Out with the old....in with the new

I'm ringing in the new year with 1/2 of the grand daughters, Caroline. Allison took Lillian to see Matt play in Minneapolis.  They went to the Mall of America today and based on the pictures they sent us it looks like they all had fun at the amusement park.  It's been a fun day with Caroline. She is becoming very comfortable with us which is great to see.  I'll say it, I wish we could see them more but, I understand the distance makes it very hard.  I think it's going to be very special for Lillian to see her Dad work.  She seems to understand the concept that he plays football for work. I also think the one on one time with Allison and Lills away from everything is needed, especially for Allison.  She needs to get her mind on something other than my illness. She calls me everyday 2 or 3 times to see how I'm doing.  She always has the most positive outcome foremost in her mind.  I want to officially thank her for the support and tell her how much I love her.
This past year has been a good year, with the exception of the last 2 months of course.  I look forward to the new year and what it will bring.  My hope is that there is a lot of healing involved.  I said it before and I'll say it again, my illness will not be all bad. The goodness of the Lord will shine on all of us and show each of us what we need to see as a result of my situation.  Watch for it, feel it and live it during the New Year of 2012.  Happy New Year Everyone!!!

I feel good today

I didn't think I would feel so good today based on the last round of Chemo.  I was very tired and overall felt sick. This time I feel much better.  Vic reminded me the last round I had just had major surgery and was only a few weeks into recovery.  Maybe all my body's resources are cancer fighting now since my surgery is almost healed.  The main reason for the post is to tell you all that I can now go to Sammy's game tonight.  I had written it off because I did not think I would be up to it but, I'm going and that makes me feel better than ever.  Another thing that made me feel better today was when Vic went outside in the rain to clear a patch of leaves I saw in the gutter.  For those who know me well, you all realize I would not have been able to sleep knowing I had potential for ice daming.  It is the little things in your life that can keep you happy.  Don't overlook them, cherish what people do for you no matter how small you may think it is and go to your families functions and watch your kids, nieces, nephews and friends.  You can never do it over and they appreciate it more than you will ever know.  I know because Sam told me!!

Good start to round 2

It's Friday morning and the reason I did not post yesterday was because I was too busy, but that was good news.  After a long day at the hospital I felt good enough, after a nap, to go to Sam's game and I'm glad I did.  Sam played really well and they beat a strong team.                                                                          The people at the cancer wing were once again a pleasure to deal with.  I see different nurses each time but I'm becoming recognized by the whole staff.  One nurse told us that I am known as the patient with a great support team and an excellent self care regiment. Thanks again to my "team" of support!
I did get some more good news yesterday regarding my blood work.  My numbers are once again looking better and are going down. (down good, up bad)  They are still extremely high in comparison to what is normal but they are getting better.  What is being done is working and it is not just the medications.  My "team" is all of you.  Your prayers and good thoughts are as important to me as any medication I am taking, plus they make me feel good, not sick.  I have always been a believer in "a good effort will get you good results".  When people ask me for an example I draw upon the experience of my boys and their success.  I hope when they look back on their developmental years in sports they see my philosophy of  effort was foremost in my teaching.  It may not have always seemed that way but it was meant to be that way.  I mention this because I feel the same philosophy has to be used during my battle with cancer.  The Doctors have to give me a good effort in diagnosis, the nurses in quality treatment and everyone else in prayers and good thoughts toward my recovery.  With the exception of a miracle from God, which is a possibility we all pray for, I realize what I have is not curable.  I truly feel the effort to prolong my life is in good hands with my TEAM.  Thanks for your efforts, they are paying off. Remember to use the "effort philosophy" in your own life.  I assure you a good effort at whatever you do will get you a good result.  The saying "God helps those who help themselves" is true.  You try first and God will support your effort with good things.

Round 2 starts Tomorrow

Keep the prayers going strong.  I start tomorrow morning at 7:45 with blood work and then I start Chemo round 2.  A short 5-6 hours later and I will be on my way home.  The usual cast of characters will be by my side, Vic and Lori.  My goal for tomorrow is to be good enough to go to Sam's basketball game. Stay tuned.

My girls are back

Again, just put the girls down to bed after a wonderful night of playing with dolls, building with blocks and general horsing around.  I know I was tired out, I think they were too.
The hectic holiday is winding down.  Matt went back to work in Minnesota, Sam went back to school for basketball practice and games.  It has been a very uplifting Christmas and I can't help to feel the entire family has been brought closer together in a real and lasting way.  Remember, God does not make mistakes, there is always a reason for his actions.  Accept them and make the best of them.

Great Day

It was wonderful.  A Christmas with my boys.  As stated earlier, it's been 6 years since I've had both boys with me on Christmas.  I hope we can make this the norm as opposed to the exception.  Kudos to Vic for the wonderful meal of her famous lasagna.  It came off without a hitch and was delicious.  Thanks to all who stopped by and provided cookies, pies and other desserts. I'm sure my first visit to the cardiologist will verify that I took full advantage of all food available.  Thanks to the Packers for playing well and securing home field advantage, the super bowl will now go through Lambeau.  I have 3 days left before I start my 2nd round of Chemo so I am going to try to do as much as possible.  It has been a great Christmas and it should continue into the new year. If my illness has caused a greater focus on spending time with family, prioritizing our lives and just overall getting everyone closer to God and prayer, I say, OK keep it up because it has been a wonderful thing to experience for all of us.

Merry Christmas Everyone

It's going to be a special day.  Matt and Allison will be home for Christmas for the first time in 6 years.  Since he is playing in Minnesota he was able to drive home during their days off.  We will have a house full of people again for dinner, gifts and the Packers game.  SWEET!

FAMILY

I was back in my element today.  We celebrated Christmas eve with the family members who could make it  today and we will spend Christmas day with the others.  With help from my assistant chefs Vicki, Lori and John, we made all kinds of hors d'oeuvres , nachos and made to order pizzas.  It was great to get back in the kitchen.  The only thing I didn't anticipate was how quickly I got tired.  That's when everyone pitched in and made the dinner happen.  Thanks you guys for your help.
I know this is going to be a tough Christmas to get through emotionally.  I sat in church while wave after wave of emotion would wash over me as the pastor mentioned the peace God wants us to have in our lives.  My daughter in law, Allison with tears in her eyes kept reminding me that I will be healed and I will have many more Christmas celebrations in my future.  I believe this won't be my last Christmas but I am really taking it all in like never before.  It is very clear that the peace you feel during the Christmas season comes from the family you love and love they give you back.  Tonight seeing the laughter, tears, hugs and kisses gave me a true feeling of peace with my sickness and the future God has in store for me.  This family will always be there to support each other.  How can you ask for anything more than that?!

My first Christmas gift

I just got done putting the girls down to bed.  Yes, they are sleeping over and I could not have asked for a better night.  They were wonderful all night, no crying, no screaming and no fussing just a ton of laughing and playing.  I just realized the best medicine for me to forget about my sickness is playing with my girls.  We read books, built forts, danced and Nana painted their nails after a bubble bath.  They fell sound asleep right after Lil asked Nana to turn off the dark in the hall way, she turned on the night light and we will see them in the morning. This is going to be an interesting Christmas this year.  There will be a lot of happy and a lot of sad but, I will take what I get as long as I spend it with the ones I love so dearly.  Thanks in advance to my family!!

Glass half full

While I was writing my last post I received a phone call from someone checking in on me.  I told them what was going on and the latest news regarding the heart problems.  This person said jokingly "What did you do to deserve this?"  My first reaction was "I know, tell the world, what did I do to deserve this terrible life."  Then I paused and realized that I didn't have a terrible life, I am just having a portion of my life that is terrible.  I've had a lot of time to reflect on my life and believe me I have not been perfect. I, have spent plenty of time asking for the Lord's forgiveness and received it. Overall though I have had what I suspect most other people would envy.  A great wife for over 30 years, 2 boys who I could not be more proud of, 2 wonderful, beautiful, smart grand daughters and daughter in laws that any parents would love to have.  Not bad for a terrible life :)  I'll take it!!!!

History Continued

Then and only then can we see the only way up that mountain is filled with turns, stops and starts.  God always has the mountain top view and will guide you through those obstacles toward his plan for you.
What did his plan include?  How about Samuel Lawrence Katula?  Can anyone imagine life without him?  If not for Andrew's death Sammy would not be with us.(remember the name of our pastor, Samuel)  I believe God has a plan for me and I pray it includes me being around for a long time.  I hope this cancer is just another turn up the mountain side and I will accept any other turns he feels are necessary.

First a little history

I've really been amazed at the number of people reading my blog.  The comments are great and I am also getting calls and e-mails asking questions.  The number one question is "how do  you stay positive during this?"  It's not easy all the time and I do have my moments but, the key is to draw on some major moments in my life and realize that God has a plan.
I think the moment that has had the largest impact on my attitude toward life in general is something that a lot of people don't know.  25 years ago Vic and I had a son who died shortly after birth.  His name was Andrew Lawrence and he was born with Potters Syndrome.  His lungs and kidneys were not fully developed and had to put on life support immediately after birth.  As difficult as it was Vic and I had to give orders to remove life support and he died later that day. I feel God used this event to give me an opportunity to trust his judgement.  I could have turned my back on him, blamed him for this tragedy and used this as an excuse to feel sorry for myself the rest of my life. Instead I believed our pastor, Sam Petersen, (key name) when he  told us that God's plan is not always black and white.  He told us a story about driving up a mountain.  You make all kinds of turns and stops  and wonder why we can't just drive straight up the mountain.  The answer is not clear until we reach the top of that mountain and look down.          

Round one re-cap

What a morning.  Vic, Lori and myself all had a lot to take in so here's the recap.  It started with accessing my port and drawing blood.  It doesn't even hurt anymore when the needle goes in.  The nurse said eventually it wouldn't hurt because it forms like a callus which I think it has.  Then we wait for the lab to come up with the numbers.  Next we meet with the LPN for vitals and a overview of how I am feeling during the Chemo (sleep, nausea, pain, appetite, actually everything)  Then comes Dr Johnson and he reviews the numbers.  I have to say I was very happy to hear what he had to say.  My numbers were down again!  This means the Chemo is doing what it is supposed to.  The numbers are still very high in comparison to what normal is but the lower the better in my situation.  Dr Johnson is very matter of fact and did keep reminding us that I have severe liver disease but seemed to be happy with the results.  We decided to continue to the next round of Chemo with no change of drugs.
You know all those scans I have been getting?  They see everything and that brings up the not so good news from this visit.  The last PETscan showed some plaque build up in one of my arteries, so guess what? That's right, I have to see a Cardiologist for my heart.  Dr Johnson said he does not want to get my cancer in remission just to have me die of a heart attack.  So, another Dr's appointment with another Dr.  They will put me through the paces , stress test, echo etc.  Hopefully this can be fixed by Meds.
So overall it was a good appointment and I am getting better not worse.  I am still considered very sick and the odds are not in my favor but, I can beat those odds with prayer and positive attitude.  Keep the faith!!

Round one complete

Just finished my last 3 Chemo pills for round one.  I have a Dr. appointment tomorrow morning for blood work and to see what is or isn't working.  Praying for good news........stay tuned.

One month at a time

I have been working in the car business since I was 19 years old, that's 33 years.  One thing I learned is everything happens in 1 month increments.  You are only as good as your last month......every month you start at zero.....how many are we going to get this month?  These were the sentiments I lived with and they still are the same now.  I bring this up because I just realized it has only been 1 month since I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  35 days ago I was fine, as far as I knew.  I had big plans for work, vacations, family activities ect.. A lot can happen in 30 days.  Don't wait to do the things you want to do.  I'm not saying to be reckless because you might not be around long but, I am saying take care of your personal business.  Get your doctor appointments up to date, schedule your vacations with your families,  go to your kids games, concerts, school events ect.   If you're personally up to date and you have put the important things as priority, like your families, the next 30 business days will be enjoyable.  Leave time for yourself, as I said a lot can happen in 30 days, make each day count for you, not just the business.

No more perfection

Yes, the Pack went down yesterday.  Maybe it's good for them to get their mental toughness back, we'll see.  Just 2 more days for round one of Chemo. I'm looking forward to having a week off of heavy drugs so I can get some energy back.  Thanks everyone for the suggestions to keep me from being bored.  They were all great ideas and I will be doing some of them for certain.  Today Vic brought up boxes of pictures we inherited when my Mom died  and asked me to sort through them and keep what I want.  Guess what happens with the ones I don't want?  They are going to my brothers and cousins so they can do the same.  Good idea or what!  Now you guys will have 4-5 large smelly boxes full of old memories of old people I've never seen before in my life.  I'll let you know when I'm done so you can come and get them.  :)

Happy Sunday

There is only 1 week until Christmas.  I have only 4 days left of 1st round Chemo.  Matt only has 3 more games to finish his season.  The Pack has to win 1 more game for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  There is a lot going on this week and I hope everyone can enjoy it and not let all the things that need to be done overwhelm them.  It's officially Christmas week and we must sit back, take a deep breath and realize how important Jesus is in our lives.  We are all praying for my healing and asking for blessings in our own lives, don't let this week go by without thanking God for what we do have.  Enjoy everyone and everything because the reality of it all is we really don't know how long they will be around.  So when you start complaining about how busy you are getting ready for Christmas, stop and think, how bad is it really!  I'm actually excited because I'm going for walk today.  Go Matt, Go Pack!

Finally the weekend

As I said before it is getting boring sitting all by myself all day long, nothing to do except watch TV and no one to talk to.  Yahoo, here comes Saturday.  Finally interaction with other people.  So what am I doing today, you ask?  Absolutely nothing!!  Vic and Allison left to go shopping for the day so I am all alone again.  Just kidding, I know that neither one of them has had an opportunity to Christmas shop.  Especially Vic with everything going on, this is the only chance to get it done.  Anyway I do have good things to watch on TV.  The college bowl season starts today and there are some good basketball match ups.  It will be a good day and I feel good today.  I've realized any day I feel good is a good day and should be enjoyed. So everyone enjoy your day, and do something fun.

My girls are here

Allison and the girls stopped by tonight for dinner.  Since it is Fri we had a good ole Wi fish fry.  Everyone loved it especially Lillian who ate like a horse.  They are the cutest girls in the world.  Lils is so smart and Caroline speaks fluent scream when she wants something.  I'm glad they will be here for awhile.

First night out in a long time

Vic took me out tonight.  We ran some errands and stopped at Applebees early in the evening in order to beat the crowds.  After dinner we went to Lauren Duesing's basketball game.  Her team won and Lauren did not disappoint.  She played well and kept tradition by spraining her ankle, just like uncle Sammy without any blood.  Thanks for the date night Vic, I needed it!

Quite day so far

Not much to report today.  I'm feeling pretty good today, pain seems to be under control as well as it can be.  I've been sleeping ok and eating well.  I will admit I am getting bored just sitting at home, I think I need a hobby.  I would be happy for suggestions as long as they don't include reading, knitting or netflix.  I think I might go out with Vic tonight and do something. I am still toxic so I have to stay away from crowds but anything beats sitting at home.  Keep the prayers coming!!

Start of 2nd week

Today marks the home stretch for round one. 42 more Chemo pills and I get a week off.  This will be great because the girls are coming home this weekend and I should be feeling my best. If it stops raining today I might go for a short walk.  My stomach muscles need help after the surgery  and a walk should help according to my nurse. Based on how weak my muscles feel, the end of the driveway may be today's max distance. I'll let you know how it goes .  Keep praying!

Good week keeps goingII on

A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP!!  I hope we have a good handle on the pain with the new meds.  It's amazing how a good night sleep helps everything... keep them coming.

Now that I've had chance to think and look back a little I have to thank a very special person to our family.
My neighbor Vicky is the best.  Even before my illness she has always been special.  Any time,  anywhere she is always there to help.  What was the latest?  She noticed 2 spot lights were burned out in my wonderful Christmas display.  Without hesitation she went to the store and got 2 new lights and stands and put them in the display.  How nice is that?  Thanks Vicky for always being there, we love you and cherish you as a friend and neighbor.

A scare with a good twist

Last night was tough because I had a very bad pain in my side.  I was not able to sleep more than 10-20 minutes at a time.  I've had this pain before but never like this.  This morning we called the Dr's office to find out what I could take for the pain.  The nurse on duty told me to take some Vacadin and the Dr will call me back for more information.  Denise, my Oncology RN called back and told me to come into the hospital right away.  I called Vic and we went to the Hospital for a round of blood work and labs.  The opinion of the Dr and the Nurse was that my liver may be shutting down and they clearly expected to see very elevated liver enzyme numbers from the labs.  Well, to every one's surprise the numbers were actually down!!  The Dr feels this is a sign the drugs are working.  Power of prayer, I think so!!!  So far today has been going well.  Now I need some sleep.  Keep up the good thoughts and God will take care of the big stuff.  AMEN

Nice Day

Matt played great, the Pack won big and I ate all day without getting sick. I also was able to go outside for a little to look at the Christmas Lights and it felt good to get some fresh air.  So, all things considered, I had a great day today with hopefully many more to come!!

Happy Football Day

Here we go! Matt plays at noon and the Pack plays at 3:00.  I feel good today and I'm actually looking forward to eating during the games.  So far it's been great day, Skyped with the grand daughters and Allison, Sam's home and like Sam said this morning "isn't it great to have Matt playing again!" I agree it just feels right.  Go Matt and Go Pack!!

A real meal

Thanks to the chef team of Ali, Sam and Vic.  I ate a real meal with special cheesey chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and beans all prepared with love.  This was odd since I do all the cooking and I just had to sit and watch but, it was nice being served.  Thanks cooker guys!!  (no puke yet, Ha Ha!)

Sam's home and helping

I've been putting up the Christmas decorations for as long as I can remember.  This is the first year in a very long time I'm not doing it. Kinda sad for me and kinda a pain for Vic.  I, just like many others, had set up my display pretty much the same every year.  So I thought this would be easy for Vic and Sam, just follow my simple directions and you will be done in 30 min max.  Right!!!  3hrs later they finished.  They decided to put their own touch on the display and I will admit it looks great.  Thanks you guys.  Now Ali and Sam are going to cook me dinner.  I have to try to eat to keep my strength up.  I hope they are not offended if I puke!  Just kidding, I'll be fine and I'm actually feeling hungry.

Skipped Friday?

I will once again hand it to them.  They said the 3-4 day would be the worst, they were very right.  This Friday was the worst I have ever felt in my life.  If you have ever had the flu, multiply it by 100.  Body ache, headache, nausea.  If it could be miserable I felt it.  Here's the good news, I feel better today.  Not 100% but better than yesterday.  Sammy is coming home today to help out Vic with some things around the house , I'm looking forward to seeing him.  Let's hope they are right again when they said I should be feeling better everyday from now on, I need it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU......

Happy Birthday to my favorite Brother in Law, Bob Duesing. (actually he's my only brother in law but if I had more he would still be my favorite).  Thanks Bob for everything you've done for my family. Your support of my boys during their sporting events has been tremendous.  You have always shown the importance of God and family at every turn.  Thanks for the important life lesson, Happy Birthday!

Hair cut complete

It's amazing how a 5 minute haircut can turn into a 3hr hair cut. All you need is Vic and Lori in the same room and a variety of different topics (work, insurance, shopping, asking how I'm doing, more shopping, pictures, Christmas decorations and more).  Ali you are right, private nurse and stylist all wrapped into one how great.  I love my new hair cut.  I'm feeling a little crappy tonight, a bit of nausea but not real bad.  Unfortunately I do have to eat something, I think I might just have an Ensure. Yes, Ensure the old persons drink but, if you think about it based on my medical prognosis I guess I'm old.  Hopefully my miracle will allow me to sit around when we are all old and toast with a bottle of Ensure. Keep praying!!

They were not kidding

The side effects are true!!  Not all of them but that sensitivity to cold one, VERY TRUE!  I forgot and put my hands under the faucet before it was warm, it felt like my hands were being stuck with needles.  I have to heat up my water to drink it. If I don't, it feels like I have glass in my throat.  Other than that my meds seem to keep my nausea at bay and rinsing my mouth and lotioning my hands seems a small price to pay if it's working.  I was not able to get to sleep last night due to the steroids I had injected yesterday, the nurse told me this might happen.  When I finally did get to sleep I slept very well and for the first time in a long time I felt like sleeping in.  Thank goodness WE Energies decided I should not sleep in and started to work right across the street at 7am with about 4 trucks, bobcats and a lot of yelling to the guys up the poles.  I am more tired today than I have been so I guess I will nap a little today. My first round of pills have been consumed this morning and I pray they do what they are supposed to do.  On a vanity note I learned something yesterday. If you remember my Chemo does not make me lose my hair, but the aversion to cold will force me to wear a hat wherever I go.  Therefore, in order to not have a bad case of hat hair every day I am going to cut my hair short.  See, this is the hard hitting information you will continue to get by following my blog!

Chemo day 1 complete

It's 5:30 and I just got home.  What a day, started at 10:30 this morning, got filled with drugs, watched a great movie (Secretariat) and spent some quality time with Vic and Lori.  Now comes all the protocols.  WASH YOUR HANDS, USE SANITIZER, WEAR A HAT,GLOVES AND A SCARF WHENEVER YOU GO OUTSIDE, WEAR GLOVES WHEN YOU GO INTO THE FRIDGE, WASH YOUR HANDS, EAT EVEN THOUGH YOU FEEL SICK, AND ON AND ON AND ON.  I know this is for my own good but geez, I feel like the boy in the bubble.  It will get better as time goes on.
Just as before all the nurses at the Chemo Suites were great and I thank them all.  I don't know how I will react to the drugs because everyone is different.  Hopefully I will have mild side effects.  Unfortunately I am susceptible to illness during the next week so I have to be careful around sick people or people who are around sick people.  Thank goodness Vic works at a day care, nobody is sick at a day care, right?  Well one round of injections done, 3weeks of pills and a lot of prayer that the meds do what they should.  Thanks again for all the prayers.

Two and a half hours in

Just finishing my prep IV's.  Calcium, Magnesium, Zofran and Decadron. (that was for you Ali)  Now comes the big hitter according to my private nurse Lori.  Vic and Lor are keeping me company and so far so good.  Vic posted some info on Facebook today and the thoughts and prayers are pouring in, thank you all!!

1st day of Chemo

Getting ready to go to the hospital for my 1st treatment.  I have no idea what I'm in store for.  I've read all the info they gave me and there are 100 different side effects. I hope I only get the easy ones, we will see.

Don't forget about Vic

I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers but I want everyone to send some of those Vicki's way.  She really has been going a million miles an hour since this this all came about.  She has not only continued to work full time but has also been handling all of my duties.  She took care of the outside fall duties like putting the hoses away and turning off the water, she got the snow blower ready for the first snow, she put away the patio furniture for the winter and more. This is all on top of having to argue with the insurance and drug companies in order to have my chemo meds here on time (which she was successful in doing after 10+ phone calls).  She has also been able to keep a good perspective on the reality of the situation.  With the help of Matt, she has been getting our finances in a position that will make any transition easier.  It's a lot to do and she's doing it!!  Thanks honey for letting me heal and allowing me to concentrate on getting better.  I love you!!

My first PET scan

Thanks Lori for your help today.  I was back at the hospital for my first port access and a PET scan.  It was easy except for how long it took, over 2 hours.  The people at the radiology dept were great and easy to deal with.  I love having my nurse with me for these first time events.  Thanks again Lori, love you!

Cheering for the Vikings???

What a good day.  The usual cast of characters (the Duesings-Bob, Donna, Kyle, Katie and Lauren-Mom & Pa and even Ali) all got back together to watch Matt play.  He did great!!!  I love those Sundays and everyone who shared them with me.  The Pack also had a great game and are still undefeated.  I felt better cheering for the green and gold....a little weird rooting for the Vikes, but I can always cheer for Matt.  Thanks everyone for an excellent day.

He's Baaack

Matt is playing today again.  We are all getting together to watch, looking forward to it.  I've had a great morning so far because I was able to Skype with my grand daughters.  How can you have a bad day when you start it out like that, they are beautiful........oh yeah, Allison was there to and she is beautiful also!!

They did it again

Sammy's Parkside Rangers took #5 in the country Southern Indiana to a 2 point loss.  Again another great game, this teams got something!!  Sammy played like a rock again and had a big 3 during a strong run.  Fun to watch.

Reality sets in

Vic decided we need to get Christmas decorations up inside the house.  No big deal to me because I never help with those anyway.  Tradition is to play music while the decorations go up.  It's always been a good time with Vic turning up the volume so she can sing as loud as she wants.  Well, this year the music triggered the reality of what we face for the future.  I knew the holidays would be difficult for everyone but I may have underestimated how it is going to affect me, it's going to be tough.  I know the true meaning of Christmas will guide us through! The Prince of Peace will give us peace and help us to be positive and enjoy each other throughout the Holidays!!!!

Healing day 1 complete

Just finished my first day of nothing but healing.   BORING!!!  I will say I am looking forward to no pain in my stomach. It affects everything you do, standing, sitting, breathing...everything.  That's about it for today.  Thanks for all the texts and cards with good wishes.

What a great game

I was at Sammy's game last night.  They played a top 10 in the country team, Kentucky Weslyan, and took them into overtime.  Unfortunately they came up a little short but played great.  I will admit they were hosed by the officials who didn't feel UWP was good enough to compete so they gave every call to Weslyan.  I trulely believe a good set of refs and we would have won by 10.  Sammy played with his usual hustle and BB knowledge.  I'm looking forward to this season I think it will be good and get better for Sam too!

Phase 3 Begins

Vic, Myself and my private nurse Lori all met with the Oncologist Dr. Johnson.  We were told what we all pretty well knew.  My liver was filled with tumors, a lot of them.  Technically my diagnosis is I have Stage 4 colon cancer.  The 4 means it has moved to other organs from the colon.  The Dr's would like to wait for my surgery to heal up for at least 2 more weeks before they start Chemo but time is critical right now.  Both Dr's felt my recovery from the surgery is going well so they are taking the gamble of starting me a week sooner.  I start Chemo on Wednesday!  I also have to have a Petscan an monday so they have a record of before and after tumor sizes to see whats working.  The Chemo runs in 3 week cycles with 1 injection and pills for the remaining days.  Fatigue seems to be the biggest side effect but we'll see how bad when it happens.  BONUS..... this type of Chemo does not cause hair loss so save your "Powder" jokes.