We had a very "active "week-end as I had described in my last post. Some of it we did, some we decided wasn't worth the effort.
Roy worked on Friday. I think it made him feel good to be back at work. They have been so good to tell him that he can work when he feels like it and when he can't work not to worry about his job, it will be there when all this is over.
Roy did get up and umpire his 3 ballgames Saturday morning. I was worried about how he would handle it. I knew he'd be ok for the first two but the third was after the weather started getting warmer and that made me nervous. I got up and went to watch Kassidy (the 13 yr. old granddaughter) play softball. She had a tournament this week-end and had 4 games on Saturday. That game was over about the time Roy's 3rd game was to start, so I went to make sure he was ok. Although I'm not sure what I thought I could do about it if he weren't. I certainly couldn't demand he leave the field but it made me feel better to talk to him.
We were to help Shana and Lena Pope Home do some volunteer work at the Rangers game on Saturday night. Roy got home Saturday afternoon and by the time we were to leave to go to the game we decided it probably wasn't such a good idea. Not because of the chemo but the parking lot that we were to park in was a long way from the stadium. He didn't think his knees would hold out to walk that far and I didn't really feel I needed the exercise...ok, that may not be the truth. So, we went back to watch Kasssidy play
ball. It was a beautiful Saturday evening to be out at a ballgame. That's what we call normal.
After church this morning we joined our care group for lunch. This is a blessed group that we have had the priviledge to be a part of every since we moved back to Texas. We love this group of people and enjoy being with them so much. It was fun to be able to catch up with everyone as we had missed a couple of months because of other activiites. I then took off to Stephenville for my aunt's 96th birthday. Roy had volunteered to go with me but I knew he would much rather watch Kassidy play ball (only 3 games today).
So, we had a very active week-end with no side effects from the chemo....that is our prayer that when the side effects do start they will be controllable and minimum. Please keep the prayers going....
Remember God is in control and He is holding our hand.
Linda
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Heigh-ho...Heigh-ho, it's off to work he goes
Roy made the decision to go to work today. It is the first time he has had a chance to work in the last two weeks, so I think he was glad to be able to be back to normal.
He did fine. He was tired when he got home but that would be normal for him. So, he is sitting on the back porch, watching the birds, feeling good. Now, tomorrow maybe a different story, he is planning to umpire 3 ballgames in the morning. I personally think it may be a little too much but he thinks he can do it. We will see. We are also scheduled to volunteer for Lena Pope Home tomorrow afternoon at the Ranger game. I may ended up going alone for that. Then Sunday we have lunch with our care group and a birthday party in Stephenville for my 96yr. old aunt. Ya think our lives need to slow down a little???
We did get a call from M.D. Anderson yesterday to set up the appointment to see the surgeon there. They were to call back today but we haven't heard from them. Actually, I'm not sure we have time for that either. Shay, our oldest grand daughter has a playoff softball game in Waco Tuesday. You know, we have to keep our priorities straight...softball or M.D. Anderson??? Yeah, we lean toward softball.
I'm sure some are "rolling their eyes" at what I just said. But as crazy as we know it will be in the future, if the present can be normal that's what we are hoping for. As long as Roy is feeling the way he feels right now we will continue to live our lives the way we always have.
Pray that he will continue to feel as good as he does. We have been warned that next week might not be as good. But we know we have an awesome God who will answer our prayers and with a touch of a hand make things right for us. We pray for that.
God is in control and He is holding our hands
Linda
I will probably think of something else I meant to say after I publish this...
He did fine. He was tired when he got home but that would be normal for him. So, he is sitting on the back porch, watching the birds, feeling good. Now, tomorrow maybe a different story, he is planning to umpire 3 ballgames in the morning. I personally think it may be a little too much but he thinks he can do it. We will see. We are also scheduled to volunteer for Lena Pope Home tomorrow afternoon at the Ranger game. I may ended up going alone for that. Then Sunday we have lunch with our care group and a birthday party in Stephenville for my 96yr. old aunt. Ya think our lives need to slow down a little???
We did get a call from M.D. Anderson yesterday to set up the appointment to see the surgeon there. They were to call back today but we haven't heard from them. Actually, I'm not sure we have time for that either. Shay, our oldest grand daughter has a playoff softball game in Waco Tuesday. You know, we have to keep our priorities straight...softball or M.D. Anderson??? Yeah, we lean toward softball.
I'm sure some are "rolling their eyes" at what I just said. But as crazy as we know it will be in the future, if the present can be normal that's what we are hoping for. As long as Roy is feeling the way he feels right now we will continue to live our lives the way we always have.
Pray that he will continue to feel as good as he does. We have been warned that next week might not be as good. But we know we have an awesome God who will answer our prayers and with a touch of a hand make things right for us. We pray for that.
God is in control and He is holding our hands
Linda
I will probably think of something else I meant to say after I publish this...
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I have to be honest
I do have to be honest....I also passed out one time...
We were on a cruise...had just gotten on the ship and were at "muster". If you've been on a cruise you know that muster is where you go to know what to do in case of an emergency. We were standing in front of the lifeboats and the last thing I remember is telling Roy I thought I was going to pass out. Next thing I knew I was looking up at my friend Barbara who was standing beside me. She told me later that I was "very graceful" as I went down. I had on a skirt which I was very thankful stayed in place.
So, I do know how Roy felt.
We were on a cruise...had just gotten on the ship and were at "muster". If you've been on a cruise you know that muster is where you go to know what to do in case of an emergency. We were standing in front of the lifeboats and the last thing I remember is telling Roy I thought I was going to pass out. Next thing I knew I was looking up at my friend Barbara who was standing beside me. She told me later that I was "very graceful" as I went down. I had on a skirt which I was very thankful stayed in place.
So, I do know how Roy felt.
1 Day Down and 62 To Go....
Today was the first day of chemotherapy. It wasn't a very auspicious start...but I'm sure it will get better.
Roy, Caleb and I went to the doctor today. Caleb and I went just for a little while, but after they had checked Roy's blood presssure, taken blood, checked all the vital signs there was a slight problem. Roy passed out on us. No one was in the room except Caleb and I. He was sitting in a chair and I noticed he was not really aware of his surroundings. I started calling his name and slapping him...lightly, I assure everyone...finally I turned to Caleb and very calmly asked him if he would go get a nurse for me. Caleb was so intent on playing his DS game that he really didn't want to. By that time, the doctor had heard me, well, actually I was yelling Roy's name, and they came and we got him conscious again. There wasn't anything really wrong that they could find but it did put everyone on alert. It is amazing how many people can get into one of those little examination rooms.
After that it was decided he was still good to go for chemo. Caleb and I left to go spend our day somewhere other than that place! Everything is fine. He had driven himself there and this afternoon I went back and followed him home. He came home with one of the drugs that is a contimuous drip for 7 days. He will go back next Wednesday to have another 7 days of medicine put in his little fanny pack he has to carry around. He also came home with lot's of anti-nausea medicine. My prayer is no nausea. The fatigue is to be expected but I want him to feel good even if he is tired.
So, if you will, pray for as good a day as can be. We know this really is the beginning of the new normal for us. Up until now nothing has really affected how he has felt. I'm afraid we are really facing what can happen when he has cancer.
God is in control and He is holding our hand.
Linda
Roy, Caleb and I went to the doctor today. Caleb and I went just for a little while, but after they had checked Roy's blood presssure, taken blood, checked all the vital signs there was a slight problem. Roy passed out on us. No one was in the room except Caleb and I. He was sitting in a chair and I noticed he was not really aware of his surroundings. I started calling his name and slapping him...lightly, I assure everyone...finally I turned to Caleb and very calmly asked him if he would go get a nurse for me. Caleb was so intent on playing his DS game that he really didn't want to. By that time, the doctor had heard me, well, actually I was yelling Roy's name, and they came and we got him conscious again. There wasn't anything really wrong that they could find but it did put everyone on alert. It is amazing how many people can get into one of those little examination rooms.
After that it was decided he was still good to go for chemo. Caleb and I left to go spend our day somewhere other than that place! Everything is fine. He had driven himself there and this afternoon I went back and followed him home. He came home with one of the drugs that is a contimuous drip for 7 days. He will go back next Wednesday to have another 7 days of medicine put in his little fanny pack he has to carry around. He also came home with lot's of anti-nausea medicine. My prayer is no nausea. The fatigue is to be expected but I want him to feel good even if he is tired.
So, if you will, pray for as good a day as can be. We know this really is the beginning of the new normal for us. Up until now nothing has really affected how he has felt. I'm afraid we are really facing what can happen when he has cancer.
God is in control and He is holding our hand.
Linda
Monday, April 23, 2012
A Port of a different sort
When I think of the word "port" I don't think of what we spent 7 hrs. having done today. I think of Cartegena, Columbia, Juneau, Alaska, Tallin Estonia (thank you Stacy) or any of the other exotic ports we were priviledge to visit while cruising.
Today a port took on a different meaning. We were to be at the hospital at 11:30am for the doctor to implant a "port" into Roy's upper chest. This is to give them access for the chemotherapy drugs that start Wednesday. The implant was to start at 1:00. I am learning there is "hospital time" and time that we consider the right time..or the time they tell us to be ready. By 2:00 I was getting a little anxious to have it done. As it turned out it didn't start until 3:30. They had the wrong port and if Roy hadn't tried to impress the doctor/nurses with the name of the port they wouldn't have known it. It would have been ok but while giving the drugs it would have been a slower process. So, anyway, it is in, we were only about 3 hours later than we thought. And, Roy did not umpire. For some unknown reason he thought he could umpire 2 ball games tonight. Go figure.
I ended up leaving the hospital to just get away. It was really cold in the hospital, so I was out in the car. By the 3rd phone call from the nurse telling me what had happened I'm pretty much wondering if I would ever be "in control" of my life. I stopped and listened (if you have heard Rick's sermon Sunday...) and plainly was told that God is in control and let Him lead me. He speaks if we are willing to listen.
We are still doing well. I did suggest we go to eat after church Sunday for a last meal before chemo. I don't know if his taste will change but it was a good excuse to eat Mexican food and me not have to cook. Had a friend over for barbeque Saturday night..now if I can just work in chicken fried steak tomorrow night after we watch Shay play ball. Any excuse to get out of cooking.
God is in control and is holding our hand.
Linda
Today a port took on a different meaning. We were to be at the hospital at 11:30am for the doctor to implant a "port" into Roy's upper chest. This is to give them access for the chemotherapy drugs that start Wednesday. The implant was to start at 1:00. I am learning there is "hospital time" and time that we consider the right time..or the time they tell us to be ready. By 2:00 I was getting a little anxious to have it done. As it turned out it didn't start until 3:30. They had the wrong port and if Roy hadn't tried to impress the doctor/nurses with the name of the port they wouldn't have known it. It would have been ok but while giving the drugs it would have been a slower process. So, anyway, it is in, we were only about 3 hours later than we thought. And, Roy did not umpire. For some unknown reason he thought he could umpire 2 ball games tonight. Go figure.
I ended up leaving the hospital to just get away. It was really cold in the hospital, so I was out in the car. By the 3rd phone call from the nurse telling me what had happened I'm pretty much wondering if I would ever be "in control" of my life. I stopped and listened (if you have heard Rick's sermon Sunday...) and plainly was told that God is in control and let Him lead me. He speaks if we are willing to listen.
We are still doing well. I did suggest we go to eat after church Sunday for a last meal before chemo. I don't know if his taste will change but it was a good excuse to eat Mexican food and me not have to cook. Had a friend over for barbeque Saturday night..now if I can just work in chicken fried steak tomorrow night after we watch Shay play ball. Any excuse to get out of cooking.
God is in control and is holding our hand.
Linda
Thursday, April 19, 2012
A Step in the right direction
We are so thankful for the doctors we have been with the last two days. They seem to know what we need to hear and make us feel at ease.
Today we went back to the oncologist to set up the chemo procedures. The first thing he said was "I know you have a trip to Russia planned for July" (Our surgeon had already ok'd it). He then explained the chemo that Roy will go through. It will be 21 days straight, but only 1 day at a chemo facility, the other days will be with a fanny pack with medicine given through a port. He will do this 3 times...so a totally of 63 days..straight. But only 3 days sitting and the rest of the time doing whatever he feels he can do. Our prayer is that all the chemo will be finished by the 1st of July and he will have time to recover before we leave. Shana, Chris, Callie and Caleb will be going with us. Shana will do parenting classes with the young moms and Chris will be doing martial arts with the teens.
In the scheme of things Russia may not seem so important as Roy's health...and realistically it's not...I know that. But, it is a part of us keeping a normal life as much as possible. There are so many things that aren't going to be normal that I'm praying fervently for this trip.
The surgery that has to be done will be done as soon as we can schedule it when we get back. That's really when things will be "out of kilter" (is that a word???) for us.
So, please keep us in your prayers. He will have the port put in on Monday and chemo will start on Wednesday.
God is in control and is holding our hands
Linda
By the way...I know I keep repeating myself on some things...it's because I can't remember what I've written and I forget to reread my posts before I start writing the next one!!!
Today we went back to the oncologist to set up the chemo procedures. The first thing he said was "I know you have a trip to Russia planned for July" (Our surgeon had already ok'd it). He then explained the chemo that Roy will go through. It will be 21 days straight, but only 1 day at a chemo facility, the other days will be with a fanny pack with medicine given through a port. He will do this 3 times...so a totally of 63 days..straight. But only 3 days sitting and the rest of the time doing whatever he feels he can do. Our prayer is that all the chemo will be finished by the 1st of July and he will have time to recover before we leave. Shana, Chris, Callie and Caleb will be going with us. Shana will do parenting classes with the young moms and Chris will be doing martial arts with the teens.
In the scheme of things Russia may not seem so important as Roy's health...and realistically it's not...I know that. But, it is a part of us keeping a normal life as much as possible. There are so many things that aren't going to be normal that I'm praying fervently for this trip.
The surgery that has to be done will be done as soon as we can schedule it when we get back. That's really when things will be "out of kilter" (is that a word???) for us.
So, please keep us in your prayers. He will have the port put in on Monday and chemo will start on Wednesday.
God is in control and is holding our hands
Linda
By the way...I know I keep repeating myself on some things...it's because I can't remember what I've written and I forget to reread my posts before I start writing the next one!!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I forgot to mention
I think in the 3 paragraphs that got deleted I probably mentioned this tidbit of information..
Roy's cancer is call esophagealadenocarsinoma...which is a long word that really means this cancer is located at the base of the esophagus/stomach. It was caught in the early stages but is still a difficult type of cancer to deal with..
Roy's cancer is call esophagealadenocarsinoma...which is a long word that really means this cancer is located at the base of the esophagus/stomach. It was caught in the early stages but is still a difficult type of cancer to deal with..
A day with the doctor
I just wrote 3 paragraphs and somehow they got deleted...I'm really not good at this.
We were at the surgeons office today. If I could remember how to spell his name I'd tell who he is but it's a long name and I'm just going to call him Dr. J. We really liked him and love the fact that he talked about the miracles God has already worked in our lives...like the fact this cancer was found early. And that we are working toward a cure not just giving us more time. He gave us a lot of information and I was so thankful that Ryan was with us. He was able to listen, comprehend and explain to the sisters what is happening next....which I'm not sure I can even do now that I've had time to think about it.
We were at the surgeons office today. If I could remember how to spell his name I'd tell who he is but it's a long name and I'm just going to call him Dr. J. We really liked him and love the fact that he talked about the miracles God has already worked in our lives...like the fact this cancer was found early. And that we are working toward a cure not just giving us more time. He gave us a lot of information and I was so thankful that Ryan was with us. He was able to listen, comprehend and explain to the sisters what is happening next....which I'm not sure I can even do now that I've had time to think about it.
- We have an appointment tomorrow with the oncologist, Dr. Davis, tomorrow to determine when to start chemo. Roy will have to have a port put in and I think he is going to have 3 sessions of chemo. There will be surgery when he is finished with the chemotherapy.
How are we feeling? I think we are still in shock but both of us have an attitude of we'll do what we have to do. We will take it one day at a time. Our trust is in the Lord. He is in control and holding our hands as we make this journey.
I love all of you and appreciate the support that we have had and I know that we will continue to have.
Linda
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The night before the surgeons appointment
I can't believe I've really created a blog. I didn't particularily want to do this. I've never felt I had anything that anyone else would be interested in reading. I guess with what we are starting in our journey through Roy's illness that this is the best way to keep everyone posted.
Last Tuesday I awoke to hear Roy being really sick in the bathroom. Nothing like I had ever heard before...by the time I got to him he was out of it. It took about 30 seconds for me to get him aware of me. He wouldn't let me call 911 at the time, decided he would just go back to bed. I went to work but only stayed about an hour...came home to find he had passed out again. When he passed out the 3rd time (ok..I'm not really that slow on the uptake..but he kept saying not to call the paramedics) I called 911. When they got here his blood pressure was 78/43 and he had been bleeding internally.
One night in ICU and 2 pints of blood later, the hospital started testing. Bottom line is he has
esophagealadenocarsinoma. He had a PET SCAN today and wil see the surgeon tomorrow. We don't know what we are going to be told...all I know is I've been praying that the "mass" is gone. If not then whatever we have to deal with, we will.
God is in control and is holding our hands.
Last Tuesday I awoke to hear Roy being really sick in the bathroom. Nothing like I had ever heard before...by the time I got to him he was out of it. It took about 30 seconds for me to get him aware of me. He wouldn't let me call 911 at the time, decided he would just go back to bed. I went to work but only stayed about an hour...came home to find he had passed out again. When he passed out the 3rd time (ok..I'm not really that slow on the uptake..but he kept saying not to call the paramedics) I called 911. When they got here his blood pressure was 78/43 and he had been bleeding internally.
One night in ICU and 2 pints of blood later, the hospital started testing. Bottom line is he has
esophagealadenocarsinoma. He had a PET SCAN today and wil see the surgeon tomorrow. We don't know what we are going to be told...all I know is I've been praying that the "mass" is gone. If not then whatever we have to deal with, we will.
God is in control and is holding our hands.
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