See What I Mean?

So, we've had another turn around, but at least this time it is in the direction we like. Dr. Bull, the cardio-thoracic surgeon who performed both lung surgeries on Dad, spoke to my Mom yesterday and his outlook is much more positive than that of the Doctor from Friday. He said that he has been doing this for a long time and deals with patients almost every day. In contrast he said that the SICU doctors are usually on for a week or so and then have a few weeks off, and that everything they say should be taking with a large grain of salt. He told Mom that based on Dad's situation and his will to keep on going, he fully expects that Dad will be able to go to the Huntsman Cancer Hospital soon and begin receiving the experimental chemo and that he'll be able to go home at some point. Dr. Bull said that the SICU doctors sometimes forget that cases like this just take a long time, require some patience, and that there are bound to be setbacks. So, for now, we're all breathing a big sigh of relief.

The procedure they performed on Dad Thursday night is called a bronchoscopy, and Dr. Bull says that Dad has been much improved since that time. They took a scope, went down into Dad's lungs and sucked out a bunch of blood and mucus. The virus for which he is currently receiving treatment is called cytomegalovirus. It is actually a virus which most humans carry and have antibodies to fight, but is serious for those with compromised immune systems like Dad. Another factor which puts him at high risk for being affected is the dialysis. The medicine he is being treated with is called ganciclovir, which has been around since 1980. It works by inhibiting the growth and replication of the virus.

Another piece of good news is that Dad's kidneys suddenly started to work on Friday, enough that they put a catheter in him for the first time in a couple of weeks. They aren't producing enough for him to be taken off of dialysis, but Dr. Bull is encouraged by the fact that they are trying to do their job. Overall, Dad was in a much better mood yesterday and is starting to look better again (Mom says he had big dark circles under his eyes on Thursday and Friday).

Happy Easter to everyone! This Easter is especially meaningful for us as we reflect on the meaning of the Savior's sacrifice and resurrection for our family in light of Dad's condition. Although we want Dad to be around as long as he is up to it and as long as the Lord sees fit, we know that we will be with Dad again in the next life because of Jesus Christ. His gift gives us comfort and hope for the future.