Mike now has twenty radiation treatments behind him, with only ten left to go. He has been handling them well. He gets tired at times, and it takes him a little time to get going in the morning, but I have seen him more like himself this past week, than I have in months. The chemotherapy medication tends to be what gets to him the most, but we seem to take the edge off of the side effects by having him take the anti-nausea medication along with the chemo drug.
Mike saw the radiation physician this morning and we momentarily got our hopes up, when they handed us a new schedule, showing that radiation treatments ended next Wednesday. We were really hopeful that was true, especially since Mike only had enough oral chemo pills to last until Wednesday as well. But, when the doctor looked it up in the computer, we learned that treatments would go through to next Friday afternoon and we would need to stay the extra two days. :(
Mike's weight continues to stay up, with him even gaining another 1/2 pound. They told us most patients end up losing about 7 pounds during this type of treatment, which Mike really couldn't afford to lose; so maintaining, or even gaining a little weight during treatments, is something to celebrate. One other tidbit they shared was that Mike's blood work showed Mike's white blood count was a little elevated, and they asked Mike if he experienced fever or other symptoms, but when he said he hasn't had any trouble, they dismissed it being any problem.
Mike also saw his surgeon today. Plans were discussed for us to be back down here in late January for more tests, and to also exchange biliary tubes. Mike and I are still trying to cope with the idea that this will continue to be a part of our future, but we're grateful God has provided a better solution for these down here.
Speaking of this....Mike will be seeing the diagnostic team Monday morning to check out Mike's right biliary drain, to see if it is properly in place. There has been a minor problem with it the past two days, so it was recommended by Mike's surgeon today, to have this double checked. If it shows that it needs to be replaced, Mike will have to undergo an exchange, of only that one side. So, with that being at 11 a.m. Monday, we are hoping it won't interfere with Mike's afternoon radiation treatment, delaying our trip home any further. This is something we would appreciate your prayers regarding.
We are also needing your prayers concerning our lodging. The hotel we are staying at still has no vacancies and our reservation will be running out after Monday night. All of the hotels in the medical city area are booked, so the only place we could find with vacancies, is quite a distance from the clinic. Needing to have two treatments a day, this makes things a little inconvenient for us. But...it doesn't leave us homeless. ;) It just would be very helpful if we could remain where we are at, and we would appreciate your prayers for an opening.
This has been such a long journey, and we're looking so forward to coming home. Thank you for praying us through this winding road. You have been such an encouragement and help to us.
"May those who sincerely seek You find genuine happiness and fulfillment, and may they express their joy in proclamations of praise to You. As for me, I always need Your sustaining grace. O God, do not withhold it from me." Psalms 70:4-5/Psalms Now
10.31.2008
10.29.2008
16 Treatments Down - 14 To Go!
Mike continues to do well while receiving his radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He had a doctor appointment yesterday and they marveled how well he is tolerating things. They seemed especially impressed with his appetite, and noted that he had gained 1 1/2 pounds since last Friday.
Following his treatment this morning, we had the shuttle take us to Mike's physical therapy evaluation. We told the shuttle driver the address we had been given, but he took us where he thought it was. So after dropping us off and the shuttle driving away, we got inside and learned we were at the wrong location. So we had to call the hotel, to get the shuttle to come back for us. We eventually got to where we needed to be.
My heart was broken once we arrived at the physical therapy clinic. All around us were patients in such difficult situations; many in wheel chairs, some barely able to walk. And so many of them were children or young adults. I felt extremely blessed, and was incredibly impressed with how well staffed this treatment center was, and the individual care these patients were receiving.
Mike's technician was named Kristine and she was remarkable with Mike. She did all of these different tests on Mike to determine if he qualified for therapy. Some were joint and range of motion assessments, and then she did an equilibrium-balance assessment on Mike. This study had Mike standing in a balance machine, harnessed in by the shoulders. Then the sides or front of the enclosure would move in and out, or the floor would tilt, and Mike was expected to adjust himself to stay upright as much as possible. I was sitting in a chair behind Mike and the technician, and was relieved it wasn't me in there, because just watching Mike made me dizzy!
The printout then averaged a bunch of scores and it showed that Mike did have some areas that needed to be addressed and improved on. Because the evaluation paperwork takes a little time to be approved, it may end up that Mike will have only one session of treatment down here in Houston, and the rest may be done back home. But either way, I think Mike will truly benefit by this. It was one of those appointments Mike almost cancelled, but I'm so glad he didn't.
Anyway, we're doing well, and appreciate your prayers.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13
Following his treatment this morning, we had the shuttle take us to Mike's physical therapy evaluation. We told the shuttle driver the address we had been given, but he took us where he thought it was. So after dropping us off and the shuttle driving away, we got inside and learned we were at the wrong location. So we had to call the hotel, to get the shuttle to come back for us. We eventually got to where we needed to be.
My heart was broken once we arrived at the physical therapy clinic. All around us were patients in such difficult situations; many in wheel chairs, some barely able to walk. And so many of them were children or young adults. I felt extremely blessed, and was incredibly impressed with how well staffed this treatment center was, and the individual care these patients were receiving.
Mike's technician was named Kristine and she was remarkable with Mike. She did all of these different tests on Mike to determine if he qualified for therapy. Some were joint and range of motion assessments, and then she did an equilibrium-balance assessment on Mike. This study had Mike standing in a balance machine, harnessed in by the shoulders. Then the sides or front of the enclosure would move in and out, or the floor would tilt, and Mike was expected to adjust himself to stay upright as much as possible. I was sitting in a chair behind Mike and the technician, and was relieved it wasn't me in there, because just watching Mike made me dizzy!
The printout then averaged a bunch of scores and it showed that Mike did have some areas that needed to be addressed and improved on. Because the evaluation paperwork takes a little time to be approved, it may end up that Mike will have only one session of treatment down here in Houston, and the rest may be done back home. But either way, I think Mike will truly benefit by this. It was one of those appointments Mike almost cancelled, but I'm so glad he didn't.
Anyway, we're doing well, and appreciate your prayers.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13
10.27.2008
You Never Let Go
Today was treatment 11 & 12 (out of 30) for Mike, and he felt well all day. Our sprint over to where he takes his treatments is quite a hike from where we're staying, and we had to make that journey 3 times today, so I was quite impressed how well Mike did. I had trouble keeping pace with him, so he seems to be regaining a little strength.
Today we met jointly with an oncology counselor to discuss the changes that have come into our life lately. Mike saw her alone last week and then he wanted to bring me into the meeting today to "help keep him honest". We were trying to work through the disappointment with the surgery, the loss of Mike's full health, the layoff from his job, and how things in our future might change because of all of this. She gave us some suggestions on coping with these changes, and then led us through some relaxation exercises.
Later in the afternoon we took a shuttle to a grocery store, but got stranded for over an hour waiting to be picked back up. The weather in Houston today was cold and windy, so I made Mike stay inside the store, as much as possible, while I waited outside. It has taken most of the evening for us both to thaw out back in our room. We may think twice the next time we take the shuttle somewhere.
We are in the process of trying to do absentee voting while we are here in TX. We never thought we would have been gone for this long, and we almost gave up trying to work out all the details, but Zac and Amber did a little research and was able to help us with this. So hopefully, we'll be able to take part in the election.
How you can be praying for us: Continue to trust God for healing for Mike and for the side effects to be minimal from these chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Pray that we will be able to come home when these treatments are completed, and there will be no more delays. (we're a little homesick as you can imagine) Please pray a room reservation will open up for us between November 4th and 7th, or we might be homeless! ;) Please pray that Mike and I will stay well. In a place this vast, with so many people around, the last thing Mike and I need is to come down sick. (I'm always chasing Mike down with antibacterial gel, much to his dismay.)
We are so grateful for all of you, who continue to think about us and lift us in prayer. You have carried us through some deep water and you could never know how deeply you have blessed us.
Song Below: "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman
Today we met jointly with an oncology counselor to discuss the changes that have come into our life lately. Mike saw her alone last week and then he wanted to bring me into the meeting today to "help keep him honest". We were trying to work through the disappointment with the surgery, the loss of Mike's full health, the layoff from his job, and how things in our future might change because of all of this. She gave us some suggestions on coping with these changes, and then led us through some relaxation exercises.
Later in the afternoon we took a shuttle to a grocery store, but got stranded for over an hour waiting to be picked back up. The weather in Houston today was cold and windy, so I made Mike stay inside the store, as much as possible, while I waited outside. It has taken most of the evening for us both to thaw out back in our room. We may think twice the next time we take the shuttle somewhere.
We are in the process of trying to do absentee voting while we are here in TX. We never thought we would have been gone for this long, and we almost gave up trying to work out all the details, but Zac and Amber did a little research and was able to help us with this. So hopefully, we'll be able to take part in the election.
How you can be praying for us: Continue to trust God for healing for Mike and for the side effects to be minimal from these chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Pray that we will be able to come home when these treatments are completed, and there will be no more delays. (we're a little homesick as you can imagine) Please pray a room reservation will open up for us between November 4th and 7th, or we might be homeless! ;) Please pray that Mike and I will stay well. In a place this vast, with so many people around, the last thing Mike and I need is to come down sick. (I'm always chasing Mike down with antibacterial gel, much to his dismay.)
We are so grateful for all of you, who continue to think about us and lift us in prayer. You have carried us through some deep water and you could never know how deeply you have blessed us.
Song Below: "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman
10.25.2008
A Pretty Autumn Day
Today was a perfect day to sit outside and enjoy a good book. Mike is presently reading "Big Russ and Me" by the late Tim Russert.
Mike has the weekend off from taking any cancer treatments. He is looking forward to a visit with his friend Jeff, tomorrow. They plan to watch a little football together after lunch.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
"My loving God, You are truly gracious to me. You have not cast me aside or allowed me to be destroyed. You know that I honestly want to serve You. And You have demonstrated Your acceptance and concern for me by sustaining me and drawing me even closer to Yourself. May God be praised forever!" Psalm 41:11-13/Psalms Now
10.24.2008
One Week Down!
With the exception of the first two days this week, Mike has done a lot better. We think we stumbled upon an answer for keeping these new treatments from being miserable for Mike. The doctor confirmed we were on the right path this morning. It seems to work for Mike, to take his anti-nausea medication along with his chemotherapy pills, even if he's not feeling nauseated, and to also take his pain medication right before his radiation treatments, instead of waiting after. With the exception of the first two days, Mike has done much better this week. Mike finishes with treatment #10 today, which leaves him with twenty more to go.
Mike met with the nutrionist this morning and she was helping Mike with different ways to add more calories, and more protein, to his daily intake. She told Mike he needed at least 66 grams of protein each day, because it was necessary for building and repairing body tissue that radiation is destroying. She was encouraging Mike also, to increase his calories, because if he doesn't maintain at least 1980 calories per day, his body will use any protein in his body, as his energy source. She wants Mike to at least retain his present weight, and if possible, increase it. I don't think I've ever heard a nurse promote McDonald's milkshakes before, but that happened to be one of her suggestions for adding 500 extra calories to his diet.
We heard back from the cardiologist yesterday. They have decided to table any procedure to remove the blockage in Mike's subclavian artery, because they would rather him just recover right now from his abdominal surgery, the chemotherapy, and the radiation treatments. They plan to see Mike before we leave Houston and will discuss things further with us then.
We have appreciated all of the love, prayer, and support we have received from so many of you. Everything has been more bearable, having an army of friends and family, in battle alongside us. Thank you for that comfort.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13 NKJV "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." Matthew 25:40 NASB
Mike met with the nutrionist this morning and she was helping Mike with different ways to add more calories, and more protein, to his daily intake. She told Mike he needed at least 66 grams of protein each day, because it was necessary for building and repairing body tissue that radiation is destroying. She was encouraging Mike also, to increase his calories, because if he doesn't maintain at least 1980 calories per day, his body will use any protein in his body, as his energy source. She wants Mike to at least retain his present weight, and if possible, increase it. I don't think I've ever heard a nurse promote McDonald's milkshakes before, but that happened to be one of her suggestions for adding 500 extra calories to his diet.
We heard back from the cardiologist yesterday. They have decided to table any procedure to remove the blockage in Mike's subclavian artery, because they would rather him just recover right now from his abdominal surgery, the chemotherapy, and the radiation treatments. They plan to see Mike before we leave Houston and will discuss things further with us then.
We have appreciated all of the love, prayer, and support we have received from so many of you. Everything has been more bearable, having an army of friends and family, in battle alongside us. Thank you for that comfort.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13 NKJV "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." Matthew 25:40 NASB
10.23.2008
An Outing in Houston
Mike felt well enough to get out this afternoon and take a shuttle to Barnes and Noble. He spotted a Quizno's and had his favorite sandwich for dinner. Hope you enjoy this brief snipet of video of him.
10.22.2008
"Peace I Leave With You"
Mike's day was a little better today. This mornings treatment had him feeling a little puny, but his afternoon treatment went better. We haven't been able to figure out if it is the radiation treatments, the chemotherapy pills, or both, that is causing the problem. We're just thanking God for any improvement, big or small, he has. Thank you for continuing to keep us in your prayers.
Tomorrow's routine is much the same as today's. On Friday, Mike will see the radiation doctor, and the nutritionist, in addition to his treatments. So maybe he can help us figure out what may be causing Mike's problem, unless it's something that will eventually just improve with time.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 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, neither let it be afraid." John 14:26-27
Tomorrow's routine is much the same as today's. On Friday, Mike will see the radiation doctor, and the nutritionist, in addition to his treatments. So maybe he can help us figure out what may be causing Mike's problem, unless it's something that will eventually just improve with time.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 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, neither let it be afraid." John 14:26-27
10.21.2008
New Treatments Hitting Hard
The new treatments (oral chemotherapy and radiation) are hitting Mike pretty hard...pretty quickly. He has felt extreme fatigue today, and he has needed the anti-nausea medication to settle his stomach. He has been unable to do much more today than sit, or lie down, with his eyes closed.
We would appreciate your prayers for God's protection.
"With the living and eternal God as my goal and guide, fear and anxiety need have no place in my life. All the evil in the world cannot destroy Him nor can it destroy anyone within His loving embrace. I have one primary and ultimate desire; to abide within the love and acceptance of God. Within His tender care I know I am safe." Psalms 27:1-4/Psalms Now
We would appreciate your prayers for God's protection.
"With the living and eternal God as my goal and guide, fear and anxiety need have no place in my life. All the evil in the world cannot destroy Him nor can it destroy anyone within His loving embrace. I have one primary and ultimate desire; to abide within the love and acceptance of God. Within His tender care I know I am safe." Psalms 27:1-4/Psalms Now
10.20.2008
Insurance Problem Resolved
We are relieved; our insurance problem seems to be resolved. We were finally able to pick up Mike's chemotherapy medication this afternoon. He's behind one dose, but we don't think that will be any problem. Thank you for praying with us about this. We're just grateful everything got worked out. In our situation, not having coverage was a very scary thought. The Cobra paperwork is on it's way to us now and we will get it filled out and faxed in ASAP.
Our hotel situation may be improving too. We learned this weekend there were some charges on there mischarged to us, so we got those removed. We also learned that after 31 days, we will begin to receive a discount rate, and Mike believes that is retroactive. It will helpful if it is. Right now, our reservation is through November 4th, which isn't quite as long as we need, but we again are on a waiting list and will just trust God to provide for us.
Mike had his first radiation treatment this morning. Everything went fine. It lasted a little over 35 minutes but we've been told from here on out, it will be for less time, like around 15 minutes long. He will be going back for the evening treatment around 5 p.m. They are splitting up Mike's doses like this because of his past limit with radiation. He's already had so much, that they felt this would be easier for his body to tolerate. We were told today his treatments will go through November 7th, an extra couple of days longer than first said.
Because Mike was unable to pick up his medication on time, he will begin his first chemotherapy dose following his evening radiation treatment. On Tuesday's and Friday's, Mike will have an additional meeting with a radiation doctor, just to keep a close eye on things. This coming Friday Mike has also been scheduled to meet with a nutritionist and will likely be placed on a high protein diet to help bring his weight back up. A social worker is also scheduling for Mike to have physical therapy once a day, which will take place off campus.
We did turn in Mike's wheelchair today, which was turning a big corner. Mike walked all the way to his treatment this morning, and will again this afternoon, which is going to be great exercise and rehabilitation for him. I pray that he will continue to gain strength and improve.
We still have not heard when the heart issues will be revisited. The last we heard was that a female head and neck specialist will be talking with us soon and that a surgeon will get in contact with us, but so far, we have heard nothing. Although we would like to get the heart issue resolved, it is also bringing us some extra anxiety, with it resolving itself following everything else.
We are already incredibly homesick and want to get back near our family & friends, and home. Going through something like this is so much harder when you're away from the familiar, and you're limited to emails and phone calls. We are missing our kids hugs, church, puppy-dog smooches and grandbaby screams....and I'm getting very tired of wearing the same 5 outfits day after day! ;) I don't mean to sound unthankful for getting the help we are, because that continues to give us hope and a future; but we really need some refueling.
Our Houston "family" have been such a blessing to us down here. Jeff & Lisa and Howard & Toni, have been spending a little weekend time with us, taking us shopping or to dinner. They are keeping us sane!
Thank you very much for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. They have been a great encouragement to us, and your friendship and love keeps us going.
A Quote from Dwight L. Moody, "Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the ninety-nine will read the Christian."
Our hotel situation may be improving too. We learned this weekend there were some charges on there mischarged to us, so we got those removed. We also learned that after 31 days, we will begin to receive a discount rate, and Mike believes that is retroactive. It will helpful if it is. Right now, our reservation is through November 4th, which isn't quite as long as we need, but we again are on a waiting list and will just trust God to provide for us.
Mike had his first radiation treatment this morning. Everything went fine. It lasted a little over 35 minutes but we've been told from here on out, it will be for less time, like around 15 minutes long. He will be going back for the evening treatment around 5 p.m. They are splitting up Mike's doses like this because of his past limit with radiation. He's already had so much, that they felt this would be easier for his body to tolerate. We were told today his treatments will go through November 7th, an extra couple of days longer than first said.
Because Mike was unable to pick up his medication on time, he will begin his first chemotherapy dose following his evening radiation treatment. On Tuesday's and Friday's, Mike will have an additional meeting with a radiation doctor, just to keep a close eye on things. This coming Friday Mike has also been scheduled to meet with a nutritionist and will likely be placed on a high protein diet to help bring his weight back up. A social worker is also scheduling for Mike to have physical therapy once a day, which will take place off campus.
We did turn in Mike's wheelchair today, which was turning a big corner. Mike walked all the way to his treatment this morning, and will again this afternoon, which is going to be great exercise and rehabilitation for him. I pray that he will continue to gain strength and improve.
We still have not heard when the heart issues will be revisited. The last we heard was that a female head and neck specialist will be talking with us soon and that a surgeon will get in contact with us, but so far, we have heard nothing. Although we would like to get the heart issue resolved, it is also bringing us some extra anxiety, with it resolving itself following everything else.
We are already incredibly homesick and want to get back near our family & friends, and home. Going through something like this is so much harder when you're away from the familiar, and you're limited to emails and phone calls. We are missing our kids hugs, church, puppy-dog smooches and grandbaby screams....and I'm getting very tired of wearing the same 5 outfits day after day! ;) I don't mean to sound unthankful for getting the help we are, because that continues to give us hope and a future; but we really need some refueling.
Our Houston "family" have been such a blessing to us down here. Jeff & Lisa and Howard & Toni, have been spending a little weekend time with us, taking us shopping or to dinner. They are keeping us sane!
Thank you very much for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. They have been a great encouragement to us, and your friendship and love keeps us going.
A Quote from Dwight L. Moody, "Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the ninety-nine will read the Christian."
10.18.2008
A Quiet Day
Here are a couple of pictures of the new view we have. I became quite interested this afternoon in the huge crane over the MD Anderson complex. Today, about five men were up at the top of that tower, dangling off of it, working on it. I was amazed how fearless they were.
We've had a quiet day. We only ventured out once, by taking the shuttle to a nearby Target Superstore, to pick up a few groceries. I pushed Mike around the store in a wheelchair, to keep him from wearing out too quickly, but he lost patience with me after I kept steering him accidently into the racks, so he ended up walking. I think I wore him out, because after we returned to our room, he slept for 3 hours.
We would appreciate your continued prayers regarding our problem with our medical insurance coverage, and with Mike's upcoming treatments beginning Monday morning. We know God holds all of these things in His hands, and we can rest in that, but at times, everything begins to weigh heavily on our minds. Thank you for continuing to lift us up.
"Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9
10.17.2008
A Bump in the Road
So, first thing this morning we went to the GI clinic for an appointment at 8 a.m. with the surgeon, only the surgeon was in surgery and didn't end up seeing us. We met with his physicians assistant and received a 15 page report on their time caring for Mike. He looked at Mike's open wound and told us we need only to pack it for one more week. I told him I was trying to follow the Home Health nurses advice, and try to pack the wound tight enough to have it adhere to the black "scab" inside the wound, so that when I removed it each changing, it would pull out the bad tissue. That's when I learned the black "scab", wasn't a scab at all. It is sutures. No wonder they weren't coming out. They are self asorbing. The Home Health nurse told me incorrectly. So I think we're going to take care of this wound ourselves for the last week. We were given the option of seeing the surgeon another day but I think Mike is ready to move on.
From the GI clinic we went to the Cardiology clinic to meet with the doctor who did the heart catherizations and who has put Mike on his new beta blocker heart medication. (Topral) We waited to see him, because we were having trouble getting the MD Anderson pharmacy to fill another hospital's prescription. So Mike's doctor was coming to MD Anderson this morning anyway, and just decided to meet us there to write the prescription out on the MD Anderson prescription pad to take care of everything.
While we were waiting for him, we got a call from MD Anderson saying they were trying to get authorization for the CT Scan Mike's oncologist wanted done today, but were told our insurance coverage was cancelled. Here it is Friday, with treatments starting on Monday. That CT was needed before Monday. So Mike got busy trying to make calls back to Goody's to find out what in the world happened. They thought they would have things resolved in a hour. Mike called MD Anderson back and was told to go ahead with the CT scan, they would get authorization later.
So we were heading back to our hotel, because Mike was going to have his CT in a location directly across from our hotel. We decided to stop in the lobby to ask for an extension on changing rooms until after the CT scan was done. Only, we found out that the conversation Mike had yesterday with the front desk, didn't end up reserving a hotel room like we thought it did. Some one goofed up and promised something to us that they didn't really have. Mike didn't take that very well, and a supervisor came up trying to figure out what was going on. She eventually changed us into a room we could keep until November 4th, but that's all she could promise, and we had to change out the room immediately. So I walked Mike across the street to where he needed to be for his CT scan, and I came back to the hotel and packed up everything, and moved us. Problem solved.
After Mikes scan I needed to run back over to MD Anderson and fill four of his prescriptions. I waited the amount of time they suggested it would take, but our name never got called. I waited and waited and finally just returned to the hotel, figuring I could come back this evening since they were opened until 8 p.m. After dinner, Mike and I decide to walk over to get Mike's medications only to find out that we had no insurance coverage for those either. Mike's chemotherapy pills alone were $1500. We told the attendant to keep the medication, that we would return on Monday before the radiation treatment's began, to see if things got ironed out with the insurance company. But we did go ahead and pick up Mike's heart medication and just paid the cash price for that, so he could start on lowering his heart rate again.
I'm trying to find the good in all of this, but it's not very easy to do. The stress surely isn't healthy for either of us, and it's catching up to me quickly, after an already stressful week with Mike's biliary exchange and heart catherization. But, we have to take what we're given, and just do the best we can, and that has been our goal, and continues to be. Tomorrow will be a better day, I'm sure.
We truly appreciate the prayers of so many of you, and the support you continue to give us. We are so humbled by your thoughtfulness and kindness. Please pray that this next week might go more smoothly. I know Mike is really concerned about how painful his radiation treatments might be, being during the simulation last week, he was in a lot of pain stretching his abdomen out so flat, with his arms over his head for a long period of time. The new chemotherapy side effects might be mouth sores, nausea, and finger tip discomfort. The goal we were told today, is to "sterilize" the tumor. More radiation for Mike is a huge risk, so we pray the doctors hands will be guided divinely, and that no further damage will be done.
"O God, I want so much to please You, to walk in Your ways, and to carry out Your purposes. Nothing is as important to me as being in the center of Your will and living with Your design for my life." Psalms Now/Psalm 119
From the GI clinic we went to the Cardiology clinic to meet with the doctor who did the heart catherizations and who has put Mike on his new beta blocker heart medication. (Topral) We waited to see him, because we were having trouble getting the MD Anderson pharmacy to fill another hospital's prescription. So Mike's doctor was coming to MD Anderson this morning anyway, and just decided to meet us there to write the prescription out on the MD Anderson prescription pad to take care of everything.
While we were waiting for him, we got a call from MD Anderson saying they were trying to get authorization for the CT Scan Mike's oncologist wanted done today, but were told our insurance coverage was cancelled. Here it is Friday, with treatments starting on Monday. That CT was needed before Monday. So Mike got busy trying to make calls back to Goody's to find out what in the world happened. They thought they would have things resolved in a hour. Mike called MD Anderson back and was told to go ahead with the CT scan, they would get authorization later.
So we were heading back to our hotel, because Mike was going to have his CT in a location directly across from our hotel. We decided to stop in the lobby to ask for an extension on changing rooms until after the CT scan was done. Only, we found out that the conversation Mike had yesterday with the front desk, didn't end up reserving a hotel room like we thought it did. Some one goofed up and promised something to us that they didn't really have. Mike didn't take that very well, and a supervisor came up trying to figure out what was going on. She eventually changed us into a room we could keep until November 4th, but that's all she could promise, and we had to change out the room immediately. So I walked Mike across the street to where he needed to be for his CT scan, and I came back to the hotel and packed up everything, and moved us. Problem solved.
After Mikes scan I needed to run back over to MD Anderson and fill four of his prescriptions. I waited the amount of time they suggested it would take, but our name never got called. I waited and waited and finally just returned to the hotel, figuring I could come back this evening since they were opened until 8 p.m. After dinner, Mike and I decide to walk over to get Mike's medications only to find out that we had no insurance coverage for those either. Mike's chemotherapy pills alone were $1500. We told the attendant to keep the medication, that we would return on Monday before the radiation treatment's began, to see if things got ironed out with the insurance company. But we did go ahead and pick up Mike's heart medication and just paid the cash price for that, so he could start on lowering his heart rate again.
I'm trying to find the good in all of this, but it's not very easy to do. The stress surely isn't healthy for either of us, and it's catching up to me quickly, after an already stressful week with Mike's biliary exchange and heart catherization. But, we have to take what we're given, and just do the best we can, and that has been our goal, and continues to be. Tomorrow will be a better day, I'm sure.
We truly appreciate the prayers of so many of you, and the support you continue to give us. We are so humbled by your thoughtfulness and kindness. Please pray that this next week might go more smoothly. I know Mike is really concerned about how painful his radiation treatments might be, being during the simulation last week, he was in a lot of pain stretching his abdomen out so flat, with his arms over his head for a long period of time. The new chemotherapy side effects might be mouth sores, nausea, and finger tip discomfort. The goal we were told today, is to "sterilize" the tumor. More radiation for Mike is a huge risk, so we pray the doctors hands will be guided divinely, and that no further damage will be done.
"O God, I want so much to please You, to walk in Your ways, and to carry out Your purposes. Nothing is as important to me as being in the center of Your will and living with Your design for my life." Psalms Now/Psalm 119
10.16.2008
Mike is Doing Better
Mike is feeling fairly well today. He felt well enough to walk over the skybridge to his oncology appointment this afternoon, instead of using the wheelchair. He walked very slowly, but he did well. The bandages can be removed from his artery locations tonight. His cardiologist called this afternoon to see how Mike was doing and mentioned the next procedure to fix this blockage wouldn't be for 4 weeks. Mike got to thinking after the call, this would mean we'd need to stay in Houston longer than we thought. Tomorrow, Mike needs to see him briefly to pick up a prescription, so he is going to ask him if we could move it up close to the 5th of November so we could get home sooner.
Mike's abdominal pain is coming well under control as he continues to heal from the surgery. He is taking a lesser strength of pain medication and stretching out when he takes it also. The open wound is still "open", but I guess it is doing what it's suppose to be doing. We'll know better tomorrow morning when he sees his surgeon. Home Health care hasn't been too dependable, but I'm becoming more of a pro at caring for it, so it's working out alright. It's not my favorite thing to do, but I can do it.
Stress keeps challenging Mike and I but we're giving it a good fight. Today, we realized our hotel situation wasn't working out in our best interest, so we scrambled trying to find an alternative solution being we would have to get out of here Monday morning. After running into a lot of "no vacancy" problems (we're guessing because of the displaced citizens still from Hurricane Ike), we finally found a room back at the initial hotel we stayed at last Dec./Jan., but that wasn't an ideal location because it is farther away from MD Anderson. Because we don't have transportation, and Mike begins radiation treatments twice a day on Monday, Mike decided in a last ditch effort, to ask the hotel we're presently staying at, if they had any other rooms available, even if it meant we had to pay a little more. We figured they didn't, since they have been aware for almost 1 1/2 weeks now that we needed to extend our reservation. But they told us they did have another room available, which is at a higher rate. Still, it is the better solution, so we'll be moving into that tomorrow. Right now, we need peace of mind....not worrying about how we're going to get back and forth.
So we resolved one problem only to have another one pop up. Today Mike saw the oncologist. She will be giving Mike an oral form of chemotherapy (Xeloda) while he receives his radiation treatments. This particular doctor isn't the most positive of doctors Mike has, because she is requesting Mike to have another CT tomorrow, to see if the cancer has spread anywhere. She "doesn't want to waste our time", having radiation therapy if it has spread. But, that's okay...we'll do the extra CT for her. So, Mike and I wanted to see how much the oral chemotherapy was going to cost us, being pharmaceuticals are figured out differently with our insurance company than IV forms of chemotherapy. So we got online trying to check out the price and we saw we had no access to that information because "our insurance coverage ended October 4th". I'm sure you can imagine how we felt to read that. Of course, it was after business hours when we found this, so we'll have to wait until tomorrow to resolve this issue. Mike's sure Goody's will help us resolve this.
Tomorrow we have an appointment with the surgeon and a CT scan scheduled at 1 p.m. Please pray this will show the tumor hasn't changed (unless it has become smaller) and that it hasn't spread to anywhere else, so they can continue to treat Mike.
"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Mike's abdominal pain is coming well under control as he continues to heal from the surgery. He is taking a lesser strength of pain medication and stretching out when he takes it also. The open wound is still "open", but I guess it is doing what it's suppose to be doing. We'll know better tomorrow morning when he sees his surgeon. Home Health care hasn't been too dependable, but I'm becoming more of a pro at caring for it, so it's working out alright. It's not my favorite thing to do, but I can do it.
Stress keeps challenging Mike and I but we're giving it a good fight. Today, we realized our hotel situation wasn't working out in our best interest, so we scrambled trying to find an alternative solution being we would have to get out of here Monday morning. After running into a lot of "no vacancy" problems (we're guessing because of the displaced citizens still from Hurricane Ike), we finally found a room back at the initial hotel we stayed at last Dec./Jan., but that wasn't an ideal location because it is farther away from MD Anderson. Because we don't have transportation, and Mike begins radiation treatments twice a day on Monday, Mike decided in a last ditch effort, to ask the hotel we're presently staying at, if they had any other rooms available, even if it meant we had to pay a little more. We figured they didn't, since they have been aware for almost 1 1/2 weeks now that we needed to extend our reservation. But they told us they did have another room available, which is at a higher rate. Still, it is the better solution, so we'll be moving into that tomorrow. Right now, we need peace of mind....not worrying about how we're going to get back and forth.
So we resolved one problem only to have another one pop up. Today Mike saw the oncologist. She will be giving Mike an oral form of chemotherapy (Xeloda) while he receives his radiation treatments. This particular doctor isn't the most positive of doctors Mike has, because she is requesting Mike to have another CT tomorrow, to see if the cancer has spread anywhere. She "doesn't want to waste our time", having radiation therapy if it has spread. But, that's okay...we'll do the extra CT for her. So, Mike and I wanted to see how much the oral chemotherapy was going to cost us, being pharmaceuticals are figured out differently with our insurance company than IV forms of chemotherapy. So we got online trying to check out the price and we saw we had no access to that information because "our insurance coverage ended October 4th". I'm sure you can imagine how we felt to read that. Of course, it was after business hours when we found this, so we'll have to wait until tomorrow to resolve this issue. Mike's sure Goody's will help us resolve this.
Tomorrow we have an appointment with the surgeon and a CT scan scheduled at 1 p.m. Please pray this will show the tumor hasn't changed (unless it has become smaller) and that it hasn't spread to anywhere else, so they can continue to treat Mike.
"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
10.15.2008
Blockage Found- Updated
(In the picture above, it shows a vertical, black line, which is the catheter coming up through the groin. Coming from the right, or the patients left arm, is the catheter they placed in Mike's arm. The ink pen is pointing to the blockage, which they estimate is about 2 inches long.) The heart cath. procedure this morning lasted approximately 2 1/2 hours because they found a significant blockage in his subclavian artery. My dad was awake the whole time, but didn't feel any pain because his blood pressure was good and more pain medication could be given. They tried two different locations to use different sized wires to break it up but were unsuccessful. Right now he is still in a room resting as they plan on sending pictures to another doctor of his blockage to determine if they can do surgery or a laser procedure after his radiation is finished. My mom will update me later if she hears anymore and if I got any information incorrect I will be sure to clarify later.
Thank you for your prayers.
Amber
Thank you for your prayers.
Amber
(After lying still for 5 hours, they finally allowed Mike to be released from the hospital. He is doing well. The comment the cardiologist made, is that it is puzzling someone at Mike's age would have this much blockage, without any numbness or pain in his left arm. They are trying Mike on another heart medication to try and bring the heartrate down until surgery can take place, but he has to take his bp everyday to see if he can take it. If his bp is below 100, they do not want him taking it.
Tomorrow is the meeting with the oncologist to discuss if Mike will have any chemo, along with radiation treatments. We appreciate everyone's prayers. So much is coming at us at once, but your prayers and God's grace is sustaining us.)
10.14.2008
Heart Catherization Tomorrow
Mike has a 10 a.m. heart catherization scheduled for tomorrow at the same hospital he had it done before. Our understanding is they only plan to go in and look, but he's been told to pack an overnight bag just incase.
Today, Mike got a free trim and shave at MD Anderson. He didn't have a whole lot needing to be done, but it made him feel a pinch better to be tidied up. This is such a wonderful gift the hospital offers to cancer patients. They even offer free wigs to women undergoing treatments. It has been frustrating down here at times, but there are many things MD Anderson is doing right.
Mike's biliary tube exchange yesterday seems to be working better than his previous ones. We know it is still early, but if he needs to have this done every 3 months, going through the procedure without too much pain, and fewer problems, is a step in the right direction.
Thank you for keeping Mike and I in your thoughts and prayers.
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm31:24
Today, Mike got a free trim and shave at MD Anderson. He didn't have a whole lot needing to be done, but it made him feel a pinch better to be tidied up. This is such a wonderful gift the hospital offers to cancer patients. They even offer free wigs to women undergoing treatments. It has been frustrating down here at times, but there are many things MD Anderson is doing right.
Mike's biliary tube exchange yesterday seems to be working better than his previous ones. We know it is still early, but if he needs to have this done every 3 months, going through the procedure without too much pain, and fewer problems, is a step in the right direction.
Thank you for keeping Mike and I in your thoughts and prayers.
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm31:24
10.13.2008
Things Went Well
Just wanted to let everyone know Mike's biliary exchange went well today. We got back to our room a little while ago. Mike's nauseated, so he's in bed right now, but everything went smoothly. He was awake during this procedure, which helped him to recover more quickly. His blood pressure was up enough (118/75) to allow them to give him enough pain medication, to be comfortable and awake during the procedure. Everything is the same as his last set of tubes, except they capped off both tubes before we left recovery, and told me not to put the drainage bags on unless Mike began running a temp, had pain or any bleeding. I pray these new tubes work better. Mike is still trying to adjust to the idea of having to keep these. Your prayers for him are very needed, especially in this area.
We never heard back from cardiology about Mike's Wednesday appointment for the heart catherization, so we're not for certain that is going to take place or not. Mike's resting heart rate today was way up to 118, before his procedure. That was a little spooky to me, but the nurses here didn't seem concerned. When we left recovery it was down to 107 beats per minute. I'm praying one of these cardiologists can figure out this problem before we leave Houston.
Radiation treatments will not begin until next Monday. They will be done twice each day, Monday through Friday, for a couple of weeks.
Thank you for praying for protection and strength for Mike today, and for comfort for me. Your love and concern has been such a blessing to us!
"Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live, for Your law is my delight." Psalm 119:77
We never heard back from cardiology about Mike's Wednesday appointment for the heart catherization, so we're not for certain that is going to take place or not. Mike's resting heart rate today was way up to 118, before his procedure. That was a little spooky to me, but the nurses here didn't seem concerned. When we left recovery it was down to 107 beats per minute. I'm praying one of these cardiologists can figure out this problem before we leave Houston.
Radiation treatments will not begin until next Monday. They will be done twice each day, Monday through Friday, for a couple of weeks.
Thank you for praying for protection and strength for Mike today, and for comfort for me. Your love and concern has been such a blessing to us!
"Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live, for Your law is my delight." Psalm 119:77
10.12.2008
Some Time Outside
Mike felt well enough to go outside for a little while today. He's having a little trouble standing up straight with the different wounds on his stomach, and I'm sure his procedure tomorrow might only add to this discomfort.
Mike's Home Health nurse suggested today, we get a velcro binder to use around Mike's middle, to help give him some support in that area, especially when he's trying to walk. I'm going to look into it tomorrow when the Clinic opens. She also lectured Mike on eating better. She started by encouraging him to eat more fruits and vegetables, but went on to suggest protein drinks for him, to supplement regular meals. I'm not sure we're going to get very far with that advice.
Thank you for praying ceaselessly for Mike and I. There is such a battle raging to remain steadfast, trusting, and encouraged. This can be difficult when you are healthy and you're surrounded by family and friends, but it can be more difficult when you're not feeling well and you're away from home. I'm so grateful remembering we're not in this alone, no matter where we are, and that so many of you care deeply about our situation, and are staying on your knees. That strengthens me daily and is such a blessing!
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength." Isaiah 40:29
10.11.2008
A Shopping Run
Two of our friends from Houston, Jeff and Lisa, came to visit us today. Jeff use to work with Mike in Russellville over 10 years ago, and his sister now works for our daughter-in-law, Jill, in Russellville. While Mike and Jeff visited at the hotel, Lisa ran me up to the Super Target. I was able to pick up a few groceries, and a couple of other things. Our challenge was figuring out what we could pick up that could be cooked in a microwave, and fit into a tiny freezer sized for a couple of ice cube trays or a small refrigerator. We came out of the store fairly successful. Tonight we had some lasagna that wasn't half bad.
Mike felt pretty well today but is still moving around a little slowly. I think he's getting a little frustrated with his healing process, but to be fair, he's comparing things to how he use to recover when he was 30 years younger. I think it's going to take a little extra time, especially when they need to keep working on things like his incision, tubes, etc.
I snapped a couple of pictures of the view out our window this stay at MD Anderson. Being here longer than we wanted, I'm thankful to have such a large window to look out of and see a beautiful sky. I'm missing home a little bit. Yesterday it dawned on me that I hadn't been outside for 8 days. I've crossed the skybridge several times, and have "seen" the outside, but hadn't actually stepped outside with the air on my face. I'm hoping Mike and I can get outside tomorrow or sometime this coming week. There is a beautiful little walking garden, smack in the midst of all of these tall medical towers. To sit out there, makes you forget where you're at, and lifts the heart a little.
Mike's procedure to replace his biliary tubes, begins at noon on Monday, so please keep him in your prayers.
"Someday everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself everything happens for a reason." (This poem was written on a white board on the hospital floor Mike was on.)
10.10.2008
Keeping Us Guessing
(Updated)
Just as I joked about in yesterday's update; there's been another change. I think they want to keep us guessing down here. :)
We did go for the radiation simulation this afternoon as scheduled, but radiation treatments won't actually begin until Monday, October 20th. Instead, they want Mike to go ahead with having his biliary tubes replaced Monday at 1 p.m., and have the heart catherization on Wednesday morning, at Memorial Herman Hospital again. On this new schedule, it doesn't have us finished here until November 5th.
Mike has been in a lot of pain since the simulation today. On the CT/PET scanner, they had to stretch Mike completely out, with his arms up over his head, to lie still while they made a cast cradle form for his body, for when the treatments begin. Just following surgery, and with his biliary tubes and the newest incision, he was incredibly uncomfortable. They had to come and get me to help him sit up and it hurt to see him in so much pain. I pray all of this is worth it one day.
We have a minor issue we need to solve and could use your prayer about. Our hotel reservation is only through this coming Thursday. We have tried to explain the situation to the Rotary House, about Mike receiving radiation treatments until the November 5th, but they have told us they are booked. They told us to check day by day to see if there are any cancellations. Well, worrying about that isn't helpful. With Mike being in a wheelchair, and our not having a car, staying anywhere else is going to be more difficult. So we would appreciate your prayers that something will open up for us to remain here where we're at. (Prayer is already being answered. The Rotary has added four more days to our reservation and plan to keep adding days as cancellations come in. PTL!)
The Home Health Nurse came today and gave me a passing grade for changing Mike's wound. I didn't know when they were going to show up so I just jumped into gear and took care of it this morning. She came around noon and undid the dressing to doublecheck my job. They will be coming by everyday for the next two weeks, helping me out so I will only need to change it once daily. Thank you for praying me through this challenge. I don't think I would ever make a good nurse, but I now know how deep a wound can be without anything falling out. ;)
Mike and I are learning so much about faith in God, the depth of family love, and unconditional friendship. We are so fortunate to have so many dear people praying for us and caring about our situation. Thank you for being such a support to us.
"Because he cleaves to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him." Psalm 91:14-15
Just as I joked about in yesterday's update; there's been another change. I think they want to keep us guessing down here. :)
We did go for the radiation simulation this afternoon as scheduled, but radiation treatments won't actually begin until Monday, October 20th. Instead, they want Mike to go ahead with having his biliary tubes replaced Monday at 1 p.m., and have the heart catherization on Wednesday morning, at Memorial Herman Hospital again. On this new schedule, it doesn't have us finished here until November 5th.
Mike has been in a lot of pain since the simulation today. On the CT/PET scanner, they had to stretch Mike completely out, with his arms up over his head, to lie still while they made a cast cradle form for his body, for when the treatments begin. Just following surgery, and with his biliary tubes and the newest incision, he was incredibly uncomfortable. They had to come and get me to help him sit up and it hurt to see him in so much pain. I pray all of this is worth it one day.
We have a minor issue we need to solve and could use your prayer about. Our hotel reservation is only through this coming Thursday. We have tried to explain the situation to the Rotary House, about Mike receiving radiation treatments until the November 5th, but they have told us they are booked. They told us to check day by day to see if there are any cancellations. Well, worrying about that isn't helpful. With Mike being in a wheelchair, and our not having a car, staying anywhere else is going to be more difficult. So we would appreciate your prayers that something will open up for us to remain here where we're at. (Prayer is already being answered. The Rotary has added four more days to our reservation and plan to keep adding days as cancellations come in. PTL!)
The Home Health Nurse came today and gave me a passing grade for changing Mike's wound. I didn't know when they were going to show up so I just jumped into gear and took care of it this morning. She came around noon and undid the dressing to doublecheck my job. They will be coming by everyday for the next two weeks, helping me out so I will only need to change it once daily. Thank you for praying me through this challenge. I don't think I would ever make a good nurse, but I now know how deep a wound can be without anything falling out. ;)
Mike and I are learning so much about faith in God, the depth of family love, and unconditional friendship. We are so fortunate to have so many dear people praying for us and caring about our situation. Thank you for being such a support to us.
"Because he cleaves to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him." Psalm 91:14-15
10.09.2008
Riding an Emotional Rollercoaster
This morning we received a phone call from the cardiologist who came to Mike's hospital room last night with two other cardiologists, barely keeping his feet on the floor, to announce Mike's heart problems were only because he was dehydrated. There were NO heart issues. It sounded too good to be true, and it's possible it was. This morning they let us know a head and neck specialist took a look at the MRA and may have seen a blockage. The radiologist didn't see one, but this doctor disagrees. They would like Mike to have another heart catherization to rule it in or out. Unfortunately, it is going to need to wait. Mike told him radiation treatments were beginning Monday and all procedures (including the tube replacement) will have to wait until they are over.
These kind of experiences are really beginning to wear on Mike and I emotionally. To get our hopes up so high, only to dash them is painful. We already have enough we're trying to deal with. But these rush decisions seem unnecessary and wrong, especially from an institution this large. Anyway, it's there and we're going to need to deal with it. It will just need to wait for now. Our challenge now, is to not let the joy we felt yesterday, be squelched.
As Amber reported yesterday, Mike will be starting radiation treatments Monday. (Or at least he's scheduled to ;) We go tomorrow for what they call "simulation", which is to CT Mike and draw on his body the exact location the radiation will be directed to. They may, or may not, make a cast or cradle that will keep Mike's body in the same position during treatments. Then on Monday he will begin treatments twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. These will be Monday through Friday for the next three weeks.
The group we met with yesterday seemed so positive and optimistic about being able to help us. Mike and I are praying they will be successful. Even though we don't have past records, the doctors feel they have enough information by what Mike and I were able to share, to go about this safely. We aren't so much placing our trust in them, as much as we are placing our hope and trust in God. He knows what's best for Mike and I.
This, of course, means we'll be in Houston much longer than we anticipated...and if biliary surgery and a heart catherization is added to that, it extends that time out even further. Mike and I are already a little homesick, so please pray these weeks will pass quickly and will be successful.
Mike was discharged today from the hospital. He ended up with a bacterial infection in his incision, so that needed to be reopened about 3 inches, and needs to be packed with gauze, twice a day, for two weeks, until it closes on it's own. They have trained me to do this for at least one of changes he has daily. Home Health is suppose to do the other change. I'm not a nurse, so this is really difficult for me. It's not easy to look at, but I think I can do it to help Mike get better.
I'm sure it's obvious how we can use everyone's prayers. We're needing to dig very deep to stay positive and not let everything discourage us. We may take advantage of some counseling at the hospital, just to learn some better ways to help us with some things medically, etc.
We're very grateful, despite the little disappointments that have sprung up. Thank you for praying for us. I'm convinced you help us keep one foot in front of the other daily.
"O Lord, You are my light! You make my darkness bright!" 2 Samuel 22:29
These kind of experiences are really beginning to wear on Mike and I emotionally. To get our hopes up so high, only to dash them is painful. We already have enough we're trying to deal with. But these rush decisions seem unnecessary and wrong, especially from an institution this large. Anyway, it's there and we're going to need to deal with it. It will just need to wait for now. Our challenge now, is to not let the joy we felt yesterday, be squelched.
As Amber reported yesterday, Mike will be starting radiation treatments Monday. (Or at least he's scheduled to ;) We go tomorrow for what they call "simulation", which is to CT Mike and draw on his body the exact location the radiation will be directed to. They may, or may not, make a cast or cradle that will keep Mike's body in the same position during treatments. Then on Monday he will begin treatments twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. These will be Monday through Friday for the next three weeks.
The group we met with yesterday seemed so positive and optimistic about being able to help us. Mike and I are praying they will be successful. Even though we don't have past records, the doctors feel they have enough information by what Mike and I were able to share, to go about this safely. We aren't so much placing our trust in them, as much as we are placing our hope and trust in God. He knows what's best for Mike and I.
This, of course, means we'll be in Houston much longer than we anticipated...and if biliary surgery and a heart catherization is added to that, it extends that time out even further. Mike and I are already a little homesick, so please pray these weeks will pass quickly and will be successful.
Mike was discharged today from the hospital. He ended up with a bacterial infection in his incision, so that needed to be reopened about 3 inches, and needs to be packed with gauze, twice a day, for two weeks, until it closes on it's own. They have trained me to do this for at least one of changes he has daily. Home Health is suppose to do the other change. I'm not a nurse, so this is really difficult for me. It's not easy to look at, but I think I can do it to help Mike get better.
I'm sure it's obvious how we can use everyone's prayers. We're needing to dig very deep to stay positive and not let everything discourage us. We may take advantage of some counseling at the hospital, just to learn some better ways to help us with some things medically, etc.
We're very grateful, despite the little disappointments that have sprung up. Thank you for praying for us. I'm convinced you help us keep one foot in front of the other daily.
"O Lord, You are my light! You make my darkness bright!" 2 Samuel 22:29
10.08.2008
God is Moving Mountains
That's what my mom said when she called me a minute ago. First she was reporting to me that a team of radiologists came to see my dad and were looking at his "tattoos" to determine where his past radiation treatments were aimed and asking many questions about his past treatments. They are very positive they can help him and he will begin targeted radiation treatments starting next Monday, twice daily for 15 minutes for 3 weeks. He will also see an oncologist tomorrow to talk about beginning some chemotherapy as well...she will be the one most likely who will determine if his tubes will be replaced.
As my mom was on the phone, she had to call me back because another team of cardiologists came in to speak with my dad about his results....and here's the kicker....there is absolutely nothing wrong with his heart that they can see....NOTHING. They say he is extremely dehydrated and if he can drink about 1 gallon of fluids daily he should recoup fine.
God is moving mountains. My sister-in-law put it this way in her blog..."I wonder sometimes if we don't see present-day miracles, because we don't have the faith to ask God for the otherwise impossible?
I've been pondering that myself and praying for a miracle for my dad. I am praying that God will use these trials as way to show Himself to those who are lost...whether it be at the hospital or in our very own family. God has always provided for my family, even through the hard times. I'm also praying that through these trials I will learn the lessons He is trying to teach me and to grow from this in faith. I'm not as gifted with words as my sister-in-law or my mother, so I will let my medium, which is music, speak the words I'm trying to say. (Click on song below.)
The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley If You want me to
Cause I'm not who I was When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the sufferin' Your love put You through
And I will go through the valleyIf You want me to
Earlier:
My dad will not be discharged today most likely. They will be partially reopening his incision due to infection. I'm not sure what they will be doing exactly, but my parents mentioned they would be "packing" the incision and doing a wet/dry bandage of some sort. I do not believe it is very serious but these complications do set back his recovery. They still do not have the results back from the tests the cardiologists did last night. If I hear more, I will try to update since my mother is having a difficult time getting the hotel internet connection to work properly.
Thank you for your prayers.
As my mom was on the phone, she had to call me back because another team of cardiologists came in to speak with my dad about his results....and here's the kicker....there is absolutely nothing wrong with his heart that they can see....NOTHING. They say he is extremely dehydrated and if he can drink about 1 gallon of fluids daily he should recoup fine.
God is moving mountains. My sister-in-law put it this way in her blog..."I wonder sometimes if we don't see present-day miracles, because we don't have the faith to ask God for the otherwise impossible?
I've been pondering that myself and praying for a miracle for my dad. I am praying that God will use these trials as way to show Himself to those who are lost...whether it be at the hospital or in our very own family. God has always provided for my family, even through the hard times. I'm also praying that through these trials I will learn the lessons He is trying to teach me and to grow from this in faith. I'm not as gifted with words as my sister-in-law or my mother, so I will let my medium, which is music, speak the words I'm trying to say. (Click on song below.)
The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley If You want me to
Cause I'm not who I was When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the sufferin' Your love put You through
And I will go through the valleyIf You want me to
Earlier:
My dad will not be discharged today most likely. They will be partially reopening his incision due to infection. I'm not sure what they will be doing exactly, but my parents mentioned they would be "packing" the incision and doing a wet/dry bandage of some sort. I do not believe it is very serious but these complications do set back his recovery. They still do not have the results back from the tests the cardiologists did last night. If I hear more, I will try to update since my mother is having a difficult time getting the hotel internet connection to work properly.
Thank you for your prayers.
10.07.2008
A Long Day
Just returned to my room this evening. Mike's MRA test was extremely late tonight, not returning him to his hospital room until 10 p.m. They were suppose to get him at 6:30 p.m. and things kept sliding all evening because they were busy.
Mike felt much better today. His stomach was settled and he was able to get up more easily. He seemed ready to go home, if it hadn't been that his MRA test was scheduled for 7 p.m. The cardiologists agreed with the surgeons that another day in the hospital would do Mike no harm. So I'm expecting Mike to be discharged tomorrow. His incision still seems to have a little redness surrounding it, but they continue to give him antibiotics to help with that.
Tonight's test will help the cardiologists finalize how they want to handle Mike's heart issues. All day his blood pressure has been around 120/70. But his heartrate has gone up too...between 102-104 beats per minute. I wish there would be something they could do to bring these levels closer to their goal. They have begun giving Mike an asprin a day but I don't know if that will be the only suggestion. We may know more tomorrow.
We still have no information when Mike will meet with the radiologists to redo his biliary tubes. There is a part of us, that would just like to forget about them for now so we could return home. But Mike has a hope that these radiologists here, might do them differently, and make them less uncomfortable. Yet, that would mean we would need to come back to Houston every 2-3 months to have them redone. It is difficult making these kind of decisions, to make a commitment to a medical group 8 hours away.
On Thursday, we will be meeting with a new oncologist here, to discuss any options we may have. We would really appreciate your prayers for this appointment in particular. We're unsure if they will recommend us to see anyone about radiation therapy.
Mike and I are really trying to sort out how we need to proceed once we leave MD Anderson. Our plate is overflowing with so many challenges, medical and otherwise, that we're quite overwhelmed trying to figure out what we need to do. Please pray that we will have the wisdom necessary to make good decisions.
Thank you again for your prayers and support.
"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3
Mike felt much better today. His stomach was settled and he was able to get up more easily. He seemed ready to go home, if it hadn't been that his MRA test was scheduled for 7 p.m. The cardiologists agreed with the surgeons that another day in the hospital would do Mike no harm. So I'm expecting Mike to be discharged tomorrow. His incision still seems to have a little redness surrounding it, but they continue to give him antibiotics to help with that.
Tonight's test will help the cardiologists finalize how they want to handle Mike's heart issues. All day his blood pressure has been around 120/70. But his heartrate has gone up too...between 102-104 beats per minute. I wish there would be something they could do to bring these levels closer to their goal. They have begun giving Mike an asprin a day but I don't know if that will be the only suggestion. We may know more tomorrow.
We still have no information when Mike will meet with the radiologists to redo his biliary tubes. There is a part of us, that would just like to forget about them for now so we could return home. But Mike has a hope that these radiologists here, might do them differently, and make them less uncomfortable. Yet, that would mean we would need to come back to Houston every 2-3 months to have them redone. It is difficult making these kind of decisions, to make a commitment to a medical group 8 hours away.
On Thursday, we will be meeting with a new oncologist here, to discuss any options we may have. We would really appreciate your prayers for this appointment in particular. We're unsure if they will recommend us to see anyone about radiation therapy.
Mike and I are really trying to sort out how we need to proceed once we leave MD Anderson. Our plate is overflowing with so many challenges, medical and otherwise, that we're quite overwhelmed trying to figure out what we need to do. Please pray that we will have the wisdom necessary to make good decisions.
Thank you again for your prayers and support.
"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3
10.06.2008
Binding Wounds
Today began with challenges for Mike. The nurses had trouble controlling his pain and he felt sick to his stomach a few times. They decided to add an additional antibiotic to Mike's IV meds today; one for his actual incision, which Levaquin may not help. All day long, they were closing off access to his port, and then re-accessing it with a different medication. It kept going through my mind that Mike didn't seem ready to be released from the hospital, and he almost seemed worried about leaving.
Around 11 a.m., two female cardiologists came in to speak with us. They reviewed Mike's situation, the concerns of the cardiology team, and what additional tests they wanted to do to see if they could improve anything. Mike spoke to them of his concern of being released today, and they seemed to agree that he should remain in the hospital.
It is sounding like we're receiving the same summation of Mike's heart condition as we did with the liver situation, that past radiation treatments have rendered us problems, and damage. The cardiologists are going to be doing a MRA tomorrow, which is a more detailed study of the arteries between Mike's carotid arteries and the aorta, to see if there is blockage and/or stenosis. They also did special labwork to check Mike's adrenal glands for any hormonal imbalances, which required 3-4 timed bloodtests today. They are holding all heart medication until they can exhaust what they are really working with. The schedule as of now, is an appointment this Thursday with an oncologist, and an appointment Friday, with Mike's surgeon. Things keep getting shifted around, I think to keep us guessing. :) Mike may be released tomorrow or Wednesday from the hospital. When, or if, his tubes will be redone is up in the air. We were told it would take place, but that doesn't always mean it will happen.
Please pray that God's peace would rule every place in our heart and mind. Please pray we will find God's strength to get back on our feet, and focus back to living God's will for our lives. Please pray we'll have Divine wisdom and understanding, not just here in Houston, but also when we return home. And as always, thank you for caring so deeply about our situation and pleading to God on our behalf.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
Around 11 a.m., two female cardiologists came in to speak with us. They reviewed Mike's situation, the concerns of the cardiology team, and what additional tests they wanted to do to see if they could improve anything. Mike spoke to them of his concern of being released today, and they seemed to agree that he should remain in the hospital.
It is sounding like we're receiving the same summation of Mike's heart condition as we did with the liver situation, that past radiation treatments have rendered us problems, and damage. The cardiologists are going to be doing a MRA tomorrow, which is a more detailed study of the arteries between Mike's carotid arteries and the aorta, to see if there is blockage and/or stenosis. They also did special labwork to check Mike's adrenal glands for any hormonal imbalances, which required 3-4 timed bloodtests today. They are holding all heart medication until they can exhaust what they are really working with. The schedule as of now, is an appointment this Thursday with an oncologist, and an appointment Friday, with Mike's surgeon. Things keep getting shifted around, I think to keep us guessing. :) Mike may be released tomorrow or Wednesday from the hospital. When, or if, his tubes will be redone is up in the air. We were told it would take place, but that doesn't always mean it will happen.
Please pray that God's peace would rule every place in our heart and mind. Please pray we will find God's strength to get back on our feet, and focus back to living God's will for our lives. Please pray we'll have Divine wisdom and understanding, not just here in Houston, but also when we return home. And as always, thank you for caring so deeply about our situation and pleading to God on our behalf.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
10.05.2008
God is the Strength of My Heart
The word this morning was that Mike would be released from the hospital tomorrow morning. But, it looks like that won't be happening until later in the day. The cardiologists have asked to keep Mike longer until they can get together to discuss how to treat Mike.
All of Mike's catheters and hoses have been removed, and the IV in his port is the only one remaining. He is still receiving antibiotics. He is tolerating a regular diet well. They weighed Mike this morning and he's now down to 146 pounds. We will need to work hard to gain his weight (175 lbs.) back.
The cardiologist came by this afternoon and confirmed that Mike has a narrowing in his carotid artery due to past radiation treatment. This doctor will be meeting with Mike's original cardiologist, here at MD Anderson tomorrow, to determine how they will proceed. The medication they are presently giving Mike, to lower is heart rate, and to improve the contraction of the heart, is lowering his blood pressure too. So there is discussion about medications that can raise your BP, but which may hang on to sodium better than the other. I'm not sure I'm understanding, or appropriately translating all of this medical jargon, but I'm trying. One thing that almost made my own heart stop, was when the cardiologist was chatting with Mike about his past treatments, and how he was surprised Mike didn't end up with Leukemia as a result from past treatments. I wanted to say, "our plate is full enough, thank you."
So, that is where we stand at the moment. Mike's healing well from the surgery. We're working on the issues with his heart and with his tube replacement. And I suppose before we leave, we will have received recommendations on how to continue treating Mike's cancer.
Mike is handling all of this a little better each day, although it still overwhelms him and shuts him down at times. When those periods occur, everything becomes more difficult for me. But I think we're making progress trying to cope.
Football is on today so Mike is happy as a clam. Thank you for not forgetting about us, or giving up hope for our situation. We need your prayers and support as much now, as we ever did before, to learn to live with this.
"My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26
All of Mike's catheters and hoses have been removed, and the IV in his port is the only one remaining. He is still receiving antibiotics. He is tolerating a regular diet well. They weighed Mike this morning and he's now down to 146 pounds. We will need to work hard to gain his weight (175 lbs.) back.
The cardiologist came by this afternoon and confirmed that Mike has a narrowing in his carotid artery due to past radiation treatment. This doctor will be meeting with Mike's original cardiologist, here at MD Anderson tomorrow, to determine how they will proceed. The medication they are presently giving Mike, to lower is heart rate, and to improve the contraction of the heart, is lowering his blood pressure too. So there is discussion about medications that can raise your BP, but which may hang on to sodium better than the other. I'm not sure I'm understanding, or appropriately translating all of this medical jargon, but I'm trying. One thing that almost made my own heart stop, was when the cardiologist was chatting with Mike about his past treatments, and how he was surprised Mike didn't end up with Leukemia as a result from past treatments. I wanted to say, "our plate is full enough, thank you."
So, that is where we stand at the moment. Mike's healing well from the surgery. We're working on the issues with his heart and with his tube replacement. And I suppose before we leave, we will have received recommendations on how to continue treating Mike's cancer.
Mike is handling all of this a little better each day, although it still overwhelms him and shuts him down at times. When those periods occur, everything becomes more difficult for me. But I think we're making progress trying to cope.
Football is on today so Mike is happy as a clam. Thank you for not forgetting about us, or giving up hope for our situation. We need your prayers and support as much now, as we ever did before, to learn to live with this.
"My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26
10.04.2008
Heaven Sent Shadow
This is a picture of the shadow I mentioned in Friday's post, outside Mike's hospital room window. A reminder to me that God is at my side and all of your prayers are with us.
Enough Light to Laugh a Little
Mike has tolerated having the Epidural capped off today and is now on his regular dose of pain pills, although he is a little uncomfortable. They believe the blood pressure problem has been worse because of the Epidural, but Mike has tried to explain he had that before the surgery. We still haven't heard back from the cardiologist yet. This evening he gets to have a regular diet, so he is really looking forward to that.
Mike ran a temperature overnight and they have put him back on Levaquin and have ran some tests (chest xray, blood cultures, etc.). The fever went away before he began the antibiotic, so that is baffling them a little. One of his surgeons this morning said Mike could stay as long as he feels he needs to, in the hospital. I guess Mike felt a little hurried and didn't feel ready to leave just yet.
I spent the morning and first part of the afternoon with Mike, then returned to my room to do some laundry. I think I still didn't accomplish the best packing job. Mike has plenty of clothes that he isn't using, and well....I'm about ready to wear his! :)
I wanted to share a funny story with you after so much seriousness the past few days. On Wednesday morning after the surgery, Mike was still in recovery, which they kept him at overnight. He had a button he could push if he had any pain. So Amber and I are standing there talking with him, asking him how well he had slept, and he was complaining to us that he had a miserable nights sleep with so much noise going on and nurses coming in and out. At the same time as he is explaining this, he is rubbing his left thigh and complaining that it has fallen asleep. So, I'm a little distracted by that and was telling him I thought we should let the nurse know. He didn't want me to do that, so he kept rubbing it and then tried to lift his leg up. He couldn't. So, finally a pain management doctor came by asking Mike if he had been in a lot of pain last night and Mike said no, I just couldn't sleep. Mike told him he had been pushing his button often trying to fall asleep and had especially been pushing it more, since 4 a.m. The doctor said, "Mr. Mike, You do realize that that button is only a local pain reliever....not a narcotic?" Mike had given himself "dead leg", making his whole left leg numb. :) The doctor said, "If you're having trouble falling asleep, we'll give you something to sleep. Only hit that button when you're in pain." Amber and I lost it. :)
So even during a dark few days....God blessed us with enough light, to laugh a little. Thank you for checking in on us and lifting us up.
"He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak." Isaiah 40:29
Mike ran a temperature overnight and they have put him back on Levaquin and have ran some tests (chest xray, blood cultures, etc.). The fever went away before he began the antibiotic, so that is baffling them a little. One of his surgeons this morning said Mike could stay as long as he feels he needs to, in the hospital. I guess Mike felt a little hurried and didn't feel ready to leave just yet.
I spent the morning and first part of the afternoon with Mike, then returned to my room to do some laundry. I think I still didn't accomplish the best packing job. Mike has plenty of clothes that he isn't using, and well....I'm about ready to wear his! :)
I wanted to share a funny story with you after so much seriousness the past few days. On Wednesday morning after the surgery, Mike was still in recovery, which they kept him at overnight. He had a button he could push if he had any pain. So Amber and I are standing there talking with him, asking him how well he had slept, and he was complaining to us that he had a miserable nights sleep with so much noise going on and nurses coming in and out. At the same time as he is explaining this, he is rubbing his left thigh and complaining that it has fallen asleep. So, I'm a little distracted by that and was telling him I thought we should let the nurse know. He didn't want me to do that, so he kept rubbing it and then tried to lift his leg up. He couldn't. So, finally a pain management doctor came by asking Mike if he had been in a lot of pain last night and Mike said no, I just couldn't sleep. Mike told him he had been pushing his button often trying to fall asleep and had especially been pushing it more, since 4 a.m. The doctor said, "Mr. Mike, You do realize that that button is only a local pain reliever....not a narcotic?" Mike had given himself "dead leg", making his whole left leg numb. :) The doctor said, "If you're having trouble falling asleep, we'll give you something to sleep. Only hit that button when you're in pain." Amber and I lost it. :)
So even during a dark few days....God blessed us with enough light, to laugh a little. Thank you for checking in on us and lifting us up.
"He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak." Isaiah 40:29
10.03.2008
Learning to Live with Cancer
Today has been a better day. Mike is smiling again, so my heart is beginning to lift as well. Life felt a little dark for a few days. I can't imagine where we would be if it weren't for God's grace and the prayers of all of you.
I'm looking outside Mike's hospital window while he sleeps, as I update this blog. Jaime and her husband have just left Houston, so I'm alone for the first time since Tuesday. On the marble wall of another building at MD Anderson is a shadow of a tall cross coming from a memorial garden out in front of the Lutheran Hospital. I'm reminded that I'm never really alone. It may feel that way at times, but God has not left my side. I don't know how we'll get through this, or what the route will fully be, but that isn't important. We can only walk one day at a time.
Mike had his Doppler test this morning. We do not have the results yet, but the cardiologist is on call all weekend, and we might get them sometime this weekend. They have just removed Mike's temporary drainage tube, put in at surgery. Tomorrow they intend to remove Mike's Epidural and begin him on pain pills. He is also beginning a regular liquid diet this evening, including milk shakes, puddings, etc. He began a clear liquid diet this afternoon, so changes are occurring quickly.
Mike's blood pressure still is a problem. He got up to walk this evening and it dropped to 78/44. I'm praying we can find the answer we need to correct this soon.
We learned today that only a portion of Mike's liver is damaged, not all of it as we had feared. It is only the portion where the tumor is. A partial reason surgery couldn't be done was because that portion, using the doctors words, was like concrete, from the damage from prior radiation treatments. If he were to try to resect it, he wouldn't be able to suture it, because of the hardness of it. We did learn from the surgery, however, that the tumor is contained only in the liver and is the result of radiation treatments, not because of a primary cancer somewhere else.
It is disappointing for Mike to be left with biliary drains, as a result to all of this damage, but we are going to need to learn to live with the biliary drains, and not view them so much as disabling. They are giving Mike life right now, and that blesses me, our children, our grandchildren, and our other family and friends.
Mike will need to have his tubes changed out every 2-3 months. He will be having this done before we leave Houston. He is expected to be discharged sometime between Sun.-Tues., and then next week he'll have an appointment to see his surgeon, and also one to see the radiologist's here, to see how they might help us further, if any. Then he will be checked into the hospital again overnight, to have the tubes replaced. After he is discharged, he will need to remain in Houston for an oncology appointment on the 14th. There may be other tests, appointments, etc. involving his heart, but for now, we only have the oncology tentative schedule.
I wanted to let you know what we haven't been told. He hasn't been told he's terminal. He hasn't be given any expiration date. What we've learned simply, is that the tumor can not be resected, and he will need to learn to live with tubes. He may need to have more treatments, but we don't know what MD Anderson is going to recommend.
It's been difficult to face all of this and ask the scary questions. Honestly, I wasn't able to do that. My sister did and I was terrified to hear those answers, but it helped to know the full truth. Some times our fears are worse than what we're really facing. I'm thankful my daughter and sister were here to help me face those monsters. You need to know Mike is having a difficult time taking all of this in. He is working through a lot of emotions.
We will continue needing your prayers as we try to live with cancer. Thank you so much for all of your love and support.
"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I." Isaiah 58:9
I'm looking outside Mike's hospital window while he sleeps, as I update this blog. Jaime and her husband have just left Houston, so I'm alone for the first time since Tuesday. On the marble wall of another building at MD Anderson is a shadow of a tall cross coming from a memorial garden out in front of the Lutheran Hospital. I'm reminded that I'm never really alone. It may feel that way at times, but God has not left my side. I don't know how we'll get through this, or what the route will fully be, but that isn't important. We can only walk one day at a time.
Mike had his Doppler test this morning. We do not have the results yet, but the cardiologist is on call all weekend, and we might get them sometime this weekend. They have just removed Mike's temporary drainage tube, put in at surgery. Tomorrow they intend to remove Mike's Epidural and begin him on pain pills. He is also beginning a regular liquid diet this evening, including milk shakes, puddings, etc. He began a clear liquid diet this afternoon, so changes are occurring quickly.
Mike's blood pressure still is a problem. He got up to walk this evening and it dropped to 78/44. I'm praying we can find the answer we need to correct this soon.
We learned today that only a portion of Mike's liver is damaged, not all of it as we had feared. It is only the portion where the tumor is. A partial reason surgery couldn't be done was because that portion, using the doctors words, was like concrete, from the damage from prior radiation treatments. If he were to try to resect it, he wouldn't be able to suture it, because of the hardness of it. We did learn from the surgery, however, that the tumor is contained only in the liver and is the result of radiation treatments, not because of a primary cancer somewhere else.
It is disappointing for Mike to be left with biliary drains, as a result to all of this damage, but we are going to need to learn to live with the biliary drains, and not view them so much as disabling. They are giving Mike life right now, and that blesses me, our children, our grandchildren, and our other family and friends.
Mike will need to have his tubes changed out every 2-3 months. He will be having this done before we leave Houston. He is expected to be discharged sometime between Sun.-Tues., and then next week he'll have an appointment to see his surgeon, and also one to see the radiologist's here, to see how they might help us further, if any. Then he will be checked into the hospital again overnight, to have the tubes replaced. After he is discharged, he will need to remain in Houston for an oncology appointment on the 14th. There may be other tests, appointments, etc. involving his heart, but for now, we only have the oncology tentative schedule.
I wanted to let you know what we haven't been told. He hasn't been told he's terminal. He hasn't be given any expiration date. What we've learned simply, is that the tumor can not be resected, and he will need to learn to live with tubes. He may need to have more treatments, but we don't know what MD Anderson is going to recommend.
It's been difficult to face all of this and ask the scary questions. Honestly, I wasn't able to do that. My sister did and I was terrified to hear those answers, but it helped to know the full truth. Some times our fears are worse than what we're really facing. I'm thankful my daughter and sister were here to help me face those monsters. You need to know Mike is having a difficult time taking all of this in. He is working through a lot of emotions.
We will continue needing your prayers as we try to live with cancer. Thank you so much for all of your love and support.
"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I." Isaiah 58:9
10.02.2008
We Will Be Okay
Dear Friends and Family,
I wanted you to know we are okay. We are having a little difficulty coping with such disappointment but we are trying to get back to our feet.
Tomorrow morning around 9 a.m., Mike will be having a dopplar xray of his neck/chest area to see if they can figure out why the blood pressure in the left arm is different from the right arm. Part of the problem Tuesday was due to measurements being taken from Mike's left arm which always reads lower. That wasn't the full problem. Just another contributing factor. It is suspected that Mike has a stenosis, or narrowing, of an artery in his left clavical, which may be contributing to his dizziness and low BP readings. It could also possibly be a blood clot, but Dr. Sneed had investigated this months ago, and couldn't locate anything. I think the focus now is on how to correct this heart issue, if possible.
Mike was able to get out of bed and walk his first lap around the nurses station this evening. He had to sit several times to rest, and because he was dizzy, but he did well. He has the tube out of his nose now and will be able to begin a liquid diet tomorrow. Mike has a right angle type incision, going from the center of his chest down to the right side of his body, which ended up being more than planned. But he is doing very well despite it. The Epidural continues to help him deal with the pain. He is slowly being weaned from it.
He will be in the hospital until Tuesday and we are told to stay in town until after Friday. He will be seeing a radiologist Friday for a consultation.
Zac, Amber and the baby are on their way home. They have been a great help and comfort to me, and also to every person Ethan met in the hallways. :) He waved hi and bye-bye to everyone who passed by. Today, before they left, Amber took me to a medical supply place to pick up what I need to take care of Mike when he gets discharged Tuesday, and also to have a few groceries on hand in my room.
My sister is still with me, and has been a huge help in asking doctors for details and forcing me to take care of myself. Her husband is coming in to town for a quick visit, tomorrow afternoon, before they fly out tomorrow evening.
We appreciate everyone's love so much. Thank you. Your continued prayers are so needed.
Love,
Beverly
I wanted you to know we are okay. We are having a little difficulty coping with such disappointment but we are trying to get back to our feet.
Tomorrow morning around 9 a.m., Mike will be having a dopplar xray of his neck/chest area to see if they can figure out why the blood pressure in the left arm is different from the right arm. Part of the problem Tuesday was due to measurements being taken from Mike's left arm which always reads lower. That wasn't the full problem. Just another contributing factor. It is suspected that Mike has a stenosis, or narrowing, of an artery in his left clavical, which may be contributing to his dizziness and low BP readings. It could also possibly be a blood clot, but Dr. Sneed had investigated this months ago, and couldn't locate anything. I think the focus now is on how to correct this heart issue, if possible.
Mike was able to get out of bed and walk his first lap around the nurses station this evening. He had to sit several times to rest, and because he was dizzy, but he did well. He has the tube out of his nose now and will be able to begin a liquid diet tomorrow. Mike has a right angle type incision, going from the center of his chest down to the right side of his body, which ended up being more than planned. But he is doing very well despite it. The Epidural continues to help him deal with the pain. He is slowly being weaned from it.
He will be in the hospital until Tuesday and we are told to stay in town until after Friday. He will be seeing a radiologist Friday for a consultation.
Zac, Amber and the baby are on their way home. They have been a great help and comfort to me, and also to every person Ethan met in the hallways. :) He waved hi and bye-bye to everyone who passed by. Today, before they left, Amber took me to a medical supply place to pick up what I need to take care of Mike when he gets discharged Tuesday, and also to have a few groceries on hand in my room.
My sister is still with me, and has been a huge help in asking doctors for details and forcing me to take care of myself. Her husband is coming in to town for a quick visit, tomorrow afternoon, before they fly out tomorrow evening.
We appreciate everyone's love so much. Thank you. Your continued prayers are so needed.
Love,
Beverly
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