Prayer Request...My dad... - Lateral-g Forums

toy71camaro · #1 03-21-2013, 05:41 PM

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:

Shmoov69 · #2 03-21-2013, 06:30 PM

Done. Really.
Hang in there.

Evaporate · #3 03-21-2013, 07:30 PM

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.

intocarss · #4 03-21-2013, 08:01 PM

Prayers sent to you and yours

Bucketlist2012 · #5 03-22-2013, 11:45 AM

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...

**Roscoe03** · #6 03-22-2013, 12:30 PM

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.

**tones2SS** · #7 03-22-2013, 04:54 PM

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!

Cole · #8 03-22-2013, 06:16 PM

Prayers sent!

**waynieZ** · #9 03-23-2013, 09:49 PM

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

toy71camaro · #10 03-25-2013, 07:41 AM

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