Prayer Request...My dad...
 

I know I dont post all that much here on this forum, most of my time spent has been in the Investing 102 thread. But my dad's a big car guy, as well as I am (thanks to growing up with it around him). And I wanted to share some of his situation with you all.

I have a small request to make. He just finished having open heart surgery to place an LVAD Device (heart assist pump. think of it as an electric water pump for your heart/blood) (here's his xray after). This is simply a bridge to a full on heart transplant.

See, my father was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma back in 97. Now, my dad isn't one to give up. Beat cancer in 97 after chemo, for 2 years. In 99 it came back. He then went through a Bone Marrow Transplant (using his own stem cells).

Fast forward some years, in 2007 he got severely week and finally was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, a "side affect" from some of the chemo drugs he had taken during the BMT. They did all they could to minimize it, but the last couple months have went significantly downhill quickly. They were planning a heart transplant, but he couldn't make it that long. They did an emergency LVAD surgery instead. Very risky due to his current condition. But so far its looking good!

Anyhow. I've created a page to help my parents with things. I'd like to request that you guys say a prayer for them. Its a LONG TOUGH road ahead, and this is only the first hurdle. He'll still have a heart transplant down the road.

Please take a look at the following page. "Like" it on Facebook if you could. Leave a comment on the "Guestbook" also. Those are very helpful in his down times. There is also an option to donate, if you feel so inclined (tax deductible) . But at least take a moment to put a positive message.

Albert Dutra Sr via HelpHOPELive.org

Also, Dads a HUGE car guy. He'd be all over this forum if he was very computer savvy and could type. But he'll talk your leg off if he's feeling good. And would do anything you'd ask him to help with (that kind of person).

Thanks guys!
Albert

Pic of my Dad, Mom and his 65 Chevelle he's been slowly working on the last 25 years:

http://albertdphotography.zenfolio.c...57069414-3.jpg

Done. Really.
Hang in there.

Prayers sent. There is power in prayer we send it up in faith. Sounds like he is kicking butt!

I feel your pain. Having a good father means a lot to us fellas. I just lost my father a few weeks ago. I simply feel blessed that he was given 12 more years to fight (told he had weeks to live) with the last two years to really humble himself and make life changes that showed he was ready to go home to God (although he fought until his last breath).

Stay strong and God bless him and your family.

Prayers sent to you and yours

Albert..

Prayers are sent your way..

Life has a way of Humbling us and this is one of those times..

My best to your Dad and your family...

And I am glad you joined us here at LatG...

Prayers sent. My dad too got me into cars, so it's a great bond to have with your dad. I wish you and your family the best.

Albert, I will send my prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Your dad sounds like a tough guy, he'll do fine. Just be strong for him and your mom through this time. Take care buddy!

Prayers sent!

I'll keep your dad and the rest of your family in my prayers.

Thanks everyone for the prayers, PM's, and visits/likes/donations.

He's got a VERY long and tough road ahead.

I went and visited him friday evening/Satursday. They're in Stanford, which is a few hours drive so i went up after work (on my birthday, none the less). He is talking more, shared some Cake with us, and is up and walking. He's making some good progress. They may send him to the "half way house" today or tomorrow, if all goes well. This means my parents will have to rent a different apartment, near the hospital for another couple weeks. My mom will have to be by his side 24/7 and can't let him out of her sight. Going to be tough as she can't run to the store or anything like that.

He'll be attached to his battery packs or to the wall plugin now until his heart transplant. Nothing like being on an 8ft leash all night. Makes it tough to get up and go potty or get a drink, or any of the normal tasks we take for granted.

Your continued thoughts/prayers are welcome. Also, leave an encouraging word on his guestbook. Those really bring a tear to his eye, and keep him looking upwards, on the hard days.

Thanks,
Albert

Tell him we are behind him 100%.
I will continue my prayers for your family. Be strong for your mom. Take care Albert.

Update: 3/29/13:

Well the stay at the "half way apartment" was short lived. Dad's back in the hospital today (well, last night). We noticed he wasn't acting normal. Almost as if he was hallucinating or seeing things. Carrying on a conversation was OK, but making decisions were a difficult task.

Mom took him to the ER last night, where they ran CT Scans, XRays, EKG's and then today an EEG as well. Still awaiting some of the results. Some of they Psychiatric team came in to evaluate him as well. He had a real tough time doing minimal tasks (drawing simple things).

They are leaning towards some sort of side effect, or withdrawal or something relating to the meds he is on. But its not for sure yet, and their still running tests to make sure its not actually brain related (boy we sure hope not!!!).

We were planning on taking the kids up to see them tomorrow at the apartment, but unfortunately that wont happen this week. :(

Albert

I hope everything turns out ok Albert. Be strong.
My prayers.

Big news just now.. Dads officially on the heart transplant list. Level 1A (most critical). The next heart and kidney fitting his match will be his. While this is a blessing, that they feel he is strong enough to endure such a drastic surgery, it's very scary as well. They feel it will be 'very soon' that this will all happen. The LVAD device is causing him to bleed internally through the walls of his stomach & intestines. So they want to move forward as quick as possible with the LVAD removal and new heart. (12+ Pints of blood the past week). We thought the LVAD was a difficult road, this one is much longer and tougher. Please keep dad and mom in your thoughts and prayers. It's been a very rough emotional and physical road they've been on, and now a whole new one starts.

Here is a link to his page, with updates and if you could spare, a donation to help cover some of the costs/living expenses they're having to cover that insurance doesn't. https://www.helphopelive.org/find-a-...96041624D64869

Sorry to hear all this Albert!



I've made a small donation to help out via the link you have posted here... I hope it helps.

Prayers Sent

Greg,

Every little bit helps! Many thanks friend. I owe you for this, and for all the knowledge in the investing thread you've taught me. One day I'll pay it back. And if not, pay it forward for sure.

Thank you!

Praying for your Dad's full healing.:)

My pleasure buddy.... Just sorry for the reason, but glad I can help a little. I know you'll pay it forward when it's your turn.

Update today...

He's stable. took another pint of blood last night. So still bleeding.

I was pretty far off on my post yesterday about his blood intake. I mentioned 12+ pints of blood. Well, its double that, today was his 26th pint of blood since Friday April 5th. (has had more, a few after the initial LVAD surgery, but didnt count those).

Transplant could come at any moment now, anywhere within a 1200 mile radius.

I pray that all turns out good for your Dad...

I know about Heart and Brain problems and they are very scary for all involved..

Best Wishes..

I will continue to pray for your family Albert. I hope all goes well with everything and your dad gets the transplant that he so very needs. Good luck man!

Great news today... Got the call there is a match for a heart and kidney!!! They took him at about 11 am. He's in surgery now. They have to remove the LVAD, swap the hearts and if everything is stable, then they'll do the kidney.

Such an emotional roller coaster today. Happy but terrified. Keep the prayers. Will update later when he comes out of the surgery. Fingers crossed!!!

Great news sending more prayers

X's 2 :thumbsup:

Fingers crossed and a little $$ at the link. I'm pulling for you guys

https://www.helphopelive.org/find-a-...96041624D64869

Albert, I just saw your thread. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Have Faith and stay strong and positive. Dad's and Mom's are a blessing!

So far everything is going extremely well they said!! What a miracle. And after 26+ pints of blood, a very rare 0 antibodies developed. Which is awesome.

Still on ventilator, but is awake and trying to communicate. Doctors are very pleased with all the results so far.

Great news Albert!

People that believe in miracles get them. :)

:theresa: :theresa: :theresa: :theresa: :theresa:

Lol thanks you guys. He just got his ventilator tubes out and they removed some other tubes going into his abdomen and other parts. I haven't got to see him yet (had to get my son food so my sister and mother went in). But heard he is doing well on his own power....

So looks like the ultimate engine swap is going well!!!!

Boy you said it with "the ultimate engine swap"!!!

absolutly amazing what can be done these daze, congrats on all ends and hopefully the recovery is easy....

mike

Yeah. It's crazy what they can accomplish! And sorry for the extra smog in Livermore... Been driving thru twice a week! Lol

It blows right over the top lol, but if you could hold a can of allergy repellant spray out your window when you drive through? lol

Hows he doin?

He's doing very well again today. Was up sitting in the chair for a couple hours. Resting now.

Hopefully the allergies blow off the car on the altamont. Lol

Great News Albert. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

Post Transplant Day 3:

All is continuing to go well! No blood transfusions, no complications. Doctors are very impressed with his results thus far. Kidneys are doing well also. Said continued on this path he should be out of ICU and down to "step down ICU" around the weekend. Starting physical therapy today. Likely attempt to have him take a few steps.

A few important things:
1. For those of you interested in sending get well cards you Can send them to this address: 555 west Middlefield Rd, apartment N301. Mountain view, CA 94043.
2. For those interested in donating blood, a blood drive will be held on May 20th from 3pm to 7pm at Denair high school gym.

Please say a prayer for his continued recovery. It's a long road ahead. One of his goals is to make it to Hot August Nights this year! Also say a prayer to the family who lost their young loved one. We will be forever grateful for this family giving us this opportunity.

With love,
Albert Jr, and the rest of the Dutra family.

Great to hear Albert. I am glad that your dad is doing well.
Prayer is a powerful thing.

Glad to hear your Dad is doing well...The miracle of modern Medicine at work. Along with tons of prayers...