The weekend is almost over and a new treatment week is about to begin.

Mom continues to be in good spirits although she has not been able to eat much. She has been supplementing her diet with the feeding tube because foods with any kind of spice just will not work for her any more. The doctors tell her this is normal especially because of the radiation. It is still disappointing to have a meal that looks and smells so good and not be able to get any of it down. Taking the food through the feeding tube just takes so long. Basically it takes 2 hours per can and she should be having 6 cans / day. If she takes it at night like they suggest, she's not supposed to lay down so she doesn't feel like she gets a full night's rest. To take it during the day, she's somewhat tethered and it limits her activities. So, she resorts to doing half and half. Of course all is done without complaint. She just does what needs to be done.
Her energy level seems to stay up. I was worried about this past weeks since she had her big dose of chemo last Monday, but she took it in stride. My dad started feeling like he was getting sick so she spent Friday night at Kim's. I think it's mostly the air quality here (the inversion) that gives us all sore throats and wear's down people's resistance. We got an air filter for their room to help alleviate some of it. Yesterday she was feeling well enough to go to another basketball game and then watched a movie at home.
Today dad and mom gave their mission home coming talks. They did wonderful of course. Mom was especially amazing because she spoke with enthusiasm and energy. Something totally unexpected coming from her frail appearance.
I am amazed at her willingness to go through this trial and do what ever is necessary to get well. She is my hero. :)

It's All Downhill From Here

I am on the downhill slope of the radiation chemo treatments. The time is flying by and our hope is high that the treatments are doing all that they are supposed to be doing. (The treatments have not been bad at all. I have not had nausea not hair loss.) When the treatments are done, they will wait for three weeks then do testing to see if the tumors are shrunk enough and to make sure that it has not spread anywhere else. If all is as we expect it will be, they will schedule surgery. We are encouraged that I will be as good as new in a few months.

Thanks again for your love and support. It boosts my morale to know that you love and care what is happening in my life. I feel the support of the Lord as I go through this challenge. I am so thankful that I know what I know. I feel peace as I turn to Him each day. Thanks, again, for being there.

Good News From the Dr

Dr. Sause, my Dr of radiation reassured me today that what I am experiencing in not being able to swallow food again is a sign that the treatment is working. I had become a little disapponted that I was backsliding instead of going forward, but he insisted that I was right on course. I am feeling well and my energy level is still up, even after the more aggressive chemo treatment from yesterday.

Tomorrow is the halfway mark of my chemo and radiation treatment. The time has flown much faster than I ever expected. I feel that I am really on the way back.

I feel the support from the ward and friends here, as well as you who are following the blog from afar. Thanks for always being there for me. I love you!

Another big treatment day bites the dust!!!

Today was #2 of 3 of the major doses of chemo. 2 weeks from now will be the last. Time has been flying by and it's hard to believe we are almost 1/2 way done with the chemo and radiation. When we first heard the plan of 5 whole weeks, it seemed like it would be FOREVER.

It was another good day. Last night Mom went on the feeding tube to supplement, just to make sure she is getting enough nutrients. We have seen a little bit of how the treatment has helped shrink the tumor to allow her to eat but the radiation is burning the esophagus which makes it difficult. So she does what she can with big girl food and then uses the feeding tube for the rest.

We had a funny experience tonight as we were watching a thrilling episode of 24 (we are finally all caught up), and Mom wanted some ice cream. Dad was nice enough to dish her up a bowl. She started eating it and all of a sudden her eyes got really big and said that's really cold and was holding out her tongue. The chemo that she had today gives her a sensitivity to cold and since ice cream is frozen, it about sent her through the roof. She still isn't quite use to all of this. We all had a good chuckle at her expense. First thing on our list when this is all over... ICE CREAM PARTY!!!!!

Another Great Sunday

I was a little worried when I went to bed last night if I would be able to get up for Church, as I have been sleeping in every day. Not to worry, I woke up bright and was ready before our 9:00 starting time. It was nice to be able to be in Church again. However, it had its drawback: They asked us to report our mission next Sunday. I actually look forward to doing that. It brings such fond memories to remember our service in Hawaii. I can actually remember that it was not just a wonderful dream, but that it actually happened to us. We have been so blessed to be sent to such wonderful places to meet and work with such awesome people.
Tomorrow I look forward to the "Big Treatment" day. Each day of treatment brings me a little closer to getting rid of the cancer. I have been blessed not to be nauseated or sick in other ways. I feel the Lord's presence as He carries the burden. How fortunate I am to be here and to be so well cared for.
Thanks for your faith and prayers in my behalf. I love you!!!!

Saturdays are terrific

Today is the day I have looked forward to all week. It is Saturday and I have no radiation appointment. Remembering last weekend, I have really been looking forward to this day. I don't have any big plans, just a stay at home and enjoy kind of day. I don't mean to sound like all the other days are horrible, but it is nice to have a couple of days to rest up for the next week. Monday is the big day when I get the extra big dose of chemo, (as well as the chemo that I carry around with me 24-7). It makes me extra sensitive to cold--not that cold is a big problem around here. (They suggested that I not put my hand into the refrigerator without gloves.) That sensation only lasts for a week to 10 days, so I can endure that. One nice thing is that neither of the kinds of chemo cause complete hair loss. It may cause thinning, but I still have hair on my head. I have all sorts of things to be thankful for!!!!!
It has been nice to feel some energy through the week. I really feel that I am on the way to recovery. Thanks so much for your concern, faith and prayers. I appreciate them more than you know.

On the mend

So much has happened in the last 4 weeks since we arrived home. I cannot believe that I am the same person. My energy level has increased. I am able to eat real food. I can even get things accomplished during the day.
Yesterday I went through the boxes we had shipped home, and put the things away. We only had 4 boxes shipped, but for some reason, until now, it seemed like an insurmountable task to open them and get the contents organized and put away.
It is wonderful to be able to sleep in a bed now, which I have done for the past three nights. I am not on the feeding tube at all now, so I don't have to sleep in a sitting position. I still have the wonderful nose ring (the feeding tube) in position, and will leave it there until they feel that it is safe to take it out. It doesn't bother me that much any more.
I am so thankful for all the things that people have done for us. The Relief Society brought food in last night. I felt kind of guilty, accepting it when I am feeling so much better and capable of fixing food now. The food was wonderful and so appreciated. But, alas, I am going to have to let them know that I am feeling so much better.
I appreciate so much the fact that you are interested in my welfare. Your faith is working, and your prayers in my behalf are truly being heard. THANK YOU!

One day turns into the next

Mom continues to go in to her radiation appointments. Her energy is a little depleted but nothing close to last week. She has continued to be able to eat regular food. It's absolutely amazing. To think just 3 weeks ago she could almost get a can of Ensure down if she laid down, sucked through a straw really slowly and had no distractions. Now she can sit at the table and eat a regular meal. It really is a miracle. We expect many more will be in store for her though all of this!
Val

The good days continue

Again today mom was able to eat a little bit of regular food. She had her daily visit for radiation and weekly chemo appointment today. She met with both doctors who told her it was next to impossible that she could be eating already. This means the chemo and radiation treatments are working and she seems to be a week ahead of schedule! Actually, I think it's more the prayers of her friends and family are helping the treatments to do their job more efficiently. So, thank you all for your prayers; they really are working so keep them coming!!

A great Sunday

What a great day it has been today. Kim came over while Arvel and Val were at Church (her ward meets in the afternoon.) She gave me the Sunday School lesson and we had a great discussion about the creation. The Priests came over after Church and administered the Sacrament for me. It was really special for me.
I know that the tumor is shrinking because I was able to eat today--not a lot--but I didn't even have a hint of throwing it up. I am going to have to learn how to adjust my feeding tube feeds to account for the food I can actually eat. I was hoping that the feeding tube could be taken out and I could just eat. However, the Dr. says that it will eventually be really sore when I eat, and I should keep the feeding tube in for my security. It is wonderful what they can do with technology. I feel really confident that I am getting the best care in the world.
Thank you all for your love and support. It helps boost my morale and confidence. I know that the Lord is really helping me through this challenge. I feel His love for me through you. Thanks for staying close to the spirit to know the things that I need. You are wonderful.

A really good day!

Well, if any of you are on face book, you may have noticed mom was on line today. It's the first time since she's been home. She woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed so to speak. :) She checked her e-mail, went on face book, played a mahjong game or two and even attended a basketball game! Plus, tonight she is catching up on episodes of "24" so she'll be able to start the new season tomorrow. It's good to see that sparkle back.
Val

1 month down and many more to come!!!

It's hard to believe that it's ONLY been a month since mom was diagnosed. So much has changed in that time. It was great to be out in Hawaii and feel all the love that everyone has for Mom & Dad. To be there on their last Sunday as their Stake President, Bishop and ward members showered them with kind words and big hugs. It was an emotional time that I was happy to be apart of. Then they came back home and moved into a house that they haven't lived in for 3 1/2 years. They quickly found their winter coats, bought a car and each day get a little closer to being settled. Then came doctor, doctor and more doctor visits. Each having a specific area that they are the specialist in, that gives us the comfort that we are in good hands.

Although this last month has created some changes that we haven't necessarily wanted, we still have so much to be grateful for. On Mom's first day of treatment she danced to the tune of a cell phone going off, then laughed and laughed. She talks about how her good cells are going off to battle to fight this evil tumor like in the scripture story that she read the other day. She also has informed us that her Pac Man that is eating the tumor is getting bigger and eating more of it each day. She is constantly showing gratitude to all those around us that have been a tremendous help. She never complains and jokes every chance she gets. She is the greatest example to always see the good in life and enjoy each day we have. She reminds us often that the Lord is in charge and we must always put our faith in Him and all will be well. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that today is a good day and tomorrow will be too.

Here is to 1 month down and many more to come!!!!!!!!!!

Moving

We got mom and dad moved into their bedroom on the main floor. We had several men and young men from the ward over to do all the heavy lifting. They were such a big help; there's no way we could have moved the bedroom furniture downstairs and the bowflex and tread mill upstairs by ourselves. Thank you to all who helped.
Mom's energy seemed much better today than yesterday. She's still tired and weak, but better. That constant drip of Chemo all day every day just zaps the energy. We don't know if that will improve as she gets used to it or not. She continues to go in every day for radiation treatments. Hopefully with the bed moved and the reclining love seat in their room too, she'll be able to find a good position and she'll be able to get a good night's sleep.
Val

Energy Levels

After mom's full day of treatment yesterday her energy level remained pretty high most of the day. By evening, however we could tell she was getting worn out. The feeding tube got clogged part way thru the night and she was up for a long while trying to get it taken care of. Still, by morning she looked good. This afternoon and evening have been spent mostly laying in the lazy boy love seat. She said she feels kind of like Jaba the Hut from Star Wars cause she's just sitting and not doing a whole lot of moving. Of course she would have to gain all her weight back and then a ton more to qualify. :)
Dad went to the doc again yesterday and got on some heavy duty antibiotics. His health seemed to be going down hill throughout the day yesterday, last night and this morning. Tonight, however, he seems to be doing a lot better. It's interesting how as mom's energy came back over the past few days, his was depleted. But now, they're both on the mend from their bacterial infections.

First day of Treatment

Yesterday was a really good day. Mom had her energy back; She felt really good. Between the antibiotics and getting her food regulated, she seems like her own self again.
Today she is starting her regimen of chemo and radiation. She is in good spirits and ready to go.
Currently we are moving the furniture around at the house to get their bedroom onto the main floor. It will much easier to be there than climbing the steep stairs every day. We have good help from our wonderful neighbors. They are an awesome support!
Val

Meeting with the Surgeon

We met with the surgeon (Dr Ott) yesterday afternoon. With the wonderful technology we have, we were able to see the results of the PET scan in full color! We could see where the tumor is sitting (it looks larger than I thought it would) and he pointed out that there were probably tumors in the lymph-nodes next to the esophagus.
Some of the things he told us were not all that pleasant to hear. He said 80% of the people with this cancer do not survive. With that said, we have to fall back on what Dr. Whisenant told us, that he fully expects mom to beat this, otherwise, he would not have her go thru all the chemo and radiation.
Dr Ott went over what he expects will happen over the next few months. After her regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, they will wait about 3 weeks. At this time, the tests and scans will be done again to evaluate. If everything looks good they will do surgery a couple of weeks later.
Once again, we were told this would be major surgery but this time we were told why. They will be taking out the esophagus entirely and also part of the stomach. Then they will reconstruct the esophagus using the stomach, connecting all the way up to the neck. She will be in the hospital for at least a week after surgery.
So, that's all we know for now. Mom is going in today and tomorrow for mega doses of antibiotics to treat the pneumonia. The picc line is nice because they can inject the medication directly into the blood stream without poking a needle into her over and over.
As I think of the odds, it can be really depressing, but if we all remember that there are people who survive this and, if anyone can beat this, mom can. Remember, she is the lucky one. She wins every thing! Friends have actually had her hold their tickets in a drawing because the know she's lucky. And, yes, they won! Beating the odds is her specialty so I'm not worried. :)
Val

Good news and Bad news

We got the results back from the PET scan. Everything looks good, the cancer has not spread, so her treatment next week is a go. And... she has Pneumonia, she got antibiotics today and will see her primary care physician (Dr Potter) again tomorrow. Dad is also on antibiotics. Doctors say Chemo and Radiation treatments are still OK to start next week.
We meet with the surgen this afternoon so we'll post more if we get anything new.
Val

The regiments continue

I thought I would post a couple of pictures of mom and dad with some of the grandkids (and Chrissy) taken last week. :)

Mom had a long day yesterday. After she got her PET scan (no results yet), she had a date with the nutritionist. They put her on a regiment to prepare her body to accept the feeding tube food more efficiently. This took all day and into the wee hours of the morning. Then, she was up early today to have the PICC line placed. Hopefully she will be able to get some good rest this afternoon.

Val

THANK YOU!!!!

I wanted to thank EVERYONE for the many kind words and many, many prayers for my mom and family. Tonight I showed Mom the blog for the first time and read to her all the comments here and on facebook. After I asked her if she knows how much she is loved..... no words came out but she teared up and put her head on my shoulder. She knew people out there cared but to have so many share their love for her couldn't come at a better time. She has lived a life of service for others and to be on the receiving end cannot be explained in words. The only thing we can say back is THANK YOU!!!

As for progess... more doctor visits. We scheduled next weeks daily radiation visits. She is SUPER excited about that. We also attended a Chemo class tonight to explain what all she will be going through. GOOD NEWS, the medications she will be taking won't cause her hair to fall out. It may thin a little bit but shouldn't be too bad. (I would have shaved it with her.... well at least that is what I will tell her now). She did have her feeding tube hooked up to the food today so she could start getting some nutrients. They are starting her out small and will build it up. She doesn't enjoy having the feeding tube in because it's so uncomfortable (and has sympathy for all those who have had to have one) BUT she does need the nutrients so hopefully soon she'll have some more energy and be grateful.

THANKS AGAIN and keep the PRAYERS coming. We need all that we can get right now.

Today was the first day with the specialist.

The CT scan shows a 3 1/2 cm X 6 cm tumor between the esophagus and the stomach. This is blocking any food from going all the way down to the stomach. Hence, the 60 pound weight loss. Dr Whisenant was upbeat and let us know he is expecting this cancer to be curable. This cancer does have a recurrence rate of up to 75% but since it looks like it is isolated, the chances for a full recovery are good. Even the lymph node that is in question is most likely just some swelling because of the tumor. He plans to treat aggressively with the expectation that we will beat this.

Right now the plan of action is:

1 - Feeding tube placed -a feeding tube was placed today. She had to endure it going through her nose so it won't interfere with the eventual surgery.

2 - PETT scan - scheduled Wednesday, This will verify that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.

3 - Chemo therapy and radiation to start Monday. Mom will go in once a week for six weeks for chemo and radiation treatment. She will have a fanny pack type device and will have a constant "trickle" all week long.

4 - After the Chemo and Radiation she will have a month to recuperate.

5 - Surgery - according to both doctors, this will be major surgery cutting away a part of her stomach and esophagus. They estimate this surgery to occur around March.

Mom has appointments all week long to get ready for next week. She says she's ready to fight this head on. I admire her strength and courage.

Val

Getting Home

We got mom and dad home. Before we left, we had some of the other missionaries and a bunch of kids from Mom and Dad's ward come over and completely clean all of Mom & Dad's place. They were fantastic and really would not have been able to do it without them. We also were able to ship 3 boxes back home through Fed-Ex at 60% off through the religion department. We should get those today and it was really cheap.

Then came the airport...between the 3 of us we had 6 checked suitcases all in the 50 - 51 pound range (the guy helping us let us have the extra pound). 3 carry on suitcases, 3 carry on bags and moms Ukulele. We had a lot of STUFF. We did curbside check in and the guy that helped us was awesome, let us shift everything around to keep all the bags at the weight we needed. He also got us a cart to take are carry on bags. The people at the security gate helped us get everything through. Even allowed mom to carry on a couple Ensures for medical use. At the gate they let us do pre boarding and changed our seats so that I could sit with them. Anyway EVERYTHING went better then I could have ever imagined.

Mom went to the doctor yesterday. Great news is that it hasn't spread. (or maybe it had but Pac Man did his job ) She will meet with the specialist on Monday to discuss our next steps. Dr. Potter (our family doctor) said that since it is a fairly large tumor he would think that they would want to do chemo before surgery to try to shrink it. The surgery is pretty major but definitely necessary.

Some other good news is that they ran some tests and her nutrient levels are pretty darn close to normal. Mom has been really good about trying to eat each day as much as she can. Even after she will throw something up she goes back and tries again. The doctor was really surprised. She has been drinking Ensure and told us to have her drink something that has a higher level of protein so we got that for her yesterday. He also told her to eat baby food (stage 3). We bought her some graduate stuff so that when she gets bigger she will have something to look forward to.

I know this isn't what any of us wanted but it is what we have before us. If we ever try to discuss what would have happened if we had ....., Mom always stop us and says, "Well we didn't so let's not go there." She still is a great example of always moving forward and looking at all the blessings we have, even when she has a legitimate excuse to complain.

I love you all and Happy New Year!!!!

Kim