A Short-Lived Remission

May 3 Bill's EGD came back negative for cancer.  Remission! Celebration!  Happiness!  A couple days later, trouble swallowing.  Second EGD done on May 25 and we received the results today ... positive for cancer.  So, a very short remission.  What a bummer!

The doctor said that this is the natural progression of the esophogial cancer, but that he is hopeful because now they have something to radiate.  Apparently there is a mass that is pressing on his esophogus that causes him not to swallow.  Radiation will probably begin next week (that's what we're thinking, anyway, as we have a Radiation/Oncologist appointment on Friday).  It will be once every day (M - F) for about 5-6 weeks and a dose of chemo thrown in each week besides. 

To say we're disappointed is an understatement.  We continue to covet your prayers as we begin this new phase of cancer treatment.  Bill is determined to keep trying as long as he is able. 

Memorial Day

Diane and Randie came at noon today for an outdoor "picnic" on our "new" deck.  It was quite warm, but we put out an oscelating fan, since the ceiling fan isn't installed yet.  I forgot to take a picture of all of us at dinner, but here's a few of us for dessert.  When we finished eating, Jon went to his airconditioned room and watched a movie, Jessie played on the iPad, Mom took a nap in the living room and the three of us played Bananagrams.  For a little while, anyway, until it just got too hot.  We finished our games in the house.

Bill didn't have a very good day in eating food.  It seems that no matter what he eats, it doesn't seem to go through and he gets pretty sick.  Hopefully, we'll have an answer tomorrow at the doctor's.  Please continue to pray. 

A Nice Day

Jon went to Sunday School, Bill went to church, Jess and I ate breakfast on the deck.  Chris came over after church for a "picnic" on the deck and a few games afterwards.  Very relaxing until we heard the weather sirens south of us (Shelby Twp? Oakland County?) and I quickly cleaned out the closet under the stairs for Jess, Grandma and me in case of a warning.  Bill and Jon could come in, too, but the basement would be the best spot.  Can't get either Grandma or Jess down those stairs.  Only pouring rain here for a little while and a couple rumbles of thunder.  Nothing close to major.  Thankfully.  We are grateful for God's Hand of protection.

An Emotional Morning

Jon and I met Diane and Randie for breakfast before we went to the cemetery to pay the rest on Mom's headstone, which was in and ready to be installed.  As we drove in the parking lot there were about a dozen Veteran Honor Guards waiting to present at a funeral.  That was emotional and made me think of all the millions of men and women who have died so that we can be free today.  The Veteran's section was a sea of flags on graves.  Many people were also putting flowers on graves. 

We drove to the back of the cemetery and made sure all was well with the headstone.  It seemed so final to see my mom's name, date of birth and date of death.  We then went to the gravesite where our cemetery representative, Richard, cleaned off dad's headstone and placed a flag on it.  As we were standing there, the Veteran Honor Guards shot off their rifles in tribute to the Veteran.  The morning was just too emotional for me.  I had a hard time there and the rest of my day had a shadow of grief over me.  I know that grieving is important for healing, but I won't let it overtake my life each day.  I'll be better in the morning.

Bill had a pretty good day.  He put together a new patio table and chair set and lounged around a bit.  We enjoyed sitting outside this afternoon on our new furniture. 

No News

Well, even though two doctors said that they would call today, neither did, and the biopsy report wasn't in either.  Bummer.  Now we have to wait until Tuesday!  I hate waiting.

Bill put our new deck furniture together today and Jessie decided she liked one of the side tables as a drum.  It's been quite awhile since I posted a picture, so I thought I'd do it tonight.  She was having a good time beating away. 

Just Waiting

Yesterday was the EGD, today we waited, tomorrow we'll know the results.  In the meantime, we continued on.  Grocery shopped and for a change, I rested and took a nap.  It was so cold in the house I had to turn the furnace back up.  I'm also trying to fix deliciously smooth meals for Bill so he can eat something.  For lunch he had pureed macaroni salad and a fruity drink.  Dinner was pureed gnocchi's with cream of mushroom soup, shredded chicken and chopped beet salad.  Dessert he had crumbled strawberry shortcake and pureed peaches and strawberries.  All went down without any pain. 

Riding The Rollercoaster of Emotions

Bill had his EGD this morning.  The doctor found a mass in the gastroesophageal junction and took a deeper biopsy.  It could be scar tissue.  It could be cancer.  He's just not taking any chances.  We'll know the results on Friday.  Please continue to pray as Bill is unable to eat solid food.

Just a few short weeks ago Bill was told that there was no cancer in the previous biopsy done on May 3.  Now we're back to waiting to see if that is the case, or if he will need more treatment.  How do we handle this emotionally?   Humanly speaking, we're very discouraged.  It's like being on a rollercoaster.  There have been so many sharp declines and then uptakes that it is hard to adjust to one before another takes over. 

Spiritually speaking, we choose to remain strong in trusting God.  On the way to Bill's test this morning, we heard Laura Story sing, "Blessings".  I've never heard it before, but it spoke to my spirit.  Bring it up on YouTube.   It's worth listening to and thinking about. 

Prayer Request

We had a doctor's appointment for Bill on Thursday, but he was in so much pain eating lunch, or I should say trying to eat lunch, that I called the doctor and they had an opening at 4:00 today.  He scheduled Bill for another EGD (esophogus scope test) for 8:25 tomorrow morning to see what's going on.  We'd appreciate prayers.  Bill's lost quite a bit of weight because he's not been able to eat for a couple of weeks.  The pain has gotten worse.  To be honest, I'm worried.  I'll post as soon as we get home tomorrow.  THANKS!

"Disgusting"

Thinking ahead to Jessie's 21st birthday, we went to Kohl's today and bought her a new bathing suit.  For something special to celebrate her day, I hope to take her and two of our girl friends and go to a motel for the night and go swimmin' in the pool, eat pizza and play games.

Her other bathing suit was "disgusting" as Jessie said.  I didn't think it was disgusting, just a tad bit too tight!  Well, OK, really tight.  "Disgusting" is one of her newer words and she seems to know just when to say it. 

A Restful Day

Bill went to first service then I went to second as Bill took Jessie home.  Julie came for lunch today and we sat outside for awhile.  Jon worked.  It was turning out to be a quiet, restful day until Jess decided to have a major meltdown.  From there it went downhill.  Oh, well.  I made her take a nap, but I think I was the only one who slept the most.  When I put her to bed tonight, she was asleep in 2 minutes.  Since tomorrow is Big Girl's Day Out, I sure hope she's over her meltdowns!

I Had A Good Day Today!

I'm not sure why, but I had a good physical day.  Even though I worked outside most of the day, I'm feeling pretty good!  It felt so good to be outside and accomplishing something.  I'm also trying not to look at the clock and be guided by time.  My watch broke awhile back and I am not going to get another.  I've enjoyed just living and not looking at the clock every few minutes and have it guide my day.  Of course, I need to when there are appointments, but on days that we can stay home, time doesn't matter. 

I think I forgot to mention that Bill is putting a roof over our back deck.  He's been working at it for a couple of weeks since he's been rained out alot.  Today he's 99% done with shingling.  It looks great.  However, he's VERY tired.  I think he's done too much too soon, but he's enjoying himself.

We will be calling the doctor on Monday, too, because Bill's having difficulty swallowing again.  Please pray that the problem would be minor and easily taken care of.  Even water bothers him.  Thanks for your prayers. 

I Really Like Days I Don't Go Anywhere

Home all day!  Yah!  Cleaned house, laundry, Mom's boxes.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner.  I even sat down and rested several times.  Perfect.

Unfortunately, Jess didn't have a good day.  She had another major meltdown this morning.  I sure wish I knew what was going on with her.  She's miserable.  Grief maybe?  Her way of expressing sorrow?  Beats me. 

This and That Day

Breakfast out with Bill and Jon, Brentwood garage sales, Mandel's Greehouse, Kroger's, Michael's, Home Depot, post office, home, lunch, iPad, many loads of wash, a 45-minute nap, washed dishes, prepared a great dinner, out with a friend.  That's about it. 

National Visit Your Relatives Day

Diane told me not to come to the hospital until she was able to go home, but I didn't listen.  I went and picked up her iPad and spent the afternoon with her.  After all, it was "National Visit Your Relatives Day".  At least that's what they said on the radio.  I left the hospital at 5:00 and Diane finally got sprung around 8:30 p.m.  She will follow up with her cardiologist in a couple weeks.  She's feeling much better.

Dishwasher door won't close!  Guess what I'm doing tonight?  Washing dishes.  And dishes.  And dishes.  I had loaded it to the max.  Upstairs bathroom ceiling fan is leaking.  Too much rain.  You can almost take a shower when you sit down in there.  Not a good idea - it's cold!  Let's hope nothing else goes wrong tonight.

BILL IS CANCER FREE !!!!!

Please join us in praising God that He has chosen to completely heal Bill.  The cancer doctor told him today that he is CANCER FREE!  The biopsy of the esophogus a couple weeks ago was negative for cancer, and the PET scan did not show any signs of cancer.  Thank you so much, Jesus!  Thank you so much, everyone, for praying.  We are just as stunned as we were when we were told that Bill had Stage 4 cancer, and we were not given much hope.  Please give God all the glory!

A special prayer request:  Diane is in the hospital.  She called 911 this morning because her heart was racing, she was flushed and not feeling well.  By the time the perimedics came, her heart rate was over 200 and they had to give her medicine to stop her heart, with the idea that it would go back into correct rhythm.  It did, thankfully.  She'll be in the hospital over night for testing.  I appreciate your prayers for my sister. 

Also, HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY, JON!  As I was sitting in the hospital this morning I was thinking of 23 years ago today when I gave birth to our son.  Where has the 23 years gone?  We have a wonderful son - again, thank you, Jesus!

A Not So Good Girl's Day Out

Well, the day began "well".  I overslept by about an hour.  Went to breakfast with Jon and Jessie.  Dropped off a gift at a friend's house.  Burger King for pop and a rest stop.  Secretary of State's Office to get Jess an enhanced ID card, since her ID card was up for renewal.  Place was packed.  My number was 94 and they were calling numbers in the 60's.  That should have been my warning to leave.  Jess made it about a half hour with about 50 people in the place and 2 screaming kids with an equally loud mother. 

Then, the panic attack hit.  Poor child, I felt so sorry for my girl.  Apparently the workers did, too, as several came over to see what they could do.  I was just going to leave, but they offered to take us right away, so I tried that.  Her picture should be very interesting, as she was clinging to my neck and had a look of terror on her face.  She was screaming and crying even harder as we were leaving because we had to walk right next to the now very-quiet-staring-at-us kids.  It's a good thing that I don't care what other people think, because this was THE worst panic attack she's ever had, and she sure gave everyone cause to watch and stare.

I finally got her quieted down in the van and drove to Mom's where I had to take out the garbage.  I told here she could stay in the van, only I had to hurry in and use a certain room.  I couldn't let her stay in the van herself, so I made her come in, which began the crying all over again.  She just can't handle the empty house and no Grandma, that's for sure.  As soon as I was finished, she threw open the bathroom door, ran (and I do mean run!) out of the house shaking and crying.  By that time, we just went home.  Poor child.  I sure wish I knew what began these episodes years ago.  It has really changed our lives, especially hers.

Sunday

Jess and I started to watch church on tv, but I didn't want to watch it.  Sounds bad, eh?  John Hagee is a great preacher, but I'm just not willing to listen to prophetic messages.  Never had.  Instead we watched a Veggie Tales DVD.  I'm going to see if there are DVD's for children that have "church" services that Jess and I can watch together each Sunday.  It's a special time for both of us.

Bill and I were able to attend church together, since Jon didn't work today.  It was a great service and I was so glad to be there.  I looked forward to going and worshiping.  I have a special prayer request for a friend.  She is in the hospital and has a serious medical issue.  Please uplift her in prayer.  I'd appreciate it.

An Empty House

Today we signed the papers with the real estate and Mom's house will be up for sale in the next day or so.  As I walked through the rooms, my footsteps echoed down the hallway.  Hardwood floors that I've never seen are clean and shiny.  Fingerprints have been painted over.  Cupboards and closets are empty.  As I looked around, I thanked God for the home He provided for our family in 1968.  I thanked Him for the multitude of memories that we will always have of the times enveloped in these walls.  I am now praying that God will provide the right buyer for this home, and that it's walls will once again hear the sound of children's voices and laughter.  Lots of laughter.  Lots of memories.   

Things Are Moving Along Well

Bill has been feeling well and working outside if it isn't raining.  Last night he was in alot of pain, but just from exertion.  He has a doctor's appointment next Tuesday, then we'll know what, if anything, he needs to do. 

Jon is closing in on the end of his probation period at work.  He enjoys his work and the ability to have a new vehicle and money in his pocket. 

Jessie is much happier.  I've also got her to say "Bless you!" when I cough, rather than "NO!"  She keeps asking to go to a motel, so I think that's what we'll do for her 21st. birthday.  Maybe just girls, too!  That would be fun. 

Randie is home from the hospital and recouperating at home.  She's having trouble sleeping at night, and shortness of breath, but other than that, I think she's doing well.  I'm sure she can't wait to get all better.

Diane's been busy working on Mom's house and visiting Randie in the hospital and now being with her at home.  Just a couple more days, and the house will be up for sale.  Boo Hoo!

My house is an organized mess.  We have boxes on boxes on boxes of stuff from Mom's that I brought here, and in order to find a place for items, I have to rearrange closets and rooms.  Ordinarily I would have had most of it done already, but I can not work physically like I used to.  I am in constant pain with my back and knees.  Whenever I do anyting physical, I pay for it.  I have to take lots of rest peiods., which I really don't.  I am not used to this and it is hard for me.   

Randie's Home!

Randie was able to come home today!  Only 6 days from her surgery and she is doing very well.  Thanks so much for your prayers for her successful surgery and recovery.  Now she just needs to rest and heal. 

A busy day with trying to get the last little things out of Mom's house and either home or storage.  Jess went to the Library (even though today is baking day) with Shannon.  Bill worked outside for a couple hours.  Unfortunately, I had a very bad physical day.  Alot of pain.  Hope tomorrow is better.

Paper Work Day

I was determined to finish my paperwork.  I didn't, but I'm almost done.  A couple more hours should finish this yucky project that never ends.  I also did several loads of wash and kept Jessie occupied.  Bill worked outside and Jon rested.  I'm going to put Jess to bed and see if i can finish the paperwork.  More exciting news tomorrow!  Can't you just wait?

Gardening

This is the time of year that I need to be out and working in my garden.  However, with my bad back and knees, it is impossible.  I sure wish it were different, because I do like to garden.  Like my mom, I guess.  She was still gardening on her knees in her 80's!  If you find me on my knees in my garden, it won't be because I planned it.  You'd have to help me up.

I am so very grateful for my friend, Doreen, who has offered to work for me and take care of the gardening that I can not do.  Our yard will look so nice this year.  Thanks, Doreen!  I sure appreciate you and your hard work.

A good day for Bill.  He's trying to get things done around here while he can.  He has a doctor's appointment next Tuesday and we'll see if there will be anymore chemo. 

Happy Mother's Day

There really is meaning behind this picture.  I'll get to it in a minute.

Bill let me sleep in today, then made breakfast for Jessie and me.  We  (Jess and I) usually eat together watching church on tv each Sunday.  After that we went to Mom's and worked a bit with Diane for a couple hours.  McDonald's drive thru and ate in the van at Stoney Creek at the beach.  Home and put the screens back on the windows for the summer.  BBQ pork steak, stuffing and veggies for dinner.  Gifts after Jon got home from work.  A very nice day.  God has blessed me by allowing me to be a Mom.  Being a wife and mother was all I ever wanted in my life.  He gave me both.  Thank you, Jesus!

OK - here's the meaning behind the wierd picture.  After we were done working at Mom's we sat on the couch in the garage and ate a Klondike bar in honor of Mom.  She always had Klondike bars in her freezer, so I thought it was appropriate for Mother's Day to eat a Klondike bar. 

A Beautiful Day

Bill worked on the back deck roof, I went to Mom's and worked with Diane for 5 hours, Jane and Jessie spent alot of time outside and had lunch at Stoney Creek, and Jon had to go to work.  For a day that was supposed to be rainy, it sure was nice.

A Day With Diane

I began my day with a breakfast meeting with Jessie's Case Worker, then drove to Diane's house. We had a business appointment in Mt. Clemens, had lunch then went to the hospital to spend several hours with Randie.  Her nurse said that her recovery is above average!  Thank you, Jesus!  She's going to be feeling so much better when she can get up.  She's had to lie flat since her surgery and most likely won't be able to be elevated until sometime tomorrow. 

We left the hospital at 5:00 - perfect rush hour traffic.  Went to dinner, visited for a few minutes at Diane's house, then I drove home.  All's well here. 

A Successful Surgery

Randie came through her 5-hour surgery well, and was off the ventilator by 7:00 this evening.  The surgery was more intensive than they had planned, but she's doing well.  Please continue praying that her recovery will be just as good.  She'll probably be in the hospital for a week.  Thanks!

Today Bill made it through a day of manual labor - first time since last fall.  He is putting a roof over our deck and then will screen it in.  He feels good tonight, and I know that he is extremely happy to be able to do what he enjoys doing.  Thank you, God, for this miracle. 

An Unexpected Family Day

Shannon called in sick, so Jess was with us all day.  We went to a Jeep dealership in Richmond, and spent 5 hours there!  That wasn't planned, but Jon brought home a new vehicle:  Jeep Liberty Sport.  He's been dreaming of having one for years.  As you probably know, he's been using our vehicles for many years.  He's especially excited that he got the financing on his own credit status.  That's pretty good!  Congratulations, Jon.  I'm glad you were able to fulfill a dream today.

Jess was really good.  Five hours is a long time to spend in one place.  We walked around, we sat in the van, we went to the restroom.  Then we did it all over again.  And again.  And again.  Went across the street for a McDonald's lunch then repeated the above. 

Please remember Randie in prayer for her open heart surgery tomorrow.  It is scheduled for 7:15 a.m.  Thanks! 

More Good News

Bill had his scope test today on his esophogus and the doctor was very happy.  Where there previously was a mass, now only 2 small spots remain.  We will follow-up with the cancer doctor in two weeks and see what's next.  Thanks so much for your continued prayers!

Two Prayer Requests

Request #1
Billl is having a scope test in the morning to check out his esophogus.  Please pray that it will go well and that no cancer will be found. 

Request #2
Randie is having Open Heart surgery on Thursday to replace a valve.  She had Open Heart surgery 9 years ago, so she knows what she'll be going through.  Please pray for a successful surgery and a quick and easy recovery.  Please ask God to also bless her with a peace that only He can give.  Thanks!

"Go!"

We've got a new back seat driver.  For the past several times we've all been in the van and we're stopped for something, along comes a shout from the back:  "GO!"  Doesn't matter if the light is red or cars are coming, someone is impatient!  Then she'll mutter under her breath, "Stupid people!"  Sure hope she's not refering to her parents!