Hey Mom & Dad! We missed you guys over Christmas, but know that you had a great time with the family in St. George. It's better you were there anyway with the air quality in Salt Lake as bad as it was last week. I have a feeling you'll be down there quite a bit over the next 3 months or so. What a blessing it is for you to have family in a warmer climate with perfect air quality only 3 and a half hours away! Funny how the Lord works like that isn't it?
I just want to say that even though the news didn't come back the way we wanted it to last week, I have a calm feeling about all of this. I know that this is actually going to make our family EVEN STRONGER. You're the man Dad, and I have no doubt you'll give this disease the fight of the century! And YOU KNOW I have your back at all times. You've always had mine.
And Mom... We're right there with you too!
We love you guys!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
NOW WE KNOW THE ENEMY
WHAT A ROLLER COASTER RIDE. ALOT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. AT LEAST NOW WE KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AND PRAY FOR. I KEEP GRASPING AT THE THOUGHT THAT DWIGHT WILL DO EVERYTHING TO STAY HEALTHY. HE'S BEEN MY HERO FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS AND I REFUSE TO GIVE UP ON HIM. EVERY DAY FROM HERE ON IS GOING TO GREAT BECAUSE HE IS IN MY LIFE.
THROUGH ALL THIS, YOU REALIZE WHAT AMAZING CHILDREN YOU HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO RAISE. OUR FAMILY IS RICH IN LOVE & HAPPY EXPERIENCES. SO NEVER FEEL SAD ABOUT US. WE HAVE IT ALL!!!
DWIGHT ALWAYS WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU SO PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS COMING. IT HELPS ALOT. LOVE TO ALL OUR FAMILY & FRIENDS - CHRIS
THROUGH ALL THIS, YOU REALIZE WHAT AMAZING CHILDREN YOU HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO RAISE. OUR FAMILY IS RICH IN LOVE & HAPPY EXPERIENCES. SO NEVER FEEL SAD ABOUT US. WE HAVE IT ALL!!!
DWIGHT ALWAYS WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU SO PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS COMING. IT HELPS ALOT. LOVE TO ALL OUR FAMILY & FRIENDS - CHRIS
And the Envelope please....
I have just heard from the Doctor regarding the conclusion reached by the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.
After examining the tissue samples sent from the "U", they have concluded, along with our Doctor's, that I have "UIP" (Usual Interstitial Pneumonia). This is not what I wanted to hear as this condition has no known cure or treatment so it is just a question of how fast it will spread throughout the lungs. After the false alarm last week which gave so much promise, this one takes me back to square one.
There are a lot of positives though. I am in pretty good condition which will help slow the process. My attitute is upbeat and I am determined to make the best of what I have. Great support from my awesome wife, Chris. My two sons, Bryan and Carter, and my daughter, Jani. It can't get any better! and friends, wow; the best. My little grandkids constantly tell me I am getting better; and when I hear that, I am!
I just got off of our good friends, Dee and Janet Reynolds, son's blog (jasonslifeisgood.blogspot.com) and things are put into perspective. Jason is undergoing major surgery with all kinds of challenges and I have nothing! I am in no pain. I can go about most of my normal activities as usual. Then I look at Jason who is in an inferno of constant pain with challenges I can't even begin to imagine - yet He manages to smile and say life is good. He is a giant of a man and an inspiration to me.
Another aspect which I can't overlook is the ongoing research for this disease that is ongoing and who knows what the future might bring. The University has some trial studies in which I plan to participate. It is so woefully underfunded given the extent of this disease across the country. Approximately 200,000 cases in the USA with 40,000 deaths a year ( similar to breast cancer) but not nearly the funding that most other diseases receive. I can see why. I hadn't even heard of the disease until I was diagnosed with it! O well, as they say in portuguese, "Pois 'er".
I do plan on enjoying life as always and invite you to enjoy it with me. We still have a lot of good times ahead.
Merry Christmas,
Dwight
After examining the tissue samples sent from the "U", they have concluded, along with our Doctor's, that I have "UIP" (Usual Interstitial Pneumonia). This is not what I wanted to hear as this condition has no known cure or treatment so it is just a question of how fast it will spread throughout the lungs. After the false alarm last week which gave so much promise, this one takes me back to square one.
There are a lot of positives though. I am in pretty good condition which will help slow the process. My attitute is upbeat and I am determined to make the best of what I have. Great support from my awesome wife, Chris. My two sons, Bryan and Carter, and my daughter, Jani. It can't get any better! and friends, wow; the best. My little grandkids constantly tell me I am getting better; and when I hear that, I am!
I just got off of our good friends, Dee and Janet Reynolds, son's blog (jasonslifeisgood.blogspot.com) and things are put into perspective. Jason is undergoing major surgery with all kinds of challenges and I have nothing! I am in no pain. I can go about most of my normal activities as usual. Then I look at Jason who is in an inferno of constant pain with challenges I can't even begin to imagine - yet He manages to smile and say life is good. He is a giant of a man and an inspiration to me.
Another aspect which I can't overlook is the ongoing research for this disease that is ongoing and who knows what the future might bring. The University has some trial studies in which I plan to participate. It is so woefully underfunded given the extent of this disease across the country. Approximately 200,000 cases in the USA with 40,000 deaths a year ( similar to breast cancer) but not nearly the funding that most other diseases receive. I can see why. I hadn't even heard of the disease until I was diagnosed with it! O well, as they say in portuguese, "Pois 'er".
I do plan on enjoying life as always and invite you to enjoy it with me. We still have a lot of good times ahead.
Merry Christmas,
Dwight
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Not so fast!
I just returned from the Doctor's office and they want to hold off on their definitive statement as to the classification. The Pathologist wants a second opinion regarding the NSIP classification consequently the samples are also being sent to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.
Apparently there remains a lot of questions with this disease and it is not unusual find a lot of grey area's and overlapping symptoms. The Doctor would say that I do not have the "worst of the worst" with no hope or cure so that was good news. They need a little more time to catagorize the type of fibrosis and the subsequent treatment. I should have more information after the Holidays and that's O-K because I have decided to not worry about it and ENJOY a beautiful Christmas with friends and family. Why not!
Merry Christmas,
Dwight
Apparently there remains a lot of questions with this disease and it is not unusual find a lot of grey area's and overlapping symptoms. The Doctor would say that I do not have the "worst of the worst" with no hope or cure so that was good news. They need a little more time to catagorize the type of fibrosis and the subsequent treatment. I should have more information after the Holidays and that's O-K because I have decided to not worry about it and ENJOY a beautiful Christmas with friends and family. Why not!
Merry Christmas,
Dwight
Monday, December 14, 2009
On the mend!
It's been over a week from the surgery and starting to feel good again. Should be back causing trouble this week. We are anxious to hear the results from the biopsy in hopes that it will give us some direction regarding treatment. Today's Monday and I am told the results are just coming in. Once I get them, I will get the results out.
However it turns out, I am prepared to make the best of it. With the support I have and so much to be thankful for --- Bring it on!
Back with you soon -
Dwight
However it turns out, I am prepared to make the best of it. With the support I have and so much to be thankful for --- Bring it on!
Back with you soon -
Dwight
Friday, December 4, 2009
Welcome Home Ozzy!!
Dad was able to go home a day & a half after surgery... this has to be some sort of record! The original plan was for him to spend 24 hours in I.C.U. following surgery, then be transferred to his room where he would spend at least a couple more nights before going home. But in typical Ozzy fashion, he cruised through what was supposed to be a 3-hour surgery in 40 minutes, they decided based on his awesome health to skip the I.C.U., and after one night he was already up & about walking the halls of the hospital in his Utes hat & hospital gown! The Doc was like "You don't need to be here!"
Great job Pops... You're an inspiration to us all!!
Great job Pops... You're an inspiration to us all!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Atta boy Pops!!
Great job today Dad!! It didn't surprise me at all when the Dr. said it couldn't have gone better!
Way to go Ozzy!!
Janice sent me a text that Dwight is recovering fine from the surgery this morning and did not even have to go into the ICU afterwards. He's a Ute but he's a tough guy anyway! :)
Way to go Ozzy- you'll be back on the golf course in no time!!
Eric
Waiting
We're here in the waiting room at University Hospital - no word yet. Doctor's said that they'll update us when they find anything. We're planning on Dad being in surgery until about Noon, and then in the ICU until Thursday morning. He was doing great when they wheeled him into surgery and just looking forward to getting it overwith.
Mom's good friend Ann Bagley who works here at University Hospital stopped by to say hello and really lifted Mom's spirits. She's doing great - so proud of her!
Mom's good friend Ann Bagley who works here at University Hospital stopped by to say hello and really lifted Mom's spirits. She's doing great - so proud of her!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Disneyland 2009
FINALLY!!! A complete picture of the Osborn Family (at least for a few more months, right Amy?) I think everyone here agrees that Disneyland is definitley the happiest place on earth - as long as there's plenty of churros, Diet Coke, Advil, Wet Wipes, working strollers, balloons, toys, giant lollipops and lots of potty breaks!
Good times!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Testing this post
This is a test post to see what it looks like. ajdkl;ajskldjfkld;ajksldjfkaljskdlfjkalsjdkfljaklsjfklajskldfjklajskdlfjkal;sjdkflajksldjfklajskldfjaklsjdfklajksldfjkaljsdklfjaklsdjfklajskdlfjaklsdjkflajskdlfjkalsjdkflajskdlfjaklsjdkflajksdjfkasjkfjaksjfklajskdlfjkaljsdklfdjskaljskdlfjkalsjdkfjaklsdjfklajskdlfjkalsjdkflajskdlfjaklsjfkal;
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis 2009 PSA
This is the new public service announcement that is just beling launched on tv and radio this summer by the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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