Wednesday, April 29, 2009

No News

This morning Paul drank some berry flavored magic for his CT scan. This magical drink is supposed to help them read the scan therefore he had to drink it before going to the office. I haven't ever tasted this berry flavored magic, but I am sure it isn't the best tasting stuff. The taste didn't seem to bother him too much, he guzzled it like a glass of refreshing cold water on a hot summer day. After this magical drink filled his insides we went to the doctors office so he could have this highly anticipated scan. The nurse called his name and he went back for the CT scan while I waited in the waiting area. It wasn't much more than about 15 minutes and he was back and we were on our way home. We didn't get any news today nor will we tomorrow, or even the next day. We learned that the "results" from the scan will be given at Paul's next appointment, one week from today. I am not sure why I thought we would hear something today, I guess I want instant results. But I am reminded it is in His timing, so with that I will be patient for the results until next Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Are we on the right track?

Day 7 of treatment 4 and again things are looking up. Now we come to the question..are we on the right track? Tomorrow Paul goes back to the doctor for a CT scan - this is to check the cancer growth. If the tumor has not grown, then the chemotherapy treatments are successful. I must trust in Him, but I must admit it is difficult not to let nervousness and worry in my heart. I am not sure when we will hear results, but I will share them with you when they come.

Thank you for continuing to read our blog and praying for our family. Our Journey is much easier knowing we have your support and prayers behind us. We may never know exactly why we are experiencing this chapter in our life, but I do know I feel extremely blessed to have your support in Our Journey.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Yard work

I wish days one through five weren't such a struggle, but I am so glad we can look forward to the good days that are ahead!

It was a busy weekend. My mom (Gigi) came in on Saturday to spend the weekend with us and Trevor had an inline hockey mini camp. He had a great time and learned a lot, boy is he tired though. Paul was tired this weekend also, he slept and ate, slept and ate, slept and ate. I am so glad he was able to get in some much needed rest. He is a sneaky fellow though...when the girls, Gigi, and I went to watch Trevor at hockey camp....Paul mowed the lawn. Don't worry, even though we were all away, our neighbor caught him mowing and told him he should be resting. (Way to go M!) When I pulled in the driveway returning from hockey, I realized it was his plan all along. Get us away from the house so he could do one of his favorite things...mow the lawn.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Chemo Infusion #4 Over!

Paul had chemo #4 Wednesday. It has been almost 2 months since diagnosis and even though he has chemotherapy side effects, his pain is much better now than before he started chemotherapy.

During his appointment, he and Dr. E discussed the different side effects Paul experiences; from neuropathy, gout, nausea, to several other annoying things. At this time the plan is to leave all his medications the same, everything seem to be managed as well as can be expected at this point.

After his appointment he went to get his chemo infusion, which was around 3 1/2 hours this time. It is calming to see the faces that have grown familiar to us, the faces of other patients that are always getting their infusions at the same time. Paul likes to sit in the same chair everytime for his infusion, just as many other patients do.

TGIF, tomorrow he goes in to get his chemo pump disconnected and we begin looking to the weekend. I pray for a restful and relaxing weekend.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Our truck stop story – an amazing experience

Recently, during our travels to the OKC Zoo, we had a very interesting experience. We stopped between Amarillo and Oklahoma City at a truck stop. We know the place, because we have stopped there before. We even camped close by once. They have a good restaurant and clean restrooms; and we were need of both at this point in the trip.

So we stopped and went inside amidst the rain and storms outside. We walked through the gift shop entry and into the restaurant. It was a seat yourself restaurant and we chose the table in the far back corner, a nice big round corner booth to fit the five of us perfectly. Paul particularly thought this was an excellent spot since it was away from the outside doors, where the cold humid air might blow in.

Even though the choices on the menu looked wonderful, we all decided to eat from the buffet. Paul and I took turns making trips to the buffet filling kids plates as well as our own. On one of Paul’s walks back to the table, he was stopped by a middle aged, clean-cut man who was eating and working on his laptop.

The man politely asked Paul if he could buy our children dessert. Paul was caught off guard by this kind request, but as many fathers would say, he explained that he would see if his children ate a good dinner first.

When Paul returned to the table, he was obviously afraid of what this man may attempt to do. He explained to our children that they were NOT to leave the table unless Momma or Daddy were with them. He then proceeded to tell me about the odd encounter. He told me that people don’t do things like that these days. I told him maybe some do, at least I would like to think so.

Paul and I discussed the fact that dessert was included in the buffet, so if the man came by again…we would kindly say no; their dessert was included in the price of their dinner. We went on eating our meal.

Since this was a truck stop, it was a fairly busy place. Because the pouring rain outside, many people didn’t seem to be in a big hurry to leave. Most tables had just one or two people, many working on their laptops. We enjoyed our dinner as we watched others enjoy their dinner around us.

After eating our dinner, the kids and I even got dessert. It was still pouring outside, and the storm didn't appear to be letting up. We were finishing up dessert when we looked up and the gentleman stranger was standing at the end of our table.

He called himself “Uncle Robert”, and he explained he wanted to take Daddy and the kids to the gift shop just outside the restaurant and buy the kids a special treat. He said that if it was okay with me, that he would leave me at our table and I could watch over our things as well as keeping on eye his belongings. I looked and he had left his laptop, phone and a bag all sitting in the booth where he was sitting. Paul was right, this is not something you would typically go for, but the man seemed genuine and for some reason we trusted him.

So Paul, the kids, and “Uncle Robert” went to the gift shop area while I sat back at our round corner booth. I turned and had my legs off the side of the booth so I could see Uncle Robert's stuff as well as the hopes of possibly getting a glimpse of my family in the gift shop. I sat there, turned to the side, for what seemed like a long time. It was long enough for the lady truck driver in the next booth to strike up a conversation with me. All the time, I was keeping an eye on this stranger’s belongings and watching my family pass by the door a few times.

Everything appeared to be okay, but I kept questioning myself and whether this was the right thing to do. I even tried to send Paul a text message at one point, but with NO signal strength because of the weather, my text message didn’t even send for a few minutes. I said a little prayer and tried to remain patient for my family to return.

Finally, here they all come, Paul, the kids, and this stranger that called himself Uncle Robert. The kids were excited – they had stuffed animals, a doll, snacks, stickers and even a bike license plate. I wish I could’ve taken a picture at that time. The kids all gave the stranger a high five and he went back to his table and back to work on his laptop.

Yes, we broke the rules, we took gifts from a stranger, but it seemed different. This stranger didn’t seem so strange. All we know about the giving stranger inside the truck stop.... His name is Robert. He has never had a family and regrets that. Although he is on the road a lot driving a truck, he calls Nashville, TN home. He told Paul he understands how hard it must be to raise a family now and thanked Paul for letting him buy something for our kids.

We paid for our dinner and went back into the rain to load up in the car and finish our drive to Oklahoma City. As we drove away, Paul and I looked at each other astonished at what had just happened. We began to discuss what the meaning of it was, and what lesson we were supposed to learn from it. As we drove through the rain, we never came to a conclusion, but felt certain God had that encounter in His plan. Was it a random act of kindness, a Good Samaritan, or an Angel perhaps? We don't know. We just smile knowing it is the work of the Lord. We know He is going to get us through this terrible disease called cancer. And…we know He loves us and He loves you too!!

We did it! OKC Zoo!




Our plan worked out. I am so excited to share it with you. Friday after work we packed our bags and headed to Oklahoma City! We arrived there late and were able to get a decent nights rest in the hotel. After breakfast on Saturday, the kids and I enjoyed lots of fun in the hotel pool while Paul, Papa Boots, and Kathy watched (and sometimes plugged their ears from all the screaming!) The pool was a lot of fun especially since Uncle Jeff, Grace and Ema joined us. After the swimming experience, we cleaned up and made a trip to the OKC zoo. The zoo was an incredible adventure, it had been about 4 years since we had been there, and they have made some great improvements. We took in the zoo experience for about five hours and didn’t even get to see it all! We rode the tram around the zoo once, but we spent the rest of the time walking (and sitting when we could!) around the zoo and seeing all the creatures our eyes could explore. It was a fun time being with family and getting to enjoy the many creatures. Uncle Jeff even tried to convince Trevor that the zoo had an invisible cat! Hehe! Oklahoma City has a great zoo – not too far from home and an entire day of fun. In fact, it was rated one of the top 5 zoos for kids by Child Magazine.

Paul did wonderful on the trip. Although it was tiring, he had a great time at the zoo with the kids. He was able to get some much needed extra rest on Sunday. It is uncommon for him to let me drive, but on Sunday he let me drive home. I hate to say it, but he got a little car sick (I would like to think it WASN’T my driving!). Thanks for reading and begin praying about Chemo #4, it is Wednesday!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Cabresto Lake

The picture of Paul under the PD label on the left is from our camping trip last July. We have a travel trailer and enjoy leaving the hustle and bustle to enjoy nature. At this point in our lives we don’t really travel far, just far enough to enjoy spending the time together as a family. Typically spring, summer and fall are filled with lots of trips in the travel trailer…the kids really enjoy it (and so do we!)

Many of you may have been to Red River, but if you haven’t ever taken the drive to Cabresto Lake; it is a drive worth taking. It is about 6 miles from Questa to the mountainous road that takes you to the lake. The final 2 miles you follow a rocky, narrow and winding road that guides you through the forest. This road can be a little nerve racking at times (ask Britsy!), but when the road ends…you see the beautiful Cabresto Lake.


I cannot even begin to share the beauty of this place. I truly believe all God’s country is beautiful, but this place is breathtaking.

On this trip last July, we hiked around the lake taking in some spectacular views. The kids were able to throw rocks in the water and we enjoyed a nice picnic before going back to our campground.

Although I haven’t ever actually heard Paul say it…he enjoys taking these forest roads, and the rest of us just grit our teeth during the drive knowing there is a beautiful sight at the end of the road. If you ever want to go but are afraid of the mountain road—take Paul, he loves it!

I can’t believe it – it’s Friday and Paul will be going back for Chemo #4 on Wednesday. At this point (day 10 of each cycle), he is feeling pretty good. So good, in fact, that we hope to get out of the house this weekend to do something fun. I am hoping it all works out. If it does, feel certain I will tell you all about it!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Medical Terminology Introduction

If many of you are like me…there is a lot we don’t know or don’t understand about the field of medicine. I am about to attempt to explain one of Paul’s biggest chemotherapy side effects. If anyone with medical training notices that I have not explained this correctly – please leave me a comment or let me know personally so I can correct it! I don’t have ANY medical training, so this is truly a view in laymen’s terms.

Neuropathy
One of Paul’s biggest side effects is Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Although Paul's is because of his chemotherapy, neuropathy can also be experienced by people that are NOT going through chemotherapy. From what I understand it is not uncommon in diabetes patients.

Basically one of the chemo medications has affected Paul’s peripheral nerves. Therefore he experiences some of the symptoms of neuropathy; such as tingling, numbness, pain (particularly in the hands and/or feet) and numbness around his mouth. This is where Paul’s sensitivity to cold comes in. For days 1-6 of each round, the cold is especially bothersome, (more than bothersome, painful) – from touching something cold, washing his hands in cold water, to having cold drinks and treats. Sometimes to the point that even room temperature food or drinks are too cold. Days 7-14 are better, but he still wears his gloves nearly 24 hours a day. The gloves are an amazing God send, they help more than anyone could imagine. Although his neuropathy is annoying, it is not extremely painful at this point. In which case...it is not being treated by any medicine at this time.

That is all, my explanation in a nutshell. If you would like more information, feel free to "google" it, or check it out here.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Easter pics!

Here is a pic of Daddy with Peyton, Trevor and Kesleigh at church on Sunday! They are all smiles sitting on his lap.

Monday was another day of gout for Paul. He used his medical boot when he had to be up and around. After a call to Dr. E; he is on something different for his gout pain and swelling. As of this morning, it seems to be helping. He is even trying to make it through today without his medical boot!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter!

Easter is such a special time...a glorious holiday. Easter weekend always makes me think of when I met Paul, 14 years ago on Easter weekend. We met through friends on Thursday evening, I was drawn in by his calm, caring spirit. Even though we didn't see each other again for a few weeks...I couldn't wait until our paths would cross again so I could have the opportunity to get know him better. Our love developed and we have truly enjoyed our lives together.

It is a beautiful day. For those of you that come to Hillside Christian Church with us, you were able to see us and many others share our testimony about our journey. A very moving event. It is exciting to see how He has made changes in so many lives. Thanks to everyone for all the encouraging words you have given us.

Now about Paul...he is in day 5 of round 3. Today is much better than day 5 of round 2. He is tired, so we are enjoying this beautiful day resting. Resting and enjoying company of family and friends.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Chemo #3 and a little window peek

Well infusion #3 is over! I am thankful Paul has another treatment “under his belt”. Not only did he get a new infusion med, but also he is going to try a different med for nausea. Hopefully it will help him through the rough days and not cause him to be so sleepy.

All in all, I will say it was a good day. Paul didn’t seem to mind the extra hour and a half. He filled his time watching a movie and a couple of his favorite tv shows, surfing the net, listening to music and eating lunch with his wonderful wife :). With all that entertainment, it went by fairly quickly for him. The next chemo will be 3½ hours instead of the 4 hours he had this time. We are thankful that it will be shorter, but it isn’t a terrible experience – the days that follow are more difficult than chemo day itself.

He wasn’t finished until after Peyton was out of school. I picked up Peyton from school and the two of us went to pick up Daddy from chemo. Since she is too young to go in the chemo room…we walked around the building and peeked in at him. I’m sure we surprised everyone at first, they probably aren't used to window peepers, but she was excited to see the chemo room – even if it could only be from the outside looking in! She got a big wave and a smile from Daddy and in turn she gave him a big smile and wave back.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Anticipation

Today I am full of anxiety and anticipation. Paul has another doctor appointment and chemo treatment today. I am hoping we hear results on the foot xray. Was it normal? Then today he is starting a new infusion med. This medication will add another hour and a half to his chemo time, so I am guessing today will be around 5 hours at the office.

We have been able to see a pattern in the days following chemo, but adding something new into the mix...might change everything. As many of you may have experienced in your own lives, entering into a new thing can make a person anxious. I am not sure if Paul is as anxious as I am, he has such a positive outlook on everything, I thank God for that. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers today.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Windy weekend

We had a wonderful weekend. Trevor finished up his winter inline hockey season -- believe me, he is proud of the metal. We left the hockey rink and Amarillo was covered in brown haze, the wind was horrible. We chose not to fight the wind on Saturday (over 60 mph at times!); so we spent the most part of the day in the house.

Sunday was much cooler...and still windy. Combined cold and wind, makes for another miserable day outside. Boy am I ready for beautiful spring days.

Paul is feeling great and looking great! I love weekends that he is doing so well. Although he felt good -- we didn't really do anything exciting. Just enjoyed a nice relaxing weekend.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Good Friends

Yesterday, Paul was able to have dinner with some old friends (relax guys...I'm not referring to you as old, but I am referring to your friendship as "developed a long time ago") I'm not really sure what these friends discussed at dinner, but Paul did say there were times he was laughing so hard he was nearly in tears! (I missed the photo opportunity, you guys are gonna have to do it again!)

I must say, one thing we are truly blessed with...is friends. I know you and everyone else that reads this blog--reads because you care about us. I am so thankful for all of you, without all your kind friendships and prayers -- this journey would be a struggle. Because of all you, we are able to keep our strength and our faith; and one day we can close the door on this fight and open the door to survivorship.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Upswing

Yesterday, the Wednesday after chemo, things begin getting better again. His appetite is better, so I believe in turn makes him have more energy. I just hope that spring will come to West Texas and stay...these cold spells need to go away! Today Paul is layered in clothing to keep himself warm. If that is what it takes, that is what he'll do! If he stays on the upswing, we are definitely going to enjoy the next six days!