How was your 2009? As I look back at mine - moved into a new house, lost a job, got cancer, became a chemo addict, sold the new house - plus all the associated emotional swings caused by all the drama (fears) I am just glad its over.
I haven't had chemo for a month now and the last week has finally resulted in better energy and mind clarity. In case I haven't told you before along with the other side effects of chemo is a "brain fog" which is debilitating when you don't have a lot of brain cells to start with!
The doctor visit this week sets up the new year for us. While the spots on the liver continue to be reduced there is no escaping the reality of a maintenance program from now on. In actuality, my maintenance will be what my 11th treatment was - both avaston (blood vessel starvation of cancer cells and not an actual chemo drug) and 5FU (chemo) will be administered every 2 weeks. The oxal (the really nasty chemo) is over but it has done its damage. I can hardly type due to no feeling in my fingers. The numbness in hands and feet will continue to get worse for awhile then I can expect a gradual improvement. The oxal results in the condition known as neropathy which has caused my foot drop (basically its all nerve damage).
I'll still have the pump on for 2 days after the infusion so every 2 weeks I'll have 3 days where I have to deal with a 6 hour infusion in the hospital and a couple more days of infusion by external pump that I will wear. We'll - so be it. What's the alternative? To me - the goal is to continue to get stronger and have better endurance - that will improve quality of life. Remember - this cancer cannot be cured - only controlled (for a period of time).
What will 2010 bring? For us it means closing on this house, moving back to Elbing, rennovating, remodeling and getting re-instated into the community. All in all its a "praise the Lord" scenario because we'll be able to do this - and there was a period of time in 2009 when I wasn't sure this would ever be a reality due to sickness and no buyer for our house.
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions - but here is what I have learned in 2009 - nothing is more important than relationships (with our Lord and Saviour, wife and family, friends and acquaintances). Thanks to all who have helped us through 2009 with your comments, encouragement and visits. We are blessed with such a strong support (includes prayer) community.
Love to all and a Happy New Year!
Gary & Sandy
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Dec 1 - anniversary and lots of good news!
Today is our 31st anniversary and we are celebrating not only the goodness of marriage but good news from the doctor and news of a buyer for our house!
Yesterday we visited with the oncologist and the CEA count is down to 13. Yes, that's correct - 13. That is a long way from where we started. The doctor grinned and said I was a poster child for getting well on this treatment! Great! I complained (just a little) about the side effects and how they are getting worse so he decided to drop the particular chemical that is causing the major side effects (sensitivity to cold, numbness in hands & feet, nausea, fatigue). I have taken 10 of the maximum 12 doses of this and it sure doesn't hurt my feelings to drop it. So I am hoping I just breeze through this treatment (and the next).
I am feeling much stronger as I start this treatment. So after 2 more of these we do the cat scan routine then go on a maintenance program. That's when things will get interesting - there is no prescribed protocol for maintenance on folks like myself that are dealing with metastasized colon cancer. So when we get to that point the doctor will prescribe what he thinks best and we shall see how I respond.
So praise the Lord for the good report! And - can you believe it? We have a buyer for the house. That is another praise item for all of you who have been praying. We have set a closing date of March 1 to give me time to make necessary arrangements for moving back home - to Elbing.
We had the best Thanksgiving ever and we hope you all did also. The weather was just great and our houseful of company was able to enjoy the outdoors as well as the indoors. So the blessings just continue (although we think we are going to get a dose of winter yet this week.
Stay tuned!
Gary
Yesterday we visited with the oncologist and the CEA count is down to 13. Yes, that's correct - 13. That is a long way from where we started. The doctor grinned and said I was a poster child for getting well on this treatment! Great! I complained (just a little) about the side effects and how they are getting worse so he decided to drop the particular chemical that is causing the major side effects (sensitivity to cold, numbness in hands & feet, nausea, fatigue). I have taken 10 of the maximum 12 doses of this and it sure doesn't hurt my feelings to drop it. So I am hoping I just breeze through this treatment (and the next).
I am feeling much stronger as I start this treatment. So after 2 more of these we do the cat scan routine then go on a maintenance program. That's when things will get interesting - there is no prescribed protocol for maintenance on folks like myself that are dealing with metastasized colon cancer. So when we get to that point the doctor will prescribe what he thinks best and we shall see how I respond.
So praise the Lord for the good report! And - can you believe it? We have a buyer for the house. That is another praise item for all of you who have been praying. We have set a closing date of March 1 to give me time to make necessary arrangements for moving back home - to Elbing.
We had the best Thanksgiving ever and we hope you all did also. The weather was just great and our houseful of company was able to enjoy the outdoors as well as the indoors. So the blessings just continue (although we think we are going to get a dose of winter yet this week.
Stay tuned!
Gary
Friday, November 20, 2009
Nov 20 - where has the time gone?
Wow - its Friday November 20. Thanksgiving is next week and we aren't completely ready yet - but we'll keep trying. I just got done with treatment #10 - can you believe it? I felt stronger going into this treatment than any before so something must be working. So far so good - just the usual side effects.
The good news is if I have it all figured out correctly is there are only 2 more treatments left - then I can go on a maintenance program and we shall see what the cancer does then. I am REALLY looking forward to being done with the 12 chemo treatments I am on now. Every 2 weeks is draining.
We've had good sunny days lately - and that helps a lot with attitude. I am not a fan of gray, rainy days and need my dose of sun to help with the cheery outlook. We have been working on putting some Christmas lights up - and that is cheerful as well.
Next week we have lots of family coming and that will be special. Then after they are all gone I go back to the oncologist to get the latest update before the next 2 treatments start. We trust all will be more good news.
Sandy and I are reading a new book called "Anti-Cancer". Its really moving and addresses emotional and nutritional type information and is written by a doctor that had brain cancer. Its really quite eye opening to read and understand how many people are affected by all this.
All for now - I just wanted to get a quick update out. We are doing ok and actually a little better so praise the Lord for that!
Gary
The good news is if I have it all figured out correctly is there are only 2 more treatments left - then I can go on a maintenance program and we shall see what the cancer does then. I am REALLY looking forward to being done with the 12 chemo treatments I am on now. Every 2 weeks is draining.
We've had good sunny days lately - and that helps a lot with attitude. I am not a fan of gray, rainy days and need my dose of sun to help with the cheery outlook. We have been working on putting some Christmas lights up - and that is cheerful as well.
Next week we have lots of family coming and that will be special. Then after they are all gone I go back to the oncologist to get the latest update before the next 2 treatments start. We trust all will be more good news.
Sandy and I are reading a new book called "Anti-Cancer". Its really moving and addresses emotional and nutritional type information and is written by a doctor that had brain cancer. Its really quite eye opening to read and understand how many people are affected by all this.
All for now - I just wanted to get a quick update out. We are doing ok and actually a little better so praise the Lord for that!
Gary
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Nov 3 and back on line - with oncologist update
Well, I don't know what to share first: the computer melt down I caused or the oncologist report. Hmmm,,,,,,ok, first we go with the oncologist.
The oncologist had all GOOD NEWS. The uptick in the CEA count last month to 48 is now back down to 33. That's good and we don't have to have an unscheduled scan. A second good indicator is I gained a little weight. Now most of you don't think of that as a good thing but for a cancer patient that is good news. It indicates I can eat and complete the rest of the tasks associated with fueling your body. And I admit, last month we ate out in restaurants a lot more as I felt better and visited with friends so that probably contributed to the cause. Also - the doctor poked around on my stomach and said it was soft as a baby. Hmmm,,,,what - no hardbody? Oh well - for this case its good news not to have any thing feeling out of the ordinary in the stomach region.
So we stay on the plan - I had chemo today. But maintenance is is the discussion now for next year. The good thing about that is I will be able to drop the oxaliplatin. That is the nasty stuff that causes the worst side effects - super sensitivity to cold (today it was 62 degrees and I had to wear gloves and needed a scarf while I was out doing some yard work after getting out of the hospital). And of course the fatigue and lack of stamina continues to be a constant companion.
Ok - now for the computer. Yup - I did it. And I consider myself somewhat a technical person. I downloaded some optimizing software that destroyed the computers ability to function completely. Thankfully the real techies were able to back up and restore all my files while reloading the operating system (XP) and reloading all the OEM quicksets (Dell). So now I am back online and recovering from email withdrawal.
What else is new? Lots of great visits from friends - let's keep that up please because it is a real source of inspiration. And lots of emails from friends that can't visit - that's cool.
Stay tuned - Gary
The oncologist had all GOOD NEWS. The uptick in the CEA count last month to 48 is now back down to 33. That's good and we don't have to have an unscheduled scan. A second good indicator is I gained a little weight. Now most of you don't think of that as a good thing but for a cancer patient that is good news. It indicates I can eat and complete the rest of the tasks associated with fueling your body. And I admit, last month we ate out in restaurants a lot more as I felt better and visited with friends so that probably contributed to the cause. Also - the doctor poked around on my stomach and said it was soft as a baby. Hmmm,,,,what - no hardbody? Oh well - for this case its good news not to have any thing feeling out of the ordinary in the stomach region.
So we stay on the plan - I had chemo today. But maintenance is is the discussion now for next year. The good thing about that is I will be able to drop the oxaliplatin. That is the nasty stuff that causes the worst side effects - super sensitivity to cold (today it was 62 degrees and I had to wear gloves and needed a scarf while I was out doing some yard work after getting out of the hospital). And of course the fatigue and lack of stamina continues to be a constant companion.
Ok - now for the computer. Yup - I did it. And I consider myself somewhat a technical person. I downloaded some optimizing software that destroyed the computers ability to function completely. Thankfully the real techies were able to back up and restore all my files while reloading the operating system (XP) and reloading all the OEM quicksets (Dell). So now I am back online and recovering from email withdrawal.
What else is new? Lots of great visits from friends - let's keep that up please because it is a real source of inspiration. And lots of emails from friends that can't visit - that's cool.
Stay tuned - Gary
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
This picture was snapped after church the other day. We attend Hope Community Church in Andover, KS and you are all welcome to join us anytime! But if you are coming please let us know so we can be at the same service with you.
I'm on my first day of chemo and the steroids are doing there thing - I can't sleep so I am trying to figure out how to post pictures, set up distribution lists, well, you get the idea. Its going to be a short night I think.
Stay tuned and thanks for your comments - Gary
article on fatigue Oct 7 pm
Sandy found this article on fatigue. It explains what is going on better than anything else I have read. I thought you all might enjoy it also.
Fight Fatigue with Your Fork
Fatigue can be a debilitating side effect of cancer treatment, but food choices can make a real difference in maintaining energy.
By Laurie Wertich
We all know what it’s like to feel a little tired—maybe you hit a midafternoon slump at work or you can’t quite get up the energy to jump out of bed after a night of fitful sleep. But if you’re a cancer patient, you may also know what it’s like to feel genuine fatigue, and that’s a totally different story.
Fatigue is not the same as tiredness. Everyone feels tired now and then, but fatigue is characterized by an overwhelming lack of energy that is not relieved by sleep. Some patients refer to it as “paralyzing.”
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment. It can result from medications, anemia, infection, stress, poor nutrition, inadequate rest, and more.
“In your regular life, fatigue is when you feel tired and you’re lying on the couch after work and then your friend calls and invites you to the movies and you suddenly have a new burst of energy because that sounds like great fun,” says Carolyn Katzin, MSPH, CNS, a nutritionist with more than 20 years’ experience helping cancer patients. “But with cancer it’s a different kind of fatigue. You don’t get that new burst of energy. That reserve is just not there.”
The lack of reserve can wreak havoc on a cancer patient’s daily life. Suddenly, a task as simple as grocery shopping feels tantamount to scaling Mount Everest.
Food Is Fuel
There is no silver bullet for fighting fatigue. It has so many different causes and patterns that it may require the use of many strategies for effective treatment. There is one thing that might help, though, and it is something you can control: food.
Cancer treatment increases the nutritional demands of the body. The body is working to fight cancer, fight infection, and cope with the effects of treatment. It kicks into overdrive and it needs fuel—in the form of calories.
Because food can be such a fun, delicious, and social experience, we sometimes forget that the primary purpose of food is to fuel our bodies, in much the same way as we use gas to fuel our cars. If your car runs out of gas, it will sputter to a halt. The same is true for your body.
Not all food is created equal, however. Some foods will boost your energy, whereas others will leave you feeling drained. The trick is learning to identify the highest-quality fuel for your body.
Building and Stoking the Fire
Your body doesn’t need just food in the fight against fatigue—it needs the right kinds of food, in the right quantities, and at the right times. What you eat, what you don’t eat, and how often you eat are the keys to increasing your energy.
According to Katzin, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is imperative. Although blood sugar has become a common catchphrase, do we really understand what it means? It requires us to think about how food breaks down in the body.
Think of feeding your body as similar to feeding a fire. We use both paper and wood to build a fire. The paper catches fire first and then burns out quickly; the wood more burns slowly over a longer period of time. We can look at food in much the same way. Some foods act like paper because they deliver sugar into the bloodstream quickly and then fizzle out; other foods act like wood and deliver sugar more slowly over a longer period of time, providing a more sustainable form of energy. If you want to keep your internal fire—your energy—burning, you want to keep your blood sugar at a consistent, stable level, rather than letting it spike and dip.
Balance Blood Sugar
But how do you identify which foods are the paper and which foods are the wood? One helpful resource is the glycemic index, which ranks foods according to their effects on blood sugar levels. Foods that are lower on the glycemic index are usually higher in fiber, so they deliver sugar more slowly over time.
“Low glycemic index foods provide the best type of energy,” says Katzin. These are foods such as green vegetables, raw carrots, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes. In contrast, cancer patients may want to avoid high glycemic foods such as white rice, white bread, pasta, corn, soda, cookies, and candy.
In addition to choosing low glycemic foods, Katzin recommends eating small, frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar. This is the equivalent of throwing an extra log on the fire so that it doesn’t burn out. It’s easier to keep that fire going than it is to rebuild it. Similarly, it’s less taxing on the body to keep blood sugar stable rather than to try to raise it after it has plummeted.
Pack in the Protein
Maintaining stable blood sugar is just one part of the equation in the fight against fatigue. It is also important to consume nutrients that help build a strong body.
Cancer patients need to eat a little more protein than they would under normal circumstances. Protein helps repair body tissue, strengthen the immune system, and ensure growth. When our bodies are deficient in protein, we have a lowered resistance to infection and it can take longer to recover from illness. As such, additional protein is critical during and after cancer treatment because it helps prevent infection and heal tissue damage.
Good sources of protein include fish, poultry, dairy products, lean meat, nuts, and legumes. Katzin suggests eating protein in an easy-to-digest form, such as whey protein powder, which can be added to a smoothie.
Beware the Bonk
Some foods are so tempting; they taste great and seem to provide a quick burst of energy—right up until the “bonk,” when your blood sugar drops and you’re left feeling lethargic, cranky, and exhausted.
When you’re already feeling fatigued, you can’t afford to sacrifice precious energy for the quick high that sugar and caffeine might offer. Saying no to sweets and soda might be your biggest safeguard against a downward spiral of exhaustion.
“The problem with refined sugar is that it is delivered into your bloodstream so fast,” says Katzin. “Some people feel immediately quite energetic and then they feel quite tired rather quickly. It’s like a pendulum; what goes up must come down.”
Katzin also cautions against stimulants that have caffeine in them, such as coffee, green tea, dark chocolate, and guarana. “It doesn’t really serve you to try to override it by taking in a bunch of stimulants because, in the end, the fatigue is going to be even worse. It’s sort of like trying to spend your way out of an overdraft. It just doesn’t work.”
Drink Up
Dehydration is a common problem associated with cancer treatment. It can result from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, infection, or simply inadequate liquid intake. Many cancer patients get so dehydrated that they have to receive fluids intravenously.
Dehydration is exhausting and very taxing to the body. The best way to deal with dehydration is to prevent it. It is important to consume water, as well as electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium and potassium that are essential to health. Many sports drinks on the market offer a proper balance of electrolytes; however, these are often also loaded with sugar, so it is important to read labels carefully.
Facing Down Fatigue
“Fatigue is very disturbing to a lot of people, especially high-energy people who are used to being very functional,” says Katzin. But, she cautions, “Fatigue is a normal side effect of cancer, so it’s not to say we shouldn’t feel fatigue—because it’s the body’s natural response—but there are some things we can do to boost energy.”
Food won’t eliminate fatigue altogether, but it will provide the body with the vital energy it needs to function and heal. Although this seemingly simple remedy can be challenging for cancer patients faced with nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss, Katzin insists that it is important. She recommends that patients think of eating in the same way they approach their medication: “You have to take it at certain times and at a certain dose—it’s the same with food.” She emphasizes that maintaining good nutrition is critical to coping with cancer treatment and its side effects.
“Just be kind,” Katzin says. “Think of food as a way of nourishing yourself, giving to yourself, healing yourself.”
Eating for energy doesn’t mean you have to obsess over your diet. When choosing foods, simply ask yourself, Will this energize me or deplete me? Then choose accordingly.
Fight Fatigue with Your Fork
Fatigue can be a debilitating side effect of cancer treatment, but food choices can make a real difference in maintaining energy.
By Laurie Wertich
We all know what it’s like to feel a little tired—maybe you hit a midafternoon slump at work or you can’t quite get up the energy to jump out of bed after a night of fitful sleep. But if you’re a cancer patient, you may also know what it’s like to feel genuine fatigue, and that’s a totally different story.
Fatigue is not the same as tiredness. Everyone feels tired now and then, but fatigue is characterized by an overwhelming lack of energy that is not relieved by sleep. Some patients refer to it as “paralyzing.”
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment. It can result from medications, anemia, infection, stress, poor nutrition, inadequate rest, and more.
“In your regular life, fatigue is when you feel tired and you’re lying on the couch after work and then your friend calls and invites you to the movies and you suddenly have a new burst of energy because that sounds like great fun,” says Carolyn Katzin, MSPH, CNS, a nutritionist with more than 20 years’ experience helping cancer patients. “But with cancer it’s a different kind of fatigue. You don’t get that new burst of energy. That reserve is just not there.”
The lack of reserve can wreak havoc on a cancer patient’s daily life. Suddenly, a task as simple as grocery shopping feels tantamount to scaling Mount Everest.
Food Is Fuel
There is no silver bullet for fighting fatigue. It has so many different causes and patterns that it may require the use of many strategies for effective treatment. There is one thing that might help, though, and it is something you can control: food.
Cancer treatment increases the nutritional demands of the body. The body is working to fight cancer, fight infection, and cope with the effects of treatment. It kicks into overdrive and it needs fuel—in the form of calories.
Because food can be such a fun, delicious, and social experience, we sometimes forget that the primary purpose of food is to fuel our bodies, in much the same way as we use gas to fuel our cars. If your car runs out of gas, it will sputter to a halt. The same is true for your body.
Not all food is created equal, however. Some foods will boost your energy, whereas others will leave you feeling drained. The trick is learning to identify the highest-quality fuel for your body.
Building and Stoking the Fire
Your body doesn’t need just food in the fight against fatigue—it needs the right kinds of food, in the right quantities, and at the right times. What you eat, what you don’t eat, and how often you eat are the keys to increasing your energy.
According to Katzin, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is imperative. Although blood sugar has become a common catchphrase, do we really understand what it means? It requires us to think about how food breaks down in the body.
Think of feeding your body as similar to feeding a fire. We use both paper and wood to build a fire. The paper catches fire first and then burns out quickly; the wood more burns slowly over a longer period of time. We can look at food in much the same way. Some foods act like paper because they deliver sugar into the bloodstream quickly and then fizzle out; other foods act like wood and deliver sugar more slowly over a longer period of time, providing a more sustainable form of energy. If you want to keep your internal fire—your energy—burning, you want to keep your blood sugar at a consistent, stable level, rather than letting it spike and dip.
Balance Blood Sugar
But how do you identify which foods are the paper and which foods are the wood? One helpful resource is the glycemic index, which ranks foods according to their effects on blood sugar levels. Foods that are lower on the glycemic index are usually higher in fiber, so they deliver sugar more slowly over time.
“Low glycemic index foods provide the best type of energy,” says Katzin. These are foods such as green vegetables, raw carrots, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes. In contrast, cancer patients may want to avoid high glycemic foods such as white rice, white bread, pasta, corn, soda, cookies, and candy.
In addition to choosing low glycemic foods, Katzin recommends eating small, frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar. This is the equivalent of throwing an extra log on the fire so that it doesn’t burn out. It’s easier to keep that fire going than it is to rebuild it. Similarly, it’s less taxing on the body to keep blood sugar stable rather than to try to raise it after it has plummeted.
Pack in the Protein
Maintaining stable blood sugar is just one part of the equation in the fight against fatigue. It is also important to consume nutrients that help build a strong body.
Cancer patients need to eat a little more protein than they would under normal circumstances. Protein helps repair body tissue, strengthen the immune system, and ensure growth. When our bodies are deficient in protein, we have a lowered resistance to infection and it can take longer to recover from illness. As such, additional protein is critical during and after cancer treatment because it helps prevent infection and heal tissue damage.
Good sources of protein include fish, poultry, dairy products, lean meat, nuts, and legumes. Katzin suggests eating protein in an easy-to-digest form, such as whey protein powder, which can be added to a smoothie.
Beware the Bonk
Some foods are so tempting; they taste great and seem to provide a quick burst of energy—right up until the “bonk,” when your blood sugar drops and you’re left feeling lethargic, cranky, and exhausted.
When you’re already feeling fatigued, you can’t afford to sacrifice precious energy for the quick high that sugar and caffeine might offer. Saying no to sweets and soda might be your biggest safeguard against a downward spiral of exhaustion.
“The problem with refined sugar is that it is delivered into your bloodstream so fast,” says Katzin. “Some people feel immediately quite energetic and then they feel quite tired rather quickly. It’s like a pendulum; what goes up must come down.”
Katzin also cautions against stimulants that have caffeine in them, such as coffee, green tea, dark chocolate, and guarana. “It doesn’t really serve you to try to override it by taking in a bunch of stimulants because, in the end, the fatigue is going to be even worse. It’s sort of like trying to spend your way out of an overdraft. It just doesn’t work.”
Drink Up
Dehydration is a common problem associated with cancer treatment. It can result from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, infection, or simply inadequate liquid intake. Many cancer patients get so dehydrated that they have to receive fluids intravenously.
Dehydration is exhausting and very taxing to the body. The best way to deal with dehydration is to prevent it. It is important to consume water, as well as electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium and potassium that are essential to health. Many sports drinks on the market offer a proper balance of electrolytes; however, these are often also loaded with sugar, so it is important to read labels carefully.
Facing Down Fatigue
“Fatigue is very disturbing to a lot of people, especially high-energy people who are used to being very functional,” says Katzin. But, she cautions, “Fatigue is a normal side effect of cancer, so it’s not to say we shouldn’t feel fatigue—because it’s the body’s natural response—but there are some things we can do to boost energy.”
Food won’t eliminate fatigue altogether, but it will provide the body with the vital energy it needs to function and heal. Although this seemingly simple remedy can be challenging for cancer patients faced with nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss, Katzin insists that it is important. She recommends that patients think of eating in the same way they approach their medication: “You have to take it at certain times and at a certain dose—it’s the same with food.” She emphasizes that maintaining good nutrition is critical to coping with cancer treatment and its side effects.
“Just be kind,” Katzin says. “Think of food as a way of nourishing yourself, giving to yourself, healing yourself.”
Eating for energy doesn’t mean you have to obsess over your diet. When choosing foods, simply ask yourself, Will this energize me or deplete me? Then choose accordingly.
Update from Oncologist Wednesday October 7
Well, its been awhile. But we'll get to that later. First the news from the oncologist. Last week I had a CAT scan (what kind of barium do you prefer - strawberry, vanilla or chocolate?). Yesterday we had an appointment with the Oncologist and he said my body was having a dramatic response to the chemo. The liver spots are smaller by over 50% and some he couldn't even see that used to be there. His bottom line was I couldn't be responding any better to the treatment. The CEA count however increased from 25 to 48 and we don't know why. The doctor didn't seem alarmed over the spike - we'll just have to see what it is next month.
So I am scheduled for 3 more months of the chemo. The end result is I will have 6 months of chemo then we see what is next. There won't be any surgery scheduled unless I am bleeding or obstructed in the bowel. So far I have no problems with that.
My weight is still holding its own and that also seems to be a big relief to the doctor. I tell Sandy that means more pie and ice cream - and her response has something to do with alternatives such as fruits and vegetables!
I continue to suffer from fatigue and sensitivity to cold. I am talking with other chemo patients and they suffer the same - there is no escape. I am learning that if I have a "big" day then the next day I might as well be prepared to sleep more.
Man we are busy! How did I ever have time to work? Of course - its 9:00 am by the time I get a couple cups of coffee down and get the daily newspaper read. So I figure if I get a couple of hours activity in the morning and a couple hours in the afternoon that's pretty good.
We have been getting out - to church events, car shows, chili feeds, art shows, furniture shopping, and visiting the kids and grandkids in Elbing. I also try to spend time in the garage doing simple things like cleaning windshields and scrubbing bugs off the paint. We put a new windshield in the Mazda Protoge last week and its sure nice to not have to see the cracks anymore. Any bets on how long it lasts before a rock pits it?
Fall is setting in here - and the new grass is growing good. We are so pleased to finally have a yard! We can't walk in it yet because we keep it wet all the time but it sure looks better than rocks and mud.
I am at the hospital as I write this - I got hooked up to the chemo and am captive now until done. And of course 2 more days on the pump. Its a cycle that can't be broken I guess. By now I am an experienced chemo person and know what to expect. Uggh - that can get depressing so I'll think about something else for awhile.
By the way - if you want to email me go ahead and use my AOL account garywgiles@aol.com
I monitor that almost daily and I forget to check the other account. I heard from some of you that its been awhile since I updated the blog so I'll try to update more frequently. Its just that I get busy on my non-chemo week (busy being a relative term compared to what busy used to mean).
Stay tuned - Gary
So I am scheduled for 3 more months of the chemo. The end result is I will have 6 months of chemo then we see what is next. There won't be any surgery scheduled unless I am bleeding or obstructed in the bowel. So far I have no problems with that.
My weight is still holding its own and that also seems to be a big relief to the doctor. I tell Sandy that means more pie and ice cream - and her response has something to do with alternatives such as fruits and vegetables!
I continue to suffer from fatigue and sensitivity to cold. I am talking with other chemo patients and they suffer the same - there is no escape. I am learning that if I have a "big" day then the next day I might as well be prepared to sleep more.
Man we are busy! How did I ever have time to work? Of course - its 9:00 am by the time I get a couple cups of coffee down and get the daily newspaper read. So I figure if I get a couple of hours activity in the morning and a couple hours in the afternoon that's pretty good.
We have been getting out - to church events, car shows, chili feeds, art shows, furniture shopping, and visiting the kids and grandkids in Elbing. I also try to spend time in the garage doing simple things like cleaning windshields and scrubbing bugs off the paint. We put a new windshield in the Mazda Protoge last week and its sure nice to not have to see the cracks anymore. Any bets on how long it lasts before a rock pits it?
Fall is setting in here - and the new grass is growing good. We are so pleased to finally have a yard! We can't walk in it yet because we keep it wet all the time but it sure looks better than rocks and mud.
I am at the hospital as I write this - I got hooked up to the chemo and am captive now until done. And of course 2 more days on the pump. Its a cycle that can't be broken I guess. By now I am an experienced chemo person and know what to expect. Uggh - that can get depressing so I'll think about something else for awhile.
By the way - if you want to email me go ahead and use my AOL account garywgiles@aol.com
I monitor that almost daily and I forget to check the other account. I heard from some of you that its been awhile since I updated the blog so I'll try to update more frequently. Its just that I get busy on my non-chemo week (busy being a relative term compared to what busy used to mean).
Stay tuned - Gary
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Chemo mix and suntanning 9/24/09
Its been awhile so I'll get you as good an update as I can. I am in day 3 of this 6th chemo treatment. They changed the mix this time due to weight loss and it has gone much better. Last time I mentioned it was really rough but this time its much much better. I don't know if its due to the mix or if I am just tolerating it better but the reaction to cold and fatigue have been much better. I feel the steroids stronger this time also and that helps - although I can't sleep very long (its 3:34 am as I write this and I already have a pot of Starbucks brewed).
The last couple days have been just georgous weather wise. On and off sunshine and temperatures that make you want to sit out the patio. Yesterday I was out almost all day - working in the yard, eating peanuts and grapes while resting on the patio and watching the sprinkler system run. What a pleasure - sunlight, green grass starting to grow (fescue - not bermuda thank God!), blue skys and white puffy clouds. I got enough sun yesterday I still feel it in my face today. But I would love to have people think I am retired and spend all my time on the golf course! (That probably isn't gonna happen since I don't know how to play golf).
Leah and Tim were home last weekend for a wedding and we had a blast seeing them and family. It seems like everyday last week was full which is how we try to plan the non-chemo weeks. Today I get the pump off and we will head for Newton to watch one of our grandsons (Noah) play flag football. I am teasing Sandy I am going to have to figure out how to tailgate party at 3rd grade football games.
Next week is an important week. The doctor has me scheduled for a cat scan on Monday then a week from next Tuesday we meet with the doctor and get the results. This is the first cat scan since I started chemo 3 months ago and we are praying the results will be spectacular. Please join us in prayers for this. All indicators are good although I still get scolded by the nurses for having too large of expectations for recovey. You who know me will understand that I always have large expectations.
Speaking of large - Sandy is throwing out all my fat clothes. I am maintaining my weight loss and we are glad for that. Although I would like to lose more weight to make the BMI cops happy the doctor doesn't want to see any weight loss - because of the fear that its the cancer causing it. So be it - I can live at this weight and feel good - and get the occasional important foods like cake, pie, ice cream - well, you get the idea.
I had two friends from the past at Boeing get ahold of me yesterday that had just heard from others in the network that I was sick. It was great talking with them. One dear friend has been to Lourdes in France with the Knights of Malta (I hope I got that correct - its a similar organization to Knights of Columbus). He brought some holy water back from Lourdes and will bring me some. I appreciate all faith based support and we had a great talk about his visit and look forward to more. So please keep passing on the news about me to your friends and acquaintances because I love the calls and visits. It makes my weeks and life better.
We officially have our house up for sale now. The extent of it is a sign out front. The house has been completed by the builder and we consider our own now. The yard is in and landscaping is sufficient for now. But I don't want to take less than I have in this place so I expect it will be awhile until it sells. So I get to live here and enjoy it all for now.
Well, the coffee is getting cold and its time for another cup. All for now - stay tuned and thanks so much for all your support - Gary
The last couple days have been just georgous weather wise. On and off sunshine and temperatures that make you want to sit out the patio. Yesterday I was out almost all day - working in the yard, eating peanuts and grapes while resting on the patio and watching the sprinkler system run. What a pleasure - sunlight, green grass starting to grow (fescue - not bermuda thank God!), blue skys and white puffy clouds. I got enough sun yesterday I still feel it in my face today. But I would love to have people think I am retired and spend all my time on the golf course! (That probably isn't gonna happen since I don't know how to play golf).
Leah and Tim were home last weekend for a wedding and we had a blast seeing them and family. It seems like everyday last week was full which is how we try to plan the non-chemo weeks. Today I get the pump off and we will head for Newton to watch one of our grandsons (Noah) play flag football. I am teasing Sandy I am going to have to figure out how to tailgate party at 3rd grade football games.
Next week is an important week. The doctor has me scheduled for a cat scan on Monday then a week from next Tuesday we meet with the doctor and get the results. This is the first cat scan since I started chemo 3 months ago and we are praying the results will be spectacular. Please join us in prayers for this. All indicators are good although I still get scolded by the nurses for having too large of expectations for recovey. You who know me will understand that I always have large expectations.
Speaking of large - Sandy is throwing out all my fat clothes. I am maintaining my weight loss and we are glad for that. Although I would like to lose more weight to make the BMI cops happy the doctor doesn't want to see any weight loss - because of the fear that its the cancer causing it. So be it - I can live at this weight and feel good - and get the occasional important foods like cake, pie, ice cream - well, you get the idea.
I had two friends from the past at Boeing get ahold of me yesterday that had just heard from others in the network that I was sick. It was great talking with them. One dear friend has been to Lourdes in France with the Knights of Malta (I hope I got that correct - its a similar organization to Knights of Columbus). He brought some holy water back from Lourdes and will bring me some. I appreciate all faith based support and we had a great talk about his visit and look forward to more. So please keep passing on the news about me to your friends and acquaintances because I love the calls and visits. It makes my weeks and life better.
We officially have our house up for sale now. The extent of it is a sign out front. The house has been completed by the builder and we consider our own now. The yard is in and landscaping is sufficient for now. But I don't want to take less than I have in this place so I expect it will be awhile until it sells. So I get to live here and enjoy it all for now.
Well, the coffee is getting cold and its time for another cup. All for now - stay tuned and thanks so much for all your support - Gary
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Chemo keeps taking its toll Saturday 9/12/09
I am losing my optimism. Each time I take chemo I think it will get easier. It doesn't. It gets harder. The effects last longer. The fatigue is worse. The fingers hurt worse. The cold sensitivity gets worse. I'm getting tired of being sick. Are these the words of a chronic complainer? I hope not. I am coming off treatment #5 and while the numbers say I am getting better right now on day 5 of this chemo week I still have not bounced back like I think I should.
So we walk. When we can. And talk and tell each other how much we enjoy each moment we have together. Sandy is doing great things with the yard. And the sprinkler system installation has started. So by Halloween we should have great beautiful GREEN grass to feast our eyes on. Real grass - Fescue. Not bermuda. You know why? I got to choose! Whohoo!
I had a visit from my nephew today. Its great to have family. What a treasure. And we had a visit from friends. Wow - that makes the day go by fast. And then I took a well deserved nap. But I woke up in time to see the last half of the Notre Dame-Michigan game. Wow - when did college football become that much fun?
I'm looking forward to next week. Its a non-chemo week and we have it chockfull of activities. Starting with the Kansas State Fair on Monday. I am planning on eating a Pronto Pup. I hope my digestive track can handle it cuz its gonna happen.
All for tonight - stay tuned - thanks for listening - Gary
So we walk. When we can. And talk and tell each other how much we enjoy each moment we have together. Sandy is doing great things with the yard. And the sprinkler system installation has started. So by Halloween we should have great beautiful GREEN grass to feast our eyes on. Real grass - Fescue. Not bermuda. You know why? I got to choose! Whohoo!
I had a visit from my nephew today. Its great to have family. What a treasure. And we had a visit from friends. Wow - that makes the day go by fast. And then I took a well deserved nap. But I woke up in time to see the last half of the Notre Dame-Michigan game. Wow - when did college football become that much fun?
I'm looking forward to next week. Its a non-chemo week and we have it chockfull of activities. Starting with the Kansas State Fair on Monday. I am planning on eating a Pronto Pup. I hope my digestive track can handle it cuz its gonna happen.
All for tonight - stay tuned - thanks for listening - Gary
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Good Morning America! from Springfield, MO Sunday Sept. 6
We went to the oncologist Friday and received great news. The CEA marker (count) had dropped to 25. Yup - that's right - 25. The doctor was extremely pleased but warned me that he doesn't just manage to the numbers. So he made me get up on the workbench (not being in the medical field that's all I know to call it) and he started poking around on my stomach and neck. But when done he said I was doing superb. Wow. I hadn't lost any weight and he thought that was a good thing also.
So the bottom line is he thinks maybe I can go into a maintenance program by the first of the year. That means a modified chemo I think - but he mentioned that I wouldn't have to endure the pump for 2 days. Well, that's good news. While part of me dreads 4 more months of the bi-weekly chemo treatments the other part of me says buck it up cowboy and take your medicine.
I felt good enough to drive to Springfield, MO Friday. It was great to be back on the road. Saturday was my birthday and our son and grandson took us out to a Brazilian steak house - that was quite an experience and very enjoyable.
This last week has been filled with visiting with family and friends and I feel myself getting stronger all the time. If I over do it then I know that a long nap is coming. I still have to fight off the fatigue from the chemo but its getting better.
So the bottom line is he thinks maybe I can go into a maintenance program by the first of the year. That means a modified chemo I think - but he mentioned that I wouldn't have to endure the pump for 2 days. Well, that's good news. While part of me dreads 4 more months of the bi-weekly chemo treatments the other part of me says buck it up cowboy and take your medicine.
I felt good enough to drive to Springfield, MO Friday. It was great to be back on the road. Saturday was my birthday and our son and grandson took us out to a Brazilian steak house - that was quite an experience and very enjoyable.
This last week has been filled with visiting with family and friends and I feel myself getting stronger all the time. If I over do it then I know that a long nap is coming. I still have to fight off the fatigue from the chemo but its getting better.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Ted Kennedy dies
Ted Kennedy, the 3rd longest-serving senator in history, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in May, 2008 and underwent surgery and a grueling regimen of of radiation and chemotherapy. So by my calculations he survived 15 months after diagnosis. Cancer is no respector of people.
I met another colon cancer victim - (is that the right word? - what do you call us?) at the hospital yesterday. He is 42 years old. He had no idea he had it until it was too late and into stage 4. It has spread to his liver. He is messed up bad - just like I am. But you know what he said to me? He was grateful it hadn't spread to his brain. Wow. That set me back a little in my thinking. But what is this at age 42? How do you prevent this? Who would thing you should get colonoscopies starting at age 40?
So it brings one up short thinking about all this - survival. What a word. Enduring under adverse conditions is a dictionary definition that I'll go with. So I looked up cancer surviors on-line and found lots of web sites. Becoming a cancer survivor is the greatest challenge of my life. I'll try to do what I can. And trust the Lord for the rest.
My prayers go out to the Kennedy family and all others who have suffered from this horrible disease. My prayer is that God raises up scientists that can discover cures and preventions. What a field to go into. Are we challenging our youth in highschool to target becoming research scientists in this field? I hope so.
Stay tuned - Gary
I met another colon cancer victim - (is that the right word? - what do you call us?) at the hospital yesterday. He is 42 years old. He had no idea he had it until it was too late and into stage 4. It has spread to his liver. He is messed up bad - just like I am. But you know what he said to me? He was grateful it hadn't spread to his brain. Wow. That set me back a little in my thinking. But what is this at age 42? How do you prevent this? Who would thing you should get colonoscopies starting at age 40?
So it brings one up short thinking about all this - survival. What a word. Enduring under adverse conditions is a dictionary definition that I'll go with. So I looked up cancer surviors on-line and found lots of web sites. Becoming a cancer survivor is the greatest challenge of my life. I'll try to do what I can. And trust the Lord for the rest.
My prayers go out to the Kennedy family and all others who have suffered from this horrible disease. My prayer is that God raises up scientists that can discover cures and preventions. What a field to go into. Are we challenging our youth in highschool to target becoming research scientists in this field? I hope so.
Stay tuned - Gary
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Chemo Day Tuesday 8/25/09
This is one of those reflective days. I woke up strong. And tired of being a victim. I showed up at the hospital at 8:30 am to get the blood work done and finally got out around 2:30 pm. I got smart this time and took the naseau pill as soon as I got home. Other than my fingers feeling like needles I am doing ok so far.
Confound it all - the nurse called to say I didn't qualify for the fatigue study because that particular study is only for patients that are taking "curative treatment". So what I am I taking - obviously the "non-curative" treatment. Hmmpphh. Now I am really starting to get irritated. That's a good thing in my mind. If I am starting to get cranky about being a victim, tired of the talk about "can't be cured", and strong enough to get that attitude of "I'll show you, just get out of my way because here I come" going then I know I am getting better.
We finally figured out where we can get a brace for my foot. Leah was home this weekend and twice I stubbed my toes hard on the floor - ouch - that hurt - because the foot dropped and I forgot to pick it up. I doubt I wear it in the house but it sure would be nice to not have to take the cane on my walks. It makes me feel like an old man - and I don't like the way people look at me. Time to toughen up.
I sent Sandy on a hamburger run. For some reason a good old hamburger and fries sounds good tonight. With some of the Orange Crush Leah got for me. Hoorah - let's eat.
Stay tuned - Gary
Confound it all - the nurse called to say I didn't qualify for the fatigue study because that particular study is only for patients that are taking "curative treatment". So what I am I taking - obviously the "non-curative" treatment. Hmmpphh. Now I am really starting to get irritated. That's a good thing in my mind. If I am starting to get cranky about being a victim, tired of the talk about "can't be cured", and strong enough to get that attitude of "I'll show you, just get out of my way because here I come" going then I know I am getting better.
We finally figured out where we can get a brace for my foot. Leah was home this weekend and twice I stubbed my toes hard on the floor - ouch - that hurt - because the foot dropped and I forgot to pick it up. I doubt I wear it in the house but it sure would be nice to not have to take the cane on my walks. It makes me feel like an old man - and I don't like the way people look at me. Time to toughen up.
I sent Sandy on a hamburger run. For some reason a good old hamburger and fries sounds good tonight. With some of the Orange Crush Leah got for me. Hoorah - let's eat.
Stay tuned - Gary
Monday, August 24, 2009
Saturday Morning
I won't share the details but from the time I got up yesterday until the time I went to bed their were things going on with my body that were new and scary. Things I hadn't seen before. All night I worried about what today would bring. When I got up, I was afraid to start the normal morning routines. I didn't want to see and understand that things were worse.
Life is so fragile. Hope is so strong. As long as I had hope that I was getting better I was able to plan and look to the future. But with that gone I just crashed in my spirit. I don't want to die today. Or tomorrow. Or next week. I want to push it back, out of my mind, and laugh instead of cry.
Thank you Lord for one more day. Now the tears are tears of joy. Its time for coffee. And the paper. I'll wait for the sun to come up. And it will be good.
Shock Treatment: Friday, Aug. 21,2009
He said it wouldn't hurt. But by the time he figured out that the electrical signal from my right knee to my foot wasn't getting through (must be a short circuit I guess) he did the only thing he could do - crank up the amperage (volts or whatever was on the end of the dial) and shoot me with a good jolt of electricity. Ouch. That one got my attention. It got my leg's attention too because it started spasms on its own - jerking and flopping around like a fish out of water.
It was supposed to be simple - just a little neurological test with electricity and needles. So after the guy with the electricity got done shocking me (and the good leg too) he already knew there was a problem. Well, I knew their was a problem too. Then the doc came in with his long needle (it won't hurt....much....). And after the doc got done sticking the needle and humming and talking to himself and occasionally asking me if I was doing ok (sure - I sweat like this all the time doc) he agreed - there is a problem.
In laymen's terms the nerve that controls the foot ain't workin' from my knee down. And there is some minor damage to my good leg in the same areas. In a couple of weeks we find out the official diagnosis but for now we're sticking to the story that its a side effect of the chemo.
The good news is I was strong enough to be gone from the house for 11 hours today. And we ate out twice with family and friends (I highly recommend the double fried chicken with white gravy and mashed potatoes with white gravy at Cracker Barrel). What's it going to do - kill me? Ha!
We walked a couple of miles yesterday and I slept the night through. Great. Today I sat down on a friends couch in the afternoon and dropped right off to sleep. But don't we all want our afternoon naps?
So I am enjoying this non-chemo week watching the rain, making plans with my wife for the future (wow - I said it - we really are starting to make plans for the future so I must be feeling better).
Stay tuned - Gary
It was supposed to be simple - just a little neurological test with electricity and needles. So after the guy with the electricity got done shocking me (and the good leg too) he already knew there was a problem. Well, I knew their was a problem too. Then the doc came in with his long needle (it won't hurt....much....). And after the doc got done sticking the needle and humming and talking to himself and occasionally asking me if I was doing ok (sure - I sweat like this all the time doc) he agreed - there is a problem.
In laymen's terms the nerve that controls the foot ain't workin' from my knee down. And there is some minor damage to my good leg in the same areas. In a couple of weeks we find out the official diagnosis but for now we're sticking to the story that its a side effect of the chemo.
The good news is I was strong enough to be gone from the house for 11 hours today. And we ate out twice with family and friends (I highly recommend the double fried chicken with white gravy and mashed potatoes with white gravy at Cracker Barrel). What's it going to do - kill me? Ha!
We walked a couple of miles yesterday and I slept the night through. Great. Today I sat down on a friends couch in the afternoon and dropped right off to sleep. But don't we all want our afternoon naps?
So I am enjoying this non-chemo week watching the rain, making plans with my wife for the future (wow - I said it - we really are starting to make plans for the future so I must be feeling better).
Stay tuned - Gary
Tough Days: Sun, Aug 16, 2009
So, I wonder, do I really dare to write on the blog what its really like when I have a chemo week? We all want to hear the good news. But I am beginning to understand that when they hook me up like they did Tuesday for the chemo that its going to be a tough week. Day 2 is always the best because of the steroids. Day 3 when I get unhooked from the pump I am feeling pretty puny. And tired of being sensitive to the cold - no milk, cold potato salad or anything like that.
But then there is Day 4. Like yesterday. The fatigue sets in and I sleep then sleep some more. We had friends come and we went out for lunch. And then the fatigue sets in and I can't keep going. Its a drain on Sandy and friends (Sandy says I should not say this because its not a drain - but I worry that it is so I'll leave it in...). Then last night I escaped! Yup! I had a flash of desire for food at 9:30 pm last night. Sandy had gone to bed. And I got in the car and went to Dillons! Whohoo! But I forgot about the side effects of the chemo - and I reached my hand into the dairy case that had the hot dogs - big, plump hot dogs is what I wanted - and my fingers felt like they had been frozen with frostbite. Ouch. I grabbed the package and tossed it in the basket. Then made my way down to the buns. By the time I got to the check out counter I was wiped out and beginning to wonder if I could make it back.
And that's when I spotted it - outside - a pop machine. And at the bottom of the list was ORANGE pop for 35 cents! I dug out 50 cents and snagged me a cold pop and then OUCH! I couldn't hardly hold the can in my hand. I made it home and fixed my hot dog. Lots of mustard. And two whole swigs of pop. Ahhh - they call that living the good life don't they!
I wonder - do I ever tell anyone about the dark mornings? The depression that sets in because I can't move? And do? The exhaustion that keeps me glued in my seat while I sip coffee and stare out at the trees and birds? Sandy and I spent 2 hours this morning just sitting and talking. It was raining outside. And quiet inside. What a great time. I'm glad for the quietness sometimes.
I fell asleep again this morning after getting exhausted going out to Walmart. How can that be? A simple thing you would think - its not a marathon or anything like that. But I'll do what I can - and then sleep. And when I wake up - we'll hope its better. As my brother reminded me last night - when I am whipped with the chemo and its effects - that means its working. Gosh I hope so.....
Stay tuned - Gary
But then there is Day 4. Like yesterday. The fatigue sets in and I sleep then sleep some more. We had friends come and we went out for lunch. And then the fatigue sets in and I can't keep going. Its a drain on Sandy and friends (Sandy says I should not say this because its not a drain - but I worry that it is so I'll leave it in...). Then last night I escaped! Yup! I had a flash of desire for food at 9:30 pm last night. Sandy had gone to bed. And I got in the car and went to Dillons! Whohoo! But I forgot about the side effects of the chemo - and I reached my hand into the dairy case that had the hot dogs - big, plump hot dogs is what I wanted - and my fingers felt like they had been frozen with frostbite. Ouch. I grabbed the package and tossed it in the basket. Then made my way down to the buns. By the time I got to the check out counter I was wiped out and beginning to wonder if I could make it back.
And that's when I spotted it - outside - a pop machine. And at the bottom of the list was ORANGE pop for 35 cents! I dug out 50 cents and snagged me a cold pop and then OUCH! I couldn't hardly hold the can in my hand. I made it home and fixed my hot dog. Lots of mustard. And two whole swigs of pop. Ahhh - they call that living the good life don't they!
I wonder - do I ever tell anyone about the dark mornings? The depression that sets in because I can't move? And do? The exhaustion that keeps me glued in my seat while I sip coffee and stare out at the trees and birds? Sandy and I spent 2 hours this morning just sitting and talking. It was raining outside. And quiet inside. What a great time. I'm glad for the quietness sometimes.
I fell asleep again this morning after getting exhausted going out to Walmart. How can that be? A simple thing you would think - its not a marathon or anything like that. But I'll do what I can - and then sleep. And when I wake up - we'll hope its better. As my brother reminded me last night - when I am whipped with the chemo and its effects - that means its working. Gosh I hope so.....
Stay tuned - Gary
Praising the Lord: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009
I just finished my chemo session and it went well. There is lots of time to think while I sit there doing nothing except being the receiver of a chemical concoction (that I have found out is out of this world expensive). This time I got a little smarter - I took my IPOD and cranked up the worship tunes. A friend gave me CD of Alvin Slaughter's "God Can" album and wow! for those of you who are into praise music this CD is awesome.
We praise the Lord for life and each day we have. We received great news yesterday as we visited with the oncologist. The cancer marker (benchmark) dropped from 461 to 144. Now I don't claim to understand anything except this is great news per the Dr. I talked to the nurse today to try to get a layman's understanding and basically I think this reflects an enzyme count that is put out by the cancer cells. Healthy people who don't smoke should have less than 2.5. My Dr. isn't concerned about the bottom number - he was wanting to see that the number was dropping. That means the treatment is working!
Other reality facts that came up in the discussion (you know, reality is not an option but I prefer fantasy...denial...). For those have asked I am on a Folfox-6 plus Avastin treatment. Its working. I'll continue to see the Dr. every 4 weeks with chemo every 2 weeks. No surgery is scheduled - because for folks that have "too numerous to count cancer spots on the liver" such as I do surgery of the primary site is not considered to be a priority. The only reason surgery would be planned would be if the colon became constricted or I was passing blood. And I am suffering none of those symptoms at this time.
Life expectancy for those who have colon cancer that involves the liver like my case is 2 to 2 1/2 years. Some have made it 5 years. Others of course don't make it 2 years. But the good news is the science of colon cancer continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Of course, we trust the Lord and all the prayers for complete healing.
Now I have some things to do to help the healing along. The Dr. wants me to exercise more - even on the days I have the pump attached to me at home. So Sandy and I will "hit the dusty trail" more now and get the walking routine increased.
We discussed optional opinions and treatments at MD Anderson (Dallas) and National Cancer Institute (Bethseda). Mayo was also discussed. None of those are really an option until I quit responding to the current treatment. And as I understand it at some point (8 months to 1 1/2 years) my body will begin to resist the current treatment and we'll have to switch to a different program.
You see - what I have is "treatable" but not "curable". Hmmm,,,,,that brings a guy up short. It makes me think all kinds of things: selfish bucket list items, grief for failures to accomplish certain dreams, determination to launch a successful new business venture, spiritual goals and people goals. I don't claim to have it all sorted out - because it seems that daily life (financial affairs, health management, family and church activities) is consuming all my energy.
Speaking of energy - I have been asked to join a clinical trial on fatigue. To steal Sarah Palin's colloquialism my response is "YOU BETCHA' ". Sign me up. The fatigue factor is a real drain. I'll think of something I want to do and 1/2 hour later I am still sitting in the chair waiting for the old body to get the message that its time to get moving! So this clinical trail has something to do with ginseng. Nuts, I'll probably get the placebo....
My Dr. recommended the following sites: http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html and http://www.cancercenterofkansas.com/
So stay tuned while we figure this out. We have good days and bad days. But the Dr. says I'll be much stronger is 3-4 months. And he said I was much stronger this time (we all realize I was one sick puppy the last time I saw him - that rascally colon cancer sneaked up on me and just about had me on the ropes).
Gary
We praise the Lord for life and each day we have. We received great news yesterday as we visited with the oncologist. The cancer marker (benchmark) dropped from 461 to 144. Now I don't claim to understand anything except this is great news per the Dr. I talked to the nurse today to try to get a layman's understanding and basically I think this reflects an enzyme count that is put out by the cancer cells. Healthy people who don't smoke should have less than 2.5. My Dr. isn't concerned about the bottom number - he was wanting to see that the number was dropping. That means the treatment is working!
Other reality facts that came up in the discussion (you know, reality is not an option but I prefer fantasy...denial...). For those have asked I am on a Folfox-6 plus Avastin treatment. Its working. I'll continue to see the Dr. every 4 weeks with chemo every 2 weeks. No surgery is scheduled - because for folks that have "too numerous to count cancer spots on the liver" such as I do surgery of the primary site is not considered to be a priority. The only reason surgery would be planned would be if the colon became constricted or I was passing blood. And I am suffering none of those symptoms at this time.
Life expectancy for those who have colon cancer that involves the liver like my case is 2 to 2 1/2 years. Some have made it 5 years. Others of course don't make it 2 years. But the good news is the science of colon cancer continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Of course, we trust the Lord and all the prayers for complete healing.
Now I have some things to do to help the healing along. The Dr. wants me to exercise more - even on the days I have the pump attached to me at home. So Sandy and I will "hit the dusty trail" more now and get the walking routine increased.
We discussed optional opinions and treatments at MD Anderson (Dallas) and National Cancer Institute (Bethseda). Mayo was also discussed. None of those are really an option until I quit responding to the current treatment. And as I understand it at some point (8 months to 1 1/2 years) my body will begin to resist the current treatment and we'll have to switch to a different program.
You see - what I have is "treatable" but not "curable". Hmmm,,,,,that brings a guy up short. It makes me think all kinds of things: selfish bucket list items, grief for failures to accomplish certain dreams, determination to launch a successful new business venture, spiritual goals and people goals. I don't claim to have it all sorted out - because it seems that daily life (financial affairs, health management, family and church activities) is consuming all my energy.
Speaking of energy - I have been asked to join a clinical trial on fatigue. To steal Sarah Palin's colloquialism my response is "YOU BETCHA' ". Sign me up. The fatigue factor is a real drain. I'll think of something I want to do and 1/2 hour later I am still sitting in the chair waiting for the old body to get the message that its time to get moving! So this clinical trail has something to do with ginseng. Nuts, I'll probably get the placebo....
My Dr. recommended the following sites: http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html and http://www.cancercenterofkansas.com/
So stay tuned while we figure this out. We have good days and bad days. But the Dr. says I'll be much stronger is 3-4 months. And he said I was much stronger this time (we all realize I was one sick puppy the last time I saw him - that rascally colon cancer sneaked up on me and just about had me on the ropes).
Gary
Update: Mon, Aug. 10, 2009
Well, its been 2 weeks since the last chemo treatment. We now know how to identify the side effects - 'chemo brain', sleeping like a baby a the drop of a hat, feeling like your living in a fog. There are some 'good days' (relatively speaking) and then there are the other times when its not so good.
Monday we see the oncologist for the first time since the chemo started. We have some 'fear' because we have lots of questions now after a month of the chemo. What's really going on? Am I getting better or worse? Or are we in a holding pattern? What about life expectancy? I have some choices to make that are going to be customized to the answer to that question. What about quality of life? I feel like a shriveled up prune.
Oh - and now I have to contend with a right foot that just quit working properly after the chemo started. What's up with that? It droops - evidently there is some nerve damage - and if I don't watch it closely I'll do a face plant on the floor. Actually - I did one tonight when we had company. Not cool. But nothings broke.
We've had lots of company - and that is so neat. We enjoy people and visiting is always fun.
So stay tuned - I'll try to get the blog updated after we get some answers tomorrow. I expect I'll have another round of chemo starting Tuesday and you all know by now what that means - I'll be out of commission for awhile. Thanks for all the emails - if I don't get back to you right away its not because I don't want to - I just don't seem to be able to 'drive' like I used to.
Gary
Monday we see the oncologist for the first time since the chemo started. We have some 'fear' because we have lots of questions now after a month of the chemo. What's really going on? Am I getting better or worse? Or are we in a holding pattern? What about life expectancy? I have some choices to make that are going to be customized to the answer to that question. What about quality of life? I feel like a shriveled up prune.
Oh - and now I have to contend with a right foot that just quit working properly after the chemo started. What's up with that? It droops - evidently there is some nerve damage - and if I don't watch it closely I'll do a face plant on the floor. Actually - I did one tonight when we had company. Not cool. But nothings broke.
We've had lots of company - and that is so neat. We enjoy people and visiting is always fun.
So stay tuned - I'll try to get the blog updated after we get some answers tomorrow. I expect I'll have another round of chemo starting Tuesday and you all know by now what that means - I'll be out of commission for awhile. Thanks for all the emails - if I don't get back to you right away its not because I don't want to - I just don't seem to be able to 'drive' like I used to.
Gary
Latest from Wellington, KS: Tues, July 28, 2009
Thanks to all the family and friends that have emailed and left blog comments. These touches are my lifeline. I can't find the words to communicate how deeply moved I am by all the support and prayers.
Its obvious to all this has been a life changing event. Not only have Sandy and I had to deal with learning a new health care regime but we have had to "re-boot" our life plans. And as I have always had as a caveat as the saying goes "Lord willing and the creek don't rise" always has to get tagged on to our human plans.
I crossed another major stage of life this week as I say goodbye to my motorcycle. My brother is coming to get it. He lives very close to the BMW dealer in Savoy, Illinois and I know he will care for this wonderful exotic machine like it was my own. It is no longer safe for me to ride. I have set a personal challenge though - that is to regain health and fitness to the point I can work again. When that day comes, then I can go get another motorcycle. In the meantime I have great memories and am fully engaged with managing our affairs and trying to get healthy.
I have had good feedback about how so many of you enjoy the pictures and I want to thank my daughter Leah and her husband Tim for all the time and effort they are putting into keeping the blog updated. What a great family I am blessed with and I admit to being especially attached to all the grandchildren. Each one is my favorite!
For all my Boeing friends - you'll all be pleased to know (I sure am) that the e-manufacturing patent was awarded and I have the coveted plaque now announcing the award from the US Patent & Trade Office. I reckon that certifies me as a geek! Getting the patent awarded took approximately 8 years.
So on we go with the journey and what is around the next corner I don't know. But I was always all about the adventure - and the stories - so I reckon this qualifies.
Stay tuned - Gary
Its obvious to all this has been a life changing event. Not only have Sandy and I had to deal with learning a new health care regime but we have had to "re-boot" our life plans. And as I have always had as a caveat as the saying goes "Lord willing and the creek don't rise" always has to get tagged on to our human plans.
I have had good feedback about how so many of you enjoy the pictures and I want to thank my daughter Leah and her husband Tim for all the time and effort they are putting into keeping the blog updated. What a great family I am blessed with and I admit to being especially attached to all the grandchildren. Each one is my favorite!
For all my Boeing friends - you'll all be pleased to know (I sure am) that the e-manufacturing patent was awarded and I have the coveted plaque now announcing the award from the US Patent & Trade Office. I reckon that certifies me as a geek! Getting the patent awarded took approximately 8 years.
So on we go with the journey and what is around the next corner I don't know. But I was always all about the adventure - and the stories - so I reckon this qualifies.
Stay tuned - Gary
Chemo Round 2: Mon, July 27, 2009
I just finished chemo round 2. I can tell its in me - a metallic taste in my mouth, tired, tongue a little numb, etc. They said today that day 3 is the hardest. I get steroids each time - its to open up the cancer cells to feed better and then the chemo zaps them. I don't expect to sleep well tonight due to the steroids.
It only took 3 hours hooked up today - now I have the pump and am home. The pump is to kill cancer that grows (divides) at a slower rate than the cancer that they attack with the chemo dumped in me today.
All in all I am supposed to do better on round 2 because the 1st round is supposed to be the toughest. We'll see.
The nurse said cancer is killed (contained) better with chemo when the cancer is advanced and really growing fast. So good - that is my case.
Now I have to rest
-Gary
It only took 3 hours hooked up today - now I have the pump and am home. The pump is to kill cancer that grows (divides) at a slower rate than the cancer that they attack with the chemo dumped in me today.
All in all I am supposed to do better on round 2 because the 1st round is supposed to be the toughest. We'll see.
The nurse said cancer is killed (contained) better with chemo when the cancer is advanced and really growing fast. So good - that is my case.
Now I have to rest
-Gary
New Member of the Family: Wednesday July 22, 2009
Much has happened since our last blog entry. Tim and Leah were able to spend an extended weekend with everyone in Kansas. It was encouraging that Gary was feeling well enough to make the trip to the airport and pick them up with Sandy. Yet this was another rough day for Gary. Gary’s body underwent a lot during the diagnosis and his first treatment, and up to Saturday he had not noticed any signs of improvement.
On Sunday Justin and Tina, Corie and Doug, the kids and Grandma and Grandpa Boone along with Uncle Marion and Aunt Joyce came to Wellington. It was a great day. The family enjoyed spending some quality time together and Gary was seeing the first discernible signs of improvement for weeks. His energy levels were higher and he was able to eat again. On Monday Gary went for his blood work, this was a quick and painless process that shouldn’t hinder his recovery between treatments. He was continuing to see signs of improvement and was encouraged by how much he was able achieve.
Most exciting was the trip to Wichita to see his eighth grandchild Carson Matthew Cook, who was born late Monday morning and was 8lb 9oz and 19”. For Corie this was a major surgery, yet she is recovering well. Carson was having difficulty breathing and the doctors thought there may be a little water in one of his lungs, however after more testing it was confirmed this evening that he actually has pneumonia. The doctors have placed him on a seven day treatment of antibiotics which they are hoping he will respond well to.
There is much to be thankful for, and much to continue to bring before the Lord in prayer. As Gary continues to have good days and bad days, pray that his average health levels would continue to rise and that the good would outnumber the bad. Pray for Corie’s continued healing from her surgery. Pray that baby Carson would recover quickly from his pneumonia and that he would be able to go home healthy soon.
For many this latest trail may seem like one too far, however the Lord is our strength, and it is He who is our ever present help in times of trouble. We covet your prayers and enjoy reading your comments.
On Sunday Justin and Tina, Corie and Doug, the kids and Grandma and Grandpa Boone along with Uncle Marion and Aunt Joyce came to Wellington. It was a great day. The family enjoyed spending some quality time together and Gary was seeing the first discernible signs of improvement for weeks. His energy levels were higher and he was able to eat again. On Monday Gary went for his blood work, this was a quick and painless process that shouldn’t hinder his recovery between treatments. He was continuing to see signs of improvement and was encouraged by how much he was able achieve.
Most exciting was the trip to Wichita to see his eighth grandchild Carson Matthew Cook, who was born late Monday morning and was 8lb 9oz and 19”. For Corie this was a major surgery, yet she is recovering well. Carson was having difficulty breathing and the doctors thought there may be a little water in one of his lungs, however after more testing it was confirmed this evening that he actually has pneumonia. The doctors have placed him on a seven day treatment of antibiotics which they are hoping he will respond well to.
There is much to be thankful for, and much to continue to bring before the Lord in prayer. As Gary continues to have good days and bad days, pray that his average health levels would continue to rise and that the good would outnumber the bad. Pray for Corie’s continued healing from her surgery. Pray that baby Carson would recover quickly from his pneumonia and that he would be able to go home healthy soon.
For many this latest trail may seem like one too far, however the Lord is our strength, and it is He who is our ever present help in times of trouble. We covet your prayers and enjoy reading your comments.
Chemo Week 1: Friday, July 17, 2009
I (Leah) stayed at my parents’ until early Tuesday morning before heading back to Chicago, but Tim and I are headed back tomorrow morning for a little longer stay. This next week brings a new family member: Corie is scheduled to have her C-Section on Monday. We look forward to welcoming this new little one, and we will be sure to post pictures!
It is wonderful that we still have things to celebrate during this difficult time. Please remember to pray for the whole family as we go back and forth to the hospital with Corie and home with my Dad. A few other things to pray for would be continued pain management, for my mom as she sorts through ludicrous amounts of paperwork, and for Corie as she has her baby on Monday.
We thank you again for your prayers. I want to just let you know that we will be updating this blog around once a week, or as new or important things happen. If you want to contact us, please feel free to email, call, send a card, or just visit!
Leah
Chemo Week 1
Friday, July 17, 2009
Add a Comment
5 Comments
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Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 05:44 PM
Janice
It is good to see you smiling Gary, but I have to say I do NOT like the T shirt!! Snakes are definitely not my favourite things! It was good to speak to Sandy on Friday. We continue to pray that the chemo will go well and have good results. Looking forward to seeing pictures of the new baby - give our love to Corie and Doug.
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Monday, July 20, 2009 - 07:26 AM
Anonymous
Gary and Sandy,
Have been following your progress. You have lots of support and prayers. That is good. Stay positive and you will whip this illness.
Trish and I are in MN working on the cabin. I won't be back until the end of September, so will see you then.
Looks like we are both expecting grandchildren next Monday. Jamie and Liesel are expecting their first son on Monday the 27th.
Stay strong and positive,
Jim and Trish
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 12:27 PM
Kenny Allen
Step by Step, one breath at a time...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith...fight the good fight
(I like the snake t-shirt)
Pressing on,
Kenny
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 12:01 PM
Anonymous
Hi! Just wanted you to know I am praying for you.
(and I don't like the shirt either :) )
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 06:59 PM
Anonymous
Now that's my BIG brother! A true WARRIOR of God! And as far as the shirt? If you like it (and you must as you're wearing it) then it's alright with me. Love you, Marianne
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Add a Comment
Chemo Day 1: Monday, July 13, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing this to you from the Cancer Center in Wellington. We are getting Gary’s first round of chemotherapy today. It’s scary since we do not know what to expect with how he will feel afterwards, but we are thankful to start treatment. The nurses have been friendly and informative, but the treatments they are pumping into Gary’s body, and the potential side effects are crazy!
We have had a lot of wonderful visits from our friends this past week. Some highlights were the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) local leaders coming over last Thursday and Gary and Sandy’s Pastors and Home Group Bible study at their church coming over on Sunday.. There were about 25 people at our house for lunch, a worship time, and a time for prayer over Gary. This meant a lot to the family and we thank you!
We have also had a number of individuals come, and we can’t believe the wonderful support we have had from you all. A special thanks to Tony and his family coming all the way from Texas to visit Gary!
We have been trying to make sure that Gary is getting the nutrients that he needs. The Doctors told us that at this point, the most important thing we can do is get food down him, any food…. So whatever Gary has a taste for we try to oblige. This includes such wonderful meals as pork & beans and Mac & Cheese!
I (Leah) have been down in KS since Saturday, and it has been wonderful being able to be here with my mom and dad. I just want to mention a few prayer requests to you now that he has started Chemo:
1.Please pray that the potential side effects the nurses warned us of would not be severe. This has the potential to make Gary very sick, but it does not affect everyone the same way.
2.The chemo will affect Gary’s immune system, so he needs to stay away from germs. Pray that he wouldn’t get any bugs that could cause problems.
3.Continued prayer for Gary, Sandy, and the family for strength during this time.
Romans 12:12 says “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” We are striving for these things and we ask them for you as well.
Thank you dear friends,
Leah, Gary, and Sandy
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 06:39 AM
Anonymous
We continue to stand with you in prayer as start this treatment. You are all much in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Janice and Paul
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 07:42 AM
Andrew & Dawn Sanford
Gary, Sandy and Leah, Yo9u are in the front of my mind all day long and I am praying for you. We have made this blog our home page so EVERY TIME we log on to the internet Gary you are the first thing that we see. It is a constant reminder to pray for you and your family to have strength and to be uplifted in Christ's name. I pray that God will give you peace about the future and a joy for everyday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 02:08 PM
Paul Lister
Hi Gary,
I think we all know that no words are good enough when we are faced by this situation. It's also easy to say that it hasn't taken God by surprise and he only has his best for you. This is of course true but when you're facing the situation it has to be difficult to hang on to this truth.
So I just wanted you and Sandy and the family to know how much you are in our daily thoughts and prayers. Also that we have also made it a matter of prayer at our Church.
I'm sorry that we're so far away. I'd love to just be able to come by and say hi. But as much as we can from 1000's of miles away we feel a bond and a deep love and concern for you and Sandy in the days ahead.
God bless you both
Paul
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 04:00 PM
Kenny Allen
Gary & Sandy & family...
Praying the Psalms 5:3 prayer: "Morning by morning, O Lord, You hear my voice. Morning by morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in anticipation." Praying and anticipating the wonderous love of God in Christ expressed in your life...
Pressing on,
Kenny
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Friday, July 17, 2009 - 06:45 PM
Danielle Peeples
Hey Leah, Uncle Gary and Aunt Sandy. I just want you to know that I am praying for you all and will continue until you are well. I appreciate everything you have ever done for me and I want you to know that I love you all. We are all thinking of you everyday and are hoping you will be healed soon. Keep praying, because there is strength in numbers When you come to him in two or more, your prayers shall be answered
I am writing this to you from the Cancer Center in Wellington. We are getting Gary’s first round of chemotherapy today. It’s scary since we do not know what to expect with how he will feel afterwards, but we are thankful to start treatment. The nurses have been friendly and informative, but the treatments they are pumping into Gary’s body, and the potential side effects are crazy!
We have had a lot of wonderful visits from our friends this past week. Some highlights were the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) local leaders coming over last Thursday and Gary and Sandy’s Pastors and Home Group Bible study at their church coming over on Sunday.. There were about 25 people at our house for lunch, a worship time, and a time for prayer over Gary. This meant a lot to the family and we thank you!
We have also had a number of individuals come, and we can’t believe the wonderful support we have had from you all. A special thanks to Tony and his family coming all the way from Texas to visit Gary!
We have been trying to make sure that Gary is getting the nutrients that he needs. The Doctors told us that at this point, the most important thing we can do is get food down him, any food…. So whatever Gary has a taste for we try to oblige. This includes such wonderful meals as pork & beans and Mac & Cheese!
I (Leah) have been down in KS since Saturday, and it has been wonderful being able to be here with my mom and dad. I just want to mention a few prayer requests to you now that he has started Chemo:
1.Please pray that the potential side effects the nurses warned us of would not be severe. This has the potential to make Gary very sick, but it does not affect everyone the same way.
2.The chemo will affect Gary’s immune system, so he needs to stay away from germs. Pray that he wouldn’t get any bugs that could cause problems.
3.Continued prayer for Gary, Sandy, and the family for strength during this time.
Romans 12:12 says “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” We are striving for these things and we ask them for you as well.
Thank you dear friends,
Leah, Gary, and Sandy
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 06:39 AM
Anonymous
We continue to stand with you in prayer as start this treatment. You are all much in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Janice and Paul
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 07:42 AM
Andrew & Dawn Sanford
Gary, Sandy and Leah, Yo9u are in the front of my mind all day long and I am praying for you. We have made this blog our home page so EVERY TIME we log on to the internet Gary you are the first thing that we see. It is a constant reminder to pray for you and your family to have strength and to be uplifted in Christ's name. I pray that God will give you peace about the future and a joy for everyday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 02:08 PM
Paul Lister
Hi Gary,
I think we all know that no words are good enough when we are faced by this situation. It's also easy to say that it hasn't taken God by surprise and he only has his best for you. This is of course true but when you're facing the situation it has to be difficult to hang on to this truth.
So I just wanted you and Sandy and the family to know how much you are in our daily thoughts and prayers. Also that we have also made it a matter of prayer at our Church.
I'm sorry that we're so far away. I'd love to just be able to come by and say hi. But as much as we can from 1000's of miles away we feel a bond and a deep love and concern for you and Sandy in the days ahead.
God bless you both
Paul
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 04:00 PM
Kenny Allen
Gary & Sandy & family...
Praying the Psalms 5:3 prayer: "Morning by morning, O Lord, You hear my voice. Morning by morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in anticipation." Praying and anticipating the wonderous love of God in Christ expressed in your life...
Pressing on,
Kenny
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, July 17, 2009 - 06:45 PM
Danielle Peeples
Hey Leah, Uncle Gary and Aunt Sandy. I just want you to know that I am praying for you all and will continue until you are well. I appreciate everything you have ever done for me and I want you to know that I love you all. We are all thinking of you everyday and are hoping you will be healed soon. Keep praying, because there is strength in numbers When you come to him in two or more, your prayers shall be answered
News from the Oncologist: Monday, July 6, 2009
Thank you for your prayers today for the oncology visit. We really like the Oncologist, and feel that we are in good hands at the hospital. The news was not good, however. The Oncologist informed us that the cancer is alarmingly extensive on Gary's liver. Previously we had been concerned about the tumors in his colon as the number one concern, but it appears that the cancer spots on the liver are "too many to count" according to the oncologist. It has spread to the point that surgery on the liver or a transplant is not a viable option.
Gary will be having a P.E.T. Scan at 5:45 am on Wednesday this week to highlight all of the areas in his body with the cancer, however, they will start chemotherapy as soon as the port in his chest has healed a little more, Monday or Tuesday next week. The Chemo will go in 2 week increments, with a 3 hour chemo course one week, a blood test the next, chemo again the next, etc. He will be able to take the courses as an outpatient, so will be able to remain at home in Wellington. The good news is that the chemo they will be giving him should not cause extreme nausea or hair loss, although it will definitely be rough for the first 4-6 weeks. The chemo will hopefully reduce the pain Gary is in, but with the spread as extensive as it is, the Dr. was not optimistic on a complete recovery.
A few things to prayer for would be continual pain management for Gary. A major issue for him right now is that he doesn't want to eat, and when he does, his liver and stomach has a hard time processing the food to come out the other end! Pray that he would be able get the food through his body.
Through this all, our hope and faith remains in the Lord. Sandy has been recently reading out of Oswald Chambers book, My Utmost for His Highest, from the July 5th devotional based on Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass".
Chambers writes " Don't plan with a rainy day in mind. You cannot hoard things for a rainy day if you are truly trusting Christ. Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled... (John 14:1). God will not keep your heart from being troubled. It is a command--"Let not..." To do it , continually pick yourself up, even if you fall a hundred and one times a day, until you get into the habit of putting God first and planning with Him in mind."
Gary will be having a P.E.T. Scan at 5:45 am on Wednesday this week to highlight all of the areas in his body with the cancer, however, they will start chemotherapy as soon as the port in his chest has healed a little more, Monday or Tuesday next week. The Chemo will go in 2 week increments, with a 3 hour chemo course one week, a blood test the next, chemo again the next, etc. He will be able to take the courses as an outpatient, so will be able to remain at home in Wellington. The good news is that the chemo they will be giving him should not cause extreme nausea or hair loss, although it will definitely be rough for the first 4-6 weeks. The chemo will hopefully reduce the pain Gary is in, but with the spread as extensive as it is, the Dr. was not optimistic on a complete recovery.
A few things to prayer for would be continual pain management for Gary. A major issue for him right now is that he doesn't want to eat, and when he does, his liver and stomach has a hard time processing the food to come out the other end! Pray that he would be able get the food through his body.
Through this all, our hope and faith remains in the Lord. Sandy has been recently reading out of Oswald Chambers book, My Utmost for His Highest, from the July 5th devotional based on Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass".
Chambers writes " Don't plan with a rainy day in mind. You cannot hoard things for a rainy day if you are truly trusting Christ. Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled... (John 14:1). God will not keep your heart from being troubled. It is a command--"Let not..." To do it , continually pick yourself up, even if you fall a hundred and one times a day, until you get into the habit of putting God first and planning with Him in mind."
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