We have decided to start the blog to keep family and friends updated on Pete's progress, this also provides a forum for people to respond and post thoughts and comments. We will take and read these thoughts and comments to him in the hospital.On Monday, March 19, dad was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and stomach. This posed a unique problem for the doctors; they had two separate cancers with healthy tissue in between. After several tests they decided to remove his entire stomach and six inches of his esophagus.
A bit of Pete's medical history, dad had cancer back in 1970, and they radiated all of his abdomen. This caused damage to his cells, and the doctors were concerned that this radiated tissue would not heal properly. Another note, this new cancer developed where the two radiation treatments in 1970 overlapped, and did the most damage to his tissue (cells), causing significant scar tissue. It is possible that this is the cause of the recent cancer in his body.
The surgery took place on Friday, April 20, and it seemed to be a complete success. By Sunday, April 22, dad was walking around his room in ICU. He was asking for shoes, books, and reading glasses. On Monday, April 23, the doctors tested the surgical area for leaks and found none, they said everything was healing well. On Tuesday, April 24, dad was cleared to start drinking water and juice. He was also moved from ICU to a regular patient room. This raw, undigested, food caused severe gas pains. This caused severe discomfort. Late Thursday, April 26, dad vomited and aspirated 1 the vomit. This caused ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) 2 and septic shock 3, they then decided to move dad back to ICU.
The doctors have ordered many tests. The are worried about blood clots forming and his gall bladder and liver functions. They will be testing all of this today, and we'll keep you posted on these results and all of his progress.
We know dad has many people who are praying for him and sending well wishes his way. We are grateful for the outpouring of love that we have felt. Please feel free to comment with your thoughts and we will share them with dad during our visits with him. We know that he will feel your love and support and have faith that this will aid in his recovery.
We chose "Give Me This Mountain" as the name for dad's blog because of his love for hiking and the great outdoors.
Joshua 14:12
Now therefore give me this mountain.
- Aspiration is the entry of secretions or foreign material into the trachea and lungs.
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) is a life-threatening condition that causes lung swelling and fluid build up in the air sacs.
- septic shock is a serious medical condition caused by decreased tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery as a result of infection and sepsis. It can cause multiple organ failure and death.
The doctors have ordered many tests. The are worried about blood clots forming and his gall bladder and liver functions. They will be testing all of this today, and we'll keep you posted on these results and all of his progress.
We know dad has many people who are praying for him and sending well wishes his way. We are grateful for the outpouring of love that we have felt. Please feel free to comment with your thoughts and we will share them with dad during our visits with him. We know that he will feel your love and support and have faith that this will aid in his recovery.
We chose "Give Me This Mountain" as the name for dad's blog because of his love for hiking and the great outdoors.
Joshua 14:12
Now therefore give me this mountain.
9 comments:
Matt & Melenie- I'm glad you guys put this up so that we can stay apprised of the situation--I can't imagine this is easy and my prayers are with you guys.e
Hi guys, it's Heather. I just wanted to say that you are all in my prayers, especially Pete, and I love you very much. It sounds like it has been an emotional week, and I hope things start to improve soon. Melenie, you can call me at Todd's parents' place if you want to talk...I love you Seester!
Thank you for making all of us a part of Pete's recovery. As a young man in scouting, all of my scout leaders and adult role models were "mountains" to me. They have stood unchanged and unmoved over time as the world's values and ideals have continued to slip. I consider myself very lucky to have had leaders in my life such as Pete. Whether water skiing on Lake Powel or snow skiing in th canyons of Utah, Pete was always there for us boys. Please extend my warmest regards to him at your earliest convenience.
Karl Owens
Phoenix 18th Ward
Ellen,
On Sunday I discussed Pete's situation with all of the High Priests in the Arcadia Ward. There was heart felt concern. I will forward this blog site to them as they all wanted to know more.
No need to post this comment--Just wanted you to know that many are thinking of you, Pete and family.
We will continue our prayers for Pete.
Mike Girand
Im so sorry that you have to be going through this. I hope all comes out well.
Matt, Melenie, Pete, Ellen, Amy,
I hopeyou know how much you all mean to Linda and I. Pete, Ellen, and Amy, I can't beging to thank you enough for the love you hve given over the years, for the sacrifices you have made. I can't begin to express the gratitude and love I have for all of that. Matt and Melenie, I hope you two know how much you mean to me. I know you are all struggling and Linda and I have you in our prayers daily. We pray for your comfort and peace, for the warmth of our Father's love to surround you all. Our thought and prayers are with you all. Even though we can't be there in pereson, our hearts and thoughts are constantly with you. Love you guys!
Matt, Melenie and Ellen -
I can only imagine what you must be feeling. Your family is in my prayers all day long. I haven't known you guys very long, but you have made a wonderful impact on my live. My prayers are with Pete as well, and the staff at the hospital.
Linda
Pete you and your family are in our prayers. I know this is a hard trial you are going thru right now. I know your strength and faith will pull you thru this setback. You have accomplished so much these past decades. I remember reading the beautiful emails that you and Ellen sent from Sweden and I could feel your sense of happiness and accomplishment. I love the name of this blog because I remember being 10 years old and visiting you guys up at the Pines in Utah. That was some 40 years ago. I know from personal experience that you will be able to pull thru this and be visiting the Pines with your family this summer. With Love, Diane Smith Watson
We first met Pete at the family cabin in the mountains. He had a twinkle in his eye and a warmth in his personality that touched our family immediately. He is an amazing man...a gentle giant. We wish we were there to share hugs and give comfort during this trial. Families and relationships are so important and we shouldn't ever let a day go by without expressing our love. We continue to pray daily for each of you and love you very much.
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