He's Home!

Phil went 48 hours without a fever and he was able to come home from the hospital today. His ANC was 1300 two days in a row.  He has been in good spirits, and it's just so good to have him home again.

I had hoped he'd take a bit of time to rest and recover some strength, but that's not in his nature.  When he said he thought he'd go to the station for a while on Wednesday, I asked him to clarify.  He said he was leaving at the same time as usual (2:30 a.m.) and he would do his morning routine (write news, station logs, check accounts, broadcast live for a couple of hours, etc.), then see.

Of course no morning routine is the same without biscuits and gravy from Chevron! Thanks, you guys!  Hopefully he'll be back for seconds later, like usual.  

Moab  . . .  he's all yours in the morning.  Phil has been told to wear a mask in public places.  If you see him without it, give him a gentle reminder please.  And if you're sick, give him a wide berth.   

Thank you everyone for your faith and prayers, which have made this possible!  We love you all!

Holding pattern . . .

Today's report is late because there's been a dilemma about whether Phil was being transferred to Huntsman today or not.  And we were waiting for lab reports.  

Last night Phil's temperature went to 100.8 and 100.4 overnight. (Funny how it does that in the night.)   Yesterday we were told if that happened he'd be transported.  However, today all his blood work is going up, except platelets, which dropped from 100 to 95. They tested for C-diff (a bowel infection), which was negative. They did find blood in his stool, but the doctor said that's not unusual for someone at this stage of colon cancer.  It didn't seem to concern him. 

Yesterday Phil was really depressed when his hair started falling out in patches.  He had Becky shave his head. It was a real shock to us all, but it was one of the possible side effects of the new chemo drug they just started him on three weeks ago, irinotecan.  

Phil's cough is much better--still there, but better.  He also took three walks around the hospital today with our daughter Liz.  I am so lucky to have Liz and Becky--and so sad Liz has to go home to her own family tomorrow. They're true angels! They're the reason Phil is doing so well.  

Because the fever bump was slight, and the labs are good, they agreed to watch Phil another 24 hours on IV antibiotics. The on-call doctor at Huntsman said he could be transferred there if he chose to.  He said it would be perfectly justifiable if that's what the family wants.  But the family wants Phil to have what he wants.  He made the choice to wait another day and decide tomorrow.  At this point, it's just another part of the whole quality vs quantity decision.  He feels more comfortable here. 

Thanks, everyone, for your support.  It is strongly felt and much needed.  

p.s.  After feeling the very sickest last night, today I am feeling much better.  In our faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in blessings given by priesthood authority.  Last night Phil gave me a blessing--that means so much to me.  Then my uncles gave Phil a touching blessing.  I know that's why we're both making real progress--especially Phil. He has such strong faith!