Session 10: Week of Craziness

Well, going in for a week of chemotherapy wasn't exciting enough for our family, so we went the extra mile and had other adventures this week.  I came to the hospital on Monday and since then Angela has been treating one sick child after the other.  Daniel had croup, Jonathan had something bronchial, and Matthew got pneumonia. In a way, it is a blessing that the sicknesses are coming this week and not next week when my immune system will be really low and I will be at home with everyone. I will still have to be careful and make sure I wash my hands and we disinfect the house.  It will all work out!

We are looking and looking, trying to find the right vehicle for our family.  We have some leads and hopefully will secure a vehicle this weekend.  There is only so much 'window shopping' you can do before you need to go see the vehicle and test drive it.

I am a little foggy right now, but I will  post more later.  Ginger and Peppermint do help with nausea!

Thank you for all your love and support!
-Doug-

6+ Passenger Vehicle Anyone?

Saturday morning Angela was involved in a car accident.  She has just started traveling south through an interaction after waiting for the light to turn green.  A vehicle traveling west, ran their red light and hit our mini-van in the front drivers-side corner.  Three air bags deployed and the front of the van is all messed up.

Angela is in some pain, mainly bruising from the air bags.  She has to ice her legs and take meds to help get her through the day.  This is adding stress to an already stressed family.

We know we will get through it will your help and the help of our Savior!!!!

We will need to purchase a new vehicle.  We have 6 members in our family - one still in a car seat - so a mini-van size vehicle is what we are looking for.  If anyone knows of  or sees a good deal on a vehicle this size, please pass along the information.  We are on a tight budget, so a used vehicle about 5 years old is probably all we can afford right now.

Thanks again for all of the help, support, and love you give our family.

Session 9: Happy Scanning!

ANOTHER SCAN THAT SHOWS SHRINKAGE!!!

Yes, that is correct, the scan I had on Monday did show overall shrinkage!!!!

YIPEEEEEE!!!!!!

I came up on Monday for my 9th session - boy how time flies.  I still remember my first session and the feelings of uncertainty that I had.  I still have feelings of uncertainty as far as what Heavenly Father has in store for me and family, but I do have feel peace and I do trust that whatever it is, it will work for our good. 

I had the scan on Monday.  I have been tired today.  My stomach does not know if it wants to feel good or not.  Angela came up today for a visit and the NP went over the results of the scan for us.  She seemed very hopeful about the results.  She was realistic and did point out that many patients with my type of cancer will have a period of remission, but then the cancer will come back.  We will continue to have faith that whatever the outcome, out family will be given the strength to hold together and feel that peace that is promised to those that BELIEVE.

Here are some specs on the shrinkage for those of you who find it interesting:

Abdomen and Pelvis:

Liver:  non-cancerous partially calcified soft tissue mass did shrink.  (9.0 x 4.7) to (9.0 x 4.2); the two hemangiomas have not changed.

Mesentery/Peritoneum: the fluid build up continues to shrink: (6.2 x 3.0) to (5.1 x 2.2); a soft tissue implant shrank: (1.8 x 1.3) to (1.7 x 1.0)

Lymph Nodes: they did not find any enlarged one in the Abdomen and Pelvis

Pelvis: sift tissue masses with vesicorectal pouch and internal calcification shrank: (4.8 x 2.2) to (4.9 x 1.8), and (2.1 x 1.3) to (1.9 x 1.1).

Chest Area:

AIRWAYS, LUNGS AND PLEURA: something in this has diminished in size.

HEART, MEDIASTINUM AND HILA: the size of the superior mediastinal lymph nodes, including right paratrachal lymph node is diminished.  The size of a lesion related to pericardial membranes is also diminished.  Several lymph nodes are present in the mediastinal fat and lateral to the right atrium in the basal chest, diminishing in size.  Adjacent focal thickening involving pericardial membranes is also diminished.

OTHER COMMENTS: No enlarging supraclavicular right auxiliary lymph nodes are present.

Well, there you have it.  Here is your chance to look up a bunch of medical terminology that may or may not give you a better idea of what my condition is.  I really liked the word "diminished", as it occurred several times in the report.  

Thank you all for your prayers and support.  You are wonderful.  I feel your love and use the power of your faith to get through each day.

-Doug-