Out of Right Field...

It is kind of ironic that I would post yesterday about our faith being on trail.
Today started out like any other normal day...
went to the high school and volunteered...
ran a couple of errands...
ran into a friend and went to lunch with her...
while I was out to lunch with my cute friend, my brother called me...
I didn't answer it... thinking I would call him back after lunch so we could chat and not to be rude to my friend.

My dad has liver failure.

Yep, that came out of right field.

My sweet dad has had a rough life, health wise. He is a great man and has been so blessed in many ways but his health has been HIS big trial. Although, if you asked him, he would tell you it was not a trial, he is healthy. I called him today to check on him... I asked him how he was feeling and he gave me the SAME answer he has for years and year... "With my fingers."

Now, it HAS been a trial to my dear mother... about 48 years ago or so he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, actually a venous malformation in the brain. At the time, there was really nothing that they could do about it. No surgery due to location, etc. The Dr's told my parents they could not say how long he might live with this. They described "the tumor" to my parents like it was a hand... with fingers (veins) extending. Once in a while a "finger" would rupture and he would be hospitalized. It would cause blood to run down his spine, they would give him vit. K to clot the blood and then they would do a spinal tap to check for blood in the spinal fluid. He would be in horrible pain and they would have to give him pain meds to help. I recall the pain meds causing him to hallucinate. But, he did quite well with it over the years... yes, he was in and out of the hospital... yes, he had to change jobs... yes, he was told not to do anything too strenuous, etc... but he was able to work and support our family, and THAT he did!


Continued from yesterday....

In about 1986 my father went to Harvard and had Lazar surgery, cauterizing the tumor so not to have any more bleeds. He hasn't had any problems with the tumor since then BUT he had serious side effects... seizures. So they put him on seizure meds. HEAVY duty ones for years. With time they have changed the meds and/or reduced the amount but... nevertheless, he has been on heavy meds for years. I am guessing that that is what has caused the liver failure. (I must add that even with the seizures, the meds have controlled them for the most part and he has been able to continue to drive etc. I also would like to add that he served 2 missions, back to back at the cannery, he loved it! Dang, while I am at it, I must also tell that he helped 2 young girls - twins - to join the church, save their money and serve missions for the church! I could go on and on about all the good he has and will continue to do... You are awesome dad! Actually, you can go HERE to read more about my great dad!)

Anyway, he has not been feeling well... he is quite yellow (jaundice) and is really itching. When I was there just a few weeks ago his HANDS were REALLY itching but we thought it was because he has husked the corn for us a couple of different nights. (He is allergic to corn) Since I have been home the itching has increased and a few other symptoms have occurred. So, they took him to the Dr. yesterday. His sweet Dr. gave my mom a hug and told her he was sorry. They did blood work yesterday and they are doing a scan tomorrow. They hope to be able to tell us more as soon as they get all the results. The Dr. did say it could be the "C" word or they might have to put him on a transplant list. Yes, I have done a lot of reading the last couple of days... IF the need for a liver transplant occurs he should be a candidate for a "living" organ... meaning IF we have the same blood type we can give him a part of ours. He has most of the symptoms for Cirrhosis of the liver... no, he does not drink... again, I think it is all of the toxic meds he has been on for YEARS.... but I guess we will "put our faith on trial" and be patient and wait for results... We are praying it is a blockage and it can be repaired!

Here is my most recent picture of me with my dad
















I know that MANY of you are going through this same kind of thing... either you, or a loved one... I am just thinking... and praying... I am not asking for your sympathy... only your prayers!

Thank you...

I love you daddy!