Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tuesday Update

The blogger is always the last to know! I didn't have the story right for today!

This is what is really going on....

Tuesday (today) was the body survey. This is x-rays of his entire body searching for more cancerous spots. (Our prayer is that no more spots were found.)

Wednesday they will go back for the bone marrow test. (That the painful one.)

Thursday they go meet with Dr. Keefer (the oncologist) to find out the results.

So there you have it. And if that's not right, I blame Bob (on pain meds) and Debbie (she's sleep deprived!)

Monday, September 29, 2008

Prayers on Tuesday

Please keep dad in your prayers on Tuesday. He goes in for the bone marrow test Tuesday afternoon. Years ago he had a bone marrow test done in his sternum, and it was extremely painful. This one will be in his hip, even though it will hurt, hopefully it will be somewhat better than the past experience. Thank you for your prayers, I will let you know what we find out.

God is good!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Picture Day

Today was a good day!! Dad has felt a lot better and he's getting stronger each day. He is using the walker still, but able to stand up more quickly and walks some without it. (Basically he's using the walker for stability, keeping it there if he needs it.)
I stayed with him a while this afternoon and he walked outside and sat on the patio and then some how, he convinced me to clean the patio...hey wait a minute, that wasn't in my nursing description!
Robin Waugh made dad the neatest card holder, and it's really getting full! Thanks to all of you for the cards, they mean so much to him (and mom.)

God is good, ALL the time!

Glad to be home!

Dad is glad to be home and moves from chair, to bed, to recliner, and back to the chair, until he finds a comfortable place.

Occupational & Physical Therapy will come in three times over the next week. On Thursday he meets with Dr. Keefer and will do the bone marrow test and body scan. I will do my best to keep you all updated as we get more info.

Thanks for praying....God is good!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Two Weeks

Two weeks ago tonight my dad was on an operating table having tumors removed off his spine. Two weeks ago tonight, friends and family waited with us at the hospital for 8 hours while he was in surgery. Two weeks ago tonight, we didn't know if he'd wake up from that surgery able to walk.

Tonight....two weeks later, he walked out of that hospital! God truly is amazing, absolutely amazing!

Headed Home

Mom is going to pick up dad and take him home! YEAH! In home rehab will be coming to the house for the next few weeks, until he gets stronger. I am sure dad wouldn't mind visits while he is at home, but please call first.

Dr. Keefer will being doing tests on dad in the coming weeks to decide the best cancer treatment. Again, please pray that they find the best treatment and his body responds to it. Thank you for your prayers.

God is good, ALL the time!


Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Home on the Range!

Well there's about a 99.9% chance that dad will get released from the hospital tomorrow!!! He's a star pupil (his words, not mine!)

NOW, him leaving the hospital doesn't mean he's 100% better! He is still walking with a walker, he is still very sore, he is still got a long road ahead, BUT they said he could do outpatient (or in home) rehab. We are assuming the cancer treatments will start soon as well, but we haven't heard yet.

He's done really great, and working hard. We ask that you pray for his spirit and his will to succeed and get through the next few months. It's going to be hard and Satan will throw more challenges his way, BUT we ask that God protect him and continue to heal him.

God is amazing!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Email Account

Several of you have tried to post comments but can't. Dad asked me to set up an email account...ask and ye shall receive!

afaithfuljourney@gmail.com

(Okay someone better email him now!!) ; )

Tired on Tuesday

Dad went to physical therapy for 3 hours today!!! WOW!

Staples are out, and he's working hard. He is obviously still having a lot of pain but that is to be expected. He's doing so great...and I'm so proud of him!

Keep up the prayers...God is GREAT!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Moving Monday

He's moved to rehab and they are going to be keeping him busy during the days. Visits are allowed after 4 PM, he's in room 244. The visits keep him going, so they are much appreciated!

His mom and dad came up to see him today (courtesy of their niece Wilma and her husband Sam, driving them from McAlester for the day!) He enjoyed visiting with them, and I think it made them feel better to see their son.

Friends are great, family is great, and God is SO great!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Sunday Night Delight

Dad is enjoying a strawberry milk shake in his luxurious hospital room suite, before heading off to rehab boot camp tomorrow!

He's had so many visitors today and really appreciates everyone coming out! He continues to ask that everyone pray that the doctors find the best treatment and his body responds to it.

Our quote of the week is "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow."

He will try again tomorrow...God is good!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Saturday Night FEVER!

Don't worry there's NO fever, I just needed a catchy title! But, mom left me alone with dad again, and you know what that means...more pictures! OH BOY! Don't worry, you don't have to be scared to scroll down, I didn't take any gruesome shots this time!



I did take him on a tour of the 3rd floor, in the wheelchair. He got to look outside and see clouds! It's been a while since he's seen outside! I also got out the computer and made him watch Tina Fey play Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live....funny stuff!! (I know making a man laugh who has 57 staples down his back, isn't a good idea either! MAN, I'm a bad nurse!)
Thanks to all of you for the prayers & visits! They are really helping his spirits. If you do want to come out to the hospital next week, please call first. When he moves to rehab (boot camp, as I call it) visitors will only be allowed at certain times.
God's love is amazing!


Friday, September 19, 2008

Friday Update

Dr. White came in the morning and is very pleased with dad's progress. He wants to do a standing x-ray to see how the spine "looks together". Also he said they are looking at moving him to the rehab unit to start full physical therapy early next week. (That is going to be good for him, but hard work too!!)

The tube has also been removed from his stomach and he can start trying to eat again. Once he's feeling better they will do the bone marrow test.

Thanks for your constant prayers.

God is good.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Three Things Thursday...

Three things good about Thursday.....

1. His stomach feels much better, and will hopefully get the drain tube out tomorrow.

2. He's moving to a bigger room, a suite, actually! So that will be great for the rest of us!

3. He continues to try to use the walker to walk when he can!

God is GREAT!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

One Week Later

Well one week ago today, my mom called me with good news...dad was getting in for his MRI to find out what was causing his horrible back pain. About three hours later we found the answer and our joy turned to shock, and then to fear.

God has given us many answers this week...

We were fearful that the tumor on the spine couldn't be removed. It could be!
We prayed it wasn't cancer. It was cancer, BUT plasmacytoma's are highly treatable.
We thought there was a mass in his lung as well. There wasn't!
We feared he would lose the use of his legs. He hasn't!

We know God answers prayers! He may not always answer like we would want, but we feel blessed that He has watched over us and heard our prayers!

We couldn't have made it this week without you all. Thank you so much for taking care of us.

God is always good! ALWAYS!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Tuesday Update

Today hasn't been great. He had to have a hose placed in his nose to run down to his stomach to remove stomach acid due to all the reflux problems he's been having. (He's had hiccups for 2 days now!) They said issues like this are pretty common after a big surgery like this. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, for him and mom! (She hasn't left his side since 5 am. This woman deserves a medal or something!!)

Dr. White (the surgeon) changed the dressing on his back today and said it is healing really nicely and he's pleased with everything. When the physical therapist came, dad walked (with the walker) to the nurses station, so we were very happy about that! That is by far the most he walked so far. He still has some numbness in his legs and feet, but they are hoping he regains more feeling with time. Please pray for that!

Thanks for all the encouraging words, cards, emails & calls!

God's love surrounds us!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Pathology Report

Dr. Keefer came by today, he's the oncologist. He said that the pathology report came back and it is a plasmacytoma. They will do a bone scan and get a bone marrow sample in a few days. Those tests will be used to decide which treatment (chemo/radiation) is best. Again, this form of cancer is highly treatable, according to the doctors so that is encouraging.

Dr. White is also pleased with dads recovery and will probably start sending him to rehabilitation in a few days.

He really appreciates the prayers, and loves reading the comments on the site. Thank you!
God is good!

Adios ICU!

He's moving a regular room today! Yeah, now he has to start moving more on his own and gets less pain medicine, so he'll be real chipper to work with. HA HA

God is good all the time!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sunday in ICU

He's spending his Sunday in ICU, and his friend Dan brought him communion, so that was nice.

He hopefully will get to move to a regular room tomorrow. They sent in a larger guy and gal to do his PT today. We got the 95 pound little lady kicked off his rotation! They were able to get him to the chair and he sat in it for about 2 hours, so that's encouraging.

He's really starting to joke with and harass his nurses, so we know he's feeling better!

Thanks for the constant prayers...God is good!!!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Say Cheese

I stayed with dad this evening and I MADE my mom go home and rest. I tend to get a little camera happy, so I took some pictures. (I'm sure mom won't let me stay alone with him again!!)

The first picture is of the incision, and the $1 is being held next to it so you can see just how long it is. It's big! There are 57 staples, I counted!! (And I know it's gross but that is a drain hose still connected....hey, I didn't say the pictures were pretty!!!)



I have named this next one "Rugged & Drugged", it's fitting I think!!


I'll let you know if we get to leave ICU tomorrow. Thanks for the continued prayers and support!

God's love is amazing!

"Standing on the Promises"

He stood up and took 5 small steps! God is Good!

We are going to request another physical therapist for tomorrow though. The one today was about 65 years old and weighed 95 pounds....he said he didn't have much confidence with her and didn't think she'd be able to catch him if he started to fall. That's understandable!

He's started eating jello, lemon drops, and Diet Mountain Dew....breakfast of champions!

Our hope is that he gets to move to a regular room tomorrow.

We know your prayers are being heard...keep it up! : )

Friday, September 12, 2008

Oncologist Visit

The Oncologist came by to meet dad today. He won't start treatment for a few weeks, but he is starting the research and blood work now to find answers and solutions.

He did give us some other information, the tumor on the rib bone (that we originally thought was is in the lung) is actually the largest tumor of all. BUT, because the tumor in the spine was damaging nerve and bone it was the most dangerous. He also said that they have dad on steroids now (I guess to fight infection, I really don't know why he's on steroids) but whatever the reason, he said this type of cancer responds well to steroids and can actually help shrink the tumors now! GREAT! Also the words I loved hearing him say were "this cancer is HIGHLY TREATABLE!" Praise God for that!

I just talked to mom and she said he was a little nauseated earlier, but other than that he is doing good. Keep praying for mom too, she's a strong woman but she's had a rough month and has a rough few months a head of her.

I'll check in tomorrow.

God is good.

Friday Afternoon Update

He had ice chips for breakfast, beef broth for lunch, and a morphine drip for his afternoon snack! He's very sore!

They are going to attempt to get him out of bed tomorrow. Please pray for him to have strength. We're just so thankful he is going to have the ability to stand on his feet and legs! Praise God for that. I've been rubbing those old yucky feet today and never thought I'd enjoy it so much!! If he can feel it, that's all that matters.

I'll let you know if anything changes.

Friday Morning Update

We do have to have our cell phones off in ICU, and I didn't think about that. If anyone comes by they will notify us from the ICU waiting room.



The ventilator is out!!!! His vitals are amazing. He still can only whisper which is nice, I am sure he'll be yelling at mom and I soon. ha ha

Over the past few weeks we have physically had to LIFT his legs out of bed for him. He couldn't feel them to move them. Today I can hold my hand chest high and he can kick my hand. GOD IS SO GOOD AND HE IS THE WONDERFUL HEALER!

I know that dad has a LONG road ahead. I know he's not "out of the woods" as they say...but we feel with God's love and your constant prayers he will get through and he will be stronger because of it.

God's healing power is good!

Encouraging Words

I'm leaving my house soon to go see dad. Later tonight when we have some time I am going to read him some of the comments left on this site. If you want to leave him an encouraging comment please do! (If you don't have an account, you can comment anonymously and then sign your name in the comment.)

I know him hearing the names of those of you reading would really encourage him. He doesn't really realize how many people are praying for him (and some of you don't even know us personally, but we appreciate you praying for us!) Thank you!

Ohhhh, and I just hung up with my mom, we knew ICU would call her with any changes, well they called! He wanted his glasses (that were in her purse) so he could watch TV!! HA HA

God is good!

ICU

Friday Morning - 12:51 AM

My mom, my husband, and I, got to go back and see dad in ICU about 15 minutes ago. He's swollen (of course) and had a ton of equipment hooked up to him, but he looked good! (Well....he would have hated to know his hair was spiked high and looked terrible, you know how Bob likes his hair looking good...but we didn't tell him. ha ha)

They are keeping on him a ventilator through the night because his body had been through so much, the doctor wanted him to rest easily. It should come off in the morning.

Even through all this ol' Bob can make us laugh. Mom was talking to him about everything the doctor had told us and I said "You can move your legs dad!!" and he wiggled his toes...a lot and gave me a thumbs up! Then I said "Mom wants to stay here tonight, but they are going to give you a lot of meds to sleep. I think she should go home and sleep good, and they will call her when you wake up. Do you think she should go or stay?" He gave thumbs DOWN! Then she said "no, no, you need to vote again" and again his response was thumbs down!! We were cracking up.

He will be in ICU Friday and possibly Saturday. There is a ICU waiting room, BUT please call us before you come out so we can come down and see you. We are asking that only family see him at this time, until he gets moved to a regular room.

Our specific prayer tonight is first of thanksgiving! Also we ask that Bob regains full mobility and walks again. We ask that the cancer not spread, and that it is fully treatable.

Thank you again. Your love and support are overwhelming.

God is SO good!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Surgery Update

This is what the doctor told us:

A huge portion of the large tumor was removed. He removed the vertebra (T11 &T12), and replaced them with the metal cage and filled it with bone cement. (The other smaller tumors will be treated with chemo or radiation.)

He is moving his legs, and Dr. White is confident he will walk! It is plasmacytoma, BUT it is treatable with radiation or chemo. It will be 3 weeks before treatment can start. He did lose a lot of blood, and they gave him 9 units. The surgery lasted 8 hours and was difficult, BUT he did great and we know that it's due to your constant prayers. IT will be a LONG road...he's got to walk and we have to kill that cancer but we KNOW GOD CAN DO THAT!!!!!

God is Good ALL the time!

A little longer...

Okay it's taking longer than we thought, but that's okay....things are going good. The tumor is out! They are working on the reconstruction, but Dr. White is so thorough, and we know that God is watching over each move.

Thank you so much for all the prayers, visits and food! You all are wonderful.

We love you, and I'll post tonight when we hear something.

Still in....

He's still in surgery. The nurse called and things are good, his vitals are good. They were putting in the "instruments" which we assume means the metal cage to replace the bones in the spine.

I'll let you know soon...

Here we go....

Dr. White consulted with the radiologist and they feel the more extensive surgery IS the best option. The reason being is that the bone is already damaged and if they begin radiation it will be harder to do the surgery after that. Also they fear that the radiation won't shrink the tumor fast enough so he could possibly lose the feeling/use of his legs. Dr. White and his colleagues are confident that the extensive surgery is the better option. SO...when he said that I looked at dad and said "We asked God to show the doctor's exactly what needed to be done." Also (for those of you attend church at MRCC) Dr. White also performed the surgery on Dan Waugh's neck....and if you know Dan you know the POWER of his story! God is watching over Dr. White, we know that!

God is Good. He IS in control.

The surgery could last up to 6 hours. Keep praying.

God is Good

Dr. White (the neurosurgeon) just came in. He said the spot on his lung is actually a spot on the rib bone. That is better! This is the plan today: Dr. White is talking with a radiologist/oncologist he will decide if the mass in the spine is treatable with radiation and not the invasive surgery to remove the tumor that is pressing against the spinal nerve.

Today's specific prayers are:
That the doctors see that the mass is treatable with radiation, easily and that there is no question in their minds that is the best option!
That God watches over Dr. White & Dr. Nasser as they are preforming a surgery or biopsy whichever is needed.

They will take him down at 12Noon and the procedure will start at 2:00 today, and they will decide at that time what they will do.

Keep praying!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Specific Prayers Requested!

As most of you know my dad, Bob Utley, has been battling severe back pain for about 6 weeks now. He had started having numbness in his legs and had fallen a few times, and had been using a walker in recent weeks to help hold his balance. Dr. Jeff Floyd has been wonderful, and worked with him diligently to get answers to the problem. Today we got some answers, and now we need your prayers!

After a brain scan, an MRI, and a CAT scan, tumors were found on dad's spine. There was also a mass, and small spot found in one of his lungs. The neurosurgeon has not been able to consult with the radiologist, BUT he feels that those are the only spots at this time. It is imperative that the tumors be removed off his spine because they are damaging the nerves, which can result in paralysis. If the radiologist agrees with the neurosurgeon, they will proceed with surgery Thursday 9/11 at 2:00. The surgery is extensive, and they will have to replace part of the spine with some metal plates in order to remove the tumors.

If all goes well and they do find that there are cancerous cells they will proceed with Chemo or radiation in the coming weeks. Again, IF it's cancer! That is where you all come in, our family is asking for the following prayers:

Pray specifically that all spots & tumors found are localized and they can be reached easily and in full.
Pray that future treatments will remove anything remotely pertaining to cancer.
Pray that Bob will not lose any feeling or movement in his legs or body.
Pray for strength for my mother, Debbie.
Pray for strength for my dad. Let him be a light to all that he encounters.

My mom and dad are the strongest people I know. They encourage others, they love others, they are His, and it shows! About one hour after dad got "the news" he was talking to Kevin, the nurse watching over him tonight at Mercy. He said "Kevin, where do you and your wife go to church?" Kevin's reply was "We don't go right now." Without missing a beat he said "Memorial Road is where you need to be, they've got an incredible children's ministry and the connection of people your age is amazing. You need to be there!" After the day he has had, and getting what I consider shocking news, he is looking at how he can bring others to Christ. What an inspiration!

God is good. He loves. He protects. He hears. He heals.