Hi everyone,
Thanks for thinking about us. We had our whirlwind tour of Southern Illinois over the weekend, returning last night. Alto Pass is where my Dad's family lives, except for the Dad and his portion of the family, that moved to Pontiac Michigan in the 30's. After taking my Dad and Brother Dennis to Alto Pass (south of Carbondale) in 2001 we have gone back to the family picnic twice, including this year. It was very moving to see the places my Dad called home, and to meet some very wonderful people, all related some how to me.
We had the pleasure of meeting Evelyn this year, a breast cancer survivor. She had great words of encouragement for Deb. We will miss Tempa and Raymond, first cousins to my Dad, who left us this past year. We miss most Melvin, who taught us a lot about being friends and showed us the pleasures of gardening when we were there last. I know his wife Joan, and all the family miss his humor, and his love.
Perhaps I'm taking this blog thing too far, as now I've given it to our benefits department at work and a wonderful person at Blue Cross who is most helpful with figuring out the medical bills for us. It continues to amaze me how many people say they are praying for us, because such a volume of prayer will surly speed to God on the wings of his angels.
Deb is doing well with the exception of acid reflux and fatigue. She seems to be a bit more tired as this goes on, but we expected that to be the case. She continues to face all the treatment, knowing surgery will come soon, followed by more chemotherapy and radiation. She could be depressed but she is an inspiration with her patience and perseverance. Plus she looks so cool with all the various hats and wraps.
Reflect upon your present blessings - of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.Charles Dickens
We are very glad to know our friend Danny has now entered the monitoring phase. He and Marge will now concentrate on keeping his weight up (boy, do I wish I had that issue) and healing as he has a check up and blood work in six months.
So, we are at another way point. Deb has chemo next week, and after that the doctors will decide the next step. As we wait, we are buoyed by the love and prayers of so many of you, our friends and family. Remember my mom in your prayers, as she waits for our Lord to come for her. Her road hasn't been easy, and she has amazed the health care workers with her ability to hang on here, but there must still be something for her to do, before she leaves.
Remember those who you love, but perhaps haven't seen or spoken with in a while. With so much death around us, celebrate life with a phone call or a letter to someone. Make their day special, and your's will be special too!
Don’t let death be your cure for procrastination.
God Bless all,
Dan
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Goodbye to Sebastian
Hi everyone, and Happy Father's Day!
It was four years June 5Th that my dad left us. I suspect that every father's day will bring the memory of his passing to me and the rest of the family. Oh, by the way, if you're looking for something good to read, consider picking up a copy of "For One More Day" by Mitch Albom. It's a terrific book about spending one more day with a departed parent.
Deb had her third chemo on Thursday. She was very tired on Thursday night and Friday, so she didn't go with Sebastian and me to Chicago, but rather stayed home and rested. Friday was her birthday and so when Sebastian and I came home we had Ben Thomas over and did some great steaks on the grill.
Deb was still tired on Sunday morning and missed church. Nothing too much different about the chemo experience this time, and a sense of routine starts to build.
The next chemo is July 3rd so we will see after that how the tumor has responded. I believe the doctors are intentionally vague so that patients and their families are not holding unrealistic expectations. So much of this treatment depends on how the individual patient reacts, and then adjustments are made on the fly. I expect that if the tumor has shrunk, surgery will be scheduled to remove it. That will be followed by chemo and perhaps radiation.
It was an emotional weekend anyway with Sebastian leaving on Saturday for Germany and his family. His flight left O'Hare about 2:30pm and was scheduled to arrive around 6am in Munich, about 11pm Chicago time. He wrote to say he arrived very tired and still battling the cough he had for about two weeks before going home.
He had just returned from Philadelphia where he spent a week with daughter Erin and her husband Rob. He saw New York City, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, with lots of history including ground zero, the Statue of Liberty and all of the monuments in D.C. We are very thankful to Erin and Rob for taking the time and making the effort to host Sebastian.
I took Friday off and we went to the Sears Tower to really see Chicago. We had lunch at Blackies and visited my office to see the really important people in my life, or at least that's what they asked me to say.
Looking back on having Sebastian makes me glad he was here and grateful for showing me what having a son (I have three daughters) would have been like. He was really a treasure to have. Good student, helpful and dependable. I think I still favor the daughters. No competition for the TV remote, the PC or the chips :).
Deb is missing him. I know we will miss having a new student but it will be easier not having one this next year until Deb's health is more certain.
Deb's sister Anita had all the family over for Father's day today. It was a great time, as usual. Kathi and Erin called to wish me a happy father's day and happy birthday tomorrow.
We are going to southern Illinois next weekend for the Harrell family reunion.
Finally, I feel like we have received a special blessing from God because of all of your prayers and good wishes. Your cards and notes are so precious. Deb seems visibly lifted by the outpouring of love she receives every day. There is a lot of stress in our lives right now, but we feel so blessed to have good friends helping us.
Please consider praying for Danny, our friend who is still battling cancer and the effects of radiation. There are so many people for whom cancer is a lonely battle, as they are old or without friends or family. Please pause a moment to remember them with a special prayer. Ask God in all his mercy to heal and comfort them, for we know he is the Great Physician and His love endures forever.
God Bless You All.
Dan
It was four years June 5Th that my dad left us. I suspect that every father's day will bring the memory of his passing to me and the rest of the family. Oh, by the way, if you're looking for something good to read, consider picking up a copy of "For One More Day" by Mitch Albom. It's a terrific book about spending one more day with a departed parent.
Deb had her third chemo on Thursday. She was very tired on Thursday night and Friday, so she didn't go with Sebastian and me to Chicago, but rather stayed home and rested. Friday was her birthday and so when Sebastian and I came home we had Ben Thomas over and did some great steaks on the grill.
Deb was still tired on Sunday morning and missed church. Nothing too much different about the chemo experience this time, and a sense of routine starts to build.
The next chemo is July 3rd so we will see after that how the tumor has responded. I believe the doctors are intentionally vague so that patients and their families are not holding unrealistic expectations. So much of this treatment depends on how the individual patient reacts, and then adjustments are made on the fly. I expect that if the tumor has shrunk, surgery will be scheduled to remove it. That will be followed by chemo and perhaps radiation.
It was an emotional weekend anyway with Sebastian leaving on Saturday for Germany and his family. His flight left O'Hare about 2:30pm and was scheduled to arrive around 6am in Munich, about 11pm Chicago time. He wrote to say he arrived very tired and still battling the cough he had for about two weeks before going home.
He had just returned from Philadelphia where he spent a week with daughter Erin and her husband Rob. He saw New York City, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, with lots of history including ground zero, the Statue of Liberty and all of the monuments in D.C. We are very thankful to Erin and Rob for taking the time and making the effort to host Sebastian.
I took Friday off and we went to the Sears Tower to really see Chicago. We had lunch at Blackies and visited my office to see the really important people in my life, or at least that's what they asked me to say.
Looking back on having Sebastian makes me glad he was here and grateful for showing me what having a son (I have three daughters) would have been like. He was really a treasure to have. Good student, helpful and dependable. I think I still favor the daughters. No competition for the TV remote, the PC or the chips :).
Deb is missing him. I know we will miss having a new student but it will be easier not having one this next year until Deb's health is more certain.
Deb's sister Anita had all the family over for Father's day today. It was a great time, as usual. Kathi and Erin called to wish me a happy father's day and happy birthday tomorrow.
We are going to southern Illinois next weekend for the Harrell family reunion.
Finally, I feel like we have received a special blessing from God because of all of your prayers and good wishes. Your cards and notes are so precious. Deb seems visibly lifted by the outpouring of love she receives every day. There is a lot of stress in our lives right now, but we feel so blessed to have good friends helping us.
Please consider praying for Danny, our friend who is still battling cancer and the effects of radiation. There are so many people for whom cancer is a lonely battle, as they are old or without friends or family. Please pause a moment to remember them with a special prayer. Ask God in all his mercy to heal and comfort them, for we know he is the Great Physician and His love endures forever.
God Bless You All.
Dan
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Ruminations
Hello everyone!
We've started to experience some routine with Deb's cancer treatment. Blood test every Thursday, Chemo every three weeks, visit the doctor every week. But in the routine is the comfort of predictability, not the edgy uncertainty of diagnosis and treatment plans. A fancy way of saying not much has changed in the last week.
Except-
Both Dr. Weyburn and Dr. Compagnoni think there is some change in the tumor. It started out the size of a lime, so perhaps now it's a small plum? A walnut? We won't know until after the last chemo on July 5th, and probably a MRI exam, just what will happen next. Will it be small enough for surgery or will further chemo reduce it more, so the surgery will not destroy the breast.
After surgery comes radiation and more chemo, we understand.
Deb is doing particularly well with this hair thing. She now has a variety of hats and scarves to wear, including some scarves she always wanted to wear but could not find the exact ensemble to compliment them. Her wig looks great on her and so she has lots of options. I wish I did.
There were several articles in the Chicago Tribune and Sun Times the last few days about breast cancer. It may have something to do with the charity walks for cancer going on now. One article explores a new medication aimed at reducing the risk of cancer returning after the initial treatment. New thoughts on radiation treatment are discussed too. It appears that even after a successful initial battle with breast cancer, and a clean bill of health, there is a statistical possibility of cancer returning.
Sebastian left for Philadelphia yesterday for a week with Erin and Rob (and Quinn too). He is excited to explore new American cities and is hoping to see some of the landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Mall in Washington D.C. His flight was delayed a bit but when Erin found him at the baggage carousel he was helping an elderly couple with their baggage. He is a terrific guy!
Soon he leaves for Germany. We will miss his smile and his laugh. We are the richer for his being here. What will we do without the King of Queens and the NBA?
We offer our prayers for all of you that may be in a battle too. Life is both a joy and a struggle. While we are preoccupied with our issues, we know that there is a lot of hurt, loneliness and health problems out there. We take a lot of comfort in the certainty of prayer and faith.
Please accept our thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughts.
God Bless
Dan
We've started to experience some routine with Deb's cancer treatment. Blood test every Thursday, Chemo every three weeks, visit the doctor every week. But in the routine is the comfort of predictability, not the edgy uncertainty of diagnosis and treatment plans. A fancy way of saying not much has changed in the last week.
Except-
Both Dr. Weyburn and Dr. Compagnoni think there is some change in the tumor. It started out the size of a lime, so perhaps now it's a small plum? A walnut? We won't know until after the last chemo on July 5th, and probably a MRI exam, just what will happen next. Will it be small enough for surgery or will further chemo reduce it more, so the surgery will not destroy the breast.
After surgery comes radiation and more chemo, we understand.
Deb is doing particularly well with this hair thing. She now has a variety of hats and scarves to wear, including some scarves she always wanted to wear but could not find the exact ensemble to compliment them. Her wig looks great on her and so she has lots of options. I wish I did.
There were several articles in the Chicago Tribune and Sun Times the last few days about breast cancer. It may have something to do with the charity walks for cancer going on now. One article explores a new medication aimed at reducing the risk of cancer returning after the initial treatment. New thoughts on radiation treatment are discussed too. It appears that even after a successful initial battle with breast cancer, and a clean bill of health, there is a statistical possibility of cancer returning.
Sebastian left for Philadelphia yesterday for a week with Erin and Rob (and Quinn too). He is excited to explore new American cities and is hoping to see some of the landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Mall in Washington D.C. His flight was delayed a bit but when Erin found him at the baggage carousel he was helping an elderly couple with their baggage. He is a terrific guy!
Soon he leaves for Germany. We will miss his smile and his laugh. We are the richer for his being here. What will we do without the King of Queens and the NBA?
We offer our prayers for all of you that may be in a battle too. Life is both a joy and a struggle. While we are preoccupied with our issues, we know that there is a lot of hurt, loneliness and health problems out there. We take a lot of comfort in the certainty of prayer and faith.
Please accept our thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughts.
God Bless
Dan
Friday, May 25, 2007
Hats and Hair
Hello everyone,
When I was ten (1955), I had X ray treatments for a scalp infection that caused my hair to fall out. It seemed months before it grew again, causing me to go through a lot of kid like suffering. Wearing a baseball hat in a Catholic Church caused a lot of looks from adults who didn't know the story. About the only bald guy at the time was Yul Brenner. My beautiful auburn hair eventually came back a dull brown, and less thick than before, but I survived the experience.
So, I'm amazed that Deb is now going through the same thing with a lot more maturity than any ten year old :). Not that it doesn't bother her somewhat, being the first exterior manifestation of her cancer, but it's great that she approaches it with the same equanimity as other life tribulations.
There has been a lot of shedding but she looks so chipper in her pink ribbon hat, and she now has a supply of hats, scarves and of course her jaunty new wig.
Yesterday her blood counts had rebounded to acceptable levels and she had her second chemo treatment. She took her Ipod and watched the Big and Rich music video amoung other things. She got home about 4:30pm. She was tired and after a bite to eat rested in bed. Today we went to breakfast and to pick up a couple of things from the store, but she was tired and so we came home.
Not that she could get much sleep as the tree trimmers were here making a real racket, but boy oh boy do the trees look good and there is a lot more sun in the back yard. We had an old tree taken down by the back fence and it makes a huge difference. Deb found a swing today to put in the back yard so she will have somewhere to rest outside when she is home.
We continue to adjust to the whole cancer thing. We seem to have more pep and less stress related depression, but we are just beginning the battle, we know, and everyone tells us that the effects of chemo are cumlative. What makes a huge difference for me is knowing how many people have lifted us in prayer, and the wonderful cards and letters we get almost daily. Today we received some beautiful flowers from Kim and Joe Knox.
This seems the time of year for so many charity related events. The relay for life is one we supported this year. I know there are walks scheduled for Y me and other groups. Perhaps next year we can walk too. There are so many worthy causes that it is impossible to support more than one or two. Some of the camps for children with cancer are incredible for their caring and the dedication of the staff to make these kids comfortable. We would encourage all of you to send a card to someone who needs cheering up. It doesn't have to be cancer, but there are lots of elderly and just people who need a laugh or a smile.
When I was ten (1955), I had X ray treatments for a scalp infection that caused my hair to fall out. It seemed months before it grew again, causing me to go through a lot of kid like suffering. Wearing a baseball hat in a Catholic Church caused a lot of looks from adults who didn't know the story. About the only bald guy at the time was Yul Brenner. My beautiful auburn hair eventually came back a dull brown, and less thick than before, but I survived the experience.
So, I'm amazed that Deb is now going through the same thing with a lot more maturity than any ten year old :). Not that it doesn't bother her somewhat, being the first exterior manifestation of her cancer, but it's great that she approaches it with the same equanimity as other life tribulations.
There has been a lot of shedding but she looks so chipper in her pink ribbon hat, and she now has a supply of hats, scarves and of course her jaunty new wig.
Yesterday her blood counts had rebounded to acceptable levels and she had her second chemo treatment. She took her Ipod and watched the Big and Rich music video amoung other things. She got home about 4:30pm. She was tired and after a bite to eat rested in bed. Today we went to breakfast and to pick up a couple of things from the store, but she was tired and so we came home.
Not that she could get much sleep as the tree trimmers were here making a real racket, but boy oh boy do the trees look good and there is a lot more sun in the back yard. We had an old tree taken down by the back fence and it makes a huge difference. Deb found a swing today to put in the back yard so she will have somewhere to rest outside when she is home.
We continue to adjust to the whole cancer thing. We seem to have more pep and less stress related depression, but we are just beginning the battle, we know, and everyone tells us that the effects of chemo are cumlative. What makes a huge difference for me is knowing how many people have lifted us in prayer, and the wonderful cards and letters we get almost daily. Today we received some beautiful flowers from Kim and Joe Knox.
This seems the time of year for so many charity related events. The relay for life is one we supported this year. I know there are walks scheduled for Y me and other groups. Perhaps next year we can walk too. There are so many worthy causes that it is impossible to support more than one or two. Some of the camps for children with cancer are incredible for their caring and the dedication of the staff to make these kids comfortable. We would encourage all of you to send a card to someone who needs cheering up. It doesn't have to be cancer, but there are lots of elderly and just people who need a laugh or a smile.
Sebastian is looking forward to his trip east. Can it be only three weeks until he leaves?
We can't begin to thank all of you enough for your support and prayers. We feel amazed that so many people would take the time to think of us. I know that we are very optomistic about how this will end, but we know the doctors and medicine are only tools, so we pray for health to the Great Physician.
We continue to pray for Dan Krupa amoung others, for a complete recovery.
"Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”
God Bless all of you.
Dan
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Blood Tests and Comments
Good Thursday everyone.
Deb and a blood test today. Some of the values are low. The white blood count is below three and the hemoblobin is 10.6 instead of 12. The MCHC is 32.4 percent instead of the target of 36.
The granulocytes is .5 insted of 1.4 or above. The lymphocytes and monocytes are hight too. Dr. Weyburn's staff seems unconcerned with the results now, but with chemo scheduled for next Thursday, it would be good to see them go up (or down as the case may be).
I found out I could change a setting on the blog to allow comments without membership, so comment at will, as Deb loves reading them.
I changed the layout a bit and added a couple of photos.
I hope all of you realize how much you mean to Deb and I and how we value your support and prayers.
Thanks,
Dan
Deb and a blood test today. Some of the values are low. The white blood count is below three and the hemoblobin is 10.6 instead of 12. The MCHC is 32.4 percent instead of the target of 36.
The granulocytes is .5 insted of 1.4 or above. The lymphocytes and monocytes are hight too. Dr. Weyburn's staff seems unconcerned with the results now, but with chemo scheduled for next Thursday, it would be good to see them go up (or down as the case may be).
I found out I could change a setting on the blog to allow comments without membership, so comment at will, as Deb loves reading them.
I changed the layout a bit and added a couple of photos.
I hope all of you realize how much you mean to Deb and I and how we value your support and prayers.
Thanks,
Dan
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Cruising Along
Hi everyone,
Deb has been sailing along the last few days in good spirits and with energy. She still has what seems to be an allergy and I still am stuffy too. But the best news is that she has energy. What we believe now is that looking back she should have taken the rest of the week off after the medi port was installed. Going back to work the next day drained her completely.
It is great to see her with some pep and bounce in her step. Nausea isn't a factor and neither is acid reflux right now. She says her scalp is sensitive when she wakes up, and she expects hair to start evacuating the premises soon. Question. If a hair falls out and no one sees it, does it still end up floating in my coffee?
Deb's wig should be ready soon and last night she ordered some hats over the web. Perhaps a pirate's hat to go with the bald look and an earring? Something rakish with a wide brim? I've always admired the Queen Elizabeth look personally.
Last Sunday we shared Mother's Day with the Kellers and Bargers at Anita and John's home in Woodstock. I have some new photos and I'll add one to the blog shortly. It was a great day with lots of hugs.
Our 17Th wedding anniversary is this Saturday. We're going to have Italian at a new place in Richmond and then go to the high school to pick up Sebastian's year book as he will be at Green Lake Wisconsin with the rest of his exchange group for the year end mandatory get together. We also will pick up a copy for Masha, as the second half of her year with us, including prom, is in this years book. Today is exactly a year ago that she returned to Russia.
Next week brings another chemo session on Thursday. Deb is doing very well with all of this and I'm convinced it is because of all of you lifting her up with your prayers. We continue to get the most wonderful notes of support and prayer and unless you have faced the uncertainty of life and death as Deb is, it is impossible to explain the impact of this love and kindness in her life.
So we continue to praise God for His mercy and grace. We pray especially for Dan Krupa, a fellow cancer patient who is struggling with weight loss but continues to battle every day with the extraordinary help of family and friends, including his wife Marge.
Deb has been sailing along the last few days in good spirits and with energy. She still has what seems to be an allergy and I still am stuffy too. But the best news is that she has energy. What we believe now is that looking back she should have taken the rest of the week off after the medi port was installed. Going back to work the next day drained her completely.
It is great to see her with some pep and bounce in her step. Nausea isn't a factor and neither is acid reflux right now. She says her scalp is sensitive when she wakes up, and she expects hair to start evacuating the premises soon. Question. If a hair falls out and no one sees it, does it still end up floating in my coffee?
Deb's wig should be ready soon and last night she ordered some hats over the web. Perhaps a pirate's hat to go with the bald look and an earring? Something rakish with a wide brim? I've always admired the Queen Elizabeth look personally.
Last Sunday we shared Mother's Day with the Kellers and Bargers at Anita and John's home in Woodstock. I have some new photos and I'll add one to the blog shortly. It was a great day with lots of hugs.
Our 17Th wedding anniversary is this Saturday. We're going to have Italian at a new place in Richmond and then go to the high school to pick up Sebastian's year book as he will be at Green Lake Wisconsin with the rest of his exchange group for the year end mandatory get together. We also will pick up a copy for Masha, as the second half of her year with us, including prom, is in this years book. Today is exactly a year ago that she returned to Russia.
Next week brings another chemo session on Thursday. Deb is doing very well with all of this and I'm convinced it is because of all of you lifting her up with your prayers. We continue to get the most wonderful notes of support and prayer and unless you have faced the uncertainty of life and death as Deb is, it is impossible to explain the impact of this love and kindness in her life.
So we continue to praise God for His mercy and grace. We pray especially for Dan Krupa, a fellow cancer patient who is struggling with weight loss but continues to battle every day with the extraordinary help of family and friends, including his wife Marge.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Dan
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Odds and Ends
Hi all,
Deb has struggled the last couple of days with what we now think are allergies rather than a cold. She was up and down most of last night and as a result, didn't go to work today. She had acid reflux and nausea. Her temp was good so we really weren't alarmed. She sounds so tiny at times.
I like her new haircut. She says she cried in the car after she realized that she wouldn't be getting another for some time. She said she felt really depressed.
She read all the material from the doctors and now understands most of what can happen and how to avoid the really dangerous stuff.
She says she feels some sensation in the tumor. Dr. Weyburn examined her today and said that everything that's going on is normal. Her counts (Blood etc) are down, but he says to do everything we can, based on her tolerance and stamina.
Deb has struggled the last couple of days with what we now think are allergies rather than a cold. She was up and down most of last night and as a result, didn't go to work today. She had acid reflux and nausea. Her temp was good so we really weren't alarmed. She sounds so tiny at times.
I like her new haircut. She says she cried in the car after she realized that she wouldn't be getting another for some time. She said she felt really depressed.
She read all the material from the doctors and now understands most of what can happen and how to avoid the really dangerous stuff.
She says she feels some sensation in the tumor. Dr. Weyburn examined her today and said that everything that's going on is normal. Her counts (Blood etc) are down, but he says to do everything we can, based on her tolerance and stamina.
Deb said the session with the wig lady went well and her custom creation should be here next week. Cher? I'm taking Sebastian to the Shedd Aquarium tomorrow. He won't be here much longer. It is hard to imagine him gone.
Great support from so many people. Today she got a great survivor hat and scarf from Brad and Char. Our pink ribbon stuff came so now I have a pink wrist band to wear.
We want to thank everyone that is cheering for us. Someone said he was going to pray for her, but he was sure that God would wonder who the stranger was, since it had been a long time. I said maybe it was time to renew the acquaintance. We believe in the power of prayer.
There are many many people who have suffered and died or survived breast cancer. We feel confidant we will survive, but the battle has only just begun.
Tonight is my sleep test at Centegra in Woodstock.
“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
Take care,
Dan
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