Year End Update

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Everyone : )

We have had a wonderful Holiday season so far.  Christmas was wonderful and New Years looks to be just as fun.  We have made many wonderful memories that will make this Christmas one to always be remembered.  A HUGE HUG and THANK YOU to whomever sent Santa and Mrs. Clause to our home.  It was very touching and has meant a lot to our family.  We have enjoyed being together with friends and family and are so grateful to live where we do.  We have felt of our Savior's love for us and all mankind.  We know that we are God's children and He has a plan for us to return to Him, to be like Him and enjoy all that He has.  We are so thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ for making this possible through His Infinite Atonement.  We pray that we will 'endure to the end' that we can be an eternal family.  The Gospel has brought so much peace to us during this trial and gives us hope for  the future.

As far as my cancer goes, everything seems to be progressing well.  I am doing a little physical therapy (before my deductible starts over) to help get my range of motion back in my right arm.  I am making good progress and have much of the range of motion back already.  I am doing my exercised faithfully each night.  I have a doctor's appointment in January after I get another scan.   We are hopeful that the scan will be clean and will be the first of 5 years worth of clean scans.  If not, we have faith that Heavenly Father will continue to provide the strength, comfort, & support that he has provided the last 2 1/2 years.  We know that the 'angels' around us will continue to lift us up and carry us through the difficult times.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Just in case you were wondering, my hair is growing back.  Instead of the thick, full, dishwater blond hair I once had, I now have soft, thin, receding, brown hair.  Not sure how exactly that happened, but safe to say that chemo really does mess with your cells.  I go back and forth between keeping it shaved off to letting it grow out.  I am going to start back into exercising more regularly and hope to build back up my endurance and strength.  Here's to a wonderful, inspiring, and rejuvenating 2016.

Thanks again for all the love and support that you give me and my family.  We pray for you and know you will be blessed for your Christlike service, compassion, and love.

-Doug-

A Break For The Holidays

First off, I apologize yet again for waiting so long between posts. We have been busy around here, but not too busy to let everyone know what is going on. I will do better.

On October 20th, I had an operation (hopefully my last ) wherein they removed the level 1 lymph node cluster in my right armpit. This was the last known area of disease  (cancer).  We decided that it worth it to remove it. All went well with the surgery. I had a drainage tube in until it fell out prematurely  (always an element of fun with these things ). I have been leaking all over myself, but it seems to be slowing down. Hopefully I will not have to be bandaged up for much longer.

No more doctors visits until January - HOORAY!  Don't get me wrong,  I really appreciate my doctors, but some time away  can strengthen a relationship ; )

Thanks again for all your love,  prayers, and faith. We are truly blessed. With an eternal perspective, we can make it through all things!

Miracles Abound

We just wanted to express our gratitude to Heavenly Father and His angels for showing us kindness and mercy through the miracles that occurred during this recent ATV accident.  We know that those who look for the hand of God in their lives will find it.  "He is always near me, though I do not see Him there."
Heavenly Father also works through miracles by inspiring others to serve and help those in need.

(1) Annie ended up having no long term injuries from the accident.  Her forearm and elbow had been hurting, but it checked out OK at the doctor's visit.  As heavy as the ATV is, would have done her great harm if it had landed on her.  As a father, it is my duty to protect my children - not to hurt them.  This lifted a great burden from my heart.

(2) The cell phone call I made to my sister-in-law came through.  I do not always have the cell phone will me when I ride the ATV.  I usually leave it in the house.  I believe I was inspired to have it with me.  Also, Angela and I's cell phones usually have very poor reception.  We usually have to use the land line to make phone calls.  I was able to call my sister-in-law right after the accident happened.  Next, my sister-in-law's phone was at 1% battery.  Had we made it another round before the accident, her phone may have been out of juice.  An an Uncle, the last thing I would ever do intentionally is hurt a niece or nephew.  I felt so ashamed, embarrassed and guilty about what I had done to my niece.  Through the miracle of the Atonement, my brother and sister-in-law have forgiven me and have expressed their love for me.  I will always have sorrow in my heart about this accident, but I can progress spiritually knowing that I have been forgiven and that what could have been a rend in the family, has been mended.

(3)  None of us were wearing our helmets - not a mistake that will happen again.  As far as I know, none of us suffered a serious head, neck or spine injury due to not having our helmets on.  My niece did have some head injury, but not a serious one.  There is a scripture that says God protects fools and children.  I think both cases were manifest in this accident.  As I look through my life, I can see incidents where Heavenly Father has protected me from myself.  I am so thankful for his endless mercy and love.

(4) As I lay in the hospital, our good friend Bro. P. was looking for hospital beds.  He knew that I would not feel like sleeping in a regular bed for a few weeks possibly.  He gave us reports, but it would have cost hundreds of dollars to get one, then have the risk of not being able to re-sell it.  During this time, Bro. W. called and asked if there was anything he could do for us.  Angela mentioned the bed situation and within 24 hours he had a hospital type bed for me to sleep in, all set up in the basement.  Thanks to all those that helped him.  Bro. W. followed the prompting of the Holy Ghost and was able to help someone in need.

We are so thankful and grateful for all those that have stepped forward to serve our family yet again.

I went to my primary care physician today.  He just shook his head.  We have a good relationship with him.  He pointed out that we have been spending a lot of time and resources keeping me alive and that this type of behavior was counter productive.  He prescribed an antibiotic to prevent pneumonia.  He wants a chest x-ray on Monday.  I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on Monday to check out my shoulder.  We will keep you updated.

Today, while at the grocery store, we saw some dear friends from our previous ward.  She has been battling a brain tumor and this was the first time in 5 years that they have been able to go out other than necessary appointments.  He has had health problems of his own.  We were able to express our love for one another and catch up on each other's lives.  This was a tender mercy of the Lord.  They inspire us and give us hope for the future.

We know Heavenly Father lives and that His Son Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  The Holy Ghost will guide us back to their presence if we but seek and follow Him.

We love you!!!

Doug and Angela

Please send prayers our way!

Please pray for my niece, Hadlee, little Annie, and myself.  I was giving them a ride on the four wheeler and rolled it on top of us.  Hadlee had to go to Primaries for broken bones - she is expected to recover, but it will take time.  Annie got something to the elbow but not serious.  She is with my mom & dad Kotter.  I am at McKay D Hospital on the trauma floor. I have 10 fractured/broken ribs on the right side.  Breaks are mainly in the back but some in the front. I did damage my kidney and liver but not seriously.  They are mainly watching my lungs right now - making sure they do not get infected. On bed rest until my blood levels are stable.

Please pray for us in our recoveries.

The thought of causing this much pain to my daughter and niece is unbearable. My brother and sister have shown such kindness and love to me - they are my heroes. 

Watch what you eat!!!

Well, I got too 'relaxed' with the laxative and diet and created an opportunity to visit the ER and Hospital.  The staff and doctors were friendly as usual and even recognized me - that is when you know you are going too often.  A guy at my work works in the ER so it was "fun" to see him.  A loving thank you goes to Angela who convinced me to go to the ER before I was in really bad shape.  I can be stubborn at times - usually to my own detriment.  A BIG thanks goes to the two brothers who gave me a blessing and then stayed with the kids while we went to the ER.  A special thanks to the wife of one of these brothers to come and share the burden.  Hopefully it was some good 'alone' time for them.  I am in room 785 at UVRMC.  I should be out tomorrow at the latest.

I am progressing well.  I am on clear liquids for lunch and then full liquids for dinner as long as my stomach says it is OK.  I did have a bowel movement (TMI - sorry), which means they will be more likely to let me go.  So, I am hoping for and expect they will let me go tomorrow after eating some solid food and it settling well.

I was supposed to have chemotherapy on Monday and Tuesday this week.  However, my platelet count was too low.  I think something is wrong with me because I was trying to convince the doctor to go ahead let me have the chemo - my levels were not "really" low.  It must be that this chemo was supposed to be the last for a little bit.  Maybe I just wanted to get it over with.  So, I get to do the chemotherapy next week.  Luckily, I had scheduled the PET scan for far enough out that we can keep it on the same date.  That will be early September.  There is light at the end of the tunnel - lets hope it is not an on-coming train ; )

I may have to remove some lymph nodes in my right arm pit, but that will be determined later.  I will not worry about that now.  I feel that I am nearing a respite in treatment; however, I will be patient as I try to learn the lessons that I am supposed to during this trial.  Heavenly Father has surrounded us with Angels.  Every need has been met.  Hope is in our hearts.  Peace is in our minds.  Love fills us as we think of all of you who help and serve us.  I could stay up all night counting the many blessings we have been given.

Through all of this, I have realized the importance of quiet meditation.  It is important to take time to be still and think and listen and ponder and pray.  Heavenly Father and our Savior and the angels have messages for us; we just have to listen.

Thanks again for all the prayers, service and love.  I will do better at keeping the blog more updated.

-Doug-

Half way through the chemo.

Well, I will have finished 4 of the 6 chemo sessions when I leave today. It had been nice to be able to go to the South Jordan facility for many of the sessions. The nurses and staff are great at both places but the traffic is much better on the west side of the valley. We are having the usual side effects of chemo - blood counts drop, sometimes requiring transfusions, aches, fatigue, etc...  Give me a couple of weeks and I will be back to my usual self. Angela and I have the opportunity to speak in church on Sunday. We are talking about nurturing and helping others. We have been on the receiving end of this for a while now. We pray everyday that we can be of some good to someone each day. We have received so much help from family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. We have many experiences of others nurturing us. Thank you so much!
Once I am done with chemo, I will have more scans. At that point we will decide whether any other treatment makes sense. I have a pesky tumor in my right arm pit that may need to be removed, but we won't make that decision until after the scan.
Big thanks to everyone who wished me happy birthday and made it a wonderful day for me. I have been truly blessed. I have so much to be thankful for. I know that heavenly Father will allow me to be with my family as long as possible. He is merciful and kind to his children. I try to live each day in gratitude, as there is so much to be grateful for.
Thanks again for so the live and support you give me and my family.

It's Working!!

I apologize for not getting this out sooner.  On Friday, you may have felt some excitement in the air and heard some cheering.  I had a scan done on Thursday and the doctor called in with the results on Friday.  In the words of the scan report, the tumors in my left lung have "significantly reduced" - HOORAY!!!

Having had many scans "significant" is a significant word.  It appears that the chemotherapy is working.  In addition to the reduced tumors, no new sites showed up and all the old sites looked quiet.  We have high hopes for the effectiveness of the remaining chemotherapy.

 We do not know what the future holds, but we keep pressing forward with an eye of faith.  Our life is not ours; we are but instruments in the hands of God in moving his work forward and bring salvation to his children.  He will watch over us, take care of us, and give us the strength to move forward as we show our trust in Him.

I pray that I am using my time on earth to the best of my ability.  There are so many distractions to keep us from doing was is most important.  I am so thankful that Heavenly Father is a merciful God, who helps us in our weakness and sees us as we can become.

Thank you again for all your prayers, love, and support.  We are forever in awe at the tender mercies and out pouring of love that we have received.  We pray for you and we know you pray for us.

-Doug-

Blood transfusion

Well, I am sitting here in the infusion center getting red blood cells. Yesterday I got platelets - apparently you cannot get platelets and red blood cells at the same time. I do not know if this is the first time I have gotten red blood cells, but I think I can count on one hand how many times I have had them. The good thing is that they said people assimilate the red blood cells better than the platelets.

Backing up a little, I started chemo therapy two weeks ago to address the new tumors they saw in my lung. When I did chemo therapy in 2013, my body would bounce back and be all ready for the next round and was able to do 14 rounds. However, my body is not bouncing back this time. My levels crashed last week and were supposed to be on the rebound today.  They postponed my next chemo round so I can visit the doctor first.  I wonder what they will recommend next.

On a side note, my hair has started to fall out again. I will assume the "Mr. Clean" look again. Remember, "Bald is Beautiful ".  It will be just in time for the hot weather.  I would like to get up the canyon and do some hiking before it gets too hot.

I am not sure what lies ahead, but I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are here by my side. They have surrounded us with angels. Thank you for all your love and support. We are truly strengthened by you. We can do all things through Christ Jesus.

Scan Picture

This shows the two tumors in the bottom of the left lung (right side of picture).

Scan results

Well, I guess the best way to describe the scan results is with a picture.  I will try to get a picture or up so you have a visual on what I am describing.
The scan results were good in the sense that my old tumor sites did not appear active. It looks as if the known tumors have been treated effectively. Unfortunately, the scan also revealed two new tumors in the bottom of my left lung. This was not the news anyone was hoping for, but it is the new none the less.
To be honest, I was really just going for a break in treatment, a chance to go about a "normal" routine without treatments and tests.  Oh well, we will hope for a break when we have finished with these new tumors.  They don't stand a chance against all the faith and prayers offered in my behalf!
I was talking to Angela and she wanted to know how I really felt about finding new tumors.  I told her I was disappointed - unmet expectations - but that I had prepared myself for this possibility and that I still has hope for the future. Some trials are longer than others and apparently we have more lessons to learn. I will not let cancer control my outlook on life. I have so much to be grateful for and thankful for. I have more reasons to rejoice than to sorrow.  I feel as if we are being cradled in the arms of the Lord as we travel down this path. I cannot help but smile and be happy when I think of ask that Heavenly Father had done for me.
Thank you all so much for your faith, prayers, service, and kindness.  We are surrounded by angels!
-Doug-

The Healing Can Begin

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their love, support, prayers, and faith in me my families behalf.  We feel the power of your actions and know we are receiving heavenly help as we go through this trial.

I finished the second round of radiation treatment on Friday, February 13th.  I had had 17 does to a larger area and then 6 "boosts" to specific areas where tumors had shown up in the November scan.  Overall, I must say that radiation was the least uncomfortable.  I did have some nausea and it did require driving to South Jordan several times; but, I must admit is was not as bad as some of my other treatments.  As usual, the medical staff were wonderful to work with and did all they could to make it as comfortable as possible.  

We are going to wait a month before doing a scan to give the radiation time to take complete effect.  I do get my stem cells infused on Thursday.  We are hoping that this will cause my platelet count to come up into the normal range.  Good news, they are going to leave me alone for the month (other than the infusion) until my next scan.

I am not sure what the future holds, but I know that we have done all in our power to remove and stop the cancer and can go forward in faith knowing that Heavenly Father's will will be done.  

I am hoping to get out this summer and enjoy nature with the family.  I need to build back up my physical strength do I can do fun things with the family for more than a few minutes.  I am feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future.  I have so much to look forward to!

I have been so blessed.  I have such a wonderful family, friends, ward, and community.  I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is aware of us and all that we go through.  I pray that I can reciprocate the kindness that we have been shown.  Words cannot adequately describe our gratitude for all that has been done for our family.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

-Doug-

Getting Ready for Phase II

I must apologize for not keeping the blog up to date.  Too much fun and preparation for the Holidays and then recovery after the Holidays.  Amid all the treatment, it was a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU for all the prayers, thoughts, well wishes, donations, gifts, and love.  This was truly a miraculous Christmas time for our family.

I completed twenty session of radiation to the abdomen and had a week of recovery.  I have had 4 platelet transfusions because my count keeps dropping below "30" (the normal is over "100").  All of the nurses and staff have been amazing and wonderful.  I have felt very well taken are of .

Radiation to the abdomen stimulated the bowel and I ended up taking five different medications to keep the symptoms under control.  The trick this week has been to taper off of the medications as the symptoms have lessened.

I start tomorrow on Phase II.  They are going to radiate the upper part of the chest area: sternum, armpit, and neck.  They say the side effects with not be as bad.  I will likely get a sore throat and discomfort when swallowing.  I hope I do not have to take nausea medication.  However, there is a nausea medication that also treats heartburn.  Maybe I will end up with that one.

We did find our that a low platelet count has been occurring with patients that did the "study".  The doctor in New York recommends that I get my stem cells infused.  That will not be fun but will have to be done.  Apparently, it is much more pleasant to harvest the stem cells than for your body to assimilate them back in.

I try not to look too far into the future - it gets my hopes up for a day when they will leave me alone and not "treat" me anymore.  I know that many miracles have occurred during this treatment.  I am so grateful for a merciful Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  As was spoken today at church, I try to pray for a strong enough back to bear the burden and not for the burden to be removed.  I pray we will all remain faithful during all the trials that we will go through in this life.

Thanks again to everyone for their love and support.  I know that you will be blessed as you serve and help those around you.  God is LOVE!  God is REAL!