From the Back Deck-New Zealand Style

Hey guys! 

This is gonna be short, but very sweet! As most of you know, Jim and I ran away to New Zealand for a few days. Flights went very well and exhausted Jim, just as we expected. He is not doing great, but pretty good. Had a pretty busy day yesterday (Saturday here) and we have just stayed "home" today to rest. 

It is absolutely beautiful! I am going to send a few pictures if I can figure it out. May not have Internet access again, so want to share a bit while I can. Thank you for your prayers love to you all!

Remember

Today I'll start by saying I am going to ramble for a while so you may want to just ignore me. :) The beauty of the Internet is you can go on and on, pouring out your soul, and a dear friend or family member or a total stranger may or may not read it. You'll never know, but you get to speak your mind, nevertheless. :)

To begin, I will get to the true reason for this blog, how Jim is doing. He has not felt very good lately. We saw the doctor today and they have changed some of his prescriptions to try to alleviate some of his nausea and pain. In addition to his treatments, he will also come in every few days for a bit for some extra fluids. They think it will help with some of his fatigue and appetite loss. Fingers crossed!
As we all know, at times it's easier to get bogged down in our troubles than it is to "remember" to be thankful. I am struggling pretty hard at the time with feeling sorry for myself. However, there is so much to be thankful for. I don't even know where to begin with all that goes through my mind. What I do know is God is good and there's no one who's more blessed than I.

There are countless ways to be thankful in all circumstances. When things go wrong, it really opens your eyes to all the good around you. You have to let go of all the little things that before seemed so important and suddenly you are aware of what REALLY matters. (I will also add that sometimes a tiny thing can seem catastrophic. :] ) You learn to let go and lean on those who love you and you realize they have always been there waiting to help in any way. You get to hear people say they love you and say it to them without it feeling awkward. Why do we make it awkward? We all need love and prayers, in good and bad times. You allow things that can wait to do so and you take care of what needs to be. This is just a tiny few things that seem to be on my mind. I would also add, being sick exposes you to a whole world of people who have chosen to care for those unfortunate souls who are not well. Their concern and compassion for you is sometimes unbelievable. Jim's nurse, Lisa, is an angel on Earth. She hurts when we hurt and cries when we get bad news, but she's also our number one cheerleader and always greets us with encouragement and a smile. The people in this clinic spend each day watching people struggle with this wicked disease called cancer. And yet, they seldom don't have a smile on their faces. I'm here to tell you, that's a miracle folks! 

Our Thanksgiving was pretty rough. Jim didn't feel good most of time and we cut our visit a little short. But it was so wonderful to have our girls with us and to spend time with friends we don't see too often. I'm also very thankful my Momma and family was able to spend Thanksgiving with my brother Gene and his wife. My nephew Josh and his family came from Texas. We don't get to see them much, so it was great to get in a short visit. It's always so good to step away from everyday life and enjoy just being with those you hold close to your heart. It would be better for all of us if we took the time to do it more often.

As always, thank you for loving us. We love you too!

P.S. I told you it was a rambling kind of day. Please ignore my many errors! :)

A Lot To Take In

This conversation between my daughters says so much more than all of the information I am about to add to this post. So, as you read, please pray for us to keep Tae's sweet words close to our hearts. Sometimes it is very hard to remain strong, even when you know God's promises. The here and now can be a scary and exhausting place, no matter how "tough" you try to be.

I don't know how to begin so I guess I will just try to turn off my emotions and lay it all out for you. Be forgiving of my grammatical/usage mistakes. I'm sure there are many!

Jim had scans and we met with his doctor earlier this week and the news was not good. Just to recap from a few months ago, his results showed only growth in his liver so we went to Tulsa to do radiation specifically for that. That was a two-step procedure in August and September. The outcome has turned out not to be positive. His latest tests show increased, as well as new growth in his liver. Additionally, he now has some nodules in one lung, as well as some cancerous lymph nodes in his abdomen.  So not good news, but we will just keep on keepin' on as they say.

They have started him on another regimen of chemotherapy. It is one that he has had in the past, but they are giving it to him in a different way and with some other medicines. The last time he got it, the side effects weren't too severe so he is giving it a try. If he tolerates it okay, he'll continue this over an eight week period. At that time, they will do scans again.

We can only pray that his body responds well. He has some pain and a lot of fatigue, but remains very determined to fight. And, as you all know, he is a very determined man!

As always, love to you all!

Blessedly Uneventful (by our standards)

Happy midweek, everybody! It's been much quieter around here since our unexpected visit to the ER week before last. Jim has had some pretty good days, all things considered. Many people have asked for specific things for which to pray. Jim's biggest complaint has been no energy. I know this seems like a little thing considering everything he's going through, but to feel like you've had the flu and are too weak to do even everyday tasks can begin to wear on you. He remains determined and positive for whatever lies ahead, but to get out and be "busy" would really lift his spirits. It's such a blessing to know that you are out there being "warriors" on our behalf. Much love!

P.S. Be sure to take time to enjoy the "fall revue" God has put on display for YOU! :)

Sometimes You Can't Help But Wonder Why

Well, guys, we are officially beyond two years now since Jim was diagnosed. Two years ago last week, doctor's confirmed with a colonoscopy what they already knew to be true. It's certainly not been a walk in the park, but PRAISE GOD he has maintained his health very well considering the furious battle going on within his body. We have made so many memories and passed milestones along the way that are so very precious.

On September 27, Jim had the radiation treatment to the right lobe of his liver in Tulsa. It's called Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) for those of you who are inquisitive, like me.  :) He has reacted just like they said he would. Already had no energy from the first round in late August, which has now compounded to extreme fatigue. Other than that, no pain and decent appetite, etc. Then, out of nowhere, last Wednesday morning he wakes me in extreme pain. Away we head to the ER, concerned that the radiation could have "leaked" into places it shouldn't be. Thankfully (difficult to be thankful!), it ended up being kidney stones of all things! So, last week was one we are all glad to have behind us! :)

He will continue with a non-chemotherapy treatment weekly while we wait to find out the effective of the radiation.  Doctors say it takes about two months after last radiation treatment to get a true reading.

Just thought I would give an update since a couple of weeks have passed since my last post. Between radiation treatments, in September, we took a fast run out to Colorado with my brother Bud. When I slow down long enough, I will post a few pictures of our journey. 

We hope all of you are well! Much love to each of you! God Bless!

Round two!

We made it to Tulsa just fine last night. We decided neither of us wanted to fight rush hour traffic before being at the hospital all day. :) I don't know what their regular rates are, as they gave us the hospital discount, but I would recommend Fairfield Inn Woodland Hills to anyone needing to stay in Tulsa. Very friendly staff and clean rooms both times we've stayed there. 

As with most medical visits, we have been here and there so I have been working on this little post all day'! Jim is now finished up and getting ready to go home. Everything went according to plan; even a little ahead of schedule. How often does that happen?

I'll end for now with a beautiful sculpture in the lobby of the hospital. Hopefully, it comes through (iPad not cooperating; will do pic at home). Love to you all!


Vicky

Feels Like the Flu

As I'm sure you're assuming by now, we arrived home this last Tuesday night, safe and sound. Everything went exactly according to plan. Jim flew through the procedure with flying colors; just like he seems to do with each new thing they try. He continues to amaze me with how well he handles all that his body is being subjected to. He slept well through the night (I did not!) and woke up feeling pretty good. The whole house had a better night's sleep last night. :)

He started feeling pretty yucky yesterday afternoon. They had said he would feel as though he had the flu. This will last for several days and then he should start to get his energy back. This morning, he feels better than last night, so hopefully he's already on the mend.

It's unbelievable what your body can endure. He can only have close contact with people for short periods of time. Other than that, they must stay six or more feet away. It's hard to comprehend how someone can handle these "poisons" in their own body whenever others shouldn't be near it.

They did his right lobe first and we will return on Thursday, September 27, to do the left. At that point, it becomes somewhat of a waiting game to see the results. Doctors say it takes about 2-3 months to truly see what's been accomplished. We meet with his local oncologist this next week to go over everything. I'm sure, like all doctor's visits, more will be revealed as time goes on.

As always, we can't thank you enough for all the prayers and wonderful words of encouragement. They help us so much to stay focused on hope, rather than fear. I thank God for each and every one of you. I will close today with a quote from Good Morning America's Robin Roberts. She is a celebrity, but more importantly, she is a strong person who is willing to share her experiences with others. I am impressed with her openness and compassion for others. Have a blessed day!

We love you!

"Life provides losses and heartbreak for all of us - but the greatest tragedy is to have the experience and miss the meaning."

Round #1

Just a quick note to say we are heading out in the morning for Tulsa to do the first of two procedures. Expecting nothing but good things! We'll be home again tomorrow night. I'll update in a day or so to let you know how things are going. Love to you all!

"Be Patient" Ha!

I told you I would need your patience. A few people have emailed, etc., that they couldn't leave a comment. Well, I think I have it fixed. There was a setting that needed to be changed so anyone can comment. I believe it's set so that you can leave it anonymously or with your name. Don't hold me to that, but I think it is! Have a blessed day!

It's A Go!

Last Friday's appointment to "map" Jim's arteries proved to be successful. :) We go back on Tuesday, August 28, to do the first radiation procedure. They will do first lobe, then wait about a month to do the second.

Glad for a little bit of "Autumn" in the air! Hope all is well with everyone out there. Will keep you posted. Much love and we hope to see a few of you this Sunday at Crosses Creek Decoration!

Reasoning Behind it All!

After much thought, I decided creating a blog might be the easiest way to keep everyone updated on Jim and how things are going with all of us in general. We think of all of you so often, but don't necessarily stay in touch on a regular basis. Hopefully, this will help with sharing information on how Jim is doing, as well as some of our family adventures from time to time. I really have no idea what I'm doing, so be patient with me. :)  Also, if you're not into it, please feel free to ignore (or delete. Again, not sure how this works.)

It may seem strange to you (since I'm such a "talker"), but I am apprehensive about getting started. I over analyze each thing I write, erase it and write something different. So.... as you're reading, please cut me some slack for errors, etc. It serves me right for being so critical of others' writing! Ha!

Now, to the main reason for the blog in the first place; an update on Jim. His last scans showed some enlargement and some new growth in his liver, but thank God, his lungs are now showing no tumor activity. This makes him a candidate for what's called "Yttrium Spheres". It is basically localized radiation "seeds" implanted directly into his liver, which can be more effective since it doesn't have to travel throughout your body. Like most medical stuff, we'll know more as we go along, but we travel to Tulsa this Friday, the 17th, for the preliminary stuff in prep for the actual procedure. They will basically run dye to "map" the arteries so they can insure that radiation goes where they want it to. The first of two procedures will take about a week and a half later. Other than some fatigue and just feeling yucky for a few days there's not a lot of side effects with these treatments. I will post more as we know it.

We are so grateful for all of your love, prayers and support! We will never be able to repay all the kindness each of you have shown us. Much love to you all!

Testing, Testing!

So, Jim says, "Are you still working on that?" Yes, I suppose, I am.  Not quite as easy as I thought it would be. Either that, or I'm getting old. Ha!