Memorial Day Weekend 2012

I decided to post after the weekend was over so I could cover all that happened.  I'll start with Friday.  I had another treatment and all went normal.  I was very pleased with the results of my blood work.  My platelet count went up to 93, which is the highest it has been in a long time.  My tumor marker is down to 42 and my liver function is good.  So far this is telling us that the tumors are becoming less active.  This is  just what we want.
Saturday was moving day for Sammy.  We had to move Sam out of his apartment in Kenosha and bring his stuff home.  The nurse told me specifically not to do anything, other than direct the move, because of my "fragile" state after my treatment.  How could I not listen to that tremendous advice?  In order to make the move as efficient as possible, I had to make the call to the pros......Three Duesings and a Truck.  That's right, Bob, Donna and Kyle were lifesavers and we thank them for all their help.
Sunday was a very relaxing day.  The only real hard labor we did was when Sam and I did a little lumberjack work, nothing major, just some branches that needed to be removed.  It was very hot so we decided to spend the afternoon at Nana and Grandpa's pool.  I have to be very careful in the sun so I just sat under the umbrella and did not swim.  It was nice to relax.
Monday was another day at the pool, along with a nice meal.  It was very warm again so I had to watch myself so I did not overheat.  I really enjoyed spending time with the family on Memorial Day.  When I was working I usually spent this holiday at work.
Overall it was a really great weekend and I look forward to many more.

Still here

Sorry I have not posted for awhile but I've actually been busy living life.  I can tell you that I have been doing well.  The weekly treatments cause me to be a little more tired than before but it is to be expected since my body does not have a time to heal.  With that said, I would like to tell you what I've been up to.  The weather has been so wonderful that I thought it would be great to work outside in the garden.  Lucky for me Sam was home all weekend and really helped me a lot, especially with the heavy lifting.  Vic was my driver and spent more time at the garden supply stores than I'm sure she wanted to but, as time went on she also got into it.  We have beautiful flowers all over the back patio as well as the front gardens.  Vic also decided to plant a salsa garden with tomatoes, peppers and herbs.  I also did something I've wanted to do for a long time.  I made a beef brisket in the smoker.  This large piece of meat took over 6 hrs to cook. I watched TV shows on how to do it and I read many different recipes.  It scared me to realize that it either works and you get a great piece of meat or it doesn't and you get a large piece of leather.  Well, I'm pleased to announce it worked and the meat was great.  I spent hours just sitting out on the patio with Ramzi.  This dog cannot be tired out.  I had him running for an entire afternoon and he still wanted more.  It's wonderful to have him home with me.  He keeps me company and he is never in a bad mood.  If I need some positive energy he is always willing to supply it.  I also was able to cut and trim the grass.  This has always been my obsession, "The Yard".  I have 1 acre to take care of so it does take some time to do it right.  Now it takes me a lot longer.  I have to watch out for too much sun exposure and just getting too tired.  My rest time is a mandatory rule set by Vic in order for me to be allowed to do this.  At first I thought she was being too cautious but,  now I realize she was right.  There is no reason to rush.  I just enjoy the opportunity to be able to do it.
Today I go back to the hospital for  blood work and consultation.  If that goes well, I will go back tomorrow for treatment.
I thank God for the chance to be able to do the things I have done this week.  I have spent some great time with the ones I love.  The flowers we planted are a constant reminder to me that life is both beautiful and fragile.  I have to take care of the flowers on a daily basis in order for them to bloom to their potential, if I don't they will wither and die.  I use this as a life lesson.  God wants us to make certain we bloom to our potential.  Don't allow your spiritual self to wither and die.  Pray every day and thank God for all of your blessings.  This will allow you to live life as a beautiful bloom for all to see and enjoy.

Good numbers again this week

My numbers this week were very good again.  My liver function is about the same as it has been over the past few weeks, on the high side of normal.  My bilirubin count is a little higher than they want it at 1.4.  They would like to see under 1 but, with weekly treatment they think it will be tough to get it down.  My platelet count is still the only problem as it continues to be low.  My count was 74 which caused the Pharmacist to halt my treatment.  My doctor had to call him and convince him that I could handle the treatment, which he did and I received the infusion.  Now, for the great news, my tumor marker went down to 54 from 191.  This is a sure sign that the combination of meds I am currently taking is working to stop the growth of the tumors.  Thanks again for all the prayers and good thoughts.

32 of my highlights with Vic

In 32 years of marriage I have many highlights.  In honor of our 32 anniversary, here are 32 of them.

1. Our wedding
2. 1st apartment
3. Mr C
4. Pregnant
5. Matthew Charles is born
6. Pregnant again
7. Andrew Lawrence is born
8. Andrew goes to Jesus
9. Brutus
10. Matt youth basketball
11. Matt youth football
12. Pregnant again
13. Samuel Lawrence is born
14. Brutus goes to be with Andrew
15. Sam youth basketball
16. Sam youth football
17. Titan
18. Matt high school
19. Matt college
20. Badger football
21. Sam high school
22. Allison Faye
23. NFL football
24. Ali K
25. #1 grandchild Lillian
26. Sam college
27. UW Parkside basketball
28. #2 grandchild Caroline
29. My cancer diagnosis
30. My great Family
31. The power of prayer
32. Everyday I'm here to enjoy all the above!

I look forward to adding to this list next year.  Keep praying and thanks for all the positive support.

On this day, 32 years ago.........

On this day, 32 years ago, I made Vicki Lee Duesing my wife.  As husband and wife we have stayed together through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  The key word to the previous sentence is "together".  It's easy to handle the highs or the good things in a marriage.  It's the way the lows or the bad things are handled that can cause a marriage to fail.  When I said "I will" to the "for better or worse, til death due us part",  I was serious and so was Vic. We have done everything together.  We have laughed together and cried together. We have not always agreed on everything, but together we have been able to overcome our differences.  When I tell people that I've been married for over 30 years I always get a "Wow, that's long".  If I would tell someone that I've been friends with someone for over 30 years I would hear "Wow, that's cool".  There is the answer to a long marriage, make certain your spouse is your best friend and treat them as such.  Share everything with them, good or bad.  Be a shoulder to cry on when needed and be willing to laugh at the humor life gives us.  Pray together. Pray for each other and  thank God every day for what you've been blessed with.  That's my recipe, try it out. 

Mid week update

Just a quick update on how things are going.  I think things are going well.  I'm looking forward to getting a full spectrum of numbers on Friday when I get my next infusion.  I am taking it as a good thing that my doctor does not want to see me for a couple more weeks.  He seems to be satisfied with how the new treatment is working.  As far as the new treatment goes, I am in the second phase of the "rash".  This phase consists of a drying out of the skin on my face.  The rash is the same on my chest and actually is not as bad as it was.  I've been getting outside and working in the yard any chance I can.  I have to watch out for the sun because my skin is very sensitive.  I also have my dog Ramzi home with me again.  He is a great help to me mentally and keeps me active.  Overall I think I can say, "So far so good".  I will update everyone with my numbers on Friday.  Keep praying and have a great day!

Living the Dream

It actually was better than I imagined.  My Friday chemo infusion went well and my new partner, Allison, was a pleasure to have with me.  Unfortunately, I did not get a full set of numbers this week.  The doctor did not order a tumor marker test for this round. (I think it is an insurance company decision due to the cost of the test)  I should get a number next week.  All other numbers were good enough to proceed with treatment.
We had the girls over Friday night for dinner and a sleep over.  After dinner we spent a couple hours outside on a "safari" looking for treasure.  What a wonderful time!
Saturday was a great day.  We could not be more proud of Sam.  He graduated with his BA in History and Education, Cum Laude and with a minor in Economics.  The sky is the limit for his future, I can't wait to see what's next.
The girls slept over again on Saturday.  We spent the night watching Disney videos on You-Tube before we all went to bed.  They are such sweet girls.
Sunday was an early start.  Matt, Allison, the girls, Sammy, Gigi, Pop-pop, Vic and I all went to the zoo for Mothers Day.  We got there when the zoo opened at 9 am and spent the morning and early afternoon. This was tremendous to see the girls interact with us while seeing the animals.  I'm so glad I was able to do this with the girls and I hope they have the same happy memories that I have of the great day.

Thank you Lord for allowing me to spend time with my family.  They are my strength.  Thank you for my grand daughters, Lillian and Caroline.  They are the light of my life.  When Lillian asked me if her prayers are working to make me feel better, how could I not say yes, how could they not be helping.  Dear Lord continue to hear our prayers and continue to give me the strength to heal and accept your will.  Bless my family and friends in everything they do.  Thank you Lord for all you do, amen.

Dream Week

 This week is shaping up to be a dream come true.  Matt, Allison and the girls flew in last night.  They stopped by the house and I got to give the girls a big hug and kiss.  Boy, I really miss that.  This morning I  was able to do something else I've been looking forward to.  Matt and Vic took me golfing.  It was great to get out and I actually played well.  I knew Matt plays really good and I was really impressed with how well Vic played.  I also found out my body is only good for nine holes with a cart.  I now have another goal to shoot for, 18 holes of golf without collapsing.  After golf I was able to go home for a well needed rest.  Later in the day Allison called and invited Vic and I to join her and the girls to go out for custard at Kopps.  We all sat outside and enjoyed our cones.  On the way home we decided to stop at Gigi and Pop Pops house. (Vic's Mom and Dad)  The girls also wanted to see Ramzi, who is still staying with them for now.  It was fun to see the girls run around with the dog.  Ramzi did real good with them also.
This is just the beginning.  The girls will be sleeping over at our house on Friday.  Sammy graduates from college on Saturday and we will all be going to the zoo on Sunday.  This is the type of week that allows me to forget about my illness and just enjoy what I have been blessed with, a wonderful family.

Just a side note.  I will still be getting blood work/labs done on Friday.  I will also be receiving my weekly chemo infusion.  The only difference is that I will be joined by a new partner.  Allison will be spending the day with me at the hospital in order to experience what I go through.  I'll say it again, I have a wonderful family and I thank God for them everyday!!

Coaches vs Cancer Benefit Dinner

Last night Vic, Sam, Ali and I attended the Coaches vs Cancer dinner, of which I was an honoree representing UW Parkside. The dinner was held at the Kohl Center in Madison.  There were over 600 people in attendance and they all seemed to be very generous when it came to donating to the American Cancer Society via the live and silent auctions.  The total raised for the night was just over $450,000.  I was honored as a "Fan of the Year" which allowed me to write a short story about my battle with cancer. They read that story and showed pictures that I supplied on big screens and the jumbo tron.  The dinner was great, the company was great and the message of the evening, finding a cure, was very inspiring.  I thank God every day for allowing me to be able to participate in events like this one.  I want to continue to have a positive impact on the people who hear my story and prove that you can be blessed  no matter what you are going through.

Great News

I had my chemo infusion yesterday and all went well.  Prior to the treatment I had blood work done and the results were great.  My platelet count is slowly going up, it's at 93 vs 88 last week. (perspective: When I started treatment it was 343).  All other liver function numbers were pretty much unchanged from last week.  The best news was my tumor marker count.  As of yesterday it was down to 191 from 480 last week. (perspective : When I started treatment my tumor marker was just shy of 3000, keep in mind normal is between 0-2).  Everyone at the doctor's office was very happy with the results and kept reminding me the worse the rash, the better the medication is working.  So here is my new formula for beating this thing;  Prayer + Positive Attitude + Good Support + Rash = Remission!!

Round 8 over today... and other ramblings

I think I have to start referring to my chemo rounds in 1/2 increments.  I now have my chemo infusion every week.  My chemo pills are still taken for 2 weeks.  Based on this schedule I will be starting round 9 tomorrow with an infusion and round 9 1/2 next Thursday within the start up of the pills again.  As I project out into the future,  I may have to refer to my chemo treatment as one big ongoing round of treatment.  I will do my best to try and keep everyone updated on how many infusions and how many pill rounds I have received.

As I said, I will have an infusion tomorrow, but that's not all.  I will start out with blood work and labs, then I will meet with the doctor for a consultation regarding my progress and then I receive my chemo infusion.  It looks like it's going to be a long day at the hospital.  I'm glad that Vic will be there with me to keep me company.

How's my rash doing?  Thank you for asking.  I think I have started the second phase of the rash. It is now starting to dry out and crust over.  It sound gross but it actually looks better than before as long as I keep lotion on it.  I would say it looks more like a burn and less like acne.  So I got that going for me!

I have a very exciting event to attend this Saturday.  The annual Coaches vs Cancer fund raiser will be held at the Kohl Center in Madison to benefit the American Cancer Society.  Basketball coaches from  prominent programs in WI, including division I UW and UWM, division II UW Parkside, division III Edgewood College and UW Platteville, will be hosting.  I am excited because I have been selected as "Fan of the Year" by Coach Reigel of UW Parkside and I will be recognized for my ongoing battle with stage IV cancer.  I hope my message of prayer, positive attitude and support from family and friends is accepted and adopted by all who need it.

Lastly, yesterday someone asked me, "How do you stay positive?"  For me it is simple.  I have a choice to be positive or negative.  I choose positive.  How can't I?  I am continuously exposed to more good than bad.  This exposure comes from my wonderful family and friends.  Who can't be positive when you are continuously being told how much you are loved,  when you know you can ask for help with anything and you will get it, when you are being prayed for by people all over the world,  when you look at your  blog and see it has been viewed over 16,000 times in 6 different countries,  when technology allows you to see your grand daughters on the computer having a dance party or singing their favorite Disney song or taking a bath or saying their prayers before they go to bed,  when your 3 year old grand daughter asks if her prayers are working, when your 2 year old grand daughter calls you on the phone and asks if you need a band aid for the "owie" on your face. These are just a few of the positive events I am exposed to and there are so many more.  When I feel the negative creeping in, which it does happen, I know I can pray for positive thoughts to take over.  Lord knows, I've got enough of them to choose from.  Thank you everyone !