City of Hope

As many of you know my Dad was diagnosed with Lymphoma October 2008. After the initial chemo treatments we thought the cancer was gone and that this battle was over. Then in January 2010, during some routine check-ups doctors found out that my Dad’s cancer was back. My Dad has been undergoing treatments since then to help fight this cancer. Now, my Dad is about to embark on a difficult battle to fight his cancer head on.

Today, he was admitted to the City of Hope where he will begin his autologous stem cell transplantation, also known as bone marrow transplant. He will be in this hospital for 3 weeks, possibly more depending on how quickly he recovers. They will be giving him 5 chemotherapy treatment within 7 days, which is a lot to handle in the amount of time. The reason the procedure includes intensive chemotherapy is because they are destroying the cancerous cells completely. This is followed by an infusion of his healthy harvested stem cells that they collected from him a few weeks ago. It is a huge blessing that they are able to use my Dad’s stem cells and not a family donor’s because there is less chance of organ failure this way. He will be staying in the hospital for weeks to recover and will be kept in isolation due to his increased chance of getting infections. My Dad spoke with a ward member who went through this treatment and in response to my Dad's question, "is it (the treament) as bad as they say?" She said with tear filled eyes, "you will get through this." I know that my Dad is strong and capable of making it through these difficult procedures. I know that my Dad will be comforted and healed through the Lord.

I am feeling a bit helpless all the way out here in Provo. For those who know me well, I have a huge desire to help people, especially family. It breaks my heart that I cannot physically be with my dad during his cancer battle. Before going into Conference weekend I had a prayer in my heart regarding this very desire to help and be there for my Dad. During Sister Julie B. Beck’s talk she said something that hit home,

“A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do … but, with personal revelation she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.”

I felt as if Sister Beck was talking directly to me during her entire talk (which will be another post at another time). The prayer I had in my heart was answered. I know that I cannot do it all, but I can do some things that can bless people if I prioritize my time well. I then felt impressed to blog as much as possible during my Dad’s stay at the hospital. I want to write things that will uplift him, spiritually and mentally. My goal is to write everyday he is in the hospital, but again I know that I can only do my best which means I may not get the opportunity to write everyday. I feel that this is the least (and perhaps the best thing) I can do for my Dad; uplift his spirit while his body is physically weakened.

My Dad will get through this.