Mike has begun having trouble digesting his food. We don't know if this is connected to the new treatments, or a new development with his liver problems, but whatever it is, Mike has been extremely uncomfortable.

When I came home from church today, he had just eaten a plain bagel, and developed terrible indigestion. He tried Gas X, Rolaids, Prilosec (which he is prescribed to take), and even tried Miracle Mouthwash, being there is Mylanta in it. Nothing has helped ease his discomfort or the pressure. Sometimes the indigestion is accompanied by hiccups...which makes the whole ordeal very miserable for Mike. I decided to bag his drain, in hopes that maybe that would relieve something. There was a good amount of blood at first, then it stopped draining altogether. I don't know what to think about that. I'm going to leave the bag on, just to see if we're able to get anything more. We will likely call the oncologist in the morning to see what he thinks.

Mike is at his wits end, understandably, and I'm trying to navigate my way through this with him, without his losing patience with me.

I praise God there is no fever, no jaundice (that I can visibly see), and no nausea. I praise God that we have insurance and I have a job now. I praise God that He is keeping His hand on Mike, the children, and I, even though bad days try to keep us upside down. I praise God for friendship, family and the power of prayer. I praise God that so many of you continue to read this nightmare of a story, and aren't chased away from reading it, so you can pray specifically. Your hugs and smiles sooth a wounded heart. I praise God for sending many of you to our side to help us bridge difficult financial burdens. Your gifts continue to bless us over and over in our hearts. I praise God that no matter how awful all of this is, or feels, God is still present at our side, and promises that it will never be more than we can bear....although at times, I question we can take anything more.

"I sought Him who my soul loveth." Song of Solomon 3:1

It will probably relieve many of you, that I didn't operate a chainsaw yesterday! ;) Zac was a tremendous help, trimming up the trees in our yard with a bow saw. He did a great job, as you can tell by the picture above. Amber and Ethan had a little fun with the tractor when the branches weren't in the wagon. We have quite a pile of branches to eventually burn. And I promise to leave the burning to someone else...just incase any of you think I might set the house on fire accidentally. Matt, our son, also helped this weekend to move out an extra refrigerator we had in our garage. I'm so grateful for all of the helping hands these past two years. I can do many things, but there are some projects way over my head and strength.

Mike wasn't able to be outside very much today. He even once had to sit down in the middle of the driveway because he felt woozy. He continues to be weak, and gets light headed from the sun being so bright. He spent some time with Amber and Ethan though, inside the house and on the screened in porch.

When family, company and visitors are around, Mike puts on a good front, but I really would appreciate your continued prayers for him....not only for his physical health...but emotional health as well. He is very discouraged since being on these latest treatments. They seem to suck every ounce of energy right out of him, and I often find him just staring off in the distance, looking sad. When I ask him what he's thinking about, he just tells me he hates feeling how he is physically, having no energy most days....and that he can't stand the idea of living life this way. I struggle knowing how to comfort him, and encourage him.

Mike was always such an active, high-strung personality, and just really enjoyed life so fully when he was well. Tennis, range shooting, reloading, building things, grilling, playing chef, caring for our home and yard, and taking long rides to nowhere, were the kind of things he did when he wasn't working. So two years of this going on, is really discouraging him. He knows he's having trouble cognitively (forgetting things probably due to all the drugs he's on), and the weakness is even interfering with him being able to go to physical therapy. He tells me it's hard right now finding a reason to get out of bed. I just pray that God's peace would completely envelope him, and he might be willing to discover new things that may not require so much from him.

Thank you for lifting Mike up, and praying with me about our situation.

"There are times when encouragement means a lot. And a word is enough to convey it." -Grace Stricker Dawson

I came home from work today and found Mike in bed, asleep, and having a difficult time getting up. His fever was gone, but he was extremely weak. He didn't even have the strength later in the evening to hold his grandson. Ethan and his parents had visited, and Ethan wanted "Papaw" to pick him up to go "drum." Mike didn't have any energy. So I carried Ethan over to the studio, and Mike watched Ethan drum seated in his daddy and mommy's lap. For Mike not to carry Ethan, or sit with him to drum, gives you an idea of how Mike is feeling. The effects of these treatments discourage Mike easily, so this is an area he could especially use your prayers.

We never did hear anything back on the labs taken yesterday, so unless they plan to give us that information on Tuesday morning, we're hoping everything is well within the limits necessary to continue with treatment.

Our son-in-law, Zac, will be giving us a hand tomorrow in trimming back our trees along the driveway. The trees have really become overgrown the last two years. I've never operated a chainsaw...and may look a little scary trying to figure one out. So we might seat Mike in a lawn chair, safely to the side, to help give Zac and I a little direction. You might remember us in prayer concerning this project. :)

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Romans 12:12

Update: Thursday night/Friday Morning- Mike is running a temperature again. It's around 100 degrees. He is on the antibiotic Levaquin, so I'm hoping we're okay.

Mike has returned back to his "new normal," of falling asleep once he takes his oral chemotherapy. It's likely because he takes Phenagren before the Xeloda, to prevent him from getting sick to his stomach. The Phenagren knocks him out. I suggested he try a half dose of the Phenagren, but Mike is afraid if he happened to get sick even once, he'd have a difficult time taking the Xeloda from there on out.

He went to the lab today and had blood work drawn, but we don't have any results on that yet. When we were at MD Anderson last fall, we learned of a side effect some cancer patients experience, called Chemo-Brain. The last couple of days, Mike has lost his memory of what he had been doing during the day, which is really concerning me, especially since I'm not around to keep a close eye on him. He, Amber and Ethan went to IHOP for pancakes this morning and when I came home from work, he was wondering why he hadn't eaten any breakfast all day. So, not only had he forgotten that he ate breakfast with Amber; he didn't even remember driving himself to IHOP and back home. I'm sure this is probably because of all the drugs he's taking right now, but I pray that's all that's going on. Please pray he doesn't accidentally overdose himself on his medications, or do anything that would cause himself any physical harm.

Mike had an old friend from Goody's, stop by and visit him this afternoon. Mike was so excited to see Rob. Rob had taken a position out of town after Goody's closed, but things didn't work out there, and now he is back in town hoping to find something here. He hung out with Mike for a couple of hours. Mike had such a huge smile on his face when I came home. I am so grateful God is helping Mike pass time while I'm away.

Thank you for thinking about Mike today and for keeping us in your prayers.

"A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away." --Arabian Proverb

Mike did very well today. We don't believe he slept a wink last night, due to the steroids from the day before, but he did well in spite of them. The little sweetheart got up and made me pancakes for my first day back to work....and he continued through the day, making me a sandwich for lunch when I came home to check on him, and then dinner when I got off. Where all of this energy and strength came from, is a mystery to me. God is SO good!

Mike did have a mini meltdown while I was gone today though, when our new insurance company informed him that his Xeloda ($2000 oral chemotherapy) prescription wasn't covered under the plan. I can just imagine his reaction. He learned this person was incorrect, but not until he shook out of his skin trying to get to the bottom of things. He had recovered by the time I got home from work. He was able to go to the pharmacy and pick up his second cycle of Xeloda to begin taking tonight. I'm praying his reaction to it won't be as severe this time around.

Mike was called by the oncologists office to come back in tomorrow morning for more lab work. Evidently, they didn't use the specimen from Tuesday to run the TSH test, so they will do that tomorrow.

Thank you so much for praying for Mike and our family. You're lifting our burdens, and carrying us through some very deep water. God continues to bless us through your friendship, and with His grace and His mercy.

You will find an update on Beverly below, under Reflection.

"Holding the heart of another in the comforting hands of prayer is a pricelss act of love." -Janet L. Weaver

Mike had his oncology appointment this morning. The doctor was surprised at Mike's tremendous fatigue, given that his labs looked good. He was ordering a TSH test to determine if his thyroid measurements are off...which can cause fatigue. He felt Mike may have some kind of infection, being that he had a temperature a few days ago, and had a low grade temp this morning. So Mike will begin taking Levaquin today.

They didn't seem concerned with Mike's low blood pressure. It was 90/50 this morning at the doctor's office. Mike had lost weight, but we already expected that, being he has been sleeping through meals lately.

The doctor didn't see any reason why Mike couldn't go ahead with treatments, so Mike had another infusion this morning. He is sleeping the Benadryl and steroids off right now. The doctor said that the Xeoloda is probably what is causing Mike the most trouble in treatments right now...but with Mike's "bring it on" attitude, the doctor felt this was the key in Mike being where he is at.

Mike's sense of humor is such a gift! He is such a clown when he goes into the treatment room. As soon as he enters he can be heard down the hall, giving everyone a hard time, and cracking up the patients. He swears the nurses in there, quickly and purposely, hook up his IV first, to shut him up and make him fall asleep. He even accuses them of doubling up his Benadryl dose for that reason. I believe with all my heart that God is using Mike in that treatment room, lightening the heavy load so many are carrying in there.

We learned Mike's new medical insurance ID number when we were at the doctor's office this morning. So Mike officially has insurance now...even though we're still waiting on the packet to come in the mail. The office was able to look up the information on the computer. That helped Mike and I let out a huge sigh! What an answer to prayer, to have him covered again.

Tomorrow, I begin my new job. Please pray for my adjustment, and for Mike's protection while I'm away from him.

Mike and I are so grateful for all of the "angels" in our life. Each one of you have lifted our load from time to time, and you could never understand the depth of the brush marks you have left on our hearts. We're so blessed!

Thank you for all of your prayers!

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:13-14

Memorial Day Get Together

God gave Mike strength to enjoy our family time together for Memorial Day. I figured a video was better than a bunch of words.

Tomorrow we see the oncologist. Thank you for your love, prayers, help, and support.

I was successful yesterday, in getting Mike to eat three meals, even if the last one was an Ensure shake. I'm still having difficulty in getting him to drink fluids. I was surprised around 9 p.m. when he made his way downstairs to watch a little TV with me. That was the first he had been up since 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

His fever went back up a pinch when he went to sleep last night, but it is down this morning. His blood pressure continues to be low. I was worried when he developed yesterday's fever, so I tried to bag his drain, but barely anything came out. This is concerning me. It may only be, because he's dehydrated. But I'm concerned it might also mean something more. I have attached the bag again this morning and I'm getting the same result. I've decided to leave it on while Mike's sleeping today.

We have plans to be with our children and other family late this afternoon, if Mike is able. He is hoping for enough energy to enjoy his grandsons. I appreciate your prayers so much.

Update: 6 p.m. Mike's fever has returned to normal. He continues to sleep. The food he ate earlier today seems to be digesting fine. His bp is still very low.

Mike has continued to stay in bed. He got up to take a shower when I got home from church, but he was dizzy and needed to lay back down. He eventually was able to get up and finish showering. His blood pressure is low...97/46 and his pulse was up 111. He is running a temperature around 101. It came down a little when he got out of the shower.

Mike finally ate something after I came home from church. He ate some coffee cake and had some hot tea, I had set out for him this morning on his nightstand. Just a few minutes ago I was able to get him to eat some scrambled eggs and toast. His stomach looks less distended this morning but this fever concerns me. Mike tells me he feels better today but feels very weak. The sores in his mouth and on his lips have improved and are going away.

Mike is being insistent on waiting until Tuesday, to see or call any doctor. I think I'm realizing I can only get him to do so much. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

"All God's angels come to us disguised." --James Russell Lowell

Something hasn't been quite right with Mike the last couple of days. He can't eat or drink because he feels constantly full and his midsection seems swollen. I tried to persuade Mike to go to the emergency room this morning, because of how his midsection looked, and because he was up all night not feeling well. Mike had a class he had signed up for and didn't want to miss it. He struggled through the day, drinking only one Ensure for the entire day, and a half of a sandwich. Nothing more. He came home at 3:30 and went to sleep until 8:30 this evening. Still nothing more to eat or drink.

I would like nothing more than to be worrying about nothing, and be wrong. I would appreciate your prayers for Mike to improve overnight, or to agree to have things checked out in the morning. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Mike attempted physical therapy this morning, but could only stay for half of it. He was back home and in bed by 10:15. He wears out quickly since he's been taking these treatments. But, he is over at his shop this afternoon, and I'm taking that, as he's feeling better. I'll celebrate these moments any time they come around, and for whatever duration we have them.

Tomorrow Mike is signed up to take a class that goes for the entire day. I'm thinking he was VERY optimistic when he enrolled for that. But, whatever interests him and puts a smile on his face-puts a smile on mine. I hope he'll have the strength and energy tomorrow to enjoy it.

Mike's sores seem better today. His mouth sores on his lips look very bad, but he says they look worse than they actually feel. The other sores on his arms and face seem to be getting less noticeable. I think they actually were worsened when he got in the sun the other day. He is suppose to be avoiding the sun while he's on these drugs.

Thank you so much for praying for Mike to feel better. I think God is answering that prayer with Mike being up and moving around today.

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Everything has been incredibly hard for Mike today. After eating breakfast this morning, he crawled back in to bed and slept until 2:30 this afternoon. We had expected him to improve while on hiatus from treatment, but I suppose there is such a concentrated strength of chemicals still in his body, the side effects just keep on battering him.

It's painful seeing him hurt. He aches all over and is incredibly weak. It's painful looking at him. He has red blotches and sores popping up all over his skin. He continues to struggle with his appetite. It's almost a relief watching him sleep, because he isn't suffering. I'm really worried how Mike is going to be able to continue on with these treatments, if they should begin back up this coming Tuesday.

I know I don't even need to ask for your prayers. I know we have them. Thank you.

Mike made it to physical therapy today, the first time in a week. He had to wear special gloves on his hands because of a side effect from the treatment, called "hand-foot syndrome". This syndrome causes pain, swelling, redness, and tingling. Mike's thumbs and first fingers are his trouble areas. He is also experiencing itching. The gloves help buffer the pain from gripping the equipment.

The mouth ulcers are still a problem but Mike said they actually look worse today than they feel. He has had less problem swallowing. That is an answer to prayer!

His appetite dropped this evening because he is experiencing his stomach feeling full, when he hasn't eaten. He also has had trouble "bottoming out"...basically losing his strength quickly while doing something. I'm pretty sure his counts are low, but thankfully not so low to need the Neulasta injection.

Mike has made a couple of comments the past week that have been difficult for me to hear. He has shown a lot more frustration that this is what his life has become. He made the comment to me that his career is over, that he's realizing that he'll probably never work again. I think the months he was off chemotherapy, he felt energetic enough to stay busy with something and dream that this may eventually get better. Now, with the added hurdle of dealing with these side effects, he seems a little discouraged.

I can't blame him. I have my moments too. The life we had is hardly recognizable anymore. Today I was doing lawn work and so much was going through my mind as I rode the tractor. Building this home was such a dream for Mike and I. We poured our heart and hard labor into doing a lot of the work ourselves. We were a team and we enjoyed the challenges it brought. Now, it takes everything I've got just to keep up with everything around here, and I see so many areas that need attention. I found myself so overwhelmed in thought, that I had to stop myself. I don't know how we'll get through all of this, outside of just taking things one day at a time. When I think too far down the road.......I only end up discouraged and feeling defeated.

So, please pray for Mike and I, to receive another measure of God's grace, so we can continue walking down this scary path, trusting God intends it for our good.

"O Lord, be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress." Psalm 71:3

Mike's mouth sores have become worse over the past few days, despite the baking soda and other peroxide washes he has tried, he has a large blister in the back of his throat about the size of a quarter, and his lips are completely covered with sores. Mike spoke to the doctors yesterday over the phone, and he was told it is the Xeloda (oral chemotherapy) that is causing them. Supposedly they will quickly clear up when he stops taking it, but I don't think that is much of a comfort to Mike. He will finish the first cycle of that drug this evening. Then he will be off of it for a week, before beginning it again May 26th. They called in a prescription Monday evening for Mike to try. It does a partial job of numbing up his lips, but that's about it. The throat still is quite painful, especially when he tries to swallow.

Yesterday was sort of a train wreck, because my disease flared, and I was virtually useless to Mike. We both slept the entire day. Mike had been up until 5 am because he couldn't sleep. I was just a mess. All I had enough energy to do, was pour some cereal in a bowl, or warm up some Clam Chowder for Mike's dinner. Then I was back down again. That's the first time this has happened since Mike's been sick. I hated the helpless position it put me in. But....we're both doing better today.

Mike had labs done at the hospital this morning. I guess if anything is needing attention, they will call us. In the meantime, he's off treatment until next Tuesday.

One good piece of news is that we finally received a letter from CHIP today, saying Mike has been approved for insurance, effective May 1st. So now, we only need to wait for the information packet to come in the mail. My application is still waiting to be processed.

Thank you so much for your help, and your thoughts and prayers. I don't know where we would be without them. You have been such a blessing to us!

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." Corrie Ten Boom

It was a good day for Mike! He felt pretty good when he woke up this morning, even though he was a little slow moving around at first. He felt well enough to go to church, and then afterwards, he had the strength to enjoy the afternoon reloading in his workshop. He sat most of the time out there working at his bench, but it was so nice seeing him feel more like himself. We appreciate your prayers so much.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

It's difficult to say if Mike is feeling any better today. The fever is definitely gone for now, but the weakness, constant sleepiness, and pain haven't left. It hurts me to watch Mike deal with all of this. He has been trying so hard today to stay awake, eat, and try to be normal. The chemotherapy is just beating him up really bad right now. His lips are chapped and blistered, the inside of his nose is raw, his finger tips are sore and his appetite has dropped. I'm trying to at least get Ensure shakes into him when he misses a meal. His side still seems to be hurting him quite a bit from the tube exchange, but we're trusting it is doing it's job.

Mike will only have labs on Tuesday and then will be off all chemo for a week. I pray he recovers quickly and I'm so thankful he can take a small break. Please keep him your prayers.

"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:7

The fever broke! Thank you for your prayers.

The biliary exchange was done in LR this afternoon, on Mike's right tube, and was completed without any problems. His blood pressure was low, but they were able to keep him comfortable enough for the procedure. Thank you for praying for that.

For the first hour, following the procedure, Mike seemed fine. I thought the exchange was the fix we needed. But we quickly returned home, because Mike was feeling weak, tired, and was hurting pretty bad. He slept all the way home.

Once home, he became chilled and I noticed he had a fever of 100.7, so I got him into bed. I have been concerned, but Mike won't let me call the doctor. I tried to explain to him that his blood counts are probably low from his last treatment, and we shouldn't mess around with a temperature...but I'm not getting anywhere. I'm trying to get him to drink fluids, but he tells me he feels too full and can't. We do not have the emergency prescription of antibiotics (we usually have) to give to him, because we didn't receive insurance approval yet, and Mike wouldn't buy it. So I'm praying God will protect Mike overnight and bring this fever down.

Please pray with me that he'll be safe and will improve overnight.

UPDATED: 6:30 p.m.

Overnight, Mike and I made the decision to call LR to schedule another biliary exchange for him. Things only seem to be worsening on his right side, and we would just be delaying the inevitable if we waited. We are disappointed these tubes lasted less than one month. The tube exchange will be done at 1:30, tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. If sedation isn't used, we should be home by late afternoon. Please pray that Mike's blood pressure stays up enough for them to give him pain medication...to keep him comfortable during the procedure. He always has low blood pressure, but if it dips too low, they have to use the pain medication sparingly. Mike is feeling very weak tonight. He never got out of bed today until he knew Drew (our grandson) was stopping by. When they left, Mike went back to bed. I think we're dealing with biliary trouble and side effects of chemotherapy at the same time.

We have an answer to prayer! I had a second interview yesterday, for a church administrative assistant position, I had applied for a month ago. I received their offer this morning for the job and will begin at the end of this month. They are fully aware of our situation and need.

I want to thank all of you who were praying with me about this possibility. God continues to provide and care for Mike and I, and many of you have been His hand in doing this. Mike and I could never thank you enough for your love, concern, and support. We only know God will bless you, as you have us.

Please pray for Mike's protection while we're at the hospital tomorrow. With his counts being so low right now, I worry having him around so many who may be sick.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Well, it's a trick figuring out what we're dealing with today with Mike. Shortness of breath can be a side effect of Gemzar (the IV treatment), but it also can be a symptom when the biliary tubes are acting up. So, it's looking more today like we have a biliary tube problem, than a chemotherapy problem. We're doing what we can to coast and delay the exchange. Mike hasn't had these new tubes even a month yet. We're wondering if the tube came out further than we were told last Friday. (When we took Mike into Baptist, to have the stitches put back in.)

Mike's side is very tender this evening which is a sign of infection. We're also having a lot of drainage. I'm concerned because the risk for infection is high for him right now, according to all the paperwork we were given for his new treatments. The good thing is that tomorrow our oncologist is in town, so we can get the antibiotic, or care quickly, if need be. But I would really appreciate your covering Mike with prayer for protection. (Our daughter is also sick today, so we're keeping Mike away from her.)

We did at least confirm today that CHIP has received all the paperwork on Mike for insurance, but things are still being processed s-l-o-w-l-y. It's making things a little unsettling, fronting the money, but we're being told it will all be retroactive. God also is providing and taking care of our needs, even before we know we have them. He's right at our side!

I will likely cancel my rheumatology appointment June 1st, because Mike's application was in 2-3 weeks before mine was sent in, and judging by his processing time, mine may be on some one's desk longer. Mike's was a guaranteed acceptance, due to his history with cancer. Mine wasn't. I'm not going to chance losing money.

Today has been a little exhausting. Interviews usually can be. I wanted to do well and I was hoping and praying to communicate clearly. Mike treated me to a pizza this evening at Brick Oven....and there was this little sign over our booth that read "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain." We're coming up quickly on our 2nd anniversary of this storm. At times it has been absolutely grueling and we didn't weather it well. We still struggle some days, just praying for a release from this pain. But I'm finding God wants to keep us here a little while. So I guess we can glorify God and learn to dance in the rain.

UPDATE: 9:30 p.m. -Mike is having some shortness of breath...a side effect of the Gemzar. He also has had a little bit of phlegm following this treatment. Please pray for protection against any viruses or infection.

Mike's blood counts were within boundaries to go ahead with today's treatment. His RBC was low but it was only recommended for Mike to boost it by eating some liver. (hmmmm! I'm not crazy about cooking that!)

The treatment went very quickly. We were in and out of there within 2 hours. Mike remarked to me, "How can it be doing anything, when I'm in and out of there so quickly?" I guess he just can't get past, how his former treatments lasted 5 hours.

Following today's treatment, Mike came home, and slept until late this afternoon. He appears a little pale to me since he woke up. Maybe once he really gets moving around, that will improve. He has been steadily becoming more fatigued as the days have been going on.

Next Tuesday, it will only be labs. He is on a 2 week on; 1 week off, treatment schedule. So he won't be taking any chemotherapy pills or infusion for that whole week. Then he is suppose to repeat the cycle another 3-4 times before another CT scan is ordered. Actually, MD Anderson has us returning July 1 & 2 to be scanned, but Mike hasn't decided if he'll go there, or just begin having scans repeated in LR.

We still haven't received any word on our medical insurance. We anticipated it being awhile before I was accepted, or declined, but Mike's approval was suppose to be within 7 days, and it has been longer than that. So, we're praying this will be completed this week.

We're truly grateful for your thoughts and prayers.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Mike will have another treatment tomorrow morning if his labs are good. Thank you for continuing to pray for him.

"Blessed are those who give without remembering and receive without forgetting." --Author Unknown

Mike has been more tired the past couple of days. We went to church this morning, and when we came home, he immediately went back to bed and slept for four more hours. I'm sure his body needs the rest; but I hate that he usually misses a meal. He really can't afford to lose any weight.

The fever Mike had the other evening quickly dissipated. I really feel it was mostly caused by Mike being wrapped up in a heated throw most of the evening while watching TV. He becomes so cold at times that he overheats himself under heavy clothing or blankets. I do have a small concern that an infection might be developing though, just by a few side effects I've seen.

Other than these couple of things, Mike is doing pretty well. Thank you very much for your thoughts and prayers.

"Blessed are those who give without remembering and receive without forgetting." --Author Unknown

Everything went smoothly today in LR with Mike getting stitched back up again. He was told this happens often with patients in his situation, so not to be overly concerned. She said that the tube had pulled out about a 1/2 inch, but shouldn't be any problem working. We are to let them know if we have any further trouble.

I know this may come across odd...but it was so wonderful going to Higginbotham Center today, and having Mike sitting in the waiting room WITH me. We had to wait over an hour to be seen, but they took him back briefly, when they were ready, and he was out of there in no time. I have had too many negative experiences at that place since Mike's cancer returned. For a brief moment I could pretend that life was "normal" again. I was joking with him about it being the first time he rode down the elevator standing. Usually they roll him out of that building, to the car, in a wheelchair.

This evening Mike began running a little temperature, but it has come back down again to normal. He has also been feeling a little more fatigued today. We think it is probably the chemo treatments beginning to affect him. I pray his counts will be good on Tuesday and that we can keep him protected from any viruses or infections.

I praise God for keeping His hand on Mike, and your prayers and support have been such a blessing! Thank you.

"Holding the heart of another in the comforting hands of prayer is a priceless act of love."--Janet L. Weaver

No big deal...but we're headed to LR to have Mike's right drain stitched back in. It became detached overnight. All that will be necessary, is for them to numb it up, and stitch it back in again.

Update: The stitches pulled out. We are heading to LR to have them put back in.

Mike continues to do well. He has had a tiny trouble with headaches and fatigue this week, which likely could be from either drug he's receiving for treatment. He automatically takes an anti-nausea medication prior to taking the oral chemotherapy to keep on top of those side-effects. So far, so good.

He has had a good appetite. I'm still struggling with getting him to drink more fluids. The doctor told us in Houston, labs showed Mike dehydrated, and strongly suggested he drink more. But Mike can be stubborn, and this is an area he resists me on.

There is a slight concern about his stitches that hold in the right biliary drain. They don't appear secured to me, and I even think the tube may have pulled out a pinch, but Mike doesn't want to have it looked at right now. The skin on that side stays moist and covered with dressing, because it is the one that leaks from time to time. I tried to leave it uncovered today, so that maybe the air would toughen up that skin around the tube opening. We bandaged the area below it to absorb any fluids. But one day didn't seem to help. That stitch seems to be in an area where it could easily be accidentally pulled out. If that happens; we head back to Little Rock to get it fixed...which could be a little hassle since Mike hasn't been fully approved for his medical insurance coverage. We're praying that will come in soon, so we could rest easier.

So these are a few areas where we would really appreciate your prayers for. Thank you so much for caring so deeply about us. You are such a blessing and comfort to us.

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1

All in all, Mike is handling his new treatment fine. We had an interesting evening last night, with Mike having some kind of allergic reaction, but he seems fine today. It just had us both awake until after 3 a.m. I don't know if it had anything to do with the treatment, or not. We'll mention it next Tuesday when he receives his second round.

Thank you very much for all of your love and support. It means so much to Mike and I. Our hearts are brimming full with gratefulness. We would appreciate your continued prayers as we try and live each day with these new challenges.

"We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Mike started his oral chemo, and had his first treatment today. Only a CBC was taken today at the hospital, which didn't include the Alkaline Phosphatase reading. I guess the oncologist here didn't make that a deciding factor. One good thing was that Mike's White Blood Count returned to normal ranges.

Mike is sleeping off his Benadryl and Steroid medication. So far, so good. We'll keep everyone updated.

Mike had fun today playing with Ethan, and is looking forward to playing with Drew tomorrow afternoon, following treatment. We have picked up the oral chemotherapy and Mike's ready to begin that tomorrow morning. He'll take three pills every 12 hours for two weeks. Our first stop in the morning, will be to get blood work done, to check counts. If everything looks good, we will be sent on to treatment.

The steroids given before each treatment can be harder than the treatments themselves. For Mike, it winds him up tighter than a clock and it generally causes the next 24 hours to be rough... on us both! So, please pray that we weather that well. Also, Mike has "little issues" with his vital organs, so I would particularly appreciate your prayers for extra protection over these areas....his heart, his lungs, etc., as he begins these two new cycles of chemotherapy.

Mike is ready to fight and do battle!

"The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in whom I trust." Psalm 18:2

Mike and I had another peaceful day today. We both took advantage of laying down and resting. It was the perfect weekend to do that. We had a conversation earlier, how all of this stress has just been completely wearing us out. There's always so much on our mind, dealing with matters we've never had to deal with before, while still trying to live a normal life.

Mike continues to feel well. He is still doing physical therapy three mornings a week and he enjoys his shop at least a couple of hours during the day. The Lyrica drug he added a few weeks ago, definitely is improving the Neuropathy pain in his feet and hands. We were told by our oncologist that this drug has a way of accumulating benefits, so Mike may even feel better as time goes on.

Mike is anxious to begin his treatment on Tuesday. He's ready to kick the tumor around a little more and make it feel unwelcome.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

It has been a peaceful day. The rain kept us home and inside. Mike actually slept most of the day. His body must need the extra rest right now. While Mike slept, I was able to complete all the paperwork on me, needed to apply for the CHIP insurance (Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool). I'm guessing it will take a couple of weeks to find out if I'll be accepted. If that doesn't go through, I'm sure God will open another door.

Mike is already in the process of being approved. We had completed his paperwork two weeks ago. We had to wait and completely exhaust our COBRA insurance before we could officially apply. We double-checked with CHIP on Friday, to be sure everything we're spending from last Friday forward, towards Mike's present health needs, will be retroactive and covered.

We'll have labs done first thing Tuesday morning, and hopefully everything will go as expected, and Mike will begin his new treatment.

We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Mike and I began the day wrestling with insurance issues....again. To be honest, Mike and I concentrated so much on making sure he had medical insurance coverage without any lapses, that we screwed up and took for granted my getting covered...two days before mine expired.

I posted about this problem yesterday. As we continue peeling away layers of this problem, we now have learned I can't even get my medications to be covered under new insurance for twelve months. Thankfully, Mike had stocked piled enough of my prescriptions to get me through the summer. But, as I was trying to figure out what I could maybe drop, against what we might be able to purchase at generic rates, I was overwhelmed to learn a 30 day supply of my prescriptions, would still be costly. So this nightmare isn't going away. It has us rethinking the "high risk" insurance program today, for me too, if I can qualify.

Some times when I'm having a pity party, I question God about why so many trials have come our direction....seemingly all at once. But, truth be known, God has taught us so many lessons throughout all of this. So much good has come even with the bad. Our faithful, loving, heavenly Father, has never left our side...even on the worst day. We have seen the tremendously big hearts of our family and friends. When we have hurt, they have hurt too. When we had something to celebrate, they were the first to leap to their feet. When the only language we've been able to speak at times, was shedding tears; they spoke back with a huge hug and reassuring smile. When they said "Friends Forever", they truly meant it.

I'm so grateful for all of you. For the roles each of you are playing in our life. If only you could see the beautiful story you are helping to write, you might get the glimpse of the blessing you have been to Mike and I. We love you all.