Everyday is an Adventure

Everyday is an adventure of sorts, for Mike. He wakes up never knowing exactly what kind of day it is going to be, or how he is going to feel. Friday he had enough energy and stamina to carry Drew (our grandson) upstairs with no difficulty, but then yesterday Mike was so winded, it was enough to get himself up the stairs. Mike's learning to celebrate his "good" days, and trust that the "less than good days" are hopefully, only temporary.

We're grateful Mike's appetite is good, even when his taste buds might not be 100%. We feel blessed that his liver seems to be functioning well, with the replaced stents inserted in January. The neuropathy in his feet and hands are still present, but doesn't seem to be worsening, which is something to be thankful for. His weight seems to be holding, and with the exception of mild nausea and stomach discomfort, he's tolerating the chemotherapy well.

Our next hurdle is Treatment # 8, on April10th, and the CT Scan which will be done around April 14th. The CT will give us information on how well the chemotherapy is working. There is quite a lot of anxiousness and anxiety with that, so Mike and I would really covet your prayers.

"Christ Jesus, You said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27 "Lord, I cannot see Your visible hands, but if I'm willing to really look, I can see the visible evidences of Your invisible hands. Help me to stop doubting and believe!"

Answered Prayer

Mike has made a remarkable improvement since yesterday. He made it in to work, and after lunch, remained at work until closing. His stomach trouble subsided and his energy returned. It was such a blessing to see a grin on his face today, and to hear him pounding on his drums upstairs this evening. I'm so grateful for everyone who has been praying for him.

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Another Rough Day

It has been another rough day for Mike. In addition to his energy level bottoming out this week; today, his stomach has been bothering him more. And because of his lack of energy, he's unable to get up and move around very much, which causes him to become stiff, and feel the neuropathy pain more.

Mike's also feeling a little discouraged with the cycle he's in, feeling "good" only about the time he's ready for another treatment. Life begins to feel just about normal, when it changes. The challenge has been to continue seeing the chemotherapy as a positive. We're so grateful we have this option of treatment. We just have to work hard in keeping the right perspective.

We continue to trust God each day for everything we need, and we're grateful His loving arms surround us, comfort us, and remind us He is in complete control.

Thank you for your faithful prayers. I can only imagine how more difficult it would be if we didn't have an army behind us holding us up. We are SO blessed!

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' Your love, O Lord, supported me! When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul!" Psalm 94:18-19

Thank you for Your Prayers

Thank you for remembering Mike in your prayers today. He's been pretty tired. He worked a couple of hours late this morning, but came home at noon, and slept until 4 p.m. I was hoping he might wake up with more energy, but he didn't. I guess the chemo is doing it's job.

We've had to be very careful with Mike being around family the past couple of days. Drew (our 18 month old grandson) is running a fever. Drew and his parents are temporarily living on our property while building their house, so we see Drew often...much to our delight. We've just had to be extra careful the last couple of days, keeping Drew at a distance from Mike.

Please pray Mike will be protected from any viruses while on these treatments. Because he's trying to continue working, and is exposed to many people where he works, and because we have little ones in our family who pick up viruses easily, the risk is greater for him to be exposed to something. Thank you for covering him with your prayers.

"I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 17:6-8

Running on Empty

It has been five days since Mike's last treatment and he is at that point where his energy level seems to drop significantly. It's been all he can do to make it into work for a few hours each day. Pain wise, he isn't doing too badly. He is taking the pain medication mostly to get a good nights rest, or to take the edge off of his aches and pains when it gets a little out of control. His headaches seem to respond well to Ibuprofen or Tylenol. With the last two treatments he has noticed a slight change in his taste buds. Food hasn't quite tasted normal for him, but it generally goes away the farther away he gets from his treatment.



"I pray that You, the God of hope, will fill Mike with all joy and peace in trusting You, that he may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Easter 2008

It's the third day after treatment and Mike is doing well. He has had the usual stomach upset, headaches, and body aches, but his pain medication has been doing a good job of taking the edge off the pain and the Phenagren helps with any stomach discomfort.

He has felt a little more "emotional" this treatment for some reason, joking that his hormone levels must be off a little. He has been deeply touched watching his "babies" interact with their babies this Easter. I have to admit, I love seeing this softer side to Mike, and I'm thankful it doesn't bother him to let his kids see it too.

Yesterday (Saturday) he sat outside in the grass watching Drew play with his parents. He said the sun felt warm and being outdoors was refreshing. He also spent a little time out there today (Sunday) watching the grandbabies hunt for Easter eggs. (okay....he watched Drew and Amber (his daughter) with grandbaby #2 in her arms, hunt for Easter eggs. So Mike has had more energy to get up and move around than he has in past treatments. God's answering prayer!!!

Last week, Mike decided to revisit a past talent he had from his younger years when he played drums in a band. At first he felt silly getting them...but I can attest to the fact that they have driven him to keep moving and exercise, even when he hasn't really felt up to it, and I'll take that any day. After 30 years, he still has all the moves!! The enjoyment has only been heightened by having grandbaby #1 (Drew) join him. (see attached video)

Thank you so much for your prayers and your emails encouraging us. They help us feel a great big HUG and lift our spirits.

"We have put our hope in the living God." 1 Timothy 4:10

(to watch video double click onto the right arrow-it takes a moment to buffer)

Treatment # 7

Today's oncology appointment was positive and on the same track, which is answered prayer. Mike's blood counts looked good, as was his bilirubin count. Dr. Sneed feels everything has been

looking good enough not to make lab work necessary in between treatments.

Mike has gained back another three pounds, weighing in at 164, so he is only 8 pounds away from being where he was before all of this began last July, which is another answer to prayer.

Dr. Sneed and Mike discussed the next CT Scan to be done. This will take place the week after April 10th's treatment. They also discussed side effects of the treatments, and both Dr. Sneed and Mike felt they were minimal enough, to keep treatments at the same level as they are. They want to continue being aggressive towards this tumor.

Mike's personality and sense of humor lights up the treatment room everytime he's there. He is constantly ribbing his nurses and making light of the situation, which often has the other patients laughing. I really feel God is using him to be a blessing to others, and to help the other patients getting treated, take a momentary break from the seriousness of their situations. There is a comical competition always going on amongest the patients, with whose chemo treatment will go faster than the others. They actually sit there watching their chemo bags drip, and begin having a friendly competition of who gets to flee first. Mike is generally one of the last to leave the office on treatment day because of the length of his treatment, and he usually is one of the loudest and "mouthy" patients they have, which should not come as any surprise to most of you. He keeps everyone in stitches!

I'm grateful for another day of answered prayer. Mike and I experienced God's peace and comfort during yesterday's visit and we are certain it was because of your prayers and God's mercy and grace.

It isn't always easy going to these appointments, sitting amongest so many seriously ill, but it puts life into perspective. It's an odd "club" to belong to, but there are so many valuable lessons in there. Life is SO fragile and it is such a gift....never to be taken for granted!

Thank you very much for your prayers and support. We pray you will continually keep in touch with us and encourage us forward as we trust God to heal Mike.

"Dear Jesus, You told Your close followers who were taught how to seek the Father's heart that whatever they asked for in prayer, that they were to believe they received it and it would be theirs. (Mark 11:24) O, Father, help me to know Your heart intimately so that I'll know how to pray, what to pray, and believe in advance that I will receive it!"

Tomorrow's Treatment and Visit

Mike will be seeing his oncologist tomorrow and he will also be having a chemotherapy treatment, which takes about 4 1/2 hours. As we discuss with the doctor, when to schedule tests and how to proceed with treatments, please pray that Mike and I will sense God's presence and peace. These oncology appointments seem to cause a lot of anxiety for Mike and I, because in times before, there has been some inconsistancy with what we've been told previously.

Please pray the information shared will remain on the right track, that the doctor will be positive in relating with us, and that we'll be reminded God is in control.

Also, in the days which will follow the treatment, please pray for protection over Mike's body in receiving these treatments, that his lungs and heart will especially be protected, and that the only "damage", be done to the tumor.

Thank you for being faithful with your prayers and in your encouragement to Mike and our family.

A Bright Spot in Mike's Week- Drew's First Haircut

Dread

Mike did well today. He was glad to get back to work, or "therapy" as he likes to call it, because the weekends always seem to make him more achy sitting around. He is still feeling anxiety about his upcoming treatment Thursday, and when his doctor is going to want to do a scan to measure his progress.

Please pray that God will quiet Mike's heart with His peace.

"Lord, I come to You in prayer and I ask You now to let Your peace, God, which transcends all understanding guard Mike's heart and mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6

Streams in the Desert

I came across something beautiful today in my quiet time that comforted my heart. It's taken from a devotional, Streams in the Desert. The title, "Leaning Sides", compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman.

"Some one gained a good lesson from a Southern prayer meeting. A brother asked the Lord for various blessings--as you and I do, and thanked the Lord for many already received--as you and I do; but he closed with this unusual petition: "And, O Lord, support us! Yes support us Lord on every leanin' side!"

"Have you any leaning sides? This humble man's prayer pictures them in a new way and shows the Great Supporter in a new light also. He is always walking by the Christian, ready to extend His mighty arm and steady the weak one on "every leanin' side."

"Child of My love, lean hard, And let Me feel the pressure of thy care; I know thy burden, child. I shaped it; Poised it in Mine Own hand; made no proportion in its weight to thine unaided strength, For even as I laid it on, I said, 'I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, This burden shall be Mine, not hers; So shall I keep My child within the circling arms Of My Own love.' Here lay it down, nor fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds the government of worlds. Yet closer come: Thou art not near enough. I would embrace thy care; So I might feel My child reposing on My breast. Thou lovest Me? I knew it. Doubt not then; But Loving Me, lean hard."

What a blessing it is to know that God is so near to us, that we're never alone in our struggles, and when the going gets tough...as it was this past week.....God is greater still.

Thursday we our scheduled for another chemotherapy treatment. We know you will be praying with us again, Mike will be protected from any serious side effects or illnesses, and while this medicine is doing its job to take care of this tumor, it won't be seriously destructive to the rest of his body.

Also, please pray that when a CT Scan is ordered, that God will prepare our hearts for whatever is found, and that He will give us strength to know what is needing to be done to continue fighting this and getting Mike into remission.

Our Hearts Have Been Lifted

Thank you SO much for praying for Mike and I this past week! As I explained in earlier posts, Mike wasn't doing very well. But things turned around for us around Thursday evening, and Mike has not only felt less pain and discomfort, but his total countenance has improved...and subsequently, so has mine. Thank you so much for loving us as you do, for bending a knee on our behalf, and for offering to help in anyway you could. Your encouragement has lifted our hearts.

Grandpa and Ethan

Day 14 of February 28th Treatment

A Praise
Matt (our son) got a job, and not only that, but it was the job he really wanted! His first day was yesterday. It is a Project Manager position for a large company about 75 miles from home. It's a commute, but one he is already use to driving. We're so grateful to God for healing this part of our life, and allowing Matt and Jill to continue on with their dream of building their house. Thank you for being a part of this prayer effort.

Prayer Request
A typical day for Mike since his last treatment, has been with him being weak and winded. He usually does better if he can lay down one to two times a day. He's also experiencing body aches and pain, often needing something to help control it.

The largest struggle this week for Mike has been emotional. I think that is because he hurts all the time and can't see any end in sight. He's frustrated that he can't do simple tasks, without becoming extremely exhausted, and he is limited as to what he can do to try and take his mind off of his health. And, this week we have had a string of bad luck, with many things breaking down on us. That has created one melt down for Mike after another. I have been a little at loss of what to do to help. I can "fix" some things...like saving him extra steps when he's forgotten something, but when it comes to "fixing stuff", I'm useless.

Please continue to pray for Mike and I to have strength in dealing with all of this, and please pray for Mike to be encouraged, that God has a perfect plan, and that He is in control...even though things feel out of control at times to us. Also, Mike is showing a little anxiety about getting the next scan done, fearing the results won't be what he's hoping for. Please pray for Mike to feel peace about this and will keep hopeful.

Thank you for praying diligently for us and for your encouragement. You could never know how important it is, to not feel alone in all of this. Hearing from you is like a lifeline.

You'll Never Walk Alone
"When you walk through a storm, Hold your head up high,
And don't be afraid of the dark, At the end of a storm,
there's a golden sky, And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind, Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown...
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,You'll never walk alone...
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,You'll never walk alone..." By: Oscar Hammerstein

Labwork

This morning we went to the hospital and Mike had unscheduled bloodwork done. We don't expect to hear anything unless the counts aren't okay. It was just one of those things Mike did, to give me a little peace of mind. These past couple of weeks have been the first time Mike hasn't been asked to come in weekly for labwork, between treatments, and I was concerned it had been overlooked. It might be that the doctor feels assurred that Mike's labs will be alright, now that he is taking the Neulasta injections.

We would appreciate continued prayer for a sense of calm to come over both of us. For whatever reason, Mike is feeling a little more anxiety lately.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27

Not Just Physical

Cancer can be more than just a physical battle, and today has been one of those days for Mike, and subsequently for me. Some times all you need is just a break, instead of everything hitting you at once. In good health, you cope better, you can keep things in perspective. But in times when you're already stessed, it can kick you off your feet. It's just hard to find your way navigating through so many changes...and having so much uncertainity.

Please pray that Mike will be strengthened with God's peace and comfort. And please pray that I will know the best ways to encourage or lift his heart.

A Good Day

Mike experienced a good day! He was still weak and a little tired, but he seemed to have less pain and no headaches, and he didn't need any pain medications. That is a huge praise! He felt well enough to go to church, enjoy his hobby of reloading this afternoon, and also got to play with his grandson, Drew, this evening. We couldn't ask for anything more. WE ARE SO BLESSED!

"Every day I will bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145: 2-3

Day 11 of Last Treatment

Mike is doing good at his "new normal", which means the joint and muscle pain is almost constant since his last treatment. He especially has trouble sitting, or standing, in one place for very long. The beginning of his days are slow, but then he does pretty well for a couple of hours. It seems necessary for him to rest before he can finish out his work day, and also to get through an evening. He is able to get relief from the pain and headaches, with either Tylenol or other pain medication, and Ambien is helping him rest well at night.

The next treatment is scheduled for March 20th. Mike would rather delay another CT Scan for another month or so, to really give the chemotherapy time to beat up this tumor. In the meantime, we really hope you'll join us, praying that this cancer will go into remission, without any further complications or side effects. We feel blessed to have friends and family praying for us. Those prayers continue to give us hope and bring us great comfort and peace.

"Lord God, Your divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness through my knowledge of You who called me by Your own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)

More of the Same

Mike is doing better but is dealing with more joint/muscle pain and headaches than ever before. He is also having quite a bit of numbness in his hands, fingers, and feet. His feet cramp up trying to go into charley horses. This is probably due to the Taxol (one of the chemo drugs he is taking), but it might also be from the Neulasta. It's just hard to really know. Whatever the cause, it is requiring Mike to take mild pain medication (Hydrocodone) since this last treatment.

It's hard for me not to notice the pain he is in, and I usually react without meaning to, with a concern look on my face. Mike is getting a little tired of seeing that reaction on my face. So, I guess I need prayer with my responses. It's just hard to watch someone you love, hurt.

"God of Hope, fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Here We Go Again!

Another storm is upon us! We just thawed out from our last snow storm yesterday and now we are expected to receive as much as 4-8 inches of snow overnight and through tomorrow. Thank God for a warm house, enough food, and a fire place! God is good!

Mike is feeling a lot better today. He still has bouts with achiness and a sensitive stomach, but he feels he's improving. It's been 7 days now since his treatment. Day 10 is suppose to be the point where his blood counts could dip, although we're not expecting anything different for him, because he is on the Nuelasta injections.

Praises:

Peace and Comfort knowing God is in control

A loving family and friends to pray and trust God with us for Mike's healing

Answered prayer concerning a tax situation

Protection from Mike catching any viruses so far

Prayer requests for Mike:

Relief from headaches he is having (new side effect with this last treatment)

Protection of his vital organs while receiving treatment

Tumor to diminish or disappear from liver

Stents to continue to function properly

Peace for Mike as he continues to do all he can at work, and resting, that his best is good enough

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." Ephesians 3:20

A Brighter Day

The sun isn't the only thing that can brighten up a day. A moment is shared together by Ethan and Grandpa.

"A joyful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22a

Snow Day

Well, we woke up this morning to about 14 inches of snow! It was a challenge getting two Cocker Spaniel's out the door to do their business. But between Matt and I, we were able to shovel off enough snow to get a small patch of ground for the pups. AND....this was Drew's first experience with the snow! How cute is he?!!

Mike stayed inside all day. He was feeling a little better today and seems to be pulling away from the wallop his last treatment left him with. His tummy is still a little sensitive and he is also still experiencing his body aches. Each day is getting him closer to feeling more like himself.

"For to the snow He says, 'Fall on the earth,' And to the downpour and the rain, 'Be strong.'" Job 37:6

Another Bad Day

Mike seemed to start the day off okay, but came home at lunch, and has been in bed all afternoon sick to his stomach. It's possible the Nuelasta injections might be causing his body aches. We really didn't put that together until Mike called the oncologist's nurse for a prescription for pain medications. She mentioned this new body pain could possibly be from those injections Mike takes on the day after treatment to boost his bone marrow.

Please pray that Mike will recover from this last treatment and that this additional side effect will only be temporary. And continue to trust God with us, for these chemo treatments to be effective in reducing this tumor.

"Remember that we have no more faith at any time than we have in the hour of trial. All that will not bear to be tested is mere carnal confidence. Fair-weather faith is no faith."--C. H. Spurgeon

Not the Greatest

This last treatment seems to be hitting Mike a little harder. Saturday and Sunday he has tired easily, and he has been achy enough to want pain medication. On the positive side, he has been able to enjoy some music he hasn't listened to for a while, and the weather has been pleasant enough to let him do that while sitting on the porch. So we're hoping this next week will be better and he'll begin to find his energy again.

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Day Three

It's been the third day since treatment and the only side effect slowing Mike down today is just a general feeling of being tired. All day he has labored trying to do much of anything. So we have just tried to take it easy today and do things as we can.

"Happy are the people whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage." Psalm 84:5