Xray of Harvey's spine 2/14

For months, we have wondered why Harvey had been in such tremendous pain.  The x-ray says it all.  L3 & L4 vertebrae are severely deteriorated on outer R edges, his left side.  The doctor told us, enlarged lymph nodes in this area were creating pressure against raw, exposed nerves.

Happy Birthday Harvey!

On April 5th, we celebrated Harvey's 82nd birthday.  His granddaughters, Kara Frazier and Emily Greer made him a banner.  He mentioned he had never had a banner made for him before.  It's about time!

Harvey is feeling so much better, he wanted a new tennis racquet.  He thinks he might take up playing tennis again so we got him new equipment!

 

Surgery Goes Well Today!

Note: Allison is out of town and Dianna got to come up from Las Vegas for a visit with Harvey and Nada this week (Dianna is posting).

Monday we shaved Harvey's hair to try and get ahead of the loss. He looks cute! On our way to the total-shaved look, we did an intermediate style kind of like Lyle Lovett if you know who that is. I was hoping to include a photo but I got out-voted. Just type "Lyle Lovett haircut images" into your browser and you'll get the idea!

Harvey had a 7 a.m. surgery appt. at McKay-Dee Hospital this morning to install a porta cath. (Harvey will receive his chemo treatments through this port starting next Monday.) The surgery was speedy and Harvey's recovery was also quick. By lunch he was ready for some Café Rio take-home and enjoyed warm tortilla soup. His appetite has improved so much over the last couple of weeks. He's now resting.

Harvey and Nada have loved the cards and letters they've received. It really makes their day to get mail from "home" in Fair Oaks, and from friends and family in other places too. Thanks to all of you for your care and concern.

 

My dad is way cuter than Lyle Lovett!

Harvey is currently living with Allison and Tony. 155 North 500 East Kaysville  UT 84037

Starting Treatment

Harvey had his first chemo treatment yesterday. He and Nada were at the infusion center from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. He was very tired, but awoke with zero pain and no nausea! His doctor had told him that his type of cancer responds immediately to the chemo drugs and that Harvey would be feeling a lot better once he began treatment. All of us had doubts about this diagnosis, but, it has proven to be correct!

Groundhog Day

 

Groundhog Day. Harvey & Nada moved from Fair Oaks to Kaysville, Utah. Like the movie of the same name, Harvey & Nada are literally living the premise of "Groundhog Day" as they are repeating their journey with cancer.
Harvey was diagnosed with stage 4 Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma last Friday, February 21 after weeks of rapidly failing health and many tests. The cancer is in his spine and lymph system, primarily in those glands around his lower vertebrae. His doctor is satisfied that with a chemo regime of 6 infusions once every 3 weeks, he will be just fine. His vertebrae, specifically L2, L3, L4, have sustained severe erosion from the cancer mass, but, his doctor believes he will recover and be able to get back to a normal routine.
Normal...for you, for me, or for Harvey Greer, super human gardner and 'Master of Faster' when it comes to work? Ah. It will be interesting to watch.