Happy 59th Birthday

Dear Family and Friends,
Well, not only did Marty get to spend Thanksgiving Day in the hospital, he is still here for his 59th Birthday. He has probably never had so much attention and people waiting on him for his birthday. I think he has had several calls and a few brave visitors. His cultures have come back and it is a STREP infection that has made him so sick. He is on all kinds of new medicines--pills, liquids and IV. With all the intensive IV antibiotics, the fungal infection has returned. So, 2 new meds for that. He had a very scary "spell" last night in which his blood pressure dropped very low--even for him---and his oxygen saturation was low. He felt very ill and dizzy and called for help. He chilled and was just miserable for quite awhile. I expected him to spike another fever because that is what he always did at home after he had the chills. But, he never did. The night nurses warned me that he did NOT have a very good night and got very little sleep. I went upstairs with Dr. Thakur when he was ready to make rounds. Marty looks so much better than he did on admission, but something is just not right. His color is gray and he is quite lethargic. He is not complaining of anything specific. Dr. Thakur has ordered some more studies to be done Tues and Wed---so I think he will be here a while longer. If the tests show an abcess or problems with his bones, he will be sent back to Salt Lake to Dr. Sharma, his surgeon. We are hoping for the best. Thanks to all who continue to include him in your prayers. Love,
LaRee, and of course, Marty

Sunday Night

Dear Friends and Family,
I spent the entire day in room 11 with Marty and he has had quite the day. His intake is still quite good, but he is getting very restless and agitated the longer he is captive in the hospital. We finally got the name to put on his infection---STREP.......so, yes it is also called a flesh eating bacteria and can do rotten stuff to the body if left untreated, but Yeah, he has been on a double dose of the "right" antibiotic since admission and so Dr. Thakur feels he will do well. Since we already see so much improvement, I have a good feeling about things. He has been miserable most of the day, but did take a walk with me, endured a session of Deidra and I writing thank you letters in his room so that he was in on it and continued to work on getting a great amount of nutrition in thru the day. About 6pm he had a very weird spell. He got dizzy, nauseated, and felt like he could not breathe. June came right away and his 0xygen sat was only 87-88 and it took quite the hefty dose of oxygen to get him up into the 90's. His blood pressure dropped extremely low and he started the shivers and was freezing and shaking. Warm blankets really did not really help all that much--as they usually do. I expected his fever to spike again after all the chilling, but it did not. Another Demeral/Phenergan IV was started, which did help him calm down. His veins (that have aways been fine specimans to behold) have been poked and prodded and the IV he has at this time hurts--probably because the Vanco is such a irritating antibiotic to the veins. The powerful antibiotics have also restarted the fungal infection in his mouth and he is miserable , as is the medicine he has to take for it. I am so tired, and felt bad leaving, but we both know my day starts very early tomorrow and it is his 59th Birthday--so we both need some rest. So, I have to get to bed and dream up some fun things to do that will not embarrass him or make him mad. My brain is not really up to being too creative tonight, but I know I can think of a thing or two. If Cristy Transtrum comes to work for even a few hours tomorrow, I can count on her to sing happy birthday to him---even over the overhead speakers of the hospital. So, I kissed my 58 year old sweetheart and reminded him that he will be 59before I see him again.
We had 2 special Elders from the Bear Lake Ward come to visit--Brother Brower and Brother Spencer. They not only gave Marty a beautiful blessing, but then turned and offered one to me, too. I heard many reassuring things in both our blessings and was touched that Brother Spencer offered and gave one to me. Deidra had made me promise last night that I would ask for one if Dad had another blessing today. I was sitting there wondering how to phrase my request, when he offered. I just feel it was meant to be and many things said are a comfort to me tonight.
I have left Marty in good hands and pray for a good nights rest for both of us.
I am saddened by the news of Slim Reddington's death. Beth and Slim have just been such a special couple throughout my life. I am sorry for the struggles he has had with his health. I will try to update how THE BIRTHDAY goes. If you try to call him and have trouble, just call the nurse's station and they can help him get the phone to his ear. The nurses station is 208 847 1630. He may not be too communicative, but I'm sure it will help pass the time to hear some familiar voices.
Love to all, LaRee, Mom, Grandma Ree

HOME ALONE

Dear Family and Friends,
Marty looks and sounds so much better tonight. I did go to the Craft fair in Paris where Deidra had a huge table display of scarfs, rice bags and Mary Kay items. She is one ambitious girl. Angie had beautiful handmade magnets for sale at the table, too. I just sort of hung out, but it was fun and I knew Marty was in good hands at Bear Lake Memorial. Things ended at 300 and I got to his room about 3:30. When I finally saw him, I was thrilled to see how good he looks and that he had some company while I was gone. He is on heavy antibiotics, IV or by mouth pain meds and able to keep down each meal they send. It has just been wonderful to see him eating and keeping things down him. He is really a trooper and I am very proud of how strong and brave he is being. Lots of tests are in store for him tomorrow and we are not sure what will be the next course of action. He is much stronger today and Dr. Thakur told him to take a walk which he did. He loves this little walker and gets around in it well. I am just thrilled that he is on the uphill swing now. I really do not know how he could have finished up the 30 radiation treatments without his strong personality. We are grateful it is over and that these 2 weeks after (which he was warned that the radiation would still be killing tissues)is over, too. It was so fun to see him eat and keep it down. He still has a devil of a time with his pills and liquid meds, but he is figuring it out. I do NOT know how and what to plan for his upcoming bithday, Monday. At this point, we are not even sure which hospital he will be in, but hope it will still be BLMH and we can all get in to see him. I will be working, but will try to keep checking on him thru the day and then sit with him after work until bedtime. He was calmer today, took a great walk with me and just looks so much better. This is very encouraging.
Sending his love and mine to all of you in blogland who are reading our blog to keep up. Love to all, LaRee

Saturday Morining

Good Morning,
Marty had a very good night and kept down 40% of his breakfast tray. I am so very grateful for the turn around. I am not sure how much is help with the infection and how much is because of the 2 new antinausea meds, but for whatever reason, he is oh, so much better. We are not sure what lies ahead today------we know what a roller coaster it can be hour to hour when you are a patient, but are hoping for an uneventful day with rest and nutrition and increased strenth for him. "BETTER LIVING THRU CHEMISTRY" as Gary often says!
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever and whoever you got to share it with. All the Santa coming to town, after Thanksgiving sales hubbub had no appeal to me. I heard on the news that this busiest shopping day of the year is referred to as "Black Friday" and I had a black enough Friday without stepping into any store.
We are constantly seeing that we do not have to look far to see people having struggles and illnesses and grief with their own hard problems. It makes us appreciate even more how many continue to check the blog for updates and continue to remember that Marty still has a fight to win and are keeping him in your prayers. Love, LaRee (Mom) (Grandma Ree)

Thanksgiving News

Dear Friends and Family,
Well, Marty & I knew this was going to be a "different" Thanksgiving Day, but we did not know HOW different. He was definite that he did not want us to host a dinner or even have a Turkey cooking in the house. So.....the kids all made their own plans. I was to go to Brandons with him and Curtis's families, Deidra had a dinner with Josh's family and Angie was with Elaine in Paris.
Oh, how grateful I am that I was not cooking and setting up for a crowd because by 10:30 a.m. Marty said uncle to keeping up the fight for nutrition and we headed to the ER. We are grateful that Dr. Vashu Thakur took his case and after speaking with the doctors from the Huntsman, admitted him to the hospital. Lots of tests were done and an attempt at an nasal feeding tube was made. However, the most dramatic thing that happened was after the decision to admit was made, Marty rubbed a crusty patch on his neck and a volcano of unmentionable substance erupted. It was a shock to both of us. Last night , when I rubbed the cream on his scars and radiation burns, the incisions were clean and closed. This was cultured, blood cultures were drawn and a chest X-ray and CT scan were done. So, this explains the 104 fevers and the severe chills for the past 2 weeks ! I stayed with him and about 7 or so, he told me to go home and get some rest. I hated to leave, but knew he was right. All the kids came to see us briefly (no grandkids). I would have loved to get right to bed, but felt I had several things to do----laundry seemed pretty important since we are not sure what germs will grow from the cultures. I want a clean start on things when he comes home. He was started on some pretty hefty antibiotics until the cultures come back.
Because of not wanting to spread anything to my dialysis patients, I checked in on him by talking with his nurse, June, thru the shift and it was 3pm before I actually saw him and went to his room. Angie and Aly came just as I was heading up to see him. He looks much better today. His potassium is up to 3.2 (still low) he has not run fevers today and just after I arrived, he rubbed his chin and out came an eruption of infection from a small hole in his chin. He was horrified and I was glad. (Oh, lets just get it all out and get him better !!!!) He now has two new meds for nausea which seem to be really helping as he has kept 2 cans of nutrition down and some tastes of some other food items. THIS IS PROGRESS.
I am going home to get some personal items for him and then will come back and stay as long as he lets me.
This was not a fun Thanksgiving day, but we have much to be grateful for. I am thankful to Marty for being such a fighter and that I still have him to worry about and love. I am grateful for all our children and the things they do and have done to help us at this time. We are grateful to all our families, friends, community members who have shown their love, support and care for him. Remember him in your prayers. Love, LaRee

From Marty.......

Well I think its about time for me to thank all of you that have particapated in the blog. I also want to thank all that came and had fun at the bowling alley the other saturday,or that helped in their great way. I enjoyed seeing everyone and getting to talk with you all. The last week has been a real killer, I've been sick just about everyday with different symptoms everyday, I have been to the Emergency Room this week trying to find ou what's with, but oh well another day another dollar in the hole. Well, that all from me for now. Keep in touch.
Marty

November Gratitude

Dear Family and Friends,
Sorry that I have not updated the blog in over a week! OH, how the time flies. Marty got his pciture taken with his certicate of completion of his 30th treatment and we beelined home. We were overwhelmed with the success of the Benefit on Saturday, November 10th at the Bowling Alley. The place was packed alot of the day and Marty was able to stay longer than I would have dared to guess he could stay. So many of you were there or contributed in some way to the success of the day. We are putting in an official thank you in the News Examiner, but THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all who came, bought raffle tickets, donated auction items-or just wished you could have been there. It was wonderful for Marty's moral to see so many do so much in his behalf--and to see so many friends.
Starting Sunday, he had no voice and was so exhausted that I feel guilty that I "allowed him" to stay so long. But the truth is, he enjoyed every minute of it and did not ask to go home until he just could not sit any longer.
He was not able to have much intake of nutrition and has run a fever several days this week. We have visited the ER and he has been having IV therapy because he was so dehydrated. I felt torn about leaving him for the several hours each day that I went into work, but really needed to get some hours in. I am so grateful for the "intermittent family leave" that has allowed me to be with him so much.
He probably NEEDS a break from me now ------ and will especially when he starts feeling better each day. (Not happening yet).
We both feel we have lost a part of the year and are stuck back in July, while the rest of the world is ready for the holidays. It is a very strange feeling.
Dr. Hitchcock was not kidding when she said the effects of the radiation would continure for 1-2 weeks after that 30th and last treatment. He has had new and interesting symtoms as the days have come along and we are not sure what to expect next. All I know is that he IS a fighter and he is determined.
Thank you again for keeping Marty in your thoughts and prayers and for anything large or small you have done to help at this time. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Love, LaRee (Mom) (Grandma Ree)
and, of course, Marty (Dad) (Granpa Marty)

Last Day !!!

Dear Family & Friends,
Well, here we are at treatment day 30 and we are very grateful. The plan is to hit the road as soon as treatment is finished. We already know it will be a hard day, but Marty is so ready to have this part behind him and get HOME. Sadly, he learned yesterday that the effects of the radiation will continue for 1 to 2 weeks after this last day AND that the next phase of getting his dental work done needs to wait SIX MONTHS because of the potential changes that can occur while everything is healing and settling. We were both surprised by this. I am so proud of him for how brave and determined he has been through these past months----knowing something was wrong and not feeling good, 2 surgeries, multiple tests and now this radiation regime. He is truely one of a kind and I love him with all my heart. Thanks to all of you who have helped in any way. We will see many of you tomorrow at the benefit. We hope Marty can be there for a good share of it, but know staying there the whole day will not be possible. We apologize, in advance, if he is not there when you come hoping to see him. If he didn't already know how many people care and love him, he knows now.
Love,
LaRee

The Benefit For Dad

I just wanted to re-cap on what mom just posted today and give more details. Okay, Simplot is putting on a benefit for dad at Jolara Lanes Bowling Alley on November 10th in Montpelier. The hours are from 10am-5pm. Bowling will be $25.00 a lane per hour with a 5 person max for each lane. Tickets will be on sale for $1.00 for the raffle of prizes that businesses, family and friends have donated. Tickets for a 300 winchester short mag riffle will be on sale for $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. We currently have a gun board going around. If there are still squares available by benefit time they are $20.00 each. The gun board is for a Colt 45 pistol. We will be holding a silent auction for various items which will open at 11 am and close at 4pm. The Montpelier Trap Club has invited those who are attending the benefit to come to the trap club from 11am-1pm and from 2pm-4pm and enjoy some skeet shooting. Each shoot is $2.50 and proceeds will go to dad. There will be a lunch at the Bowling Alley at 1pm and Adult Plates are $7.00 and a child plate is $4.00. The lunch is roasted pig, dutch oven potatos, salad, rolls and a drink. We will also have home made treats for sale. If there is anything that anyone wants to bring for the raffle or silent auction please feel free to, just contact me, Deidra, so I can let you know what I need you to do. My email is deidrajo@dcdi.net. We hope to see you there, and once again thank you so much to all of you who have touched our lives with your kindness, thank you for your prayers and thank you for your friendship. You will never know how much everything that everyone has said and done has touched my dad's heart.
Love, Deidra

WOW

Dear Family and Friends,
I know it appears that I have forgotten the blog. I have not, but things have been so hectic and MANY things that should have been done went undone. Marty is so miserable. It is hard to describe what he goes through each day. He has a few hours of feeling decent each day, but for the most part, he is hurting and feels as weak as a kitten. It doesn't take much for him to be freezing or roasting. I think his body's thermastat has been radiated !!! I am very grateful for the sleeping med which now gets him at least 4 to 5 hours of sleep each night.
The most exciting news.........this is week #6. Only 5 more treatments and he is finished with radiation. At first when Dr. Hitchcock told him he would have 6 instead of 7, we were happy. But, on this end of it, we are elated !!! He cannot even fathom going 2 more weeks. Last Wednesday, he tried to bargain down for friday of the 5th week to be his last. The Dr. let him know what a BAD idea that would be. His dose and duration have been carefully calculated and he needs each one prescribed for the best outcome. But each day he feels he is being killed a little more (and he is) and he told the Dr., "I don't know how there could be anything left to kill---they've killed me enough." I thought it was a pretty accurate despcription of how he is feeling.
I know that whenever anything bad happens, I say it's the hardest thing I have ever done, and I'm going to say it again. I hate seeing him so sick and getting worse and weaker as each week of radiation takes it's toll. I wish I could take some of it from him. Many have said that very thing to him, and I know they mean it, but he has to do this himself. I am so glad that by Friday, the treatments will be done and after the effects of that have stopped, he can start to get better each week as he did after the surgery. He still has alot ahead of him.....just thnking of the dental work ahead of him and getting used to eating with his new teeth and new titanium jaw worries me. He doesn't know when the doctors will release him to go back to work, but knows he's got alot of work ahead of him to gain the strength he will need to pull off one of those 15 hour days!
We are so grateful to his work for putting on the benifit on his behalf that will be this Saturday, November 10th at the bowling alley in Montpelier from 10am - 5pm. He is hoping to pace himself and be there as much as he can.......it is a high priority for him. But, he knows he will just have to play it by ear.......depending on how much energy he can muster up.
Thank you to all who have remembered him in your prayers. We continue to be overwhelmed by the acts of kindness and generousity people have shown since this all began.
Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts, Love,
LaRee, and of course, Marty