Things were a little rough earlier today. Mike and I were on the computer, and on the phone, trying to find an answer to our present insurance dilemma (coverage for me), and Mike ended up so upset, we just had to stop and put it aside for awhile.

In normal conditions, dealing with insurance issues wouldn't be too difficult...but when you are already trying to navigate your way through so many road blocks, it becomes emotionally exhausting. I can't tell you how many online applications I would fill out, only to get to the end, and find ourselves back where we started.

It doesn't appear I'm going to find an insurer who will cover my pre-existing health problems. One company suggested we also purchase a high-risk policy for me (like we had to do for Mike), but I'm not even sure they would accept my situation, and the cost would just be too much. So, we're considering just getting catastrophic coverage for me, and pay for the other as we go along.

Even though we haven't formally been guaranteed coverage for Mike's high risk insurance, we have completed all the paperwork, and things should be in place in a couple of weeks. Our former "Goody's" insurance ends today, so we were also on the phone with the high-risk insurer trying to figure out how to pay for the oral chemotherapy Mike needs to buy, to begin taking Tuesday. The oral chemotherapy is $3000 for this cycle, so we wanted to make sure that amount of money was going to be applied to our deductible with that insurer. That was all worked out. So that brought Mike a little relief.

I feel your prayers...........because some days, it would be too easy, to just lie down and collapse under the weight of it all. When we're overwhelmed, I just keep trying to move forward, and before I know it, I'm standing again, ready to face another challenge. So praise God, for His merciful hand and His daily strength, and thank you for being a shoulder we can lean on...and a warrior on your knees.

"My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Mike will begin treatment again on Tuesday, May 5th. He will begin taking an oral chemotherapy drug, Xeloda, which he took before down at MD Anderson, when he was having radiation, but this time it will be a larger dose. He will also receive an infusion treatment named Gemzar. The infusion treatment will only take an hour...much less time than the chemotherapy treatments Mike had last year, which lasted 4-5 hours. He will take that treatment every two weeks (not every 3 weeks like I mistakenly said before). We have been told these treatments should be easier for Mike to tolerate.

We would appreciate your prayers for these treatments to be effective in reducing this tumor in Mike's liver. We would also pray that this Alkaline Phosphatase count would be significantly reduced. Mike's is at 2036. Normal range is 38-126. It is puzzling what is causing this. MD Anderson mentioned Mike could have a bone scan to rule out any problems, but they said the CT's didn't show anything troubling in that area. I guess Mike and I are exhausted from "chasing rabbits," and spending money that wouldn't end up changing the treatment anyway. I have inwardly wondered if the radiation has anything to do with this number being elevated. I didn't think to ask that question yesterday, but will on Tuesday, if we have a moment to speak to the doctor, or treatment nurse.

We have another prayer request we would appreciate prayer for. In trying to gain independent medical insurance for me (Beverly), we are being told I won't be covered for the first 12 months on any pre-existing conditions. We are searching with other insurance companies to see if this is their policy as well. I have a medical condition, in which I'm required to have labs every 6 weeks to monitor a drug I take, I see a specialist every 18 weeks and I take several medications daily. Having no coverage for me, for 12 months, is going to place us in a difficult situation. Please pray God will open a door for us.

Thank you for staying at our side and keeping us in your prayers.

"Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He will sustain thee." Psalm 55:22

Mike and I spoke with our oncologist this morning and more labs were taken. One of Mike's liver markers is still WAY out of range (normal being 38-126, Mike's being 2036). Our oncologist here didn't appear troubled by that number. Our oncologist in Houston mentioned we shouldn't proceed with treatments unless that number came down, and they even suggested we have another study done, to rule something additonal out.

We've listened to Houston before, when they suggested testing for colon cancer and thyroid cancer. Both, (praise God) came back clear. But our medical insurance comes to an end Thursday, and we begin paying for our "high-risk" insurance for Mike. It's hard to know what to do with a second opinion, and who you should ultimately listen to. Mike and I have reached a point where we are physically, mentally, and emotionally worn out. It would just make things easier to trust our oncologist here than to keep on spending money to rule things out.

Treatments will begin next Tuesday morning. We will repeat labs again before the infusion, so maybe we can pray down this alkaline phosphatase count before then, and it won't be an issue.

Mike and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers, more than we could ever say. Just when we feel we can't take things anymore, we somehow find the strength and are lifted back on our feet. We know that isn't by happenstance.

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength." Isaiah 40:29

Mike will see the oncologist

Tuesday morning, April 28th.

"Praise Be to You, The Lord Our Rock.......Who trains our hands for war, our fingers for battle. You are our loving God and our fortress, our stronghold and our deliverer, our shield in whom we take refuge. Part Your heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy; shoot Your arrows and rout them. Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver us and rescue us!" (Praying Gods Word, Psalm 144:1-2, 5-7)

Mike and I are home safely. Thank you for your prayers.

Our trip to MD Anderson was very exhausting and we didn't receive the news we were hoping for. Simply, Mike's tumor grew .7 of a centimeter larger with this scan. The doctors didn't seem alarmed, but suggested Mike begin treatment again. There are a couple of other things they are following, and keeping an eye on, but our largest concern is the liver tumor. They are wanting a specific lab reading to come down a little before they begin treatment.

The treatments will be done here in Russellville. The treatment will consist of one oral chemotherapy drug, and one IV drug every three weeks. They decided to use a different form of chemotherapy to cut down on the Neuropathy damage the past two drugs gave Mike. They told us we could always return to that in the future, but they thought something a little more easier, would be better for Mike now.

We are extremely tired, and would appreciate your continued prayers, as we press onward. Thank you so much for your love and support.

Not much to tell...

My parents are doing fine and dad's billiary exchange went smoothly. The last I spoke with them they were in recovery waiting to be released so they could go eat something today, finally. They did not learn anything about the scans/xrays yet today. They were hoping to hear that information this morning, but the scans had not been read yet. They do have an appointment tomorrow morning that they are planning on attending unless it runs too late and then they would have to cancel it to make their flight. They hope to receive the final reports on the results from the scans at that time.

Thank you for your prayers.
Amber Lacy

"When I am at my weakest point, You are just beginning.

When I know myself to be at the end of my strength,

I know my Lord to be at the front of the battle.

When I'm convinced I cannot go another step,

You sweep me into Your mighty arms

and carry me the rest of the way.

Lord, I abide in Your marvelous grace.

I lean on Your never-failing love."

BJ Hoff

The day began slow today for Mike. He didn't get up until after 2 p.m. He explained to me later it was because he couldn't sleep last night...not because he felt bad. He's dropped about 6-8 pounds this week, but Mike feels it is because he has been sleeping, and missing three meals a day. He tells me he'll be able to put it back on quickly drinking Ensure shakes.

Mike and I would appreciate your prayers for our family this upcoming week. Mike will be having a series of tests and procedures in Houston and these trips always take a lot out of us. We are very grateful for your love and support, and hope to come home with a good report.

"Father, cover me with Your feathers, and help me to find refuge under Your wings. Let Your faithfulness be my shield and rampart. Help me not to fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Help me to make You, the Most High, my dwelling and let no harm befall me nor disaster come near my tent. Thank You, Father, for commanding Your angels concerning me to guard me in all my ways." Psalm 91:9-11

Mike needed to just get away from the house today, so we took a winding drive up north in the Miata, and found a friend. (note picture above)

Physically, things have been fine for Mike mostly this week, but we've both had a rough week emotionally. The journey has been long, and we just have a lot on our minds, as we prepare to head to Houston this week.

We appreciate your love, concern and prayers.

"Peace I leave with you....I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Mike has had a couple of good days in row feeling well physically. Today he washed the Miata, which was the first in a long time. It took him awhile to finish it but it looked great when he was done. He spooked me at one point though. I opened the door to the garage just in time to see him laying on the ground in front of the Miata. I was afraid he had fallen, but he was only taking a picture of the Miata with his cell phone. :)

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.

"Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3-4 KJV

Today Mike and I had Drew for a couple of hours in the afternoon. It was such a pretty day and we spent a lot of that time outside. Drew was playing in his sandbox and Mike was laying in a lounge chair. When Drew ended up with wet-sandy hands, it became this game that he would try and wipe them off on his papa's jeans. Mike would make it more of a game and would run from Drew. It was never far, or for very long, but the two of them giggled all afternoon together.

Mike actually woke up very early today and seemed to keep good pace with me. He was a little more worn out by the time Drew went home, but even still, he did well. Mike commented to me how it's so hard to put a couple of good days together in a row. We're always left guessing what we're dealing with each day.

Tomorrow, I will be interviewing for a job. It is going to be difficult for me to share my story and seek the understanding, and flexibility I need. I know I already have every one's thoughts and prayers. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you, and for all the love and support you give Mike and I.

"Save me, O God, For the waters have come up to my soul. I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. I am weary with my crying; My throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God." Psalm 69:1-3

Mike got up late yesterday afternoon, still feeling tired and wanting to fall back to sleep. He forced himself to stay up though, and only had the appetite for tomato soup....not quite the Easter dinner we usually have.

Today he went to physical therapy briefly, but came home early, and has gone back to bed. I don't quite know what to make of all of this. There is no fever...no visual symptoms. He's just tired. So I sit, and wait for him to wake up, trying not to let my fears get the best of me.

"Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Matthew 6:8

Saturday was a great day for Mike, celebrating Easter with family. I haven't seen him with that much energy and strength in so long. We had great fun watching the grandchildren hunt for eggs, and we played croquet and badminton. Mike grilled out b-b-q chicken and all the food was yummy! It was wonderful just being together as a family.

Today is Sunday, Easter day and Mike is just waking up. It is 4:30 p.m.! We're not sure what happened, but when he got up to go to church this morning, he felt sick to his stomach, so he laid back down. I went on ahead and went to church and expected him up when I got home, but he didn't even stir. I'm hoping I can get some food into him, now that he is awake, and hopefully he is feeling better.

Thank you for your continued prayers. I hope everyone had a beautiful Easter.

"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:10-11

Mike has had a little trouble today, feeling tired, achy, and "off". He's hoping tomorrow will be a better day for him. We're celebrating Easter on Saturday, and he wants so much, to enjoy his grandchildren and family, while they are with us.

Our Houston trip is coming up quickly. A little anxiety is beginning to creep in. We feel so out of control down there and every moment is a little scary. Mike will be having 3 scans (chest, abdomen, pelvis) meeting with 3 doctors (Radiologist, Surgeon, and Oncologist), have some xrays taken, and possibly have another biliary exchange, if needed.

Please pray that Mike will find his energy again, that he'll be well on Saturday to enjoy his family for Easter, and peace would wash over Mike and I as we prepare to head to Houston. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers very much.

"I will cast my cares on You, Lord, and You will sustain me." Psalm 55:22

Mike is doing well. He is spending more time in his shop and less time napping. He built another wagon this week. This one is for Ethan to use at his house. Mike is having so much fun doing these. My heart smiles when I see him feeling good and happy.

Mike is still on the Levaquin to help with the minor infection he developed last week. He's still fussing with the length of his tubes, and is considering calling LR to see if there is anyway they can be shortened without replacing them. If not, then we're only two weeks away from being in Houston. The Lyrica he has been taking for a few weeks is really helping with the Neuropathy pain and numbness he's had in his feet and hands. Mike has worked himself up to two of the pills a day...with the prescribed dosage being three pills a day.

Thank you for continuing to care about us.

"May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of God and of the patience that comes from Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (LB)

Mike is back on his feet following Tuesday's biliary exchange in Little Rock. He still is running a low temperature, and his right drain shows signs of a minor infection, so we've gone ahead and started his antibiotic, Levaquin. Mike doesn't want to return to Little Rock to have it checked out. He'd rather keep his biliary appointment in Houston, in a few weeks, and have them look at things then.

The length of these tubes are another problem. They are longer and are getting caught in his clothing, so he's trying to be careful.

Meanwhile, he's back in his shop tinkering with things and playing with his grandsons. Thank you for your prayers.

"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer: you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." Isaiah 58:9

Mike feels better this morning. He never got out of bed last night after we returned from Little Rock, so he had several hours of sleep. He was in a bit of pain, nauseated, tired, and was running a low temperature when I went to bed last evening. And because of the way his bandages looked this morning when I changed them, I'm guessing they had a little difficulty getting Mike's right drain in.

It troubles me, how something so simple in Houston, can be so complicated here. It's the simple things...like the difference between the sedation they offer, the sutures and how comfortable Mike is after they are put in, the recovery time from the procedure, to even the care in between exchanges. If it weren't for the 8 hour difference, and the cost of traveling to Houston every two months, all of this would be less stressful having this done there. There are just two completely different ways of handling this, I guess.

Anyway, the stress from yesterday and last night, tired me out quite a bit, so I have been moving slowly this morning. I just wanted you to know Mike is doing better this morning. Thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.