Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Test Update
The preliminary results from Patty's bone scan today did not show any evidence of cancer. The Lord is Good. Many thanks to all of you who prayed on our behalf.
Patty Having Scan Today
Patty has been having some back pain lately and has been concerned about it. She saw the doctor today and he suggested a bone scan to check it out. She is having it right now. I'd like to ask everyone to pray that the scan would be normal.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
Thyroid Nodule Update
Patty's thyroid nodule hadn't grown any but it hadn't shrunk either so the doctor wanted to biopsy it. It didn't look like too much fun from my spot in the chair beside the exam table. Of course, I can't ever think of a time that having a needle stuck in your neck 5 or more times would be. Patty is a trooper, I don't know how she does it. I'd be under the exam table or in it.
We won't know until Tuesday or Wednesday what the results are. On ultrasound they couldn't tell if it was actually thyroid or not. They didn't think it was thyroid or breast cancer but you never know until you see the slides. Our prayer request is that all the slides come back normal.
We won't know until Tuesday or Wednesday what the results are. On ultrasound they couldn't tell if it was actually thyroid or not. They didn't think it was thyroid or breast cancer but you never know until you see the slides. Our prayer request is that all the slides come back normal.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Thyroid Appointment on Friday
Did anybody watch the Crazy Sexy Cancer documentary? Kris, the subject of the story, is a little rough around the edges but it was amazing to me to see someone facing such a life changing illness with hope, enthusiasm, and a overwhelming zest for life. I loved her thought process when searching for a doctor to treat her diagnosis. If you didn't see it basically she was interviewing them for her new company, "Saving my A#% Technologies" I didn't care for her choice of words but it was funny to say the least. How she could find humor in such disheartening task is inspiring. If you get a chance to watch it I highly recommend it.
Patty's return visit to the thyroid doctor is Friday at 8. They will do an ultrasound to check the nodule for any changes in size. Hopefully, it has shrunk. If not, then they will have to biopsy it. Please pray that it will have shrunk so that Patty won't have to get stuck one more time. I have faith that it will go well. I also believe in intercessory prayer as well so please pray for her.
Patty's return visit to the thyroid doctor is Friday at 8. They will do an ultrasound to check the nodule for any changes in size. Hopefully, it has shrunk. If not, then they will have to biopsy it. Please pray that it will have shrunk so that Patty won't have to get stuck one more time. I have faith that it will go well. I also believe in intercessory prayer as well so please pray for her.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Long Time No Post
Sorry for the dearth of posts. Everyday life as of late has crowded my journalistic time allotments. But, that 's a good thing I guess.
Anyway, I read about something a month ago and again today and thought it was definitely worth passing on. The following links tell a story about a girl with an unbelievable spirit despite the trial of life she is facing. Diagnosed with a extremely rare type of cancer of which there is not much data or research on, she has faced it down and totally embraced the meaning of the word "survivor". Her documentary of which you can see a trailer HERE is going to be on TLC (the learning channel) Wednesday night at 9.
Read her unbelievable spirit and zest for life HERE at her own blog. This girl is truly amazing.
Anyway, I read about something a month ago and again today and thought it was definitely worth passing on. The following links tell a story about a girl with an unbelievable spirit despite the trial of life she is facing. Diagnosed with a extremely rare type of cancer of which there is not much data or research on, she has faced it down and totally embraced the meaning of the word "survivor". Her documentary of which you can see a trailer HERE is going to be on TLC (the learning channel) Wednesday night at 9.
Read her unbelievable spirit and zest for life HERE at her own blog. This girl is truly amazing.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Blood Count &Thyroid Visit Update
We got great news concerning Patty's blood counts on Thursday. There were all normal with the white count back up to 4.7! Hallelujah. Normal is 4 to 11. Patty and I went for her appointment with the thyroid doctor today. It was interesting. I'm in the medical field and I was finding his description of what might be going on hard to follow. In the end, he said that her thyroid levels indicated that she had hyperthyroidism. But, he suspected that she has what he called "Silent Thyroiditis" and that this would probably go away. Indeed he called later today and said that her thyroid levels were normal. He thinks that when she had the thyroid function test that maybe she already had some iodine in her system that prevented uptake in the thyroid.
As for the nodule, he thinks this could have been caused by the inflammation but can't be sure thus he is going to wait 4 weeks and re-ultrasound her thyroid to see if it has shrunk. If not, then he will probably biopsy it. So for the next few weeks pray that God will shrink the nodule so Patty want have to suffer another agonizing biopsy.
As for the nodule, he thinks this could have been caused by the inflammation but can't be sure thus he is going to wait 4 weeks and re-ultrasound her thyroid to see if it has shrunk. If not, then he will probably biopsy it. So for the next few weeks pray that God will shrink the nodule so Patty want have to suffer another agonizing biopsy.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
One Year Today
One year today, on a Wednesday morning, I received that fateful phone call at about 9 a.m. That is where this journey officially began. After 1 Surgery, 5 Chemo Treatments, 31 Herceptin Infusions, 33 Radiation Treatments, 10's of scans or tests, probably close to a 100 doctor visits, 140 blog posts, and 11,654 blog visitors, the journey is still not complete. Sometimes I wonder if it ever will be.
As I rode to the bottom of the hill we live on this morning, the sun was behind a small smattering of clouds but all the rays could be seen shining in every direction. I stopped to admire... Beautiful. I wondered if God created the sun for us as semblance of himself. Throughout history we've associated the sun with hope, light, warmth, a new beginning, growth, sustaining. All things God is to us.
Later as I realized the date and begin to reflect upon it. I remembered that vision this morning and contemplated if God did that for me. As a symbol of hope or in the least, encouragement. I think that he did.
Patty comes in today for her normal Herceptin treatment and most likely to have her blood checked. She felt as she had no energy yesterday. It could be due to her thyroid condition or because her red blood cell count is low or maybe from just being tired. Of the three, we hope that she is just tired but of the two medical conditions the thyroid would be better. In your prayers today pray that her blood counts will be normal and healthy. She goes to the thyroid doctor tomorrow of which we hope to have some guidance on that.
As I rode to the bottom of the hill we live on this morning, the sun was behind a small smattering of clouds but all the rays could be seen shining in every direction. I stopped to admire... Beautiful. I wondered if God created the sun for us as semblance of himself. Throughout history we've associated the sun with hope, light, warmth, a new beginning, growth, sustaining. All things God is to us.Later as I realized the date and begin to reflect upon it. I remembered that vision this morning and contemplated if God did that for me. As a symbol of hope or in the least, encouragement. I think that he did.
Patty comes in today for her normal Herceptin treatment and most likely to have her blood checked. She felt as she had no energy yesterday. It could be due to her thyroid condition or because her red blood cell count is low or maybe from just being tired. Of the three, we hope that she is just tired but of the two medical conditions the thyroid would be better. In your prayers today pray that her blood counts will be normal and healthy. She goes to the thyroid doctor tomorrow of which we hope to have some guidance on that.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Endocrinologist on Friday
Patty sees the Endocrinologist on Friday to hopefully get some direction on the thyroid issue. They didn't check her blood last week so there is no update on her blood levels. Pray that the visit goes well.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
The Way I See It #259
On my Starbucks cup the other day...
"People say, oh I could never do that! But when you meet cancer patients you understand the bravery and spirit those people show each and every day. Their struggles motivate and inspire you to test the limit of your endurance and to cross that finish line. You'll be surprised by what you can do."
John Kelleny - Eight-time marathoner and leading fundraiser with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training.
Patty has bloodwork again today. Pray that her levels improve.
"People say, oh I could never do that! But when you meet cancer patients you understand the bravery and spirit those people show each and every day. Their struggles motivate and inspire you to test the limit of your endurance and to cross that finish line. You'll be surprised by what you can do."
John Kelleny - Eight-time marathoner and leading fundraiser with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training.
Patty has bloodwork again today. Pray that her levels improve.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Scan Update
Patty's scans showed that she has a couple of thyroid nodules and that her thyroid is functioning at a low rate. What does this mean? I'm not sure. Most thyroid nodules are benign. Her thyroid not functioning should result in hyperthyroidism. She has some of the symptoms but not all. I guess we will have to wait and see what the endocrinologist say when she sees him.
Her blood counts were up to just below normal. Hopefully they will move on up tomorrow.
Her blood counts were up to just below normal. Hopefully they will move on up tomorrow.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Scans Today
Patty is having a couple of scans today on her thyroid. One is a nuclear medicine scan and the other is an ultrasound. She will also be having her blood work done as well. If you talking to the Lord this morning please mention Patty and these tests.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Busy, Busy, Busy!
I apologize for the delay in posting. June and July has been extremely busy months for me and the family. The last five weekends have been action packed. It all kicked off with the Relay for Life on June 22 & 23, then the next long weekend to Student Life Camp with Katie in Ridgecrest, NC, next was July 4th with family from out of town, my aunt’s wedding the following weekend of which Grant was the ring bearer (boy was that nerve racking), travel to Forest City, NC the next weekend to visit Patty’s family and pick up her cousin’s daughter, Jessica, who was going to stay with us for a week, and then lastly a camping trip to Maggie Valley, of which we returned on Monday. Whew!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Update
I apologize for the delay in posting. The last couple of weeks have been full of non-stop action so I'll do my best to get you caught up on everything.
Patty's grandmother is out of the hospital and doing better. Due to much prayer and the Lord's blessing she was spared an operation to clear the bowel obstruction she had. She is still very weak which one would expect after lying in the hospital for 5 days and getting nothing to eat. The obstruction evidently cleared on its own with the inactivity of eating. Bessie turns 90 in December.
Saturday before last, I headed out with Katie and 19 other 4-6 graders to Student Life for Kids camp at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC. This was my first experience at a "summer camp" so I was as green as the kids who had never been before as well. It was truly a great time where the kids got time to do their quiet time in the mornings, attend great Worship & Celebration events which included great skits, videos, and praise & worship times. They also got to participate in water games and other great games such as dodgeball. Unfortunately, the group leaders such as myself got to play against the camp staff. We didn't win but we held our own. I was the last guy out on our team so I didn't embarrass myself, lol...
As soon as I returned from camp on Tuesday my cousin Chuck and his wife Beth came in from Nashville to stay with us through the holiday and our Aunt's wedding on Saturday. We enjoy it anytime they come and stay. We always have a lot of fun and stay up late catching up on all of our lives. This time they brought a new game to us that is and oldie but goodie that we had never played. Dominoes! More specifically the "Mexican Train". We stayed up their last night here until 3 a.m. playing. It is a lot of fun and I sense it is going to soon be showing up at our camping events.
Saturday, my aunt Billie who is my dad's sister got married after being widowed for over 14 years. They asked Grant to be the ringbearer. You've never felt any pressure until your 4 year old son is standing in front of the whole wedding just itching to cause some kind of disaster. For that reason, that had to be the longest wedding I've ever been to. Luckily, all he managed to do was find some stick pins on the steps, pull up his jacket, swing the ring pillow round and round and then put it on his head, lay down on the steps, almost tip a plant over, crawl up the steps, make smirks and ugly faces at my attempts to get him to interpret my cleverly discreet sign language during the wedding to turn around, stand up, and be still, lol.... We still had a great time seeing extended family and friends we hadn't seen in a long time.
As life ever so swiftly progresses, these are the times that I cherish. Over the last few years there are a few things that I've observed that bring me joy. Quiet time with God, a great cup of coffee, a fresh newspaper, and extended time with family. IMHO, if a man experiences much joy from these few simple things he has been blessed. Of course, some would argue the coffee and newspaper but hey, a man needs a couple simple vices.
Now, let get to the most important thing you've been wanting to read, an update on Patty. As you'll remember her white counts had been running low. In further tests the doc discovered that her B12 level was low as well. So he decided to start her on some B12 injections and her counts last week rose to normal levels! Praise God! It also detected that her thyroid levels were extremely low which should cause her to have hyperthyroidism. She hasn't experienced many of the symptoms of this but he wants her to see a endocrinologist for review. The only symptom she has felt is fatigue and heat intolerance. According to the doc, the low thyroid levels is unrelated to her originally diagnosis or her treatments. So the new prayer request is for her thyroid levels to return to normal.
Patty's grandmother is out of the hospital and doing better. Due to much prayer and the Lord's blessing she was spared an operation to clear the bowel obstruction she had. She is still very weak which one would expect after lying in the hospital for 5 days and getting nothing to eat. The obstruction evidently cleared on its own with the inactivity of eating. Bessie turns 90 in December.
Saturday before last, I headed out with Katie and 19 other 4-6 graders to Student Life for Kids camp at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC. This was my first experience at a "summer camp" so I was as green as the kids who had never been before as well. It was truly a great time where the kids got time to do their quiet time in the mornings, attend great Worship & Celebration events which included great skits, videos, and praise & worship times. They also got to participate in water games and other great games such as dodgeball. Unfortunately, the group leaders such as myself got to play against the camp staff. We didn't win but we held our own. I was the last guy out on our team so I didn't embarrass myself, lol...
As soon as I returned from camp on Tuesday my cousin Chuck and his wife Beth came in from Nashville to stay with us through the holiday and our Aunt's wedding on Saturday. We enjoy it anytime they come and stay. We always have a lot of fun and stay up late catching up on all of our lives. This time they brought a new game to us that is and oldie but goodie that we had never played. Dominoes! More specifically the "Mexican Train". We stayed up their last night here until 3 a.m. playing. It is a lot of fun and I sense it is going to soon be showing up at our camping events.
Saturday, my aunt Billie who is my dad's sister got married after being widowed for over 14 years. They asked Grant to be the ringbearer. You've never felt any pressure until your 4 year old son is standing in front of the whole wedding just itching to cause some kind of disaster. For that reason, that had to be the longest wedding I've ever been to. Luckily, all he managed to do was find some stick pins on the steps, pull up his jacket, swing the ring pillow round and round and then put it on his head, lay down on the steps, almost tip a plant over, crawl up the steps, make smirks and ugly faces at my attempts to get him to interpret my cleverly discreet sign language during the wedding to turn around, stand up, and be still, lol.... We still had a great time seeing extended family and friends we hadn't seen in a long time.
As life ever so swiftly progresses, these are the times that I cherish. Over the last few years there are a few things that I've observed that bring me joy. Quiet time with God, a great cup of coffee, a fresh newspaper, and extended time with family. IMHO, if a man experiences much joy from these few simple things he has been blessed. Of course, some would argue the coffee and newspaper but hey, a man needs a couple simple vices.
Now, let get to the most important thing you've been wanting to read, an update on Patty. As you'll remember her white counts had been running low. In further tests the doc discovered that her B12 level was low as well. So he decided to start her on some B12 injections and her counts last week rose to normal levels! Praise God! It also detected that her thyroid levels were extremely low which should cause her to have hyperthyroidism. She hasn't experienced many of the symptoms of this but he wants her to see a endocrinologist for review. The only symptom she has felt is fatigue and heat intolerance. According to the doc, the low thyroid levels is unrelated to her originally diagnosis or her treatments. So the new prayer request is for her thyroid levels to return to normal.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Relay for Life Update
The Relay for Life was last Friday night and Saturday morning. I'm still a little tired from staying up ALL night until it was over at 7 a.m. It has been along time since I've stayed up all night and then I was a lot younger (and had different motivations as well :). Thanks to many of you the girls raised $350! Each of you who donated extended a tremendous amount of generosity and for that we give you a wholehearted THANKS! The girls were so excited and would ask me how much they had raised even up to the day of the event.
The total event as of Saturday morning had raised over $55,000. The girls came after they completed their Vacation Bible School and got to do some EuroBungy Jumping (pictures forthcoming!) After that, they played in the water fountains and then finished up with some good ol' face painting (more pictures forthcoming). And this is not your average face painting. Wait until you see the pictures.
On a less than positive note, Patty got a call from her grandmother early Saturday morning wanting me to take her to the hospital. Of course, I was at the Relay so Patty called her sister to see if she could take her. Patty should have called me anyway and I would have left but I'll have to cut her some slack because she was sound a sleep when her grandmother called. Her grandmother is 89 by the way and still drives, cleans house, etc. It turns out she has a small bowel obstruction and most likely is going to have to have surgery. Please pray for her that this will resolve on its own without surgery and while you're at it please include Patty's blood counts to continue to rise.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Patty Update and The Relay is Today!
I thought I would give everyone a current update on Patty. She has been feeling generally well recently. Her latest bloodwork has showed that her white blood cell count has dropped. The norm is between 4-11. For the last two weeks hers has been 2.8 and 3.1 this week. When its this low it makes you much more susceptible for infection. The physician doesn't really have an explanation for it dropping except that she may have had a small infection that caused it to fluctuate. He is going to continue to monitor it. That being said I would like to ask each of you that are still reading to pray for her white blood cell count to return to normal levels.
The Relay for Life is tonight and we will be attending. The girls have raised $280 due to the generosity of the reader's here. Patty and I and the girls can not thank you enough for your kindness. If there is anybody on the fence about contributing the girls just need $20 to reach $300!
The Relay for Life is tonight and we will be attending. The girls have raised $280 due to the generosity of the reader's here. Patty and I and the girls can not thank you enough for your kindness. If there is anybody on the fence about contributing the girls just need $20 to reach $300!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Many Thanks!
Many thanks to those to you who have donated! Believe it or not, combined with what the girls raised selling paper dolls and cookies and what you have so graciously donated the girls have raised over $250! The girls are ranked 8th out of 23 Teams! Keep those contributions coming!
Patty is doing well so far with her new medications. Keep praying that she will not have side effects from this medicine that she will have to take for 5 years. She has her weekly infusion tomorrow and then we're off on another camping trip, whoooohooooo! We'll be back on Tuesday but we're not going far, just to Townsend to do a little tubing, fishing, and of course the kids favorite, bike riding!
Its so nice to be doing some things that feel normal again and not related to cancer. Let's pray that this continues into our old age.
One more thing. Patty heard for the first time last night the new song out by Craig Morgan called "Tough." She loved it. It speaks about a young mother who fights breast cancer and prevails. In case you haven't heard it yet its a great song. Click HERE to see the video and hear the song. Enjoy.
Patty is doing well so far with her new medications. Keep praying that she will not have side effects from this medicine that she will have to take for 5 years. She has her weekly infusion tomorrow and then we're off on another camping trip, whoooohooooo! We'll be back on Tuesday but we're not going far, just to Townsend to do a little tubing, fishing, and of course the kids favorite, bike riding!
Its so nice to be doing some things that feel normal again and not related to cancer. Let's pray that this continues into our old age.
One more thing. Patty heard for the first time last night the new song out by Craig Morgan called "Tough." She loved it. It speaks about a young mother who fights breast cancer and prevails. In case you haven't heard it yet its a great song. Click HERE to see the video and hear the song. Enjoy.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Asking for Your Help
As you saw in one of my previous posts, Katie and Kendall took it on themselves to raise money to "help Mommy feel better." We decided that we would donate that money to the American Cancer Society's annual fundraiser "Relay for Life." So, we have created the "Katie & Kendall Team" to help raise funds for research and support the ACS gives to patients such as transportation money, support groups, and many other things.
We want to invite you help them support in the ongoing fight against cancer. Would you please consider visiting the link below to make a donation to support their efforts? The minimal amount you can donate online is $10. Their goal is to raise at least $100 or more so what ever amount you could give would be awesome. If you can't, we understand. You can easily donate by credit or debit card and do it in honor or memory of someone you know. You will make a real difference in the lives of people facing cancer – and in the lives of the people who love them.
Click HERE to donate and see their page.
Thanks a Bunch!
We want to invite you help them support in the ongoing fight against cancer. Would you please consider visiting the link below to make a donation to support their efforts? The minimal amount you can donate online is $10. Their goal is to raise at least $100 or more so what ever amount you could give would be awesome. If you can't, we understand. You can easily donate by credit or debit card and do it in honor or memory of someone you know. You will make a real difference in the lives of people facing cancer – and in the lives of the people who love them.
Click HERE to donate and see their page.
Thanks a Bunch!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Kendall's Graduation & Patty Tx Update
Kendall graduated from Kindergarten last night. It was a great event. A funny story was they wrote down what they wanted to be when they grow up and held it up at the end of a song they sang. Pics below.
Patty is doing ok. She starts the Tamoxifen today or tomorrow. Hello hot flash. Hopefully she'll be able to cope with it over the next five years. It is a daily pill that helps prevent a breast cancer recurrence. Symptoms are similar to menopause. When you look at all of the possible side effects it sounds kind of scary. Her axilla continues to heal. Hair continues to grow. And we continue to attempt to get back to some point of normalcy. Is that possible? I don't think so. We're going on a camping trip this Friday. Our last camping trip is when Patty discovered the lump. I hope it doesn't bring back in flashbacks.
Patty is doing ok. She starts the Tamoxifen today or tomorrow. Hello hot flash. Hopefully she'll be able to cope with it over the next five years. It is a daily pill that helps prevent a breast cancer recurrence. Symptoms are similar to menopause. When you look at all of the possible side effects it sounds kind of scary. Her axilla continues to heal. Hair continues to grow. And we continue to attempt to get back to some point of normalcy. Is that possible? I don't think so. We're going on a camping trip this Friday. Our last camping trip is when Patty discovered the lump. I hope it doesn't bring back in flashbacks.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Patty Update
Patty's hair continues to grow back quickly. The problem she is not used to trying to style what appears to be an extremely short haircut. However she does it she manages to make it look good! I believe the recipe includes a lot of gel and hairspray.
Her skin under her arm is still a bit raw but it has improved greatly. She says there is a little tender spot which is interesting because she can't feel anything under her arm. Her main complaint is muscle tightness in raising her arm. I've told her she needs to exercise this to stretch those muscles.
We've got a camping trip planned for June 1st. Kendall graduates from kindergarten on March 29th. Brett is starting to talk up a storm. He has the biggest grin of any of our kids. He has become my mood elevator. Whenever I'm stressed, looking at that smile that encompasses his whole face rather than just his mouth, I can't help but feel a sense of joy.
Her skin under her arm is still a bit raw but it has improved greatly. She says there is a little tender spot which is interesting because she can't feel anything under her arm. Her main complaint is muscle tightness in raising her arm. I've told her she needs to exercise this to stretch those muscles.
We've got a camping trip planned for June 1st. Kendall graduates from kindergarten on March 29th. Brett is starting to talk up a storm. He has the biggest grin of any of our kids. He has become my mood elevator. Whenever I'm stressed, looking at that smile that encompasses his whole face rather than just his mouth, I can't help but feel a sense of joy.
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