad's got it - Stage 3 Myeloma. And a tumor on his spine that caused paralysis from the middle of the chest down. They're confident they can get rid of the tumor with radiation, and maybe restore some use of legs/bowel/bladder, but not the myeloma.
Thursday, January 21 at 9:34pm - Kimberly D. S.
Oh Jim, I don't but my grandmother had that. I do know some people from here that had treatment at MUSC. I'll see if I can get the information for you.
Thursday, January 21 at 5:15pm - Tom
Jim, I have an uncle that has been diagnosed and treated with multiple myeloma. I feel certain he would be willing to share information with you.
Thursday, January 21 at 4:12pm - Jim
"multiple myeloma" a bone marrow cancer - any of my medical friends out there know of recent developments on treatments or centers of excellence? Thanks, Jim
Friday, January 22 at 4:05pm - Jim
Dad's in room 827 South Tower - direct phone (803)739-3827.
So after talking to Dr. Tripp Jones, here's his assessment. three significant signs this is "standard" multiple myeloma:
1) Plasma Cytoma on his spine. [It was probably there before the back injury which made it worse; more blood plasma probably coagulated there, causing the compression].
2) High ~35% plasma in his marrow.
3) High IgG (immunoglobulin G) level ~7,000 [normally 620 - 1400 mg/dl].
Other notes: Dad is also moderately anemic with I think he said hemoglobin of about 8.9. [Mild 9.5-13.0. Moderate is 8.0-9.5. Severe is < 8.0.]. There is some weaker bone in his left humerus (upper arm bone). Platelette count is low.
So for now we're focusing on getting rid of the spinal mass, radiation for 2 weeks in hospital, to get him out of urgent condition... It looks like the right call to treat with Revlimid (lenalidomide) [type of ChemoTherapy] & VelCade (bortezomib) [pill] for standard MM. Plus steroids, anti-inflammatories, and anti-clotting meds.
Secondarily, physical therapy to work on restoration on legs/bowels/bladder, by HealthSouth therapists.
If a bone marrow transplant is in order later, it would be at least 6 months before we know.
Meanwhile, we are watchful for avoiding: blood clots in the legs, bed sores, infections from immune system being down.
So after talking to Dr. Tripp Jones, here's his assessment. three significant signs this is "standard" multiple myeloma:
1) Plasma Cytoma on his spine. [It was probably there before the back injury which made it worse; more blood plasma probably coagulated there, causing the compression].
2) High ~35% plasma in his marrow.
3) High IgG (immunoglobulin G) level ~7,000 [normally 620 - 1400 mg/dl].
Other notes: Dad is also moderately anemic with I think he said hemoglobin of about 8.9. [Mild 9.5-13.0. Moderate is 8.0-9.5. Severe is < 8.0.]. There is some weaker bone in his left humerus (upper arm bone). Platelette count is low.
So for now we're focusing on getting rid of the spinal mass, radiation for 2 weeks in hospital, to get him out of urgent condition... It looks like the right call to treat with Revlimid (lenalidomide) [type of ChemoTherapy] & VelCade (bortezomib) [pill] for standard MM. Plus steroids, anti-inflammatories, and anti-clotting meds.
Secondarily, physical therapy to work on restoration on legs/bowels/bladder, by HealthSouth therapists.
If a bone marrow transplant is in order later, it would be at least 6 months before we know.
Meanwhile, we are watchful for avoiding: blood clots in the legs, bed sores, infections from immune system being down.
Friday, January 22 at 1:46pm - Jim
Eddie & I posed a few respectful but direct questions for the doctor:
Has our dad had a cytogenetic analysis on his myeloma cells? We would like to know if this is a 'high-risk' multiple myeloma, showing mutations/chromosome rearrangements. The cytogenetic analysis will tell whether the cells have specific changes in their genome. If so, wouldn't the treatment be different for high-risk vs. standard risk.
Have you ruled out "smoldering myeloma" and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). Don't you hold off on "treating the disease" until myeloma symptoms are observed. Smoldering (asymptomatic) MM - characterized by an M-protein ≥ 3 g/dL and/or bone marrow plasma cells ≥ 10% but no evidence of anemia, hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, or lytic bone lesions (CRAB).
I know you ordered the bone scan (done today). I remember dad telling me that the doctor that sampled his bone marrow said it was very thick, but did not see any actual report on the biopsies from the spinal mass or the marrow. And he relayed that his platelettes were low and proteins high, from boodwork and or urinalysis. So this is partially indicative of MGUS, right?
Our reasons for asking about smoldering myeloma and MGUS is to make sure all the criteria for warranting certain types of treatment match up to Dad's test results, and if you are considering autologous stem cell transplantation.
Regarding the spinal mass and cord compression, do you or the neurologists think we have significant permanent damage? Considering his ability to move his legs a little, what do you think about partial or full recovery for ambulation, and fecal & urinary incontinence? (I am assuming you feel 98% confident of distroying the spinal mass with radiation.) Finally, with Stage 3 MM, what is your opinion on survivability on this case?
Has our dad had a cytogenetic analysis on his myeloma cells? We would like to know if this is a 'high-risk' multiple myeloma, showing mutations/chromosome rearrangements. The cytogenetic analysis will tell whether the cells have specific changes in their genome. If so, wouldn't the treatment be different for high-risk vs. standard risk.
Have you ruled out "smoldering myeloma" and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). Don't you hold off on "treating the disease" until myeloma symptoms are observed. Smoldering (asymptomatic) MM - characterized by an M-protein ≥ 3 g/dL and/or bone marrow plasma cells ≥ 10% but no evidence of anemia, hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, or lytic bone lesions (CRAB).
I know you ordered the bone scan (done today). I remember dad telling me that the doctor that sampled his bone marrow said it was very thick, but did not see any actual report on the biopsies from the spinal mass or the marrow. And he relayed that his platelettes were low and proteins high, from boodwork and or urinalysis. So this is partially indicative of MGUS, right?
Our reasons for asking about smoldering myeloma and MGUS is to make sure all the criteria for warranting certain types of treatment match up to Dad's test results, and if you are considering autologous stem cell transplantation.
Regarding the spinal mass and cord compression, do you or the neurologists think we have significant permanent damage? Considering his ability to move his legs a little, what do you think about partial or full recovery for ambulation, and fecal & urinary incontinence? (I am assuming you feel 98% confident of distroying the spinal mass with radiation.) Finally, with Stage 3 MM, what is your opinion on survivability on this case?
Friday, January 22 at 1:42pm - Jim
Thanks Karen! I told him about your chocolate chip cookies and he said, "yummm"!
Friday, January 22 at 12:25pm - Karen
Your Dad is a strong and determined man and yes; young and healthy other than this illness. I see him as a fighter through this process of radiation and chemo. I can picture him beating this cancer and paralysis. Time will tell. He is never far from my thoughts this week. I just wish we lived closer so we could be with him and all of you through this difficult time.
Friday, January 22 at 10:42am - Jim
Dad had his bone scan this morning, then his 2nd radiation treatment. He is still at (803) 739-3471. Today, he will turnover to the South tower and Oncology. Tomorrow he will begin his first ChemoTherapy cycle. The doctor said to Dad, other than this problem, he is a "young man and quite healthy".
Thursday, January 21 at 6:44pm - Jim
I just talked to a man named John from Savannah, GA. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in June 2005 at age 66. He did not have the spinal tumor and paralysis like dad. But had identical chemo drugs, and went into complete remission in Sept 2006! He had 14 cycles. He will talk to dad on Saturday AM.
Friday, January 22 at 12:36am - Jay
Hi Jim. thanks for the update. I guess we can just keep praying. Sounds good yet still cause for worry. Is he at the same phone number in the hospital? You make sure you and Susan and Eddie and your mom get some rest too.
Thursday, January 21 at 5:09pm - Jim
Dad is also taking Revlimid (Lenalidomide) which basically kills cancer cells.
Thursday, January 21 at 5:53pm - Jim
According to a friend, I need to look up a Dr. Barlogie (spelling?) in Little Rock, AR. He's supposed to be the myeloma expert.
Thursday, January 21 at 4:27pm - Jim
Dad had his first radiation treatment (10 total scheduled Mon-Fri's for 2 weeks) and is back in his room.
Thursday, January 21 at 3:56pm - Jim
Thanks Karen. I'm sure he'd love those cookies! I believe Dad will have 8 cycles (21 days) of Velcade (bortezomid) treatments: day 1, 4, 8, 11 every 21 days for chemo. Today he got a Port installed aka a PICC line. He also got marked for his radiation spotting.
Thursday, January 21 at 4:06pm - Jim
Not to lose hope... but a sad quote from the doctors - we haven't told dad yet: The 5-year relative survival rate for multiple myeloma is around 35%. Survival is higher in younger people and lower in the elderly... like dad...
Thursday, January 21 at 3:01pm - Karen
I'm glad we finally have a diagnoses. Please give him my best and tell him I continue to pray for him and for healing. Ask him if he still likes choc chip cookies. I'll make some for him this weekend to send down with Terry. Take care of yourself also, you need to stay healthy for your Dad and your family. Give your Mom a hug and tell her we love her. Love you so much, Aunt Karen
Thursday, January 21 at 10:48am - Jim
Dad's diagnosis is Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer), basically incurable, but symptoms treatable. Chemotherapy & radiation can shrink & kill spinal mass & relieve compression causing paralysis. The use of legs, bowels, bladder may or may not return to normal 100%. Dad continues to be able to move each leg up/down a little, so that is a good sign. Transfering from neurology to oncology ward (south tower).
Thursday, January 21 at 1:03am - Jim
To answer a question on where family updates on dad were at...
Older ones were at: http://www.facebook.com/JamesDeanMiller?v=feed&story_fbid=413474070429
Lately newer ones are at: http://www.facebook.com/JamesDeanMiller?v=wall
Older ones were at: http://www.facebook.com/JamesDeanMiller?v=feed&story_fbid=413474070429
Lately newer ones are at: http://www.facebook.com/JamesDeanMiller?v=wall
Wednesday, January 20 at 7:12pm - Jim
Just talked with Dad. He enjoyed talking with Terry and Janie earlier. No biopsy results yet. The medical team will meet again tomorrow, and hopefully will have biopsy results in hand...
Dad said he had a great burger for lunch, so big, he just wanted snacks including ice cream for dinner. LOL! We talked medical stuff. Then about a great Tom Clancy book "Teeth of the Tiger" I'm reading.
Dad recalled some times at Fort Jackson, several of his combat experienced paratroopers being recuited for "black ops" outside of the Army, etc, and wanting Captain Miller to lead them. And bumping into guys he'd served with in the 82nd Airborne, 24th Mechanized Infantry Division, and 1st Air Cavalry.
Dad seemed in good spirits, but short winded in his breathing; he said because of his seated position and angle, but I cautioned him to let the medical team know if he was having trouble breathing or seeing any changes.
I've left Batesville, IN and am now in Cleveland, OH, flying back home to Charleston tonight 1 AM, then back to Columbia tomorrow AM.
Dad said he had a great burger for lunch, so big, he just wanted snacks including ice cream for dinner. LOL! We talked medical stuff. Then about a great Tom Clancy book "Teeth of the Tiger" I'm reading.
Dad recalled some times at Fort Jackson, several of his combat experienced paratroopers being recuited for "black ops" outside of the Army, etc, and wanting Captain Miller to lead them. And bumping into guys he'd served with in the 82nd Airborne, 24th Mechanized Infantry Division, and 1st Air Cavalry.
Dad seemed in good spirits, but short winded in his breathing; he said because of his seated position and angle, but I cautioned him to let the medical team know if he was having trouble breathing or seeing any changes.
I've left Batesville, IN and am now in Cleveland, OH, flying back home to Charleston tonight 1 AM, then back to Columbia tomorrow AM.
Thursday, January 21 at 10:21am - Jim
The diagnosis is Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma. Chemotherapy & radiation treatments. The team feels they can shrink and kill the spinal mass. However the use of legs, bowels, bladder may or may not return to normal 100%. Dad continues to be able to move each leg a little up and down so that is a good sign. Probably transfer from neurology floor to oncology ward soon.
Thursday, January 21 at 12:21am - Jay
Well that is not too bad. At least he can move his legs some. It sure sounds like the Dr's are on top of this.
Wednesday, January 20 at 11:42am - Jim
Oh and I forgot to mention his proteins are very high, and platelettes are quite low...
Wednesday, January 20 at 11:30am - Jim
A mix of news on dad: No biopsy results yet from spinal mass. Took bone and marrow biopsy off his hip this am. Marrow was significantly thicker than normal. The steroid drip in his IV is taking some good effect in lowering some swelling, and dad's able to move each leg a little bit upon command, so connectivity fro...m brain to leg is there. Pushing for biopsy results late today, on what types of cells they see.
Sunday, January 17 at 9:30pm - Jay
Jim. Excellent pics. Tell Dick that he sure is'nt getting any better looking. LOL Tell him we all love him and are praying for him.
Thursday, January 21 at 11:41pm - Alicia
Definitely not by chance ..you needed to be reassured and you were. peace Aunt Alicia
Wednesday, January 20 at 8:56am - Karen
Sounds like a Godincidence to me! We both know that many times he puts us where we need to be and that he places people in our path that we need to meet. Praise be to him who knows our every need. I hope the test this morning goes well for your Dad. I have been praying for him all morning. God Bless, Aunt Karen
Tuesday, January 19 at 9:55pm - Jim
90% of the time, I don't talk much on flights. 20 years of frequent flying for business makes it very inglorious. You get tired of all the waiting, announcements, safety lecture long ago memorized... It's like riding a bus to work, you just want to get there, and either read a paper or book, or quasi-sleep.
But on my second flight today, I happenned to sit next to a guy from India. We greeted and I found out he as a doctor and very knowledgeable on cancers! I told him of dad's onset of numbness beginning 2 weeks ago and then acute systems in the last week. I held a lot back initially, to see if he really knew what he was talking about. I walked him through from the beginning, to see what he would have taken as the next step (tests, etc), what he was thinking as possible diagnoses, and what he was trying to rule out or in, etc.
After over 90 minutes, we both concluded that the medical team at Lexington was doing all the right treatments (so far for anti-inflamatory steroids, back pain, leg clot prevention massage, physical therapy, etc), and ordering all the right tests (MRI [blurred], x-ray [fractures & vertebrae alignments], mylagram [fluid down spine], CT scan, mass biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, blood and urine, etc), and he gave me his probable diagnoses along the way. He also stressed that mass biopsy results and bone marrow biopsy results will be key. He said if it is just cord pressure, and not excessive CSF (cerebral spinal fluid pressure) which causes vomiting (dad is not), and the spinal cord nerves are not cut/damaged/dead, then the recovery can easily be 100% (bladder & bowel control, walking, etc).
I really ran the doctor through some paces, politely getting his opinions, before telling him more, and he arrived at the same place we are and gave his probabilities. We discussed Sloan-Kettering - some of the best docs in cancer. Finally, at the end of the flight he said, "God Bless your father, and I wish him a speedy recovery. Peace be with you."
I told dad of this encounter on the phone. So tell me this is a coincidence. I could have pressed hard and cancelled this trip, and I changed my seat assignment last night. I believe God puts us in places where we need to be.
But on my second flight today, I happenned to sit next to a guy from India. We greeted and I found out he as a doctor and very knowledgeable on cancers! I told him of dad's onset of numbness beginning 2 weeks ago and then acute systems in the last week. I held a lot back initially, to see if he really knew what he was talking about. I walked him through from the beginning, to see what he would have taken as the next step (tests, etc), what he was thinking as possible diagnoses, and what he was trying to rule out or in, etc.
After over 90 minutes, we both concluded that the medical team at Lexington was doing all the right treatments (so far for anti-inflamatory steroids, back pain, leg clot prevention massage, physical therapy, etc), and ordering all the right tests (MRI [blurred], x-ray [fractures & vertebrae alignments], mylagram [fluid down spine], CT scan, mass biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, blood and urine, etc), and he gave me his probable diagnoses along the way. He also stressed that mass biopsy results and bone marrow biopsy results will be key. He said if it is just cord pressure, and not excessive CSF (cerebral spinal fluid pressure) which causes vomiting (dad is not), and the spinal cord nerves are not cut/damaged/dead, then the recovery can easily be 100% (bladder & bowel control, walking, etc).
I really ran the doctor through some paces, politely getting his opinions, before telling him more, and he arrived at the same place we are and gave his probabilities. We discussed Sloan-Kettering - some of the best docs in cancer. Finally, at the end of the flight he said, "God Bless your father, and I wish him a speedy recovery. Peace be with you."
I told dad of this encounter on the phone. So tell me this is a coincidence. I could have pressed hard and cancelled this trip, and I changed my seat assignment last night. I believe God puts us in places where we need to be.
Tuesday, January 19 at 9:28pm - Jim
On Sunday, dad was ranting on Agent Orange and questioning the doctors about a possible connection. I just called dad, and we were talkiing about myeloma (as a possibility), and he said he remembere something about Agent Orange and myeloma being caused by it. We went to the va.gov website and yes, it is listed as one of the "15 presumed illnesses recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)".
2 links at:
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1796 and
http://www.iom.edu/Reports.aspx?activity={AFA24B02-B4B6-42D3-8CCB-552EE37E86F0}
2 links at:
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1796 and
http://www.iom.edu/Reports.aspx?activity={AFA24B02-B4B6-42D3-8CCB-552EE37E86F0}
Tuesday, January 19 at 8:26pm - Alicia
Movement with the cough sounds promising to me. Glad that the team is actually works as a team that makes life easier for all envolved. Prayers to all and give the young ones a hug too.
Tuesday, January 19 at 3:53pm - Jim
Other thoughts: 1) Dad's legs still move w/ hard coughs for ex., so spinal cord hasn't been pinched off & died due to lack of nutrients & oxygenated blood. I'll have dad try hard to move legs or cough hard every few hrs. 2) He & mom complained left leg lost more control so one side was more pinched.
Tuesday, January 19 at 2:15pm - Jim
The bone/marrow biopsy procedure has been postponed until tomorrow at 7am. Dad is wondering if this may be related to agent orange & is going to mention the VA agent orange study & report on him, & ask them to look over all of his skin, too.
Tuesday, January 19 at 10:24am - Jim
So to recap: Mass found at T-4 (mid back), outside dura, which is compressing spinal cord, causing loss of feeling & use of legs & lower thorax. Awaiting diagnosis & pathology reports on biopsies of mass & bone/marrow. Could be a spinal cancer or myeloma. Keep praying for 100% healing!
Tuesday, January 19 at 10:17am - Karen
Kim, Thank you SO much for keeping us updated. It has been so helpful. Terry and Brad are coming down next week, probably Monday and Tuesday. Terry and I will probably come down sometime in the next few weeks after one of my coworkers returns from vacation. Our prayers are with ALL of you too. Dick has such a wonderful family. We are all so fortunate to have each other and for the love we share . We are truly blessed. God Bless You, Aunt Karen
Tuesday, January 19 at 8:39am - Jim
Sorry (803)739-3471 is the direct number (NOT 791-3471 = a FAX).
Dad will have a bone marrow biopsy/sample taken this morning.
There is some concern on low blood platelettes, and proteins, so we're keeping an eye on the urine and blood work a couple times a day. Dad again expressed how cohesive the medical team seems to be. I know they do meet as a team to discuss specifically the plans and progress for dad.
Dad will have a bone marrow biopsy/sample taken this morning.
There is some concern on low blood platelettes, and proteins, so we're keeping an eye on the urine and blood work a couple times a day. Dad again expressed how cohesive the medical team seems to be. I know they do meet as a team to discuss specifically the plans and progress for dad.
Tuesday, January 19 at 8:01am - Jim
They have been sampling dad's blood and keeping all of his urine (he has a catheter and has no spincter tone) for the last 2 days to see if it's myeloma. They are looking for any blood cell abnormalities and any changes in proteins that would indicate myeloma. We're waiting for an update, on this too later today.
Tuesday, January 19 at 1:21am - Jay
Jim that sure sounds promicing. Thanks for the update. I have asked the Lord to stay with him thru this so I know he will be OK. Tell your dad that I will give him a call and that he has our full support. We all love him and all you guys. You all hang in there too. Tell your mom that we are all here for her too and to let us know if we can help her.
Monday, January 18 at 6:23pm - Jim
Well biopsies are done. Dad didn't like it. We have to wait 2 days, for hopefully a relatively good diagnosis. I have to fly to Indiana for 2 days, and will be back Thursday. Hopefully then we can assemble treatment game plan. I think you can call dad directly 803-791-3471. Dad is doing better and having a better outlook, seeing the team of docs/rn's come together... He wolfed down a burger in 3 bites! And he complained that if they needed more biopsies, they'd be chasing a smokin wheelchair down the hallway! So there's a couple of good signs there, too.
Monday, January 18 at 1:48pm - Danielle
Thank you so much for the update! I'm glad uncle dick is doing better with the hospital scene! I just called my dad to see if he had heard anything! We love u guys!
Monday, January 18 at 1:40pm - Jim
Someone asked about myeloma: Myeloma is an accumulation of malfunctioning or "cancerous" plasma cells. Cancer is a disorder characterized by transformation of normal cells to abnormal cells that grow and multiply uncontrollably. The net effect is the appearance of large numbers of abnormal cells capable of forming bodily masses, or tumors, with the capacity to advance locally and invade adjacent tissues and organs or spread either through the lymphatics or the blood vessels into distant organs. The ultimate effect of this "malignant" upheaval is erosion and organ dysfunction. Most plasma cells reside in the bone marrow, and myeloma, accordingly, usually occurs within the marrow-containing large bones of the body, such as the skull, vertebrae (spine), and hips.
Monday, January 18 at 1:29pm - Jim
I will take this morning's update as (relatively) good news. The head-to-toe CT scan (with contrast dyes) did not show any other cancers. The mylogram (dyes in the spine CT scan) showed the 1 spinal lesion/mass located at T-4 (mid back). It is outside the dura (sheath covering spinal nerves), and we believe it is the primary cancer. And it may ... not be a cancer, but a myeloma instead. The scans did show dad has some emphysema, a disease of the lung tissue caused by destruction of structures feeding the alveoli, obviously from smoking for almost 50 years. Today dad is having a biopsy by needle. The pathologists will have a report in 2 days, and we will discuss a treatment plan with the neurosurgeons (could be either/and/or surgery, esp since outside dura, radiation therapy, etc). Meanwhile dad is doing much better with the hospital scene, team of doctors & nurses, and pain meds, etc... Again I take this as good news that we don't have another major cancer in lungs, prostate, brain, etc! The odds were 90% in that favor - against us. Thank you Jesus!
Sunday, January 17 at 9:57pm - Jim
Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow mid-AM once the neurologists review the CT scans and reports, and come talk to us. If they know locations, then the next step will probably be biopsies.
Sunday, January 17 at 8:52pm - Danielle
Aunt tina said she is gonna try to call tomorrow! I will call as well! When dad called me this morning I knew something was up! My dad keeps more to himself, but he has a huge heart! My dad and uncle dick look so much alike!
Sunday, January 17 at 8:29pm - Jim
Sure thing Danny & Tara. Dad just called to Terry and was really happy to talk to him. Two big talkers there!!! Love 'em both!
Sunday, January 17 at 8:25pm - Tara
You bring tears to my eyes. Please let your dad know how much he is loved by all of us back home.
Sunday, January 17 at 8:21pm - Danielle
It must be a miller thing! I do not know how to swim either! I miss you guys!
Sunday, January 17 at 8:02pm - Jim
Dad assured me he is saved - he accepted Jesus as his saviour and Jesus' sacrifice for all of our sins. He told me he was babtised at age 15 in Keuka Lake, by Reverend Perry from North Urbana Baptist Church. When he was baptised, he thought "He'd better not let me go!!!" Dad doesn't know how to swim.
Sunday, January 17 at 7:26pm - Jim
Dad had both CT scans (head to toe, and spinal injection one). He feels frustrated and helpless. Sipping a can of Coke, in a hospital bed, reminds him of when he was burned bad in Vietnam. He closed and opened his eyes and saw Colonel Brady and Sergeant Major in a flashback. The Colonel went away and talked to someone...
After that moment away, the Col. Came back & told dad exactly how long he would be at each medical facility, (Tonsanu AFB Vietnam, an Air Force Base in Japan overnight, then Army's 106 General Hospital in Japan with a burn unit, McGuire AFB, Fort Dix in NJ - where his fever was 106 & he almost died, finally Valley Forge where he stayed the longest)...
Anyhow after the Col. came back and talked to dad, he always had a cold can of Coke with a straw in it nearby, a cigarette, and his ashes tipped into an ashtray every few minutes. Dad was vivid and emotional in his flashback, and the we and the nurse just listened... as mom tipped the Coke for dad to get the straw. He cried while remembering the last time he felt this helpless. Then told us of calling in air support with Col Brady. Everyone said he was a hard ass and to stay away especially if you were an infantry officer. But Dad and he took to each other, and the Col took care of one of his best men, my dad.
After that moment away, the Col. Came back & told dad exactly how long he would be at each medical facility, (Tonsanu AFB Vietnam, an Air Force Base in Japan overnight, then Army's 106 General Hospital in Japan with a burn unit, McGuire AFB, Fort Dix in NJ - where his fever was 106 & he almost died, finally Valley Forge where he stayed the longest)...
Anyhow after the Col. came back and talked to dad, he always had a cold can of Coke with a straw in it nearby, a cigarette, and his ashes tipped into an ashtray every few minutes. Dad was vivid and emotional in his flashback, and the we and the nurse just listened... as mom tipped the Coke for dad to get the straw. He cried while remembering the last time he felt this helpless. Then told us of calling in air support with Col Brady. Everyone said he was a hard ass and to stay away especially if you were an infantry officer. But Dad and he took to each other, and the Col took care of one of his best men, my dad.
Sunday, January 17 at 6:13pm - Jim
Lol yeah dad's got that scruffy look down too! Has for many years!
Sunday, January 17 at 7:12pm - Alicia
jsut getting on this facebook thing and i sure wished it wasnt for this purpose. My prayers are with you all.thank you for theupdates
Sunday, January 17 at 6:03pm - Chuck
oh? well i dont quite look like that pic anymore lol.. a bit of the scruffy look going on lol...
Sunday, January 17 at 5:21pm - Jim
Thank you, Chuck. Hey you know you look just like my dad when he was younger!
Sunday, January 17 at 4:02pm - Chuck
well i hope everything goes well tomorrow im sorry to hear of his illness. and thank you very much for keeping us all up to date.
Sunday, January 17 at 3:15pm - Jim
The latest update is: Dad drank the Readi-CAT fluid (barium, iodine, chalky goup), an will probably have his heat-to-toe CAT scan at about 4:15 PM ET. Either later today or tomorrow, he will have a localized CT scan with contrast dye injected into his midle backbone/spinal cord areas. We've already met with the neuro-surgeon today, and we don't have a firm diagnosis yet. We meet again tomorrow after the scans with his partner neuro-surgeon.
Sunday, January 17 at 3:15pm - Jim
Thanks Karen. Susan and I talked with Janie. It was really good to talk to her too.
Sunday, January 17 at 2:38pm - Karen
Jim I just talked with Janie. She doesn't have a computer, so we will keep her informed. Your Uncle Terry was at Brad's this morning and told him about your Dad. Thanks for keeping us informed. We need to know. This is especially hard on Terry, he loves your Dad so much. We prayed for him at my church this morning and will continue to pray for him. Tell him we love him very much!! Stay strong. We love you, Aunt Karen
Sunday, January 17 at 2:27pm - Danielle
we are praying for him! please tell him we all love him! love you guys!
Sunday, January 17 at 2:13pm - Jim
Dad recently hurt his back (severely, and not the first time) snatching an extension ladder off the wall and out of the garage on Christmas day. Mom, Eddie, and Susan's family all came down to my place for Christmas. Dad stayed home due to a bad cold/flu. It was raining and dad was investigating a bad roof leak.
Since Christmas, he's struggled with back pains and stubbornly refused to seek a doctors help. I finally convinced him to see a doc, and get an MRI about a week ago. That doc had him returning this Tue (1/19/10) to "discuss his condition". We figured this was bad news, but I was hoping for "just" a slipped or ruptured disk...
Meanwhile dad struggled to get around, and fell Saturday, and mom could not get him up. I called returning from funerals in FL (my best man tragically lost both his mom and middle brother last week). Dad was in bad pain, said his legs felt numb/dead, and could not walk, but he could move them some, wiggle his toes. He wanted to wait till Tuesday to see the doc. I finally got him to take an ambulance to the hospital Sat night. He had the EMS take him to the VA, but was transferred to Lexington Medical Center (803)791-2000, and is now in room 471 North Tower. Mom is there with dad.
He's had several tests, so far the mri, x-rays, urine, blood, and got more to go, including very likely a CT scan later today(for organs/soft tissue to find a source), and biopsies. So far we believe he may have lung cancer, that has traveled over to 2 places on the spine. We don't know the exact types/severity/stages, but if the source is lung cancer for example it would have probably have been there for a while. The CT scan is better for looking at organs, and the MRI was very distorted in his mid back, from his 5mm piece of shrapnel souvenir from Vietnam, so you can't see it well. Susan and I converged here in Columbia to help and support. We will keep you posted.
Meanwhile we aim to keep dad's spirits up and fears down. And not beat up on him for smoking and procrastinating on medical help... He is a child of God too, and we know God has a plan for all of this and will see us through. It was good to talk to several of you, and we appreciate everyone's support and prayers for dad.
Since Christmas, he's struggled with back pains and stubbornly refused to seek a doctors help. I finally convinced him to see a doc, and get an MRI about a week ago. That doc had him returning this Tue (1/19/10) to "discuss his condition". We figured this was bad news, but I was hoping for "just" a slipped or ruptured disk...
Meanwhile dad struggled to get around, and fell Saturday, and mom could not get him up. I called returning from funerals in FL (my best man tragically lost both his mom and middle brother last week). Dad was in bad pain, said his legs felt numb/dead, and could not walk, but he could move them some, wiggle his toes. He wanted to wait till Tuesday to see the doc. I finally got him to take an ambulance to the hospital Sat night. He had the EMS take him to the VA, but was transferred to Lexington Medical Center (803)791-2000, and is now in room 471 North Tower. Mom is there with dad.
He's had several tests, so far the mri, x-rays, urine, blood, and got more to go, including very likely a CT scan later today(for organs/soft tissue to find a source), and biopsies. So far we believe he may have lung cancer, that has traveled over to 2 places on the spine. We don't know the exact types/severity/stages, but if the source is lung cancer for example it would have probably have been there for a while. The CT scan is better for looking at organs, and the MRI was very distorted in his mid back, from his 5mm piece of shrapnel souvenir from Vietnam, so you can't see it well. Susan and I converged here in Columbia to help and support. We will keep you posted.
Meanwhile we aim to keep dad's spirits up and fears down. And not beat up on him for smoking and procrastinating on medical help... He is a child of God too, and we know God has a plan for all of this and will see us through. It was good to talk to several of you, and we appreciate everyone's support and prayers for dad.
Sunday, January 17 at 1:59pm - Tara
We are all praying for your dad. Please let him know that I am thinking of him.
Saturday, January 16 at 9:44pm - Jim
Dear family, my dad's in the hospital, because he cannot walk or feel his legs. Doctor's think we may have found lung and spinal cancers, but we are unsure at this point. To try to keep everyone updated, I'm sending this just to family on Facebook. If anyone is missing, please tell them to look me up on Facebook. I think I am just missing Janie and Brad.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)