Howard Update

Hello friends and fans of Howard! My dad hasn't updated the blog for quite awhile so I'm taking the opportunity to give you an update.

As many of you know he has been on a study at the Huntsman Cancer Institute this past year. His body has responded incredibly well to the drug treatment. Essentially, the drug activates the immune system to attack cancer cells. The cancer that was growing in my dad's lungs and liver is completely gone. A risk, or side effect, of the drug is that sometimes the immune system is hyperactive and attacks the body itself. Recently my dad developed a severe case of colitis (a sign that the immune system is hyperactive). He began to have abdominal pain, sleep more, eat less, and lose a lot of weight. Finally last weekend he was admitted to the hospital.

His optimistic oncologist said the colitis was a good sign; it indicated that the immune system was still fighting off the cancer cells. In anticipation of this possible side effect of the drug, the study developed another drug to calm down the part of the immune system that was attacking the body, while still allowing the other part of the immune system to fight off the cancer. To the happy surprise of the doctor and all of us, his body responded immediately to the follow-up drug, and literally overnight he was awake, eating a liquid diet, and in typical fashion he was brightening the day of every nurse that came in to poke and prod him. After five days he was released to go home.

He is on a very strict diet, and he will be regaining strength for awhile, but he continues to face each day with gratitude and optimism. He and Babs have hired a Home Health type of company that will help with meal preparation, cleaning, errands, and any other need that inevitably comes up with their unique health concerns.

We appreciate your prayers and acts of kindness. If any of you wish to send your love, know he receives any comments here. As much as he would love to talk with each of you, I'm requesting that you please not call as his energy is limited.

Warmly,

Darcie