Chemo was exhausting yesterday - leaving the house at 8:30 and getting back home at 6:30!! HOWEVER, we were also both lifted and relieved because the cancer marker in the blood had dropped by almost 200 points in 2 weeks! We still have almost 800 points to go to be where that marker needs to be - BUT...this is the first time since September that the number has gone down! So, the oxaliplatin is doing it's work again! The Dr. also indicated that Lou shouldn't be as sick this time after the infusion yesterday - and thus far, he's correct! Still need to work on Lou's eating! He lost another 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks! But, am hoping if he's feeling better, maybe he'll also eat better!!! We are so very thankful and looking forward to a merrier Christmas and New Year celebration!
Just wanted to share the good news and once again thank all of you for your prayers, love, and support! We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas in this season of holiness and hope!
Blessings!
Deb
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Chemo
So, the last chemo on 12/10 was the first one with the reintroduction of the Oxaliplatin in Lou's chemo regiment to try to fight the growing liver tumors. Unfortunately, Lou was VERY ill for 3 days or so after the chemo - with fever, pain in the liver region, and overall malaise. It was a really difficult return to the drug! He's just now starting to feel a little better and of course, it's time to go again tomorrow morning fo another round of chemo! I was able to read additional information about adding more vitamins to try to lessen some of the negative side effects - so.....he's going to try taking some higher doses of these vitamins for the next 2 or 3 days to see if it will help some of the problems! Supposedly other patients and CAM programs have tried these vitamins with some success - so, prayerfully and hopefully - they'll also help Lou!
Feeling ill has also taken a toll on Lou's outlook! He's been struggling since the last chemo with what I would consider to be a real depression. We will see his chemo Dr. in the morning before his chemo infusion, so, I'm hoping that MAYBE Lou would consider and the Dr. will possibly prescribe an anti-depressant. Also am praying to find a way for Lou to have some other outlets for interaction with other patients or other people! With his immune system so depressed, it's not good for him to be out in crowds - so, we limit his exposure to smaller enviroments and places! But, even when we're at the Dr.'s office - he seeks out and starts conversations with people there! For those of you who've known Lou for any length of time - it's a new side of him - Mr. Outgoing! But, I think he really needs this outlet - he enjoys having company and seeing people - but....he can't go out much - so....it's difficult! For any of you living nearby or visiting Dallas, hope you'll consider coming by to see him!
In the meantime, we appreciate the continued love, support, and prayers from so many of you!!! We both wish all of you Love, Blessings, and Happiness during this Blessed Season!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Deb and Lou
Feeling ill has also taken a toll on Lou's outlook! He's been struggling since the last chemo with what I would consider to be a real depression. We will see his chemo Dr. in the morning before his chemo infusion, so, I'm hoping that MAYBE Lou would consider and the Dr. will possibly prescribe an anti-depressant. Also am praying to find a way for Lou to have some other outlets for interaction with other patients or other people! With his immune system so depressed, it's not good for him to be out in crowds - so, we limit his exposure to smaller enviroments and places! But, even when we're at the Dr.'s office - he seeks out and starts conversations with people there! For those of you who've known Lou for any length of time - it's a new side of him - Mr. Outgoing! But, I think he really needs this outlet - he enjoys having company and seeing people - but....he can't go out much - so....it's difficult! For any of you living nearby or visiting Dallas, hope you'll consider coming by to see him!
In the meantime, we appreciate the continued love, support, and prayers from so many of you!!! We both wish all of you Love, Blessings, and Happiness during this Blessed Season!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Deb and Lou
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Update 12/10
Lou completed the chemo today - with the added Oxaliplatin - without any complications! The Dr. also added an additional mixture of calcium and magnesium - a 30 minute drip - both before and after Lou receives the infusion of the Oxaliplatin. This adds another hour to the already LONG chemo lab time - but, it is hoped that by him receiving the calcium / magnesium combo - it will help to lessen some of the negative side effects of the Oxaliplatin! So....if it works - that would be a real blessing! Lou did say that he already is feeling the "tingling" in his fingertips and toes - but...am hoping with added supplements and the Reiki and reflexology massages - we can keep this from becoming too big of an issue!
We also visited with the radiation oncologist after the chemo. He explained a little more about some of the complications of doing anything else for the liver right now - especially in respect to radiation! I think Lou and I both felt a little better or at least a little more assured that what's being done right now is probably the best we can hope for! And, he also confirmed again that both tumors in Lou's brain look really good - Not active! - and nothing new showing up! So....this is a good thing! After the MRIs on Lou's spine on Monday 12/14 - he'll call us probably the 16th or 17th to let us know the results. However, we all seem to think that these will be clear with no additional problems!
Right now, it's really all about the liver! The blood numbers had increased another 50 % just in the last 2 weeks! And, as they told us yesterday - the tumors had grown "significantly" since the last CT scan a month ago - and now instead of only 2 of the tumors growing - MANY were growing and in both lobes of the liver! The hopes and prayers now have to be that the Oxaliplatin will be able to bring them back down again!
Lou has lost more weight - so, I'm having to redouble the efforts to get him to eat! It's a day by day meal by meal ordeal!!! Wish I could share the weight I've found since the cancer was diagnosed last November!
Thanks again for continued prayers! We are so very thankful for all of you!
Love,
Deb
We also visited with the radiation oncologist after the chemo. He explained a little more about some of the complications of doing anything else for the liver right now - especially in respect to radiation! I think Lou and I both felt a little better or at least a little more assured that what's being done right now is probably the best we can hope for! And, he also confirmed again that both tumors in Lou's brain look really good - Not active! - and nothing new showing up! So....this is a good thing! After the MRIs on Lou's spine on Monday 12/14 - he'll call us probably the 16th or 17th to let us know the results. However, we all seem to think that these will be clear with no additional problems!
Right now, it's really all about the liver! The blood numbers had increased another 50 % just in the last 2 weeks! And, as they told us yesterday - the tumors had grown "significantly" since the last CT scan a month ago - and now instead of only 2 of the tumors growing - MANY were growing and in both lobes of the liver! The hopes and prayers now have to be that the Oxaliplatin will be able to bring them back down again!
Lou has lost more weight - so, I'm having to redouble the efforts to get him to eat! It's a day by day meal by meal ordeal!!! Wish I could share the weight I've found since the cancer was diagnosed last November!
Thanks again for continued prayers! We are so very thankful for all of you!
Love,
Deb
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Unhappy News
Got the results this afternoon of the CT scan of Lou's liver and the MRI of his brain. Fortunately, the brain tumors show no change and nothing new. Unfortunately, most of the liver tumors are now growing and active! So, tomorrow morning when we go for chemo - the Dr. is ordering the chemo mixture to once again include the Oxaliplatin which is the drug Lou was on last spring - the one that caused neuropathy in his hands and feet as well as significant hair loss. Lou is very unhappy but, has agreed to try it again. The chemo Dr. thinks since this worked so well last spring in reducing the tumors - it is our best hope for reducing them again. There are also some small areas in his lungs - but, they have not grown so, hopefully, these will not become a factor in the whole situation! Also, there was a mixup on the appointment yesterday for the MRI and they didn't schedule the 3 spine MRIs! So, we're going on Monday for those tests. It seems that the tumor at T12 on his spine may also be showing some changes. We'll know more about that one when we have the MRI on Monday! And, of course, we'll be discussing that one with the Radiation Dr. tomorrow after chemo.
Love,
Deb
Love,
Deb
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Important Week for Updates!
Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all! We hope that all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving with family and loved ones near! Since Lou had chemo the day before Thanksgiving - cooking was a bit of a challenge this year - but....Gabrielle and Christopher both pitched in and we did manage to get a big spread on the table to share with the caregivers and Dad at his house and with Miss Betty ( our dear previous neighbor and adopted "grandmother" to our kids!) who's been sharing Thanksgiving and Christmas with us for at least 15 years - at our house!
AND, as a quick update - Lou and I DID make it to Maui, Hawaii on November 3 - arriving back in Dallas early morning on November 11. What a blessed and miraculous time we had while we were there! The trip was a little much for Lou - but.....our time there was so very wonderful that it was hard to complain about the flight time!! The days were bright and balmy - the sound of the ocean, the air, and the magnificent beauty - all felt so very healing and wonderful! For that week - it was almost as if time was standing still - Lou felt better than he's felt in a while - and we truly relaxed and just enjoyed being there! If EVER we wanted a time not to end - it was our time there! It's just hard to put into words how relaxed and wonderful the week felt for both of us! The heaviness we feel here so much of the time was completely lifted! BIG SIGH! It was wonderful and we are so very thankful and feel very blessed to have had the time together! In a word - truly, it was heaven on earth for that one week!
We did come back early on the morning of the 11th - and came right back to reality - Chemo - followed the next morning on the 12th. Between the trip back and chemo - it did take Lou a little longer to bounce back from the chemo - but....again - it was such a wonderful time - we wouldn't have changed a thing! Due to the holidays, some of the chemo schedule has been adjusted - and so it was that we wound up with chemo on the day before Thanksgiving - the 25th. This chemo again left Lou more tired than usual - but...fortunately, the last 3 or 4 days, he's felt better!
While we were in Hawaii, Lou went for Reiki sessions there and also had reflexology foot massages. And, since we've been back home, he has started a weekly regiment of Reiki and reflexology foot massage with newly added Jin Shin Jyutsu too. Both the Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu are conducted by Christian practitioners and Lou seems to have a calmness and peace from both of these practices / sessions. He's learning guided meditation to help him relax - something that I think is very beneficial for him. And, of course, we are so very blessed to have the Healing Hands group still coming every Saturday to lay hands on and pray for Lou. Both of us look forward to this time each week - the Lord has belssed us so richly!
So, on to this coming week! We will go on Tuesday morning - 12/8/09 for the 4 hour MRI session - again brain and three sections of the spine - to see if everything is still holding and with no new areas of concern! Tuesday afternoon - right after the MRI - he has the CT scan to check his liver and internal organs. Since the CT scan last month showed 2 of the tumors in his liver were growing again, we've been quite distressed! Also, the CEA and ALP counts in his blood work continue to go up each month and have been going up since September - we're anticipating that the two problem tumors are potentially still causing problems. However, we KNOW that all things are possible through the Lord - and we're thanking the Lord for His continued blessings and praying for His healing touch to continue to be on Lou.
We'll get CT results - and possibly MRI results - on Wednesday 12/9 afternoon from the chemo Dr. Then, Lou has chemo on Thursday 12/10 and later that afternoon (after chemo!) - we'll meet with the radiation Dr. to discuss the MRI scans. So, again, we continue to ask for your prayers for healing for Lou but, we also ask for you to praise and give thanks to the Lord for all of the good - all of the blessings that He's so richly given us!!
I will really try to update the post later this week with results and plans for additional treatment! I appreciate all of the understanding from everyone when I just have a very hard time mentally trying to get the post written!!! Since my Mom's death in June - the grief of her death along with my Dad's continued decline and of course, the gravity of Lou's illness - everything seems sadder and makes it more difficult for me to write! (To borrow a phrase from a friend who just lost her Mom a couple of weeks ago - she said she feels like she's in a fog! AND, that's really a very good description of how I feel too - I'm in that fog!!!)
Your love and friendship mean everything to Lou and to me! Thank you for your prayers, cares, and concerns! We appreciate each of you more than mere words can ever say!
Love,
Deb
AND, as a quick update - Lou and I DID make it to Maui, Hawaii on November 3 - arriving back in Dallas early morning on November 11. What a blessed and miraculous time we had while we were there! The trip was a little much for Lou - but.....our time there was so very wonderful that it was hard to complain about the flight time!! The days were bright and balmy - the sound of the ocean, the air, and the magnificent beauty - all felt so very healing and wonderful! For that week - it was almost as if time was standing still - Lou felt better than he's felt in a while - and we truly relaxed and just enjoyed being there! If EVER we wanted a time not to end - it was our time there! It's just hard to put into words how relaxed and wonderful the week felt for both of us! The heaviness we feel here so much of the time was completely lifted! BIG SIGH! It was wonderful and we are so very thankful and feel very blessed to have had the time together! In a word - truly, it was heaven on earth for that one week!
We did come back early on the morning of the 11th - and came right back to reality - Chemo - followed the next morning on the 12th. Between the trip back and chemo - it did take Lou a little longer to bounce back from the chemo - but....again - it was such a wonderful time - we wouldn't have changed a thing! Due to the holidays, some of the chemo schedule has been adjusted - and so it was that we wound up with chemo on the day before Thanksgiving - the 25th. This chemo again left Lou more tired than usual - but...fortunately, the last 3 or 4 days, he's felt better!
While we were in Hawaii, Lou went for Reiki sessions there and also had reflexology foot massages. And, since we've been back home, he has started a weekly regiment of Reiki and reflexology foot massage with newly added Jin Shin Jyutsu too. Both the Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu are conducted by Christian practitioners and Lou seems to have a calmness and peace from both of these practices / sessions. He's learning guided meditation to help him relax - something that I think is very beneficial for him. And, of course, we are so very blessed to have the Healing Hands group still coming every Saturday to lay hands on and pray for Lou. Both of us look forward to this time each week - the Lord has belssed us so richly!
So, on to this coming week! We will go on Tuesday morning - 12/8/09 for the 4 hour MRI session - again brain and three sections of the spine - to see if everything is still holding and with no new areas of concern! Tuesday afternoon - right after the MRI - he has the CT scan to check his liver and internal organs. Since the CT scan last month showed 2 of the tumors in his liver were growing again, we've been quite distressed! Also, the CEA and ALP counts in his blood work continue to go up each month and have been going up since September - we're anticipating that the two problem tumors are potentially still causing problems. However, we KNOW that all things are possible through the Lord - and we're thanking the Lord for His continued blessings and praying for His healing touch to continue to be on Lou.
We'll get CT results - and possibly MRI results - on Wednesday 12/9 afternoon from the chemo Dr. Then, Lou has chemo on Thursday 12/10 and later that afternoon (after chemo!) - we'll meet with the radiation Dr. to discuss the MRI scans. So, again, we continue to ask for your prayers for healing for Lou but, we also ask for you to praise and give thanks to the Lord for all of the good - all of the blessings that He's so richly given us!!
I will really try to update the post later this week with results and plans for additional treatment! I appreciate all of the understanding from everyone when I just have a very hard time mentally trying to get the post written!!! Since my Mom's death in June - the grief of her death along with my Dad's continued decline and of course, the gravity of Lou's illness - everything seems sadder and makes it more difficult for me to write! (To borrow a phrase from a friend who just lost her Mom a couple of weeks ago - she said she feels like she's in a fog! AND, that's really a very good description of how I feel too - I'm in that fog!!!)
Your love and friendship mean everything to Lou and to me! Thank you for your prayers, cares, and concerns! We appreciate each of you more than mere words can ever say!
Love,
Deb
Monday, November 2, 2009
Some Troubling News!
Well....it's been such positive and good news since last spring, but....we've hit a bump in the road and we need all of our prayer warriors, friends, and family to help us rally again! What I didn't know when I wrote in September was that one of Lou's blood counts had crept up slightly. It's known as CEA - Carcinoembryonic antigen - it's a tumor marker in the blood - in particular a colon cancer tumor marker! We didn't find out until our appointment in October that this had gone up over 100 (the Dr.'s like to try to keep this number under 100 for cancer patients being treated). And, unfortunately, by our October appointment it had almost doubled from the number in September and it's doubled yet again as of last Thursday! So, the chemo Dr. ordered new CT scans to see what was going on. The sad news is that 2 of the tumors in Lou's liver have begun growing. The tumors are not the largest ones nor the smallest ones - but....both in the last two months have grown by about 1/2 cm each! Of course, this is devastating news to Lou and me! Lou was sick for about 10 days after his October 1 chemo - not sure if it was totally related to the activity of these two tumors or not, but, possibly. The Chemo Dr. wants to leave Lou on the same chemo treatments for the next 4 sessions - meaning the next 2 months since the chemo treatments are every other Thursday. His thought is that since the current chemo treatment has been really successful in keeping all of the other tumors and areas of concern in Lou's liver and spine (and maybe brain - but...chemo doesn't usually effectively treat brain tumors - the chemo doesn't transcend the brain barrier which is good and bad!) - he would like to remain with this course a little longer to try to keep all of the other tumors "in line" and not causing problems. However, these two "renegade" tumors in his liver are a problem! I asked about the possibility of radiation or any other treatments to try to address the problems with these two tumors - but...for now, it seems we have to wait! Of course, waiting and knowing that these two are growing is VERY difficult mentally for Lou and me! We'd like to be able to do something to attack them and try to keep them from growing! Waiting seems like playing Russian roulette to us!!! I have put a call in to the radiation Dr. - just to see what his opinion is on the situation - but.....it's difficult to get a "phone" appointment! We do have an appointment already with him the first week of December for the next set of MRIs for Lou's spine and brain! So.....may have to wait until then - but...definitely would like to see if he has any other thoughts about ways to even experimentally try to do something for these two tumors!
In the meantime, the chemo Dr. has told us that the chemo regiment change he will probably follow in January will include a drug that will cause Lou to lose all of his hair. Needless to say - this is NOT something Lou is happy about! And, while most of you know - I don't even know him without a beard - guess I'll get to know him without a beard! As I've told him - somehow, we have to try to find the humor and or the lighter parts of this whole thing - but.....at times like this - it's sometimes hard to find the brighter spots!
But...we do have a bright spot coming up tomorrow! We are leaving at noon tomorrow - Tuesday, Nov 3 to go to Maui for a week! The original plan was to go to Costa Rica - but....last Friday Lou told me he really really wished we were going back to Hawaii! We thought going to Costa Rica would be easier on him - no time change - and only a 4 hour trip! However, turns out the drive from the airport to the resort we were going to go to is at least 2 hours! Long story short - I got on the phone was able to change the airline tickets and hotel - and we are on our way to Maui tomorrow! Fortunately, since Gabrielle is still living at home - she'll be able to take care of all of our dogs and keep the fort here! Lou is almost like a kid before Christmas just thinking about the beach and ocean air, etc. We truly love it in Maui - so....I hope and pray this will be a time of "renewal" and hope for both of us and that we can come back and face this new struggle with a little more optimism and strength!
We arrive back early morning on the 11th and Lou has chemo on the 12th! We had to push the next chemo up by a day to the 24th since the lab isn't open on Thanksgiving!!! He'll have his take home pump with him for Thanksgiving - but.....I think we'll just be thankful to be together! Last Thanksgiving, Lou was in considerable pain - we had just found out about the colon and liver cancers - didn't know anything about the other tumors - and he was facing the colon resection surgery on Monday after Thanksgiving! We've been down a LONG and sometimes difficult road since then - but.....it's been so much better over the last few months and we're going to try for more of those good months to come!
I apologize for not updating sooner - I find it very difficult to "share" the bad news! And, until last Thursday, even though the blood numbers were not good - we weren't sure what the problems were - although, we knew it wasn't going to be anything we wanted to hear! It could definitely be worse! Consdering the large numbers of tumors in Lou's liver and elsewhere - to only have 2 problems - while hard to be thankful - the news could have been much worse!
We both really appreciate your prayers and concerns and hope that you will all continue to pray for the Lord to direct the Dr.s and our nurse Teddie to determine the best ways to fight this insidious disease in Lou's body! He has come so very far and has done so well!! I think much better than even the Dr.'s expectations - but...I know and Lou knows it's the Lord's hand that has allowed these things to have been so good thus far! So, we are very thankful and relying on our faith - we want to continue the good fight and we know with the Lord that all things are possible! And knowing we have so many prayer warriors and friends backing us up - well....we're humbled and extremely thankful!
Blessings and Love!
Deb
In the meantime, the chemo Dr. has told us that the chemo regiment change he will probably follow in January will include a drug that will cause Lou to lose all of his hair. Needless to say - this is NOT something Lou is happy about! And, while most of you know - I don't even know him without a beard - guess I'll get to know him without a beard! As I've told him - somehow, we have to try to find the humor and or the lighter parts of this whole thing - but.....at times like this - it's sometimes hard to find the brighter spots!
But...we do have a bright spot coming up tomorrow! We are leaving at noon tomorrow - Tuesday, Nov 3 to go to Maui for a week! The original plan was to go to Costa Rica - but....last Friday Lou told me he really really wished we were going back to Hawaii! We thought going to Costa Rica would be easier on him - no time change - and only a 4 hour trip! However, turns out the drive from the airport to the resort we were going to go to is at least 2 hours! Long story short - I got on the phone was able to change the airline tickets and hotel - and we are on our way to Maui tomorrow! Fortunately, since Gabrielle is still living at home - she'll be able to take care of all of our dogs and keep the fort here! Lou is almost like a kid before Christmas just thinking about the beach and ocean air, etc. We truly love it in Maui - so....I hope and pray this will be a time of "renewal" and hope for both of us and that we can come back and face this new struggle with a little more optimism and strength!
We arrive back early morning on the 11th and Lou has chemo on the 12th! We had to push the next chemo up by a day to the 24th since the lab isn't open on Thanksgiving!!! He'll have his take home pump with him for Thanksgiving - but.....I think we'll just be thankful to be together! Last Thanksgiving, Lou was in considerable pain - we had just found out about the colon and liver cancers - didn't know anything about the other tumors - and he was facing the colon resection surgery on Monday after Thanksgiving! We've been down a LONG and sometimes difficult road since then - but.....it's been so much better over the last few months and we're going to try for more of those good months to come!
I apologize for not updating sooner - I find it very difficult to "share" the bad news! And, until last Thursday, even though the blood numbers were not good - we weren't sure what the problems were - although, we knew it wasn't going to be anything we wanted to hear! It could definitely be worse! Consdering the large numbers of tumors in Lou's liver and elsewhere - to only have 2 problems - while hard to be thankful - the news could have been much worse!
We both really appreciate your prayers and concerns and hope that you will all continue to pray for the Lord to direct the Dr.s and our nurse Teddie to determine the best ways to fight this insidious disease in Lou's body! He has come so very far and has done so well!! I think much better than even the Dr.'s expectations - but...I know and Lou knows it's the Lord's hand that has allowed these things to have been so good thus far! So, we are very thankful and relying on our faith - we want to continue the good fight and we know with the Lord that all things are possible! And knowing we have so many prayer warriors and friends backing us up - well....we're humbled and extremely thankful!
Blessings and Love!
Deb
Thursday, September 3, 2009
PTL - More Good News!!!
We got results today from the chemo Dr. for the CT scans on Tuesday and thankfully, the liver tumors are slightly smaller than the last scan in May - so.....things are still going in a very good direction! Was a long chemo day today - but.....we're both so very happy with the good results from the latest tests!! Thanks to all of you for continued prayers and support! Lou is living a miraculous life!
Blessings to all!
Deb
Blessings to all!
Deb
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Updates on Lou
Sorry it's been a while since I've written any updates on Lou and much has transpired during the last couple of months - fortunately ALL good as far as Lou is concerned. I've struggled emotionally since my Mom passed away and just haven't been able to function as fully - but, am so very thankful and grateful to all of you for the notes, love, and support and your understanding about the circumstances.
We have been so very, very blessed! Lou had his latest MRI screenings of the brain and spine last Thursday - August 27 - and we received the really wonderful news today that these latest tests show that both brain tumors have decreased in size, the spine tumors continue to be stable and BEST of all - no new areas of concern have materialized in his brain or spine! Now we're praying and hoping for additional good news concerning the liver tumors! Before we visited with the radiation Dr. this morning concerning the brain and spine MRIs - Lou had a CT scan of his liver. However, we won't have the results of that test until Thursday when he goes for his next chemo treatment. We'll see the chemo Dr. before his chemo treatment and find out about the CT scan at that time! Although we both try to remain positive about these testing periods - we are always apprehensive / praying and hoping for the best / but, also bracing for possible bad news! Neither of us have slept the last couple of nights in anticipation of what we'd hear today! Tonight, even though we don't have the news about the liver tumors yet, I think we'll be "snoring" the night away!!
Also have to mention how many times we heard from various people at the Cancer Center today about the "miracle" that Lou is living at this point! One of the nurses called him a "miracle child", another absolutely marveling at how well he's looking and doing, another being incredulous that he was "still alive" and not just alive - but actually "living"! He really is living a miracle - a miracle from God - a gift - and we know it and are so thankful for it and we both give God the glory! But....to hear some of the comments from the people who work with and see cancer patients every day - it was overwhelming to hear their comments - just made us realize even more what a gift we've been given!
Since the last posting, Lou and I went to Richmond, VA in July for a weekend to attend his Vietnam Veterans Reunion. We had a wonderful weekend - relating stories with his buddies from the days in Vietnam - and doing some sightseeing around Richmond! What a great group of friends that share bonds from a very traumatic time of life, but one that has cemented them together in an extremely special way. And, about 2 weeks ago, Lou went with me on a business trip to the Philadelphia area. After my business was completed, we drove up to Hazleton - a couple of hours north of Philadelphia - to visit his parent's / grandparent's, and great grand parent's graves and to have dinner with one of his cousins still living in the area. It was a great trip - made even better by visiting with some good friends and family - and lots of laughter remembering events from days gone by! These trips were blessings to both of us - life seemed almost normal - we're just so very grateful to have this time together!
The very special Healing Hands Prayer group continues to come to our home every Saturday for prayer time - they're a rock for us with their steadfast prayers and love - lifting Lou and me up - we can never thank them enough for the joy and light through Christ that they bring to us! And, we now are also going to a Christian Reiki practitioner on Sunday afternoons. The Lord has provided for us so abundantly in the prayer warriors, doctors, nurses, friends, family, and others that have helped us find many other ways to fight this insidious and evil cancer! What a loving and mighty God we serve and how magnificent are his ways of bringing such unique and wonderful people together to serve His purposes!
Blessings to all of you! Will write more when we have the CT results on Thursday - praying we'll have additional good news at that time!
Deb
We have been so very, very blessed! Lou had his latest MRI screenings of the brain and spine last Thursday - August 27 - and we received the really wonderful news today that these latest tests show that both brain tumors have decreased in size, the spine tumors continue to be stable and BEST of all - no new areas of concern have materialized in his brain or spine! Now we're praying and hoping for additional good news concerning the liver tumors! Before we visited with the radiation Dr. this morning concerning the brain and spine MRIs - Lou had a CT scan of his liver. However, we won't have the results of that test until Thursday when he goes for his next chemo treatment. We'll see the chemo Dr. before his chemo treatment and find out about the CT scan at that time! Although we both try to remain positive about these testing periods - we are always apprehensive / praying and hoping for the best / but, also bracing for possible bad news! Neither of us have slept the last couple of nights in anticipation of what we'd hear today! Tonight, even though we don't have the news about the liver tumors yet, I think we'll be "snoring" the night away!!
Also have to mention how many times we heard from various people at the Cancer Center today about the "miracle" that Lou is living at this point! One of the nurses called him a "miracle child", another absolutely marveling at how well he's looking and doing, another being incredulous that he was "still alive" and not just alive - but actually "living"! He really is living a miracle - a miracle from God - a gift - and we know it and are so thankful for it and we both give God the glory! But....to hear some of the comments from the people who work with and see cancer patients every day - it was overwhelming to hear their comments - just made us realize even more what a gift we've been given!
Since the last posting, Lou and I went to Richmond, VA in July for a weekend to attend his Vietnam Veterans Reunion. We had a wonderful weekend - relating stories with his buddies from the days in Vietnam - and doing some sightseeing around Richmond! What a great group of friends that share bonds from a very traumatic time of life, but one that has cemented them together in an extremely special way. And, about 2 weeks ago, Lou went with me on a business trip to the Philadelphia area. After my business was completed, we drove up to Hazleton - a couple of hours north of Philadelphia - to visit his parent's / grandparent's, and great grand parent's graves and to have dinner with one of his cousins still living in the area. It was a great trip - made even better by visiting with some good friends and family - and lots of laughter remembering events from days gone by! These trips were blessings to both of us - life seemed almost normal - we're just so very grateful to have this time together!
The very special Healing Hands Prayer group continues to come to our home every Saturday for prayer time - they're a rock for us with their steadfast prayers and love - lifting Lou and me up - we can never thank them enough for the joy and light through Christ that they bring to us! And, we now are also going to a Christian Reiki practitioner on Sunday afternoons. The Lord has provided for us so abundantly in the prayer warriors, doctors, nurses, friends, family, and others that have helped us find many other ways to fight this insidious and evil cancer! What a loving and mighty God we serve and how magnificent are his ways of bringing such unique and wonderful people together to serve His purposes!
Blessings to all of you! Will write more when we have the CT results on Thursday - praying we'll have additional good news at that time!
Deb
Monday, June 8, 2009
Mixed Blessings
The trip to Vegas was great - Lou had a good time, was able to visit with many friends and had a scooter and was the "speed demon" of the hotel I think at times! But....was very good to be out of the house and away from everything here for a couple of days!
After my last update - we did go to visit with Lou's radiation Dr. concerning the latest MRI findings. While, of course, we want to hear that they're all gone, etc. - the news was all good - just not quite the complete wish list that we have for Lou!!! :) The larger brain tumor is definitely smaller - and hopefully will continue to shrink in MRIs down the road. The smaller brain tumor is considered to be stable - it is still about the same size it was BEFORE radiation - but...it hasn't grown - so....that's good. The spine tumors are all considered stable too - no larger - but difficult to determine evidently if they're actually dead or just sitting there! But....at least NOT larger! AND...the best news - nothing new is showing up! Overall - definitely a very good report! AND...Lou continues to get a little stronger all the time and is feeling good - so....we're just very thankful and happy for his continued progress! And....we know it's because of all the prayers from all of you - otherwise just wouldn't be possible for the good news we're getting at this point!
Lou had chemo on Tuesday after we returned from Vegas on Monday night! It all went well - but...in order to get back on his regular schedule - he has to have chemo again this Thursday, June 12. So, we'll be heading down again on Thursday for another round!
In the meantime, our very sad news is that my Mom very unexpectedly passed away yesterday - Sunday - morning. Many of you know that she had a debilitating stroke Thanksgiving Day 2007 and has had some very difficult times since then. However, she had a really good week last week - Lou and I visited with her for quite a while on Friday afternoon and I was there with her again on Saturday afternoon. She talked a little with Lou on Friday and of course, talked with me too both days. But, she had some kind of "event" when the caregiver was getting her dressed and out of bed yesterday morning- she became non responsive and never regained consciousness. She passed very quickly and quietly - and fortunately, even though she wasn't awake to know I was there and her heart and respiration were quite low - I was with her when she died. I'm thankful for her peaceful passing - but...will miss her very much and am quite sad that she's no longer here! However, I did picture her yesterday in heaven with Jesus, her beloved sister Opal, her Mom (my sweetest Grandma!), meeting her Dad (he died when she was 2 years old!), and a host of other family and friends that she had loved here on earth. I'm sure they were all there with open and welcoming arms and Mom's infirmed body was no longer infirmed - she was free at last! Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy on all of us!
Blessings to all of you!
Love,
Deb
After my last update - we did go to visit with Lou's radiation Dr. concerning the latest MRI findings. While, of course, we want to hear that they're all gone, etc. - the news was all good - just not quite the complete wish list that we have for Lou!!! :) The larger brain tumor is definitely smaller - and hopefully will continue to shrink in MRIs down the road. The smaller brain tumor is considered to be stable - it is still about the same size it was BEFORE radiation - but...it hasn't grown - so....that's good. The spine tumors are all considered stable too - no larger - but difficult to determine evidently if they're actually dead or just sitting there! But....at least NOT larger! AND...the best news - nothing new is showing up! Overall - definitely a very good report! AND...Lou continues to get a little stronger all the time and is feeling good - so....we're just very thankful and happy for his continued progress! And....we know it's because of all the prayers from all of you - otherwise just wouldn't be possible for the good news we're getting at this point!
Lou had chemo on Tuesday after we returned from Vegas on Monday night! It all went well - but...in order to get back on his regular schedule - he has to have chemo again this Thursday, June 12. So, we'll be heading down again on Thursday for another round!
In the meantime, our very sad news is that my Mom very unexpectedly passed away yesterday - Sunday - morning. Many of you know that she had a debilitating stroke Thanksgiving Day 2007 and has had some very difficult times since then. However, she had a really good week last week - Lou and I visited with her for quite a while on Friday afternoon and I was there with her again on Saturday afternoon. She talked a little with Lou on Friday and of course, talked with me too both days. But, she had some kind of "event" when the caregiver was getting her dressed and out of bed yesterday morning- she became non responsive and never regained consciousness. She passed very quickly and quietly - and fortunately, even though she wasn't awake to know I was there and her heart and respiration were quite low - I was with her when she died. I'm thankful for her peaceful passing - but...will miss her very much and am quite sad that she's no longer here! However, I did picture her yesterday in heaven with Jesus, her beloved sister Opal, her Mom (my sweetest Grandma!), meeting her Dad (he died when she was 2 years old!), and a host of other family and friends that she had loved here on earth. I'm sure they were all there with open and welcoming arms and Mom's infirmed body was no longer infirmed - she was free at last! Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy on all of us!
Blessings to all of you!
Love,
Deb
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Vegas Trip
Sorry for the very late notice - but, I just finally booked the hotel this afternoon for the JCK show in Vegas! We'll be staying at The Venetian instead of TI! I think Lou is excited - he's packed and ready to go! :) So, hope we'll see many of you there! Safe travels to all!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
MRI Updates 5/27/09
Lou finally was able to stay in the machine for the 4 hour testing on Monday, May 18 - but...only after having 2 Valium capsules! And...right before the test, he found out about some relatively new "glasses" (at least at this facility!) that he was able to use while he was in the machine allowing him to see "outside" of the machine! The glasses along with the Valium definitely helped he said!
We did hear back on Thursday last week from the chemo Dr.'s office - but....details were kind of "slim" - the news was basically that things looked "good and stable and no new areas of concern". Of course, that was good news - BUT...we really wanted more details. So, we made an appointment with the radiation Dr. since the MRI is dealing more with the brain tumors and the spinal tumors - and those are the areas that he radiated! We saw him yesterday - almost evening - appointment was at 3:30 but...we didn't get in to see him until 5:30! But...he did review all of the films - compared them to the originals, etc. and overall - the news is quite good. The larger brain tumor has shrunk and appears to be stable the smaller brain tumor hasn't really changed in size - didn't get any larger - but isn't any smaller either - so....the "assumption" is that it's not alive any more - but...of course, all of these areas will continue to be watched every three months! The spinal tumors of concern are smaller also and / or the same - again meaning "stable" - and hopefully dead - but...again - just have to watch to make sure they continue to remain same size or get smaller over time! AND....confirmed again that there are NO new areas of concern showing up anywhere else! We both thanked God and took deep breaths - sighs of relief for the good news!
The trip to Vegas is still on! Hope we will be able to see many of you there! I still haven't booked a room yet! So....not sure if we'll be at Venetian or Treasure Island! Will try to post which one before Friday! Please get in touch with Lou - he'll have his cell phone on and with him and I think he'll be hanging at the pool much of the time!! 972/839-8271
A huge thanks again to all of you for your continued prayers and support! Lou IS a walking miracle right now!
Blessings!
Deb
We did hear back on Thursday last week from the chemo Dr.'s office - but....details were kind of "slim" - the news was basically that things looked "good and stable and no new areas of concern". Of course, that was good news - BUT...we really wanted more details. So, we made an appointment with the radiation Dr. since the MRI is dealing more with the brain tumors and the spinal tumors - and those are the areas that he radiated! We saw him yesterday - almost evening - appointment was at 3:30 but...we didn't get in to see him until 5:30! But...he did review all of the films - compared them to the originals, etc. and overall - the news is quite good. The larger brain tumor has shrunk and appears to be stable the smaller brain tumor hasn't really changed in size - didn't get any larger - but isn't any smaller either - so....the "assumption" is that it's not alive any more - but...of course, all of these areas will continue to be watched every three months! The spinal tumors of concern are smaller also and / or the same - again meaning "stable" - and hopefully dead - but...again - just have to watch to make sure they continue to remain same size or get smaller over time! AND....confirmed again that there are NO new areas of concern showing up anywhere else! We both thanked God and took deep breaths - sighs of relief for the good news!
The trip to Vegas is still on! Hope we will be able to see many of you there! I still haven't booked a room yet! So....not sure if we'll be at Venetian or Treasure Island! Will try to post which one before Friday! Please get in touch with Lou - he'll have his cell phone on and with him and I think he'll be hanging at the pool much of the time!! 972/839-8271
A huge thanks again to all of you for your continued prayers and support! Lou IS a walking miracle right now!
Blessings!
Deb
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The BEST News Thus Far!!!
Since the last posting, Lou went for a CT scan and we "tried" to do his 4 hour MRI but.....he just couldn't go in and stay in the MRI!!! I gave him some medicine to try to help for anxiety - however....it just didn't work and he had to come out of the machine - he literally crawled out at one point!!! Unfortunately, for the tests they need on his brain and spine - the Dr. wants / needs the MRI scans to be in the "closed" not "open" MRI! Even though Lou has had several of these to date - with same medication for anxiety - it just didn't work! So....next Monday, we'll attempt to have those scans done again - this time with Valium ahead of time to try to help him relax and be able to tolerate the 4 hours in the machine!
The VERY EXCITING / BEST news we've had since this whole odyssey began though was from the CT Scan last week! The Dr. informed us today that the tumors in Lou's liver have shrunk by 50% since the scan done in March! The Dr. was very excited and of course, we're elated with the news!! With this good news, the course of action with his chemo treatments will shift for now and he'll be off the Oxaliplatin for at least a while!!! This is the chemo drug that really is aggressive in fighting the metastatic colon cancer to the liver and elsewhere - but....it is also the one drug that creates several negative side effects that accumulate over time. Lou's main side effects have been the neuropathy to his hands and feet, ultra sensitivity to cold (no ice in drinks, nothing directly out of refrigerator, etc.), hair thinning, and a tightening in his jaw that bothers him for chewing, etc. Hopefully, these will all improve while he's off this one particular drug!
We Praise and Thank God and give HIM the glory and honor for this miracle!!! And we thank all of you for your love, support, and prayers - we couldn't and wouldn't have made it this far without you! And, a very special thanks to the Healing Hands Group from our church who continue to faithfully come to our home every Saturday to pray and lift Lou and his health up to the Lord. It truly is a highlight of the week for us each and every week as they come and pray with us!
Lou will continue to go for chemo every other week - we're not through and may never be through - but.....for now, everything seems really good! With continued prayer, we hope to have additional good news next week after the MRI tests that the brain tumors are dead and shriveling and that the spots on his spine are either gone or shrinking! And...of course, we pray for NO new tumors to be found anywhere!
If nothing changes in the next two weeks and if swine flu is not still on the rampage - Lou is going to leave home for the first time to go with me to the Las Vegas Jewelry show the weekend of May 29th. For those of you who may also be going to Vegas, I hope you'll get in touch with me or Lou - we would love to see you! He has really enjoyed hearing from so many of you - having the opportunity for a face to face visit would be great!
In the meantime, we again cannot thank all of you enough for your prayers and support during this extremely difficult time! We hope you will continue to lift Lou up in prayer - we're looking for more miracles to come!!
Blessings to all!
Deb
The VERY EXCITING / BEST news we've had since this whole odyssey began though was from the CT Scan last week! The Dr. informed us today that the tumors in Lou's liver have shrunk by 50% since the scan done in March! The Dr. was very excited and of course, we're elated with the news!! With this good news, the course of action with his chemo treatments will shift for now and he'll be off the Oxaliplatin for at least a while!!! This is the chemo drug that really is aggressive in fighting the metastatic colon cancer to the liver and elsewhere - but....it is also the one drug that creates several negative side effects that accumulate over time. Lou's main side effects have been the neuropathy to his hands and feet, ultra sensitivity to cold (no ice in drinks, nothing directly out of refrigerator, etc.), hair thinning, and a tightening in his jaw that bothers him for chewing, etc. Hopefully, these will all improve while he's off this one particular drug!
We Praise and Thank God and give HIM the glory and honor for this miracle!!! And we thank all of you for your love, support, and prayers - we couldn't and wouldn't have made it this far without you! And, a very special thanks to the Healing Hands Group from our church who continue to faithfully come to our home every Saturday to pray and lift Lou and his health up to the Lord. It truly is a highlight of the week for us each and every week as they come and pray with us!
Lou will continue to go for chemo every other week - we're not through and may never be through - but.....for now, everything seems really good! With continued prayer, we hope to have additional good news next week after the MRI tests that the brain tumors are dead and shriveling and that the spots on his spine are either gone or shrinking! And...of course, we pray for NO new tumors to be found anywhere!
If nothing changes in the next two weeks and if swine flu is not still on the rampage - Lou is going to leave home for the first time to go with me to the Las Vegas Jewelry show the weekend of May 29th. For those of you who may also be going to Vegas, I hope you'll get in touch with me or Lou - we would love to see you! He has really enjoyed hearing from so many of you - having the opportunity for a face to face visit would be great!
In the meantime, we again cannot thank all of you enough for your prayers and support during this extremely difficult time! We hope you will continue to lift Lou up in prayer - we're looking for more miracles to come!!
Blessings to all!
Deb
Monday, April 27, 2009
Latest News
Lou continues to do well - getting stronger and moving around better and better all the time! Last week, Lou's brother Ron and his wife Jane and son Ronald came to visit us from Florida. What a wonderful time we had together. It had been several years since our last meeting - so, a visit was long overdue! We're hoping for a repeat visit in the near future! It was really great being together - looking at old family pictures - reminiscing about the "good old days" and laughing while telling stories!
On Thursday evening, Lou and I attended a Service of Healing at our church hosted by the group that comes to our home every Saturday - Healing Hands. It was a beautiful service and as always was a very emotional event for us. We are so thankful for this group and for their prayers! It's a huge blessing for both of us.
Saturday morning, we attended a meeting at Gilda's Club (named after Gilda Radner) where they were discussing Complementary / Alternative Medicine (CAM) and/or Integrative Medicine for cancer patients. I have been very interested in this additional resource for helping to treat cancer but, in the Dallas area, there doesn't seem to be too much available! (Other than at Whole Foods and Genevieve who has helped me immensely with Mom and Dad and now with Lou!) We found the discussion and information to be quite informative and helpful - unfortunately, this group was from Tulsa and they all work at Cancer Treatment Centers of America! But....in the 3 hours we were there, they discussed many ideas / complementary nutrition and supplements that we both think will be beneficial for moving forward.
This Thursday will hopefully be the last "heavy" dose chemo for Lou for a while! From our understanding, he'll continue to get 3 of the chemo drugs he's been receiving every other week - but...the really heavy duty one with the worst side effects (neuropathy in his hands and feet as well as jaw!) - might be taken away for a while! During the time he isn't on this drug, the neuropathy will hopefully improve, his hair will grow back!, and he'll have more stamina! All good things! But, as I mentioned previously, this is also considered the first line choice drug for the liver tumors! So.....he'll have to be monitored closely!
We both appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support! We would be very thankful if you would continue to pray for the drugs to zap / kill the cancer in all areas of his body - while the healthy parts are being protected! And, we pray and hope you will too - for the next scans on May 6 and May 7 to show dying / dead tumors in his brain, his spine, his liver, and on the one adrenal gland. It's also a huge prayer that no new tumors or areas for concern will have appeared since the last scans. The other cancer that he has in the spinal cord fluid and lining of the brain have thus far not caused any problems and we hope that they won't! If there's still nothing there - this will be another huge blessing and miracle!
Saying "thank you" to all of you for your prayers seems so insignificant for what they have meant to us! We can never say "thank you" enough to all of you for the unwavering support and love that we feel each and every day! Our prayers for all of you and our gratitude to you are abundant!
Blessings to each of you!
Love,
Deb
On Thursday evening, Lou and I attended a Service of Healing at our church hosted by the group that comes to our home every Saturday - Healing Hands. It was a beautiful service and as always was a very emotional event for us. We are so thankful for this group and for their prayers! It's a huge blessing for both of us.
Saturday morning, we attended a meeting at Gilda's Club (named after Gilda Radner) where they were discussing Complementary / Alternative Medicine (CAM) and/or Integrative Medicine for cancer patients. I have been very interested in this additional resource for helping to treat cancer but, in the Dallas area, there doesn't seem to be too much available! (Other than at Whole Foods and Genevieve who has helped me immensely with Mom and Dad and now with Lou!) We found the discussion and information to be quite informative and helpful - unfortunately, this group was from Tulsa and they all work at Cancer Treatment Centers of America! But....in the 3 hours we were there, they discussed many ideas / complementary nutrition and supplements that we both think will be beneficial for moving forward.
This Thursday will hopefully be the last "heavy" dose chemo for Lou for a while! From our understanding, he'll continue to get 3 of the chemo drugs he's been receiving every other week - but...the really heavy duty one with the worst side effects (neuropathy in his hands and feet as well as jaw!) - might be taken away for a while! During the time he isn't on this drug, the neuropathy will hopefully improve, his hair will grow back!, and he'll have more stamina! All good things! But, as I mentioned previously, this is also considered the first line choice drug for the liver tumors! So.....he'll have to be monitored closely!
We both appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support! We would be very thankful if you would continue to pray for the drugs to zap / kill the cancer in all areas of his body - while the healthy parts are being protected! And, we pray and hope you will too - for the next scans on May 6 and May 7 to show dying / dead tumors in his brain, his spine, his liver, and on the one adrenal gland. It's also a huge prayer that no new tumors or areas for concern will have appeared since the last scans. The other cancer that he has in the spinal cord fluid and lining of the brain have thus far not caused any problems and we hope that they won't! If there's still nothing there - this will be another huge blessing and miracle!
Saying "thank you" to all of you for your prayers seems so insignificant for what they have meant to us! We can never say "thank you" enough to all of you for the unwavering support and love that we feel each and every day! Our prayers for all of you and our gratitude to you are abundant!
Blessings to each of you!
Love,
Deb
Thursday, April 16, 2009
More Good News!
Things continue to improve! Since the last posting - Lou has gained almost 20 lbs - he's getting stronger and his mobility is getting better! We went for chemo again today - the Dr. seems to be quite pleased with the progress he's seeing and the blood counts all continue to point to good things happening! Lou will have his next chemo on April 30 and then he'll go the following week for the next set of scans to see what's happening with all of the tumors. Of course, we pray that they will be dying and getting smaller and that nothing new will have developed!
In the meantime, Lou is still going to OT and PT twice a week and it's really helping him regain his mobility! He still "limps" with his right leg - he says that his right foot from the arch of the foot to the toes feels numb. But....hopefully, with continued therapy and exercise, this will continue to improve! He walks as much as possible without aid but, as he tires, he does need some assistance. Last weekend, we went to an early dinner with friends on Saturday afternoon and Lou walked into and out of the restaurant by himself! And, on Easter Sunday morning, he walked into church unaided! We didn't even take the wheelchair into the church with us! It was an emotional time to be back in church together - especially on Easter Sunday - and so very full of gratitude for the gift he's been given.
The Dr. also told us today that if the scans come back in May as he hopes they will - we might be able to reduce some of the chemo drugs. The protocol of chemo drugs that he's having now is quite aggressive, but, thankfully, Lou seems to be tolerating them well! (This is answered prayer! The Healing Hands prayer group in particular has been praying for the drugs to kill / attack the cancer but not damage or harm Lou - and those prayers have been answered.) However, the Dr. said it would be good if we can try to cut back on some of the more debilitating drugs that Lou is on now and "save" them to use again later in the protocol. He will still be on a regular chemo protocol - but.. a less aggressive amount and type of chemo drugs would be being used in the interim. Overall, we're both very happy and thankful for all of the news today and how things have been progressing now for a few weeks! Everyone in the Dr.'s office were commenting today about how good Lou looks and how much he has progressed! The nutritionist wasn't in the Dr.'s office when we were there, but, she came up to the chemo lab to see Lou - telling us that everyone in the Dr.'s office were all talking about how well he was doing! So, she came to see herself! Our chemo nurse Teddie also continues to be a huge blessing to us! She takes very good care of Lou and is very patient and kind with me to answer my incessant questions about anything and everything! We feel blessed to have her!!
Lou's brother and sister in law and one of his nephews are coming to see us next week. We're both very excited about their visit and look forward to having a "mini" family reunion! And, as Lou is feeling better, he is trying to venture out a little more each day. We still have to be careful about him getting around too many people - Lou's immune system is quite compromised with the chemo - BUT.....for those of you who know me well - he's always got wipes and antibacterial lotion with him!!!! And...he DOES use it! Just have to be careful though! Don't want to lose any ground with his health by getting sick!
Thanks again to all of you for your continued prayers, notes, calls, etc. We wouldn't be where we are in this process without the strength we get from all of you! I hope that you'll call, come by, send a note, etc. whenever possible. Lou really enjoys getting to visit - he has become quite the "chatter" - a new side!!! The Lord has blessed us in so very many ways!
Blessings and love to all!
Deb
P.S. On a personal note from me - my Aunt Letha passed away unexpectedly yesterday - my father's only surviving sibling. We are saddened at her sudden death and send our love, sympathy and prayers to my Uncle Leroy and my cousin John. My Aunt and Uncle have been married for 71 years! Lou and I are very sorry that we cannot make the trip to Oklahoma on Friday morning for her funeral service - but, we will be there in heart, mind, and spirit! And, we would appreciate your prayers for my Uncle and John!
In the meantime, Lou is still going to OT and PT twice a week and it's really helping him regain his mobility! He still "limps" with his right leg - he says that his right foot from the arch of the foot to the toes feels numb. But....hopefully, with continued therapy and exercise, this will continue to improve! He walks as much as possible without aid but, as he tires, he does need some assistance. Last weekend, we went to an early dinner with friends on Saturday afternoon and Lou walked into and out of the restaurant by himself! And, on Easter Sunday morning, he walked into church unaided! We didn't even take the wheelchair into the church with us! It was an emotional time to be back in church together - especially on Easter Sunday - and so very full of gratitude for the gift he's been given.
The Dr. also told us today that if the scans come back in May as he hopes they will - we might be able to reduce some of the chemo drugs. The protocol of chemo drugs that he's having now is quite aggressive, but, thankfully, Lou seems to be tolerating them well! (This is answered prayer! The Healing Hands prayer group in particular has been praying for the drugs to kill / attack the cancer but not damage or harm Lou - and those prayers have been answered.) However, the Dr. said it would be good if we can try to cut back on some of the more debilitating drugs that Lou is on now and "save" them to use again later in the protocol. He will still be on a regular chemo protocol - but.. a less aggressive amount and type of chemo drugs would be being used in the interim. Overall, we're both very happy and thankful for all of the news today and how things have been progressing now for a few weeks! Everyone in the Dr.'s office were commenting today about how good Lou looks and how much he has progressed! The nutritionist wasn't in the Dr.'s office when we were there, but, she came up to the chemo lab to see Lou - telling us that everyone in the Dr.'s office were all talking about how well he was doing! So, she came to see herself! Our chemo nurse Teddie also continues to be a huge blessing to us! She takes very good care of Lou and is very patient and kind with me to answer my incessant questions about anything and everything! We feel blessed to have her!!
Lou's brother and sister in law and one of his nephews are coming to see us next week. We're both very excited about their visit and look forward to having a "mini" family reunion! And, as Lou is feeling better, he is trying to venture out a little more each day. We still have to be careful about him getting around too many people - Lou's immune system is quite compromised with the chemo - BUT.....for those of you who know me well - he's always got wipes and antibacterial lotion with him!!!! And...he DOES use it! Just have to be careful though! Don't want to lose any ground with his health by getting sick!
Thanks again to all of you for your continued prayers, notes, calls, etc. We wouldn't be where we are in this process without the strength we get from all of you! I hope that you'll call, come by, send a note, etc. whenever possible. Lou really enjoys getting to visit - he has become quite the "chatter" - a new side!!! The Lord has blessed us in so very many ways!
Blessings and love to all!
Deb
P.S. On a personal note from me - my Aunt Letha passed away unexpectedly yesterday - my father's only surviving sibling. We are saddened at her sudden death and send our love, sympathy and prayers to my Uncle Leroy and my cousin John. My Aunt and Uncle have been married for 71 years! Lou and I are very sorry that we cannot make the trip to Oklahoma on Friday morning for her funeral service - but, we will be there in heart, mind, and spirit! And, we would appreciate your prayers for my Uncle and John!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Another 5 lbs!!!!
Well...in addition to other good news progress reports that I'll tell you about, Lou has gained another 5 lbs!!! So...he's now up 10 lbs in the last 4 weeks - and continuing to get stronger! We are so very, very thankful!
The 4 hours of MRI testing and a half hour CT scan done on Monday, March 9 revealed that there are NO new areas of concern - however, the Dr. said that it didn't appear that there had been any change in the areas of concern. (Size of all tumors seemed to be about the same as the original scans.) However, we already knew that the brain tumor scans are not clear or truly "readable" to the Dr.s until May - it takes 12 weeks from the radiation surgery until things are "cleared" up enough for them to really tell what's what on at least those two tumors! And...as for the liver - the original scan was done in mid November - no other scans had been done of Lou's liver since then and before starting Chemo on 1/22/09! So....the Dr. said he felt confident that those tumors would have continued growing in the 2 months before chemo started - therefore, even though they appear to be about the same size as the original scan - he thinks they've actually probably shrunk some. And....he said the larger tumors in his liver appear to be "fuzzy" in the centers of the tumors - which according to him - means that the tumors are dying or are at least "suffering" from the effects of the chemo! All in all, we were quite pleased and the Dr. was very pleased! For now, Lou will continue with the chemo treatments as is every other week for at least two more months - then, they'll do more scans to see what everything looks like! By then, we should definitely be able to know more about the 2 brain tumors! AND....the Dr. DID say that regardless of what the scans are showing - Lou looks unbelievably better, is stronger, is gaining weight, and everything seems to be going the right direction. And...blood levels also indicate that the chemo is definitely helping the liver function at this point!
The latest chemo appointment was last Thursday - the 19th - and fortunately, Lou continues to tolerate the chemo drugs as well or better than expected. The neuropathy in his hands and lower legs bothers him - but....it's tolerable and we take precautions to keep his hands and feet warm! We definitely believe the prayers have been being answered in unbelievable ways for him to not be suffering any really negative side effects! He even went out for a visit last Friday - while still wearing his "take home" chemo pack!! Overall, he's just feeling so very much better - it's truly a gift from God and we are thankful beyond words!
As Lou is becoming more mobile - it's giving us some "breathing" room! He is now able to either "shuttle" himself in his wheelchair from room to room and / or to use the wheelchair as a walker and go from room to room! He doesn't need Chris or me to help him here in the house for most things! AND...he's even getting back in the kitchen some to "cook"!!! Watching the cooking shows daily has him wanting to try all kinds of new recipes AND has been a big help in the appetite department - thus the 10 lbs!!!
The Healing Hands prayer group continues to come every Saturday and it's such a huge blessing and help to both of us! We look forward to the time each week and are so very thankful for each of them for their prayers of healing and for spending this time with us! The Lord has so richly blessed us with this group and all of you! The prayers being lifted up in Lou's name continue to sustain us daily - we cannot thank each of you enough. The strength that the prayers give us is truly unbelievable and we are so very humbled!
Blessings to all of you!
Deb
The 4 hours of MRI testing and a half hour CT scan done on Monday, March 9 revealed that there are NO new areas of concern - however, the Dr. said that it didn't appear that there had been any change in the areas of concern. (Size of all tumors seemed to be about the same as the original scans.) However, we already knew that the brain tumor scans are not clear or truly "readable" to the Dr.s until May - it takes 12 weeks from the radiation surgery until things are "cleared" up enough for them to really tell what's what on at least those two tumors! And...as for the liver - the original scan was done in mid November - no other scans had been done of Lou's liver since then and before starting Chemo on 1/22/09! So....the Dr. said he felt confident that those tumors would have continued growing in the 2 months before chemo started - therefore, even though they appear to be about the same size as the original scan - he thinks they've actually probably shrunk some. And....he said the larger tumors in his liver appear to be "fuzzy" in the centers of the tumors - which according to him - means that the tumors are dying or are at least "suffering" from the effects of the chemo! All in all, we were quite pleased and the Dr. was very pleased! For now, Lou will continue with the chemo treatments as is every other week for at least two more months - then, they'll do more scans to see what everything looks like! By then, we should definitely be able to know more about the 2 brain tumors! AND....the Dr. DID say that regardless of what the scans are showing - Lou looks unbelievably better, is stronger, is gaining weight, and everything seems to be going the right direction. And...blood levels also indicate that the chemo is definitely helping the liver function at this point!
The latest chemo appointment was last Thursday - the 19th - and fortunately, Lou continues to tolerate the chemo drugs as well or better than expected. The neuropathy in his hands and lower legs bothers him - but....it's tolerable and we take precautions to keep his hands and feet warm! We definitely believe the prayers have been being answered in unbelievable ways for him to not be suffering any really negative side effects! He even went out for a visit last Friday - while still wearing his "take home" chemo pack!! Overall, he's just feeling so very much better - it's truly a gift from God and we are thankful beyond words!
As Lou is becoming more mobile - it's giving us some "breathing" room! He is now able to either "shuttle" himself in his wheelchair from room to room and / or to use the wheelchair as a walker and go from room to room! He doesn't need Chris or me to help him here in the house for most things! AND...he's even getting back in the kitchen some to "cook"!!! Watching the cooking shows daily has him wanting to try all kinds of new recipes AND has been a big help in the appetite department - thus the 10 lbs!!!
The Healing Hands prayer group continues to come every Saturday and it's such a huge blessing and help to both of us! We look forward to the time each week and are so very thankful for each of them for their prayers of healing and for spending this time with us! The Lord has so richly blessed us with this group and all of you! The prayers being lifted up in Lou's name continue to sustain us daily - we cannot thank each of you enough. The strength that the prayers give us is truly unbelievable and we are so very humbled!
Blessings to all of you!
Deb
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The "Good" Trend Continues!
Thanks again to everyone for prayers and continued support! The outpouring of prayer / notes / calls / e-mails / visits / etc. has been a blessing for Lou and me! We cannot thank everyone enough!
Sorry again that it's taken me time to update everyone on the latest progress! Seems there are just never enough hours in a day! And, while things have continued to improve significantly with Lou - my parents have had some setbacks and problems. Thankfully though, since Lou is doing better, I've had some time to be with them again. Since they are both 100 % infirmed and unable to help themselves at all - those of you who have been aware of the situation there know that I used to spend a lot of time at my parent's home and was there daily when I was in town. Since Lou has been ill - it's been very difficult for me to get to their house much at all! Anyway, hope that things will calm down there without so many issues - just want my parents to be as happy and healthy as possible - but...things are not going so smoothly without me being there it seems! And...also hope that Lou will continue to be stronger and better so I will be able to be with Mom and Dad more often too! Mom told me today that she sure "misses me"! Breaks my heart!
But....now to the good news concerning Lou! He had his 5th chemo treatment last Thursday. Was a VERY long day for us as Baylor is JUST NOW converting to a new "linked" computer system!!!! YIKES!!! So....the normal 30 min. wait time and visit with the Dr. before chemo - turned into a 1 1/2 hour wait and visit! (GREAT NEWS!!! While at the Dr.'s office for this appointment - Lou weighed again. Since the last appointment 2 weeks ago - he's gained 5 lbs!!!!! The Dr. was thrilled and so were we - hoping he'll be able to get another 10 - 15 lbs back from the 30 + lbs that he's lost!!!) And...then we were off to the chemo lab which is normally a 1 - 1 1/2 hour wait time before being called back for the chemo treatment itself. But, Thursday was 2 1/2 hour wait time for the chemo!!! Since Lou's chemo bags take 3 - 4 hours to administer - plus additional time for setup and other preps in between the various drugs infused - we didn't get out of the lab until almost 7:00 p.m. - we had arrived at 10:00 that morning! LONG and very tiring day! And...of course, Lou is always tired for the 48 hours after that - and he also has the "take home" bag of chemo that slowly infuses in his chemoport for 48 hours after we leave! We go back on Saturday to get it removed after the Thursday infusion! So...then it's another 48 hours or so after that before he starts to regain some strength!
Our biggest concern right now with the chemo is the one drug (the one considered to be the "premiere" drug for fighting the colon cancers in his body!) - that causes the neuropathy in his hands and feet and makes him extremely sensitive to cold air, food, drinks, etc. This drug has a cumulative affect and therefore, with each chemo treatment - the neuropathy and cold sensitivity stays with him longer each time. We have been praying for Lou's body to receive the good cancer fighting effects of this drug but... for him to have protection against the part of the drug that interferes with his nervous system! It's a great drug for fighting the cancer - but seems to be the one with the greatest adverse side effects - so....prayer for Lou's protection against the adverse effects are greatly appreciated!
The Dr. decided to do the MRIs and CT Scan yesterday - Monday! We arrived at the hospital at 7:00 a.m. for the CT scan and didn't finish with the MRIs until 3:45 p.m.! At least Lou had some drugs to "relax" him for the 4 hours in the MRI machine!!! And...it was nice because they allowed me to remain in one of the patient holding rooms to "rest" while Lou was in the MRI! He did have to ask for a break in between the tests - so...about 2 hours in - he did come back to the holding room for a bathroom break and some juice! Then, back to the machine for another 2 hours! Neither of us slept on Sunday night - apprehensive and very prayerful / hopeful about what these tests will reveal! We should hear something tomorrow or at the latest on Thursday. We both think it's strange - but...the Dr. didn't schedule a visit for us to come in to discuss the results / comparisons from the original scans to these scans - but....since we're still "newbies" to all of this "chemo / cancer" world - we just kind of have to figure it out as we go! The healing hands group from our church were here as usual on Saturday and prayers offered were extremely comforting and powerful to Lou and me!!! And, one of Mom and Dad's caregivers who is also a faith healer came over later on Saturday and prayed again for Lou and for the testing on Monday. Between these prayers and so many others from all of you - we KNOW that the miracle we have right now of Lou being so much better and stronger is definitely a testament to the prayers and a gift from God! We continue to pray for additional miracles to kill more and more of the cancer in Lou's body. We pray what we're seeing with our eyes now - the weight gain, additional strengthening of Lou's right arm and leg, his appetite, etc. - will also be borne out with the new scans that the cancers are shrinking / disappearing!
Lou is also continuing with the OT and PT twice a week and it's really helping him (although he says "whipping" him too!!) to regain his strength! Chris and I "urge" and "make" him work as much at home as possible!! He is able to walk - only a few steps at a time and with one of us as a "spotter" - most of the time "haltingly" - but....as he gains more strength and becomes more confident of his arm and leg not "giving out" - I think this will get better. And...big news is he's now able to get himself in and out of bed during the night into his wheelchair to go to the bathroom! It's HUGE for him - and for me too!!! :) The loss of mobility and independence - well....for those of you who know Lou - it hasn't been easy, pretty, or nice! So...this is just another PTL - but a significant one!!!
We both feel like we have so much to be thankful for right now! Still a very difficult road in front of us - but...the strength we receive from your prayers and support truly lift us up every single day! We cannot thank you enough!
I'll try to be back by the end of the week with updates on the films / scans done yesterday! Am very hopeful I'll have very good news to share!
Blessings to all!
Love,
Deb
Sorry again that it's taken me time to update everyone on the latest progress! Seems there are just never enough hours in a day! And, while things have continued to improve significantly with Lou - my parents have had some setbacks and problems. Thankfully though, since Lou is doing better, I've had some time to be with them again. Since they are both 100 % infirmed and unable to help themselves at all - those of you who have been aware of the situation there know that I used to spend a lot of time at my parent's home and was there daily when I was in town. Since Lou has been ill - it's been very difficult for me to get to their house much at all! Anyway, hope that things will calm down there without so many issues - just want my parents to be as happy and healthy as possible - but...things are not going so smoothly without me being there it seems! And...also hope that Lou will continue to be stronger and better so I will be able to be with Mom and Dad more often too! Mom told me today that she sure "misses me"! Breaks my heart!
But....now to the good news concerning Lou! He had his 5th chemo treatment last Thursday. Was a VERY long day for us as Baylor is JUST NOW converting to a new "linked" computer system!!!! YIKES!!! So....the normal 30 min. wait time and visit with the Dr. before chemo - turned into a 1 1/2 hour wait and visit! (GREAT NEWS!!! While at the Dr.'s office for this appointment - Lou weighed again. Since the last appointment 2 weeks ago - he's gained 5 lbs!!!!! The Dr. was thrilled and so were we - hoping he'll be able to get another 10 - 15 lbs back from the 30 + lbs that he's lost!!!) And...then we were off to the chemo lab which is normally a 1 - 1 1/2 hour wait time before being called back for the chemo treatment itself. But, Thursday was 2 1/2 hour wait time for the chemo!!! Since Lou's chemo bags take 3 - 4 hours to administer - plus additional time for setup and other preps in between the various drugs infused - we didn't get out of the lab until almost 7:00 p.m. - we had arrived at 10:00 that morning! LONG and very tiring day! And...of course, Lou is always tired for the 48 hours after that - and he also has the "take home" bag of chemo that slowly infuses in his chemoport for 48 hours after we leave! We go back on Saturday to get it removed after the Thursday infusion! So...then it's another 48 hours or so after that before he starts to regain some strength!
Our biggest concern right now with the chemo is the one drug (the one considered to be the "premiere" drug for fighting the colon cancers in his body!) - that causes the neuropathy in his hands and feet and makes him extremely sensitive to cold air, food, drinks, etc. This drug has a cumulative affect and therefore, with each chemo treatment - the neuropathy and cold sensitivity stays with him longer each time. We have been praying for Lou's body to receive the good cancer fighting effects of this drug but... for him to have protection against the part of the drug that interferes with his nervous system! It's a great drug for fighting the cancer - but seems to be the one with the greatest adverse side effects - so....prayer for Lou's protection against the adverse effects are greatly appreciated!
The Dr. decided to do the MRIs and CT Scan yesterday - Monday! We arrived at the hospital at 7:00 a.m. for the CT scan and didn't finish with the MRIs until 3:45 p.m.! At least Lou had some drugs to "relax" him for the 4 hours in the MRI machine!!! And...it was nice because they allowed me to remain in one of the patient holding rooms to "rest" while Lou was in the MRI! He did have to ask for a break in between the tests - so...about 2 hours in - he did come back to the holding room for a bathroom break and some juice! Then, back to the machine for another 2 hours! Neither of us slept on Sunday night - apprehensive and very prayerful / hopeful about what these tests will reveal! We should hear something tomorrow or at the latest on Thursday. We both think it's strange - but...the Dr. didn't schedule a visit for us to come in to discuss the results / comparisons from the original scans to these scans - but....since we're still "newbies" to all of this "chemo / cancer" world - we just kind of have to figure it out as we go! The healing hands group from our church were here as usual on Saturday and prayers offered were extremely comforting and powerful to Lou and me!!! And, one of Mom and Dad's caregivers who is also a faith healer came over later on Saturday and prayed again for Lou and for the testing on Monday. Between these prayers and so many others from all of you - we KNOW that the miracle we have right now of Lou being so much better and stronger is definitely a testament to the prayers and a gift from God! We continue to pray for additional miracles to kill more and more of the cancer in Lou's body. We pray what we're seeing with our eyes now - the weight gain, additional strengthening of Lou's right arm and leg, his appetite, etc. - will also be borne out with the new scans that the cancers are shrinking / disappearing!
Lou is also continuing with the OT and PT twice a week and it's really helping him (although he says "whipping" him too!!) to regain his strength! Chris and I "urge" and "make" him work as much at home as possible!! He is able to walk - only a few steps at a time and with one of us as a "spotter" - most of the time "haltingly" - but....as he gains more strength and becomes more confident of his arm and leg not "giving out" - I think this will get better. And...big news is he's now able to get himself in and out of bed during the night into his wheelchair to go to the bathroom! It's HUGE for him - and for me too!!! :) The loss of mobility and independence - well....for those of you who know Lou - it hasn't been easy, pretty, or nice! So...this is just another PTL - but a significant one!!!
We both feel like we have so much to be thankful for right now! Still a very difficult road in front of us - but...the strength we receive from your prayers and support truly lift us up every single day! We cannot thank you enough!
I'll try to be back by the end of the week with updates on the films / scans done yesterday! Am very hopeful I'll have very good news to share!
Blessings to all!
Love,
Deb
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Update on 2/18 Chemo
So happy to report that Lou is doing VERY WELL!! The chemo treatment last Wednesday was long and tiring - but....again, Lou came through it and the 96 hours since with very limited bad side effects! The worst problem for him is the neuropathy in his hands and feet and sensitivity to cold "things" - touching or eating anything cold and/or being in the cold. One of the chemo drugs causes this sensation - and up to now, it's been bothersome only for a couple of days after chemo, but it is a "cumulative" problem and usually tends to get worse as the treatments continue. And, it seems this will also be a problem for Lou, but we're adapting as needed to keep him comfortable and to make sure he has limited "exposure"!
We are so very thankful because Lou's appetite is remaining strong most of the time and that is also helping him to get stronger! He is able to stand up from his chair easily by himself and he and Chris are working with the walker as of this weekend to see if he can get his stamina up to start trying to take some steps! It's looking quite promising! And, this week, he'll begin going to therapy OT and PT twice a week! So, hopefully, he'll be progressing even more quickly with some additional professional help!
Dr. McCollum (the chemo Dr!) was very pleased with all of the progress! So, for now, he's keeping the same chemo regiment for Lou in the hopes that it will continue helping him! He'll schedule tests - MRI and CT scans - in about 5 - 6 weeks to see if the outward progress we're seeing is also being reflected on all of the various tumors / cancer in Lou's body. Of course, we are very hopeful for that to be the case and of course, it is our prayer that the Lord will rebuke the cancers and restore health to Lou.
Thank all of you for your prayers, cares, notes, calls, etc. Now that Lou is stronger, he really enjoys chatting with friends! So, if you have some time and can call - please do! His cell # is 972/839-8271! And, of course, he still enjoys notes too! I print all notes sent via e-mail and he has those and cards / notes via USPS by his chair in the den. He rereads them often and is so humbled by the outpouring of love! Slowly, he is also "warming up" to more people coming to visit. He was so very sick just a couple of weeks ago and he had lost so much weight that he wasn't up to company and/or embarrassed because of his weight loss. But...slowly, it seems that he's going to be able to gain some weight back and he's definitely feeling a lot better right now!
Will update later in the week! Thanks again for your continued prayers and support! We couldn't make it daily without the love and support we're feeling every day!
Love,
Deb
We are so very thankful because Lou's appetite is remaining strong most of the time and that is also helping him to get stronger! He is able to stand up from his chair easily by himself and he and Chris are working with the walker as of this weekend to see if he can get his stamina up to start trying to take some steps! It's looking quite promising! And, this week, he'll begin going to therapy OT and PT twice a week! So, hopefully, he'll be progressing even more quickly with some additional professional help!
Dr. McCollum (the chemo Dr!) was very pleased with all of the progress! So, for now, he's keeping the same chemo regiment for Lou in the hopes that it will continue helping him! He'll schedule tests - MRI and CT scans - in about 5 - 6 weeks to see if the outward progress we're seeing is also being reflected on all of the various tumors / cancer in Lou's body. Of course, we are very hopeful for that to be the case and of course, it is our prayer that the Lord will rebuke the cancers and restore health to Lou.
Thank all of you for your prayers, cares, notes, calls, etc. Now that Lou is stronger, he really enjoys chatting with friends! So, if you have some time and can call - please do! His cell # is 972/839-8271! And, of course, he still enjoys notes too! I print all notes sent via e-mail and he has those and cards / notes via USPS by his chair in the den. He rereads them often and is so humbled by the outpouring of love! Slowly, he is also "warming up" to more people coming to visit. He was so very sick just a couple of weeks ago and he had lost so much weight that he wasn't up to company and/or embarrassed because of his weight loss. But...slowly, it seems that he's going to be able to gain some weight back and he's definitely feeling a lot better right now!
Will update later in the week! Thanks again for your continued prayers and support! We couldn't make it daily without the love and support we're feeling every day!
Love,
Deb
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Chemo on Wednesday, Feb 18
Just a short update to let you know that Lou has continued to improve and get stronger! He is able to push up from his wheelchair and his easy chair to a standing position BY HIMSELF! He can take a few tentative steps - but, he's afraid to do too much because his leg is still very weak and feels like it could buckle at any point. After a fall in early December and a huge gash on his head from hitting the nightstand - he's not anxious for a repeat performance! His OT and PT workout on Monday went extremely well and he was able to do many more of the exercises and perform many more tasks this week than last week! The therapists were quite pleased with his progress. BUT...no one can be happier than Lou (and me!)! And, we both give all the credit to God and the prayers we receive from so many of you! We cannot thank you enough!
Tomorrow - Wednesday the 18th - Lou will have his third chemo. This is always a high stress time for him because of the really horrible seizure he had the first time (NOT from Chemo but from the larger brain tumor and pressure in his brain!) and also because he always dreads having to have the wear home fanny pack and pump that he has to wear for 48 hours after the chemo at the hospital. And, we both are concerned about the negative side effects - especially from the one chemo drug he needs to have to best fight the liver cancer in particular. This drug causes neruopathy of the hands and feet and obviously does have a negative effect on nerves. After the first Chemo - this drug is the one that basically "wiped out" Lou's right side to become flaccid again! But....before the second chemo - our "healing hands" group that is praying for Lou - prayed specifically for the chemo drugs to kill the cancer and work against the cancer but to NOT harm the healthy parts of Lou's body. AND....that's exactly what happened! Lou and I KNOW that this was answered prayer! We pray for the same outcome tomorrow! And, we ask all of you to consider praying not only for the drugs to again work that way but, to also pray for Dr. McCollum (the chemo oncologist) and Teddie (our chemo nurse) to have divine guidance in determining and administering the chemo drugs for Lou tomorrow.
We are both so extremely humbled by the prayers, calls, e-mails, notes, visits, etc. from so many of you! It's impossible for us to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love we've felt from all of you and the strength it gives us to continue in this struggle! Thanks from the bottom of our hearts! Will update again hopefully this weekend!
Deb
Tomorrow - Wednesday the 18th - Lou will have his third chemo. This is always a high stress time for him because of the really horrible seizure he had the first time (NOT from Chemo but from the larger brain tumor and pressure in his brain!) and also because he always dreads having to have the wear home fanny pack and pump that he has to wear for 48 hours after the chemo at the hospital. And, we both are concerned about the negative side effects - especially from the one chemo drug he needs to have to best fight the liver cancer in particular. This drug causes neruopathy of the hands and feet and obviously does have a negative effect on nerves. After the first Chemo - this drug is the one that basically "wiped out" Lou's right side to become flaccid again! But....before the second chemo - our "healing hands" group that is praying for Lou - prayed specifically for the chemo drugs to kill the cancer and work against the cancer but to NOT harm the healthy parts of Lou's body. AND....that's exactly what happened! Lou and I KNOW that this was answered prayer! We pray for the same outcome tomorrow! And, we ask all of you to consider praying not only for the drugs to again work that way but, to also pray for Dr. McCollum (the chemo oncologist) and Teddie (our chemo nurse) to have divine guidance in determining and administering the chemo drugs for Lou tomorrow.
We are both so extremely humbled by the prayers, calls, e-mails, notes, visits, etc. from so many of you! It's impossible for us to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love we've felt from all of you and the strength it gives us to continue in this struggle! Thanks from the bottom of our hearts! Will update again hopefully this weekend!
Deb
Monday, February 9, 2009
A Good Week!!!
Sorry I didn't get another posting up sooner - but...as usual - it just seems there aren't enough hours in a day and of course, Lou and my job have to be the priorities!!! But....will start again by saying thank you to all of you for your notes, calls, thoughts, cares, and most of all prayers! I think this last week has had an abundance of answered prayers and overall - we've had the best 7 - 10 days since all of this started!
Lou completed the last radiation on his spine on Friday, January 30. When we were walking (me walking - Lou in his wheelchair!) out of the hospital that day - we wanted to sing Hallelujah!!! We both felt like we were being released or that a huge weight had been lifted from us - it was exciting and we were both almost giddy! That same day, he started a big turn around on having an appetite again (first time in WEEKS literally!!!) and also began having a little movement in his right hand and lower right arm. Over the weekend, his appetite continued to improve and the movement in his right arm continued too! The group from our church - Healing Hands - came again Saturday, Jan 31 and prayed for Lou - and again - it was an extremely powerful and uplifting experience for both of us!
On Wednesday, Feb 4, Lou went for a Physical Therapy evaluation and things went quite well! They were able to show him several ways to help strengthen parts of his body to enable him to help us in getting him into and out of bed as well as with transfers to and from his wheelchair. These are also exercises that will hopefully eventually help him relearn how to control his right arm and leg. He will begin going twice a week for PT and probably twice a week for OT (occupational therapy) soon! He'll go for the OT evaluation this week and have at least one PT seesion this week.
On Thursday, Feb 5, he had his second full chemotherapy treatment. However, this time, we were very blessed to have a private room for Lou to have a bed to be more comfortable for the 4- 5 hour bags of chemo infusion! And, we are so very blessed to have a wonderful chemo nurse - Teddie -she is so kind, patient, and nurturing - we really love her and are so happy that we are able to have her each session! This time, the 3rd drug for the chemo infusion was added, so, he had all 3 drugs that they hope will help shrink and in some instances "kill" the tumors and cancer cells running around in his body! And, he came home again with the one drug in a pump that he has to wear for 48 hours while the drug is infused. Lou HATES the pump because he is always VERY nervous about the tubing getting caught on something and it pulling out from his chemo port! But...I always take extra precaution with the clothing he wears to insure that the tubing is covered and not really out where it could get caught on anything AND Teddie (our nurse) always puts extra tape on the tubing on his chest because she knows how scared he is of this becoming a problem! Fortunately - for the second time though - NO problems! So....hopefully, this will become less of an issue with Lou as we continue this particular drug!! It was a very long day - we arrived for the lab and Dr. appointment at 10 a.m. - and didn't leave until 6 that evening! BUT....no issues that day AND more importantly - no issues since then! Lou didn't seem to have ANY negative side effects this time! Two weeks before when he had the chemo infusion - it weakened him so much that he lost the feeling / mobility totally again of his right arm and leg - however, this time - it seemed to have NO effect at all! And, the momentum that Lou carried into this session (from eating more and also gaining strength with his arm and also with his leg later in the week!) - wasn't weakened at all! PTL!! (Also as an aside - Lou's hair is thinning quite a bit because of one of the chemo drugs! It's not supposed to cause complete hair loss - but...thinning! And...that is definitely the case! )
Lou has continued to do the exercises from the PT session last week, he has continued to eat more, and his right arm has strengthened and become more useful. It's still very weak - but....he can do some functions with his arm and hand now - so, this is HUGE! And, best of all, over the weekend - his right foot and right leg has begun to strengthen! It also is still quite weak - he cannot stand by himself - but...with help from Chris or me - we help him stand and while we hold him, he is able to "shuffle" a little with his right leg! Needless to say - this is very exciting to all of us and we're extremely hopeful this will continue to improve and at some point, Lou will be able to be at least somewhat mobile on his own! Losing his independence has actually I think been harder for him than the terminal cancer diagnosis! So, prayers for him to continue getting more mobility back would be great!
Of course, we are hopeful too with the mobility starting to improve that this means the SRS - Radiation Surgery - done on the brain tumors on Jan 13 - was successful. The larger tumor (causing this paralysis on his right side!) was worrisome because of the large size and also because of the spread of the cancer after the tumor was drained in December. Therefore, we are very hopeful it is ALL gone and that the resulting shrinking of the tumor from being radiated has allowed Lou's brain to not be so constricted in the left frontal area! However, no CT scans or MRIs are scheduled to be done for another 6 - 8 weeks and until he has completed some additional chemo treatments. So, until then, we won't know how effective the Radiation Surgery was on the brain tumors and we won't know how well the drugs are working on the tumors in his liver, his adrenal gland, and on his spine! We're of course, praying for the best - but...for now, we can only go by the way he's feeling - and right now - he's feeling better and stronger than he's been in a long while! We're VERY thankful and truly attribute the turn around to all the prayers from our friends all over the world. God has been very gracious and good to us.
Sleep is still a bit elusive - but...even that seems to be improving in the last couple of nights! Normally, Lou is awake and needing something literally every 30 - 90 minutes all night long! Obviously, it makes for a very LONG and not a very restful night for either of us! However, in the last couple of nights, he's managed to only be up 3 - 4 times! We are hopeful that with the improvements in the other areas - this one will improve also!!! What a gift to both of us if we had a little more rest!!!
A big thank you to all of you who have sent cards, notes, and e-mails, they have meant so much to Lou! He and I have been humbled with the outpouring of affection and kindness from so many people! Some of you may know - others not - but...Sunday - Feb 15, is Lou's 65th birthday. I had hoped (before this all came happened!) to have a big celebration for him on this milestone birthday! And, I had still entertained trying to have a smaller / shorter celebration this Sunday, however, due to his extreme weight loss (he is embarrassed and really hesitates for anyone to see him because of the way he looks!) and being so very tired - we will only have a small celebration! But....if you would like to send a card or note - please do - he really appreciates looking and rereading the notes and cards he's received thus far! If he continues feeling better, eat more, and becomes a little more mobile - I'll try for a belated B-day celebration as well as a celebration of life in a month or two!
Thanks again to all of you for you continued prayers and support! I don't know how people get through things like this without faith, friends, and family! We truly feel the support and strength coming our way from all of you! There are no words to express the gratitude we feel. We hold all of you up in our prayers every day!
Blessings!
Deb
Lou completed the last radiation on his spine on Friday, January 30. When we were walking (me walking - Lou in his wheelchair!) out of the hospital that day - we wanted to sing Hallelujah!!! We both felt like we were being released or that a huge weight had been lifted from us - it was exciting and we were both almost giddy! That same day, he started a big turn around on having an appetite again (first time in WEEKS literally!!!) and also began having a little movement in his right hand and lower right arm. Over the weekend, his appetite continued to improve and the movement in his right arm continued too! The group from our church - Healing Hands - came again Saturday, Jan 31 and prayed for Lou - and again - it was an extremely powerful and uplifting experience for both of us!
On Wednesday, Feb 4, Lou went for a Physical Therapy evaluation and things went quite well! They were able to show him several ways to help strengthen parts of his body to enable him to help us in getting him into and out of bed as well as with transfers to and from his wheelchair. These are also exercises that will hopefully eventually help him relearn how to control his right arm and leg. He will begin going twice a week for PT and probably twice a week for OT (occupational therapy) soon! He'll go for the OT evaluation this week and have at least one PT seesion this week.
On Thursday, Feb 5, he had his second full chemotherapy treatment. However, this time, we were very blessed to have a private room for Lou to have a bed to be more comfortable for the 4- 5 hour bags of chemo infusion! And, we are so very blessed to have a wonderful chemo nurse - Teddie -she is so kind, patient, and nurturing - we really love her and are so happy that we are able to have her each session! This time, the 3rd drug for the chemo infusion was added, so, he had all 3 drugs that they hope will help shrink and in some instances "kill" the tumors and cancer cells running around in his body! And, he came home again with the one drug in a pump that he has to wear for 48 hours while the drug is infused. Lou HATES the pump because he is always VERY nervous about the tubing getting caught on something and it pulling out from his chemo port! But...I always take extra precaution with the clothing he wears to insure that the tubing is covered and not really out where it could get caught on anything AND Teddie (our nurse) always puts extra tape on the tubing on his chest because she knows how scared he is of this becoming a problem! Fortunately - for the second time though - NO problems! So....hopefully, this will become less of an issue with Lou as we continue this particular drug!! It was a very long day - we arrived for the lab and Dr. appointment at 10 a.m. - and didn't leave until 6 that evening! BUT....no issues that day AND more importantly - no issues since then! Lou didn't seem to have ANY negative side effects this time! Two weeks before when he had the chemo infusion - it weakened him so much that he lost the feeling / mobility totally again of his right arm and leg - however, this time - it seemed to have NO effect at all! And, the momentum that Lou carried into this session (from eating more and also gaining strength with his arm and also with his leg later in the week!) - wasn't weakened at all! PTL!! (Also as an aside - Lou's hair is thinning quite a bit because of one of the chemo drugs! It's not supposed to cause complete hair loss - but...thinning! And...that is definitely the case! )
Lou has continued to do the exercises from the PT session last week, he has continued to eat more, and his right arm has strengthened and become more useful. It's still very weak - but....he can do some functions with his arm and hand now - so, this is HUGE! And, best of all, over the weekend - his right foot and right leg has begun to strengthen! It also is still quite weak - he cannot stand by himself - but...with help from Chris or me - we help him stand and while we hold him, he is able to "shuffle" a little with his right leg! Needless to say - this is very exciting to all of us and we're extremely hopeful this will continue to improve and at some point, Lou will be able to be at least somewhat mobile on his own! Losing his independence has actually I think been harder for him than the terminal cancer diagnosis! So, prayers for him to continue getting more mobility back would be great!
Of course, we are hopeful too with the mobility starting to improve that this means the SRS - Radiation Surgery - done on the brain tumors on Jan 13 - was successful. The larger tumor (causing this paralysis on his right side!) was worrisome because of the large size and also because of the spread of the cancer after the tumor was drained in December. Therefore, we are very hopeful it is ALL gone and that the resulting shrinking of the tumor from being radiated has allowed Lou's brain to not be so constricted in the left frontal area! However, no CT scans or MRIs are scheduled to be done for another 6 - 8 weeks and until he has completed some additional chemo treatments. So, until then, we won't know how effective the Radiation Surgery was on the brain tumors and we won't know how well the drugs are working on the tumors in his liver, his adrenal gland, and on his spine! We're of course, praying for the best - but...for now, we can only go by the way he's feeling - and right now - he's feeling better and stronger than he's been in a long while! We're VERY thankful and truly attribute the turn around to all the prayers from our friends all over the world. God has been very gracious and good to us.
Sleep is still a bit elusive - but...even that seems to be improving in the last couple of nights! Normally, Lou is awake and needing something literally every 30 - 90 minutes all night long! Obviously, it makes for a very LONG and not a very restful night for either of us! However, in the last couple of nights, he's managed to only be up 3 - 4 times! We are hopeful that with the improvements in the other areas - this one will improve also!!! What a gift to both of us if we had a little more rest!!!
A big thank you to all of you who have sent cards, notes, and e-mails, they have meant so much to Lou! He and I have been humbled with the outpouring of affection and kindness from so many people! Some of you may know - others not - but...Sunday - Feb 15, is Lou's 65th birthday. I had hoped (before this all came happened!) to have a big celebration for him on this milestone birthday! And, I had still entertained trying to have a smaller / shorter celebration this Sunday, however, due to his extreme weight loss (he is embarrassed and really hesitates for anyone to see him because of the way he looks!) and being so very tired - we will only have a small celebration! But....if you would like to send a card or note - please do - he really appreciates looking and rereading the notes and cards he's received thus far! If he continues feeling better, eat more, and becomes a little more mobile - I'll try for a belated B-day celebration as well as a celebration of life in a month or two!
Thanks again to all of you for you continued prayers and support! I don't know how people get through things like this without faith, friends, and family! We truly feel the support and strength coming our way from all of you! There are no words to express the gratitude we feel. We hold all of you up in our prayers every day!
Blessings!
Deb
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Summary of Lou
First, I must apologize to so many of you who have been writing and calling and not always getting through and / or receiving information back from me! Lou and I both appreciate and covet your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time! However, the Dr.'s have us on such an intensive / aggressive course of medical protocol to try to help Lou - and with the lack of mobility on Lou's part - it's quite difficult for me to keep up with all of his needs along with the responsibilities of my job - therefore, leaving precious little time in between for e-mailing or making calls! However, do hope when things "slow down" a little - there will be more time for individual e-mails and calls!
Also...since there are going to be several people reading / hearing the news for the first time - need to give a brief summary of the events leading up to where we are today!
At the end of October first of November, Lou was having some abdominal pain and I sent him to the Dr. Through tests in the following couple of weeks - it was determined that he had a tumor in his colon and it had spread to his liver. The Dr. said the best course of action would be to resection the colon to remove the tumor there and then go to an oncologist to try to deal with the problems in the liver. So, he had the colon resection surgery the first week of December and all seemed to be going as well or better than could be expected. However, his right side became very weak - especially his right leg. After further testing that week, it was determined that he had a "lesion" on his spine, but...it was not the cause of the weakened right side. The follow week after the surgery, I took him to a neurologist - further MRIs were done and two brain tumors were found. The larger of the two was the cause of the weakness on his right side - especially his right leg. All of the results of all of these things were sent to his chemo oncologist. He referred us to a radiation oncologist to try to deal with the brain tumors. From there, we had to see a neurosurgeon about those tumors also. The larger tumor had to be "drained" surgically before it was possible for the radiation oncologist to do an SRS radiation surgery - a one time radiation of the tumors to kill them. During the process between the radiation Dr. and the neurosurgeon - they also discovered another type of cancer not normally associated with colon cancer - in fact is a rare situation - and this cancer is in the spinal fluid and lining of Lou's brain. Literally within a span of 6 weeks - Lou went from being "fine" to all of this stuff. To date, he's had colon resection surgery, chemo port surgery, brain surgery to drain the one tumor (which also led to Lou becoming insulin dependent between surgery and steroids!), SRS radiation surgery on the two brain tumors, 1 1/2 chemo treatments, and 11 radiation treatments to his spine (only 2 left!). The Dr.s all agreed that to try to get a handle at all on the aggressive cancer in Lou - they had to come up with a very aggressive cancer treatment plan. At least we think we know about all of the existing problems and we're hoping and praying that the chemo treatments will be able to help bring some control to the liver. And of course, we're also hoping and praying that as the brain tumors shrivel up from the radiation surgery - Lou will regain at least usable function of both his right arm and right leg. The immobility is mentally the hardest part for Lou right now.
Our days are long and the nights are LONGER! Because of the drugs Lou has to take for the brain tumors - steroids and anti-seizure meds - he cannot sleep! He has sleeping pills - but...they just don't help at all! We begin the days getting ready to get to the hospital - Monday through Friday and sometimes Saturday! We leave the house about 10 and arrive back home about 12:30 or so. To mobile people - this wouldn't be too bad - but...with Lou now 100% dependent for getting out of bed, bathroom / bathing, dressing, eating, moving, getting into and out of the car, etc. - he and I are both exahusted from the daily endeavors! We both think next week - without the daily trips for radiation at the hospital - we'll both be feeling better! And, the Dr. finally reduced the amount of steroids yesterday - so....hopefully, it will help at least somewhat for Lou to be able to sleep more at night! And...for those of you who I haven't communicated with lately - Christopher did stay home this semester from college to be here to help with Lou. With Lou's inability to help himself - it was best for all of us for Chris to be here to help and to be with his Dad. Gabrielle is also living at home - but....working full time. She helps on her days off and after work! Since Chris and Gabrielle have both helped with my Mom and Dad over the last 7 1/2 years - they both have good experience for lifting, positioning, helping in general. So, it is a big help and I think a comfort for Lou (and me!) for us to all be together during this very unfortunate and sad time.
We have been extremely blessed to have very good friends all over the world who have spread Lou's name to prayer groups and prayer warriors all over the world! He and I both find it overwhelming to know that his name is being spoken to our Lord and Savior daily ! Being lifted up in prayer is truly awe inspiring to us and we pray every night together - lifting up all of the relatives / friends / neighbors / and unknown people who are lifting us up and thanking God for each and every person who is lifting us up in prayer! At this point, prayer is everything to us and our only real hope for Lou to get better. We have also had a group from our church - "Healing Hands" - that have come twice to pray with Lou and with me. They will be coming I think about once a week to pray for Lou in particular and to touch him praying for the Lord's healing hand. Lou and I both find this to be of great comfort and enjoy the time and prayers of this group immensely!
We have also been blessed with several people from our church providing us with meals for the last couple of weeks. This has been extremely helpful during these daily trips to the hospital! The generosity and delicious meals provided have been most appreciated during this very strenuous time!
I hope you'll check back next week for additional updates and notes on what's going on with Lou! And, again, my apologies to many of you for not being able to return phone calls, e-mails, etc. these last 2 - 3 weeks!!! Between taking care of Lou and working, there just haven't been enough hours in a day yet!! I have shared your notes, messages, and prayers with Lou and he is so very appreciative for each one - me too! I hope next week when we aren't on such a tight schedule - I'll have more time to communicate! With Lou's mobility limitations - he's not able to e-mail any more and unfortunately, he's so tired much of the time - he doesn't talk on the phone much either! Again though - we hope when the schedule becomes a little more reasonable - maybe he'll regain some strength and be able to do a little more!
In the meantime, thank you more than we can say! Knowing so many people are praying and knowing how many people care gives Lou a much needed boost! Blessings to all of you! Deb
Also...since there are going to be several people reading / hearing the news for the first time - need to give a brief summary of the events leading up to where we are today!
At the end of October first of November, Lou was having some abdominal pain and I sent him to the Dr. Through tests in the following couple of weeks - it was determined that he had a tumor in his colon and it had spread to his liver. The Dr. said the best course of action would be to resection the colon to remove the tumor there and then go to an oncologist to try to deal with the problems in the liver. So, he had the colon resection surgery the first week of December and all seemed to be going as well or better than could be expected. However, his right side became very weak - especially his right leg. After further testing that week, it was determined that he had a "lesion" on his spine, but...it was not the cause of the weakened right side. The follow week after the surgery, I took him to a neurologist - further MRIs were done and two brain tumors were found. The larger of the two was the cause of the weakness on his right side - especially his right leg. All of the results of all of these things were sent to his chemo oncologist. He referred us to a radiation oncologist to try to deal with the brain tumors. From there, we had to see a neurosurgeon about those tumors also. The larger tumor had to be "drained" surgically before it was possible for the radiation oncologist to do an SRS radiation surgery - a one time radiation of the tumors to kill them. During the process between the radiation Dr. and the neurosurgeon - they also discovered another type of cancer not normally associated with colon cancer - in fact is a rare situation - and this cancer is in the spinal fluid and lining of Lou's brain. Literally within a span of 6 weeks - Lou went from being "fine" to all of this stuff. To date, he's had colon resection surgery, chemo port surgery, brain surgery to drain the one tumor (which also led to Lou becoming insulin dependent between surgery and steroids!), SRS radiation surgery on the two brain tumors, 1 1/2 chemo treatments, and 11 radiation treatments to his spine (only 2 left!). The Dr.s all agreed that to try to get a handle at all on the aggressive cancer in Lou - they had to come up with a very aggressive cancer treatment plan. At least we think we know about all of the existing problems and we're hoping and praying that the chemo treatments will be able to help bring some control to the liver. And of course, we're also hoping and praying that as the brain tumors shrivel up from the radiation surgery - Lou will regain at least usable function of both his right arm and right leg. The immobility is mentally the hardest part for Lou right now.
Our days are long and the nights are LONGER! Because of the drugs Lou has to take for the brain tumors - steroids and anti-seizure meds - he cannot sleep! He has sleeping pills - but...they just don't help at all! We begin the days getting ready to get to the hospital - Monday through Friday and sometimes Saturday! We leave the house about 10 and arrive back home about 12:30 or so. To mobile people - this wouldn't be too bad - but...with Lou now 100% dependent for getting out of bed, bathroom / bathing, dressing, eating, moving, getting into and out of the car, etc. - he and I are both exahusted from the daily endeavors! We both think next week - without the daily trips for radiation at the hospital - we'll both be feeling better! And, the Dr. finally reduced the amount of steroids yesterday - so....hopefully, it will help at least somewhat for Lou to be able to sleep more at night! And...for those of you who I haven't communicated with lately - Christopher did stay home this semester from college to be here to help with Lou. With Lou's inability to help himself - it was best for all of us for Chris to be here to help and to be with his Dad. Gabrielle is also living at home - but....working full time. She helps on her days off and after work! Since Chris and Gabrielle have both helped with my Mom and Dad over the last 7 1/2 years - they both have good experience for lifting, positioning, helping in general. So, it is a big help and I think a comfort for Lou (and me!) for us to all be together during this very unfortunate and sad time.
We have been extremely blessed to have very good friends all over the world who have spread Lou's name to prayer groups and prayer warriors all over the world! He and I both find it overwhelming to know that his name is being spoken to our Lord and Savior daily ! Being lifted up in prayer is truly awe inspiring to us and we pray every night together - lifting up all of the relatives / friends / neighbors / and unknown people who are lifting us up and thanking God for each and every person who is lifting us up in prayer! At this point, prayer is everything to us and our only real hope for Lou to get better. We have also had a group from our church - "Healing Hands" - that have come twice to pray with Lou and with me. They will be coming I think about once a week to pray for Lou in particular and to touch him praying for the Lord's healing hand. Lou and I both find this to be of great comfort and enjoy the time and prayers of this group immensely!
We have also been blessed with several people from our church providing us with meals for the last couple of weeks. This has been extremely helpful during these daily trips to the hospital! The generosity and delicious meals provided have been most appreciated during this very strenuous time!
I hope you'll check back next week for additional updates and notes on what's going on with Lou! And, again, my apologies to many of you for not being able to return phone calls, e-mails, etc. these last 2 - 3 weeks!!! Between taking care of Lou and working, there just haven't been enough hours in a day yet!! I have shared your notes, messages, and prayers with Lou and he is so very appreciative for each one - me too! I hope next week when we aren't on such a tight schedule - I'll have more time to communicate! With Lou's mobility limitations - he's not able to e-mail any more and unfortunately, he's so tired much of the time - he doesn't talk on the phone much either! Again though - we hope when the schedule becomes a little more reasonable - maybe he'll regain some strength and be able to do a little more!
In the meantime, thank you more than we can say! Knowing so many people are praying and knowing how many people care gives Lou a much needed boost! Blessings to all of you! Deb
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