I went to see Dad today before they transferred him down to UCSF (He should be there around 9 p.m. or so). He is in good spirits and was actually quite his normal self, and he has every belief that the Dr.'s at UCSF will be able to work their magic and get him home in the next month, Leukemia free. They said he's very healthy otherwise and has a great chance to beat this being so "young" and healthy. His blood pressure was even in the healthy range the whole time! Impressive considering the situation and the news he just received.
He was really pale and anemic, but they were giving him a blood transfusion and he was starting to get some color back in his face. They have him on some good painkillers that are taking away a lot of the muscle/bone pain that he's been having for months. He was really weak, but was able to get up and use the bathroom by himself and change into his regular clothes before the ambulance arrived to transport him to the hospital.
Here's a website I found with some good information on his type of leukemia. It is Acute Aggressive Leukemia, and it sounds like he has AML only due to the age considerations, but I'll find out for sure. Although it is aggressive, it is a curable variety which is great news. I'm not sure of the treatment plan either except they are starting chemotherapy tonight and he should be there for a month. I'm not sure if that's it, or if he'll have some sort of followup treatments. Once again, I'll find out the details from someone with an M.D. behind their name!
(Craig might be able to send out some better links.)
Here's his info at UCSF:
Unit 11 Long
RM 1153
(415) 353-1383 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (415) 353-1383 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (nurses station on his floor)
His cell #: 530-591-3416 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 530-591-3416 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Becky's cell #: 805-598-0730 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 805-598-0730 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
I'll be heading down tomorrow to see him and probably every weekend. I'll send updates after each visit to let you know how he's doing.
Jen
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