Paul Eugene Bingham
LDS Missionary Photo

June 17, 2009

Family and Friends,

As some of you may or may not know, our father is really sick. In early April, Paul was diagnosed with having MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome). It's an early form of Leukemia. MDS is classified into three basic categories: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. Paul has intermediate. Basically, MDS is when your bone marrow just "poops" out and either stops making cells, or makes cells that aren't helpful.

In May the doctors started Paul on a chemotherapy treatment called "Vidaza."

Unfortunately, Paul's condition is intensified by his older age (67) and two other big health problems:
1. Diabetes.
2. Psorosis of the Liver.

Paul's body just isn't accepting any of the treatments. He gets multiple blood transfusions each week, but with his liver shot, the transfusions are not helping. His blood cell counts are so low and nothing is really helping them get better. (for example, when a person needs like 400 minimum of a type of blood cell, Paul has around 5).

We, Paul's children, decided to create this blog as the MAIN center for getting updates as to his condition. We love our father with all our hearts and want to be with him as much as possible during this last phase of life.

I know most of you are curious as to a timeline for Paul. It's really hard to say. Without the chemotherapy, someone in his condition could have 1-3 months. However, with Paul's other health issues, his hematologist feels one month or less is more realistic. (though miracles can and have happened). As the line from Terms of Endearment goes, "We hope for the best, and prepare for the worst."

As far as contacting us, please feel free to call or email (see below). If we don't answer or pick-up, please know it's not because your contact isn't appreciated or that it isn't helping. By all means, we NEED every one's support, contact, friendship, love, and prayers. Feel free to post here and we can read your posts to Paul (usually in bed now).

All of Paul's kids are going to be with him this Father's Day. Updates will be placed here on a VERY regular basis.

Again, thanks in advance for your love, concern, and prayers. We love you all and we know the Lord will guild us though and His will be done in all things.

-Bingham kids

Update on June 18:

Paul was diagnosed with Bone cancer today after getting an X-ray. This, in addition to the MDS and the other stuff I listed above.

We are looking into Hospice options now.

Some contact info:

Josh Bingham
joshbingham@gmail.com
Cell phone: 650-814-4423

Paul Bingham
paul.bingham@gmail.com

Barbara Bingham
barbbingham@gmail.com