S. Clair Bankhead
It was two weeks ago that I got a phone call from my Mom, who was in tears, to tell me that her Dad had leukemia. He has always been in great health so this was a real shocker. He was admitted to LDS Hospital and diagnosed with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML)- not a good diagnosis for a 75-year-old. But through much prayer, discussion and thought he decided to go with aggressive treatment to kill the cancer. He has completed his first week of chemo and is on a "break" period for nine days. Once that time is up the next round of chemo will be determined based on how his blood cells responded to the first round of chemo. So really, everything is up in the air. For the time being he remains inpatient at LDS on the Bone Marrow Unit which (in my opinion) is the best place for him although he is feeling the walls closing in. I'm telling you, he is the most active, hardworking person I know. He's a busy-body and just itching to get back to feeding his cows! Eventually though the plan is for him to be at home but receive his chemo infusions at a clinic. Currently he is doing really well. I was there on Thursday when his doctor came in and said he was doing better than expected. (I'm not surprised- he's a trouper!)
These last two weeks have been so hard for me personally because I have felt so much guilt for not taking my kids over to visit more often, I haven't kept better in touch with my grandparents and I haven't had them as involved in my life growing up as I would have liked because of the distance apart we lived. I've always taken for granted the fact that I have all four of my grandparents alive. It's amazing how all the things that were important in my life suddenly came to a halt and he, my grandma and my Mom moved to the top of the list. I am very fortunate to work just minutes from LDS Hospital so that I can visit him every few days during my lunch break. It does my heart good to see him and my grandma (and generally some of my aunts & uncles too!).
Thanks to everyone who has asked about him- I really appreciate your love & concern. Please keep him in your prayers. And if you are able, please donate blood. In the first few days he was admitted it was the RBC's & platelets that saved his life. He continues to get blood products and I feel so thankful to everyone who has donated for helping to save him.
3 comments:
When I first saw the title of the post my heart sank thinking that your grandpa had passed away. I am glad you're taking the chance to visit with him. Enjoy those times!
I worked on that unit as a tech when Mike and I first got married. The nurses were really good so I'm sure he is in good hands. It was fun to see updates and I loved remembering the Children's museum. How fun!
Hi! I saw your pictures from KZ and though how much fun it looked. I do need to take Paulie there, he would have a blast! If you guys go again let us know, it would be fun to get together other then just Christmas.
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