Fried chicken, anyone?

Paul had a follow-up appointment at Huntsman Cancer Clinic on Wednesday, so we drove to North Ogden and spent Tuesday night with Mom and Dad. Since retiring, my dad has been honing his latent agricultural tendencies, most recently in the field of poultry husbandry. He has become quite successful, and is the proud owner of a large number of hens and roosters. Unfortunately, roosters are in the habit of announcing their presence to the world at unreasonably early predawn hours, around 5 a.m. on the morning of our visit. I realize these birds were just doing what comes naturally to them, but really...people were trying to sleep! I'm not usually one to hold a grudge, but when Dad decides it's time to send them off to the big Rooster Round-Up in the Sky, I'll be there to help.

Paul's appointment went well. Dr. Jones was very pleased with the progress he's making and said we won't need to come back for six months. While we were waiting to see Dr. Jones, Nancy, Dr. Andtbacka's nurse stopped by to say "hi." She gave Paul a hug and asked how the "miracle boy" was doing. We also saw Ryan, the physical therapist, who was impressed with how well he's getting around.

These are post-surgical x-rays of Paul's "bionic" leg. Amazing!
(click on images for a larger view)






On a less cheerful note, the results of the shoulder MRI showed no rotator cuff tear, but a mass about the size of a walnut growing on the acromion process (the blue-colored projection to the far left of the shoulder blade).



Paul will resume the oral chemotherapy drug regimen that he was on before his leg surgery. Dr. Hancock feels this is the best course of treatment. Paul will probably start this on Monday.


The rest of the family is doing well, keeping busy with school and other responsibilities. About a week ago, I went to Madison High School to see Parker inducted into the National Honor Society. He didn't want me to take pictures, but here's an image that captures the mood of the event.



Way to go, Parker!