Treatement- Session 1

Jack started his first treatment last week. It took about 90 minutes with one injection and a pill that he takes daily. He said the treatment went well and he has had no negative side effects. He goes back in 3 weeks for another treatment session, this one lasting half as long as the last. On his 3rd visit, he'll have a CT scan to see if there is a difference in size of the tumors and will continue on with treatment sessions. He feels pretty good and is living life as usual. Both he and my mom feel good about his treatments and hope for the very best results. My mom is helping him eat more healthy (no more popcorn and pepsi...well, not as much anyway). Thank you to all those that fasted for Jack today.

PET Scan

{Editor- JaNece} Jack went to the American Fork Hospital to get a PET scan done yesterday. (For those of you that don't know what a PET scan is: A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a unique type of imaging test that helps doctors see how the organs and tissues inside your body are actually functioning. The test involves injecting a very small dose of a radioactive chemical, called a radiotracer, into the vein of your arm. The tracer travels through the body and is absorbed by the organs and tissues being studied. Next, you will be asked to lie down on a flat examination table that is moved into the center of a PET scanner—a doughnut-like shaped machine. This machine detects and records the energy given off by the tracer substance and, with the aid of a computer, this energy is converted into three-dimensional pictures. A physician can then look at cross-sectional images of the body organ from any angle in order to detect any functional problems.)

• They didn't talk about the results of the PET scan, but Jack took the results, along with his previous CT scans to (what he thought was) the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the U. But the hospital that scheduled the appointment actually sent him to the Utah Cancer Institute to see Dr. Harker. In this confusion, the office said they did not show that he was coming and that there was no record of him whatsoever AND that Dr. Harker wasn't even in today. They were however very nice and apologetic. It was very discouraging at first and my mom didn't understand why they were sent there. But as my mom always says, "there is a reason for everything." My parents talked to one Dr. there who was willing to take time for them and was very kind. He took time to sit with them and tried to answer any question they had. It turns out this is where the clinical study is administered. They were recommened to see Dr. Harker at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, who is said to be one of the best, highly recommeded, very knowledgeable and compassionate doctors.

• After they left the UCI, they received a phone call from the Huntsman Cancer Institute saying they had missed an appointment there with Dr. Akerley, who is actually the creator of this clinical study that Jack in considering. And even if they HAD made it to the appointment, they would've been send home because there was a gas leak at the U and everything was shut down. Since Jack missed the appointment, they scheduled another time to come in, but then Dr. Akerley actually talked to Jack over the phone and answered any further questions he had reguarding the study. One question my dad asked him was, "If one of your parents had cancer, would you want them to do this study?" The Dr. said that he absoultely would and that the study is not using unknown drugs, it's using drugs that haven't necessarily been used together (one drug is to build up the immune system & the other is to stop the cancer from growing).
  

• The Dr. asked Jack if he would be willing to participate in two more scans that aren't to help his (Jack's) case, but to help others and the clinical study. My dad of course agreed.
  

You can check out Dr. Akerley's background here.

To answer any questions you have about clinical trials, click here.

For information on the Huntsman Cancer Institute, click here.

We continue to feel very blessed and very hopeful. Jack is going about his normal activities and is still the family joker. We appreciate your love and concern. We know that prayer & fasting brings blessings and answers. Our family is having a special fast for Jack on Sunday and you are welcome to participate if you wish. Thank you!

Fast

{Editor Mindy} Today we decided to fast. This is a big deal for my girls who have only fasted one other time and it was for their cousin Owen. But we know fasting works and so we decided to do it. Well, it was hard for these growing girls the moment they woke up. I knew if we could just get to church, we would be fine because it would keep them distracted from food. WRONG! In primary today, not only were they passing out candy, but the primary presidency had baked cookies so not only were the freshly baked cookies being passed out in primary, but the whole church had the delicious auro. My poor girls! But they did it! I am so proud of them! I think it counts for double since the temptation was so intense. :) They love their Papa!

Pesky

{Editor: Mindy} It's always been hard living far away from my family. And especially in times like this where my Dad is sick, it's even harder! When I told Dad I wished I was there, he asked why, what would I be doing? I told him I would make sure he was eating and drinking my special drink I have for him. He said, "You'd be pesky! If you were here, you'd be pesky!" I was laughing so hard because it's so true. I'd be pesky. And he's blunt enough to tell me so. So I guess my Dad is secretly (or maybe not so secretly) happy I'm not there to pester him. :) I'm coming in 10 days so watch out Dad!!

My Flight Home

(JaNece editor) I was at the airport minutes after we heard the news from Dad. I bit my tounge trying to hold back tears. I prayed that I would feel Heavenly Father's love in this trial. As I sat on the plane, reality hit me right in the face. I couldn't conceal my sadness and I couldn't stop crying. It was a very crowded flight and I was embarrassed that I was sobbing out of control. I was sitting in between a man reading a book and a woman. The woman leaned over to me and asked if I was alright after several minutes of my tears. It took me a few minutes to compose myself and explain. She told me that she was on her way to visit her sister whose husband died a year ago of Lymphoma. She was LDS (I saw her Quad in the seat pocket) so I knew I could talk to her about the plan of Salvation and how I was feeling at the moment. We visited about other people she knew with cancer and it seemed as if we were supposed to meet each other. She was so sweet and gave me words of comfort. Then she pulled a book from her bag and said, "I didn't know why I was bringing this book, but I think it's supposed to be yours." It was a book with scriptural answers to hard questions (related to death) and she said she found comfort in it. I got her name and address and I felt the Spirit touch my heart. I knew that he was showing me His love through this woman. As our conversation continued, we found out that we were both at the same performance of the broadway musical "Wicked" yestday, just rows apart. It was unreal! I am so thankful for her and how she touched me during this difficult day. I called Dad tonight and he was in the garage working! I love that he is doing what he loves and living his life to the fullest. I am thankful for the power of prayer and for experiences of mortality. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, He is aware of us and I have faith in Him. Thank you Shelly, for being my angel today!

Appointment with Oncologist

(JaNece editor) Today Dad had his appointment with the Oncologist. He went in at 8 a.m. It's nearly 10 and we haven't heard anything. I am at Mindy's and leave soon. More updates to come...

We finally heard from Dad just as we were getting ready to leave for the airport. It wasn't good news, the Dr.'s said that it was Stage 4 Lung Cancer that is non-curable and that there are 3 options.

1. Do nothing and the cancer will run it's course.
2. Do chemo therapy which will likely have very harsh and uncomfortable side effects.
3. Do clinical trials that seem to prolong life a bit and make it so you can live a pretty normal life. However, these are trials and there is no guarantee.
   

Dad has a PET scan scheduled for Tuesday which will indicate how much the cancer has spread and where it's at. He will need to decide which action he wants to take. Mindy did the talking and asked Dad a lot of questions. I just sat there and cried. It is a hard thing to hear, but we are still hopeful and we are still praying for a miracle. I feel very blessed to have such a strong family. We have faith.

My Birthday Wish

(JaNece editor) It was my birthday today and I got a call from mom saying that Dad would be coming home today. Mom had planned a birthday dinner for me with the family that evening, and we had planned to do it even though dad was in the hospital still. We were going to visit him on our way to the dinner. But we didn't have to b/c they let him come home!! He got home around 6 that evening toting his oxygen tank. Someone had delivered a home oxygen system for him so that he could be on it at home. He was tired and weak, and went straight to his bedroom. And he did get to see Rascal who was SOOOO excited to see him. He rested while we visited and had my birthday dinner. I'm just glad he is home and can be where he's comfortable. I leave for California tomorrow for 4 days to visit Mindy, so I won't see Dad until Thursday or Friday.

Post Surgery Day 2

(JaNece editor) I didn't make it to the hospital to see Dad today, so I'll have to ask mom the details of how he was today. More visitors and people calling to check on him. The fluid output is less, and things are looking good as far as the surgery went.

Post Surgery Day 1

(JaNece editor) Dad is staying on the 5th floor of UVRMC, the Telemetry floor. Dad seems weak and is not eating. He sleeps a lot and is tired. He has had several visitors and so many people checking in on him. Pat and I took the kids to see him tonight. The boys made "Jesus" rocks for him (aka prayer rocks) that they had painted and drawn on. We arrived at the hospital the same time as Jared and Rebecca and kids. I think Dad was a little overwhelmed at the chaos, so Nana took the grand kids downstairs and we stayed and visited with dad. He was still positive and joking around, like his usual self. He is a fighter and my mom is solid as a rock. She doesn't cry about it and she is very hopeful. Dad told the Dr. that it was his daughter's bday on Sunday and that he wanted to go home. The Dr. said he'd monitor the fluit output and that when the fluid stopped, he could go home.

Day of the Surgery

(JaNece editor) We had decided as a family to have a special fast for Dad. We were praying for a miracle and that things would be okay. And that no matter what happened, we would know it was the Lord's plan. Dad's surgery was supposed to be at 7 a.m. However it was delayed a bit, but he was out of surgery by noon. I left the kids with my mother-in-law and went to the Mt. Timpanogas temple with my mom to do a session. She was surprisingly strong and positive. As I went through the session and made my way to the Celestial room, my heart was overflowing. I felt Heavenly Fathers love and his arms around us. We prayed and pondered and then headed to the hospital to check on Dad. He was pretty groggy and weak from the surgery. The surgery went smoothly and they drained over 2 1/2 liters of fluid from his lung. The surgeon took pictures of the inside of Dad's lung and chest and found several nodules. He took a biopsy and we should know within 2-3 days. He said he was 99% sure it was Stage 4 Lung Cancer. We still have not given up hope. Now we wait for Dad to recover and for the results of the biopsy. The Dr. said that Dad would be in the hospital recovering for no less than 5-7 days. Dad did not like that and was joking with the Dr. that he would pull the tubes out and make a run for it. The Dr. was a tad bit worried by the end, but Dad was only kidding and wanted to do everything he could to get out as soon as possible.

Pre-Surgery Day

(JaNece editor) Dad was put on the 7th floor at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center (the Oncology floor). They drained the fluid from his lungs and had to wait for the surgery until an OR became available. I talked with Pat and he felt that Dad needed a blessing right away. We called Jared to meet up with us and arranged for Lecia to watch the kids so we could go see him. Pat anointed and Jared gave the blessing. It was a very beautiful blessing. He said that Dad would recover from the surgery quickly and have strength and energy. He blessed him that he could feel the love of others around him and that he could express himself to others. He blessed him with peace and comfort and that the surgery would be successful. We stayed for a little while and left to let Dad rest. He was in good spirits and very positive.

Trip to the ER

(JaNece editor) I was visiting a friend in Springville yesterday and was heading to my parents house for a quick visit before I drove home. I had a message from my mom saying not to come to the house b/c Dad was in the ER. I knew he had a Dr.'s appointment that day b/c he had shortness of breath and a bad cough for a month now. So I called my mom to see if things were okay. She said they were and to not worry. It was late and I had both my kids with me, but I felt like I needed to be there. I found the room they were in and we had a good visit. The Xrays showed fluid in Dad's left lung. A few different Dr.'s came in to talk to him. The last Dr. (though I had a hard time hearing b/c my kids were very restless at that point) said that there was a lesion on his lung and that he might have cancer. It was very shocking and scary. I called Mindy and Jared to tell them what was happening and drove home. It was very surreal. It was so unexpected and fast. They kept him overnight at the hospital and said he would need surgery to drain the fluid and fix the hole where fluid was coming in.

My Father in Law

(Pat editor) What can I say about this man, other than he is such a great example to me of hard work, love, humility, and genuineness. On March 10, 2009 (Tues) I woke up with an uneasy feeling. I was tense, worried, and anxious. This feeling would not go away. I emailed JaNece and told her something was really wrong. Some where or some one in our family was hurt or in trouble. I told her to check on everyone. It turns out this was the day Jack was admitted into the ER and so begins his story. I believe the Lord was trying to warn me or tell me something. It's amazing but the Lord knows us individually, I am convinced he has a plan for each one of us. I have faith that the treatments will go well and that Jack will be with us until he is supposed to. Jack I want you to personally know that you are loved and that I look up to you with much admiration and respect. I will keep you in my prayers.