Detour Ahead

Well, after 2 cycles of treatment the doctor is not seeing the results he'd like to be seeing. Even though the drug that was selected was more slow-acting and typically it takes four cycles to see a good result - the markers after 2 cycles suggested we not wait and take a different course. Angie's been experiencing much abdominal discomfort and pain for several weeks, in fact in the past week she's had a procedure twice to drain fluid from her abdomen. This is fluid that is created by the disease, the hope is that the new drugs of choice will start working much quicker and relieve her of this discomfort. The new regiment is 2 weeks on, 1 week off - today is the first session and we'll be back next Thursday (3/26) for part 2 of this cycle. Not sure how many cycles at this point - much will depend on the results. Yesterday was Kyle's 18th Birthday, it's hard for us to believe he's no longer a boy - and now a man! We're so proud of him, we just wish the circumstances would have afforded him a better celebration - but he took it in stride as he always does - he has great character and has been a real trooper. The ironic thing about the day, he had a presentation in his Economics class that day. It required him to wear a dress shirt and tie, so he started his first day as a man - just like a man! He's so sentimental, he had mixed emotions about turning 18 - part of him wanted to hold onto that youth. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we maneuver through this detour.

Chinese Happy Tree

You probably are thinking things are not going well because there's been no update posted - actually - nothing could be further from the truth.  I have bounced back from this surgery so well - I'm even surprising myself.  Very little discomfort and pain and I've been pretty much back to the normal routine for almost  a week now.   Within 4 days of surgery, we had both sets of parents in town from SOCAL - we enjoyed the visits - my parents drove back Saturday, Jerry's dad flew home Monday and his mom stayed with us through this past Sunday (Jan 11).  Jerry's mom was not only a tremendous help around the house - but a great companion to have around - it's only been a few days without her and I miss her lots.  Some members of my ladies bible study all got together and provided us meals every other day for the first week and a half - what a blessing they ar!  I've also had a couple visits from my close friend Shelly, and as always cards/letters almost daily from my dearest friend Cheryl.  They both have been great friends to me throughout this whole ordeal - always providing tremendous encouragement.  If you can believe it, I even actually went out last Friday and saw a movie with Jerry's mom (Slumdog Millionaire - I highly recommend it), then got up the following morning and hit the garage sale circuit.   This past Sunday we attended church and while I was bummed that Pastor Jamie was not in the pulpit, there was a guest speaker who I was obviously suppose to hear.  Dave Dravecky was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants who lost his left arm (throwing arm) to cancer.  What a powerful testimony he shared , I'm posting a link to his message should you care to hear it for yourself click here .    Today we had our POST-OP appointment and met with Dr. Janicek.  He was pleased with how well everything was healing, and very impressed with how well I've bounced back.  We discussed the next treatment plan and I'll be using an Herbal-based chemo this time - it comes from the CHINESE HAPPY TREE.  The side effects are nothing like last time (no hair loss, no aches and pains and very easy on the stomach) - however it does require closer monitoring of the blood work - specifically the bone marrow.  The treatment plan is once a week for 3 weeks then a week off, each treatment is ONLY 30 MINUTES (WOO HOO).   I'll have six 3-week cycles.  Keep praying to the Good Lord for great results.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - she's home

Angie was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon, a day earlier than expected. She's doing fabulous - spirits and energy high - both sets of parents are here and surrounding here with love.

A VERY GOOD day - home tomorrow?

A 2-lap of the floor walk, upgrade to solid food diet (Turkey sandwich for dinner) and all tubes (IV and catheter) removed.  The day started with a visit to radiology to get her port re-installed for chemo - very smooth procedure.  The doctor visited early evening and indicted that all things point to a discharge tomorrow (Thursday).   A bottle of sparkling cider and two plastic champagne flutes to usher in 2009!

A little nutrition and a short walk

She had a liquid meal this evening, some chicken broth and a couple bites of jello.  Then she had a sponge bath and walked the floor (one lap).  Her parents are heading this way tomorrow for a visit, then my parents come in on Friday.   Appreciate all the responses from all of you - it really lifts her spirits.

A restless night for her

She had a somewhat restless night, lots of abdominal pain as you can imagine.  She mentioned to the nurse about 5 am that she's somewhat panicked to fall asleep that she might stop breathing - the nurse assured her that with the oxygen and all the monitors she was hooked up to that they would know if she stopped breathing and there really was no reason to fear.  After that she was able to get a good stretch of sleep.  She's very much herself this morning and already making plans to sit up today and maybe even attempt to walk a bit.  

She's in recovery

I just s/w Dr. Janciek - he felt good about what he was able to accomplish and mentioned he'd like to get her on chemo in the next couple weeks so we can begin to get ahead of the disease and get her back on the road to remission.  He expects she'll be in the hospital until Friday (Jan 2) - more to follow as she recovers.