Monday, July 28, 2008

My Daddy and Me


Some of you may know this already, but most of you don't. I just wanted to share with you what has been happening since July 9th.

My Dad, Philip Ray Brown, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Multiple Myeloma (MM) also known as plasma cell cancer. MM is a type of cancer of plasma cells which are immune system cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Myeloma is incurable, but remissions may be induced with various treatments.

We have been waiting for over two weeks to get this diagnosis. It might seem strange to hear that this is actually good news, but it is. Originally we thought it was terminal. We thought this was the end. We were saying our goodbyes. Then we took more and more tests, saw a few more doctors, waited more, and then received a hopeful prognosis. The doctor said that he could probably live a few more years with treatments. Years. Not days. That is really good news, considering. It's not curable, but it is controllable. Treatments will include radiation on the 2 largest tumors on his chest and pelvis, and various pills for the 6 smaller tumors in his ribs, spine, and upper back. He is in a lot of pain and can barely walk, but the doctor assures us that the treatments will help to subside this by shrinking the tumors. He has a long hard road ahead of him with radiation and treatments, but he is still here with us. Here for longer than we thought. And that in itself is so comforting.

It's strange how much a day can mean to you when it could be the last day. A year seems like an eternity and I'm so grateful that I have the possibility of more time with him. I love my Dad very much. He makes my life better because he's in it.

Thank you to my family and dear friends for all of the love, support, flowers, and prayers. For more information on my Dad and updates on his health, check out the Philip Ray Brown Updates link in my family section.

11 comments:

Katie said...

Hey Lexi! Thanks so much for keeping us updated. Zach was so happy when I told him the good news and is glad you give updates on your blog. Tell your friend to call me, I came across her blog by chance on my friend Niccole's and read that she was going to PR, then I saw your comment on her blog so it's a small world I guess!

Linds Forrest said...

Lexi I didn't know about your Dad. I am sorry to hear the news, but grateful he is able to be with your family for much longer!! We will keep him and all your family in our prayers!!
Lots of Love

julie said...

lexi, it seems insufficient to comment on your blog about something like this... but none the less, i wanted you to know that our prayers will be with you & your family at this time. i know cancer is such a scary thing to deal with in your life. but i also know that you & your family will grow closer to each other & heavenly father through your trials.

Jenn said...

I Love that picture of you and your Dad, it's so precious. I have the perfect picture of you two slow dancing at your wedding, remind me to give it to you. Big Phil is an incredible guy and he can get through this. Your family is so strong and amazing and you can handle anything. I'm excited to see you when you come into town next week! And I am full on prepared to crash your family reunion if I have to. Love you, Jenn

Ryan and Bethany said...

What a great picture of you and your dad.

I can only tell you that you, your family, and especially your dad are in our prayers constantly. I love Uncle Phil so much! He's my favorite uncle! (I guess I shouldn't say that too loud, but. . .it's the truth!) We love your family so much.

I'm an idiot. I should have called you guys when we were at Disneyland! I don't know what I was thinking! We definitely will next time.

Richelle said...

wow i had no idea. although i am so sad to hear about what your dad is going through, i am happy for you that you do get to have some more time with him. i will hope and pray for you and him that this will be a time to draw you closer.

diana said...

Thank you for sharing. We will definitely remember you, your dad, and your family in our prayers.

And please let me know if there's anything we can do for you!

Jill and Paul said...

hey lex- im glad to hear he has time. i hope it all goes well for him and that he gets out of pain soon. hes such a strong, positive man. hope youre doing good too.

Lindsey said...

My parents have been updating me about your dad. Good to hear you have more time than you thought. He's such a great guy. I love talking to him whenever I go to the old 5th ward!

Zach and Cecily said...

Lex - I had no idea! I'm sad to hear he's in pain but glad you still have some time with him. I've been thinking about you a ton lately and miss you so much! I hope you're doing okay and hope to see you soon! Love - Cecily

Lindsey said...

Oh, sweet Phil! What an amazing man he is. I wish you guys the best.