We just wanted to thank every one for all the thoughts, prayers, support, financial help, love and everything else!  We greatly appreciate everything during this difficult time.

A little update on dad:  he has started the chemo a few days ago- and he has been handling it well.  A few more days of taking the pills and then he will be off until next month.  He continues to love all the emails, texts, letters, memories of the good old days, etc.  They really make his day!  So thank you again!

Pathology Update

The Pathologist got back to my parents this morning.  The tumor is a grade 3, anaplastic astrocytoma.  They also met with dad's oncologist, who is starting him on chemo.  The chemo pill is temodar.  Dad will be on it for 2 months, taking the pill for 5 days and then off the rest of the month and then 5 days again for the second month.  After the 2 months, dad will have a MRI to see how the tumors are reacting to the temodar.

Dad and Mom- what a great pair!

Thank you again for every one's thoughts, prayers, support, financial help, texts, emails and love!  They are all greatly appreciated!  Love the Figgats

Biopsy

Monday morning dad had another MRI to get the "coordinates" for the tumor they were going to go after during the biopsy. The biopsy happened on Monday afternoon.  We were told that it would be 3 hours but it was finished in an hour and a half!  The doctor said that dad did great during surgery.  The neurosurgeon was able to go through dad's original incision, which made the whole surgery a lot easier.  We were told that dad would be spending 2 days in the hospital but was actually released today!  He was so excited to come home!  He is doing great- he has been resting a lot today.  We should have the results back from the biopsy in about 3-5 days. 

Dad, Frankie and Mom

Thank you again for all your thoughts, prayers and support!  Also, for those that have sent dad texts, emails and comments- he loves receiving/reading them! 

Update

Nothing much happened today, except the meeting with my dad's neurosurgeon.  We are trying to get the biopsy scheduled for Monday morning.  After the procedure, dad will have to stay in the hospital for 2 days just to make sure everything is good and he is stable to go home.  I will give further update to the appointment when we find out for sure.

Another update.  Now that we have settled in back at home, finished the appointments for the day; dad and I went  to the bank to change some things on the account that has been set up for his medical expenses.  Checks can now just be written out to "John Figgat".  Wire/electronic transfers are still available, but there is a new checking account number, which is #471575246.  Checks can still be sent to:

Megan Hammond
881 West State St. #140-418
Pleasant Grove, UT 84062

Dad is doing great today!  He loves all the comments that friends and loved ones have left on the blog.  Receiving emails (jfiggat@hotmail.com) and texts really make his day!  They get him to smile a little bit more :)  Thank you again for all the thoughts, prayers and support! 

Today my parents met with their oncologist to discuss the chemo options.  Nothing can really be determined until my dad has a biopsy.  The doctors will then be able to decide what chemo treatments will be best.  Tomorrow they have a appointment with their neurosurgeon to schedule a date for the biopsy.  Other than that, dad has been doing great these past few days.  Today he was out mowing the lawn, cheering on his youngest two daughters at their triathlon, and babysitting his granddaughter!  We love you all!

Today my parents went to meet with the chief radiologist.  We don't know much right now.  We do know that radiation is not an option at this time.  Tomorrow they are meeting with an oncologist to discuss further options.  Thank you again for every one's thoughts, prayers, love, support and to those that have helped financially- it is greatly appreciated!

Mom and Dad at the hospital

This morning around 4:30 am, dad had a seizure.  He was taken to the American Fork Hospital where they performed a CT scan to determine if any bleeding of the brain had occurred.  The test came back negative and he was given an IV with dilantin.  This was to help reduce the likely hood of another seizure.  Around 8:00 he was stable enough to be released from the hospital.  Dad's first request after leaving the hospital was an egg Mcmuffin breakfast from McDonalds.  He has been resting today to prepare for his granddaughter's 1st birthday!  Thanks again for all the love and support!