UPDATE January 15, 2008

UPDATE
JANUARY 14, 2008

We had about 8 inches of new snow today. Early January had spoiled us with warmer temperatures and much melting of the December snows. So far this winter, we have had 35 inches of the white stuff. Our daughter-in-law hasn’t had enough yet, thankfully.

Jack has continued to improve. His walking endurance has been improving slowly. Today he actually had some work on stairs. He has not done any stairs since November 14. Since our house has stairs everywhere, it is very desirable to work on stairs. He has a very long journey before he gets back to where he was on November 14. He is so determined that with much hard work, he will give it his best try.

Jack had his MRI scan on Friday. He commented that it was the worst one yet to the point that he thinks that when he has the next one that he may need some medication.
If you have never had one, it is a daunting experience. Jack has a dye injected into his vein so that any tumor, inflammation, or swelling will light up in his brain. He is then placed on and strapped down on a board. He is then pushed into a tube like tunnel. It is very important not to move in the process. It takes about 45 minutes. Once the machine is turned on, it sounds like a jack hammer that breaks up road pavement. If a person has claustrophobia, they are in serious trouble. If you don’t have claustrophobia, you probably will after these test especially if it is part of a routine.

The test results looked worse than the one after surgery. It showed more swelling and more tissue death. We had been warned early on by the radiologist that his MRI scans would look worse for several months. She said that it takes about a year for the brain to heal from the radiation. The good news is that they do not see any mass growth. The other good news we got was that the chemotherapy test on the “live” tissue from Oncotech in CA and it showed no live cancer cells at all. That information does not mean that there are none left in the brain but not to find any in the sample is remarkable and encouraging. The doctors recommended that he consider using an angiogenesis drug for 3 cycles – 1 treatment every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. This drug is known to cut off the blood supply to any tumor cells that may remain. Jack has agreed to do this treatment.

I had intended to post this latest update last evening but I developed acute tendonitis in my right hand and could not move my fingers. After doing my home remedies and going to a neuromuscular massage therapist today, my hand is red, swollen, and sore but I do have mobility. One of the problems that I continue to have other than fatigue is foot and hand pain. I am convinced it is the marathon I am running with very little rest that is causing these issues which are new for me. It makes me think of a saying my grandfather had – “the pain he thought was going to be fatal yesterday had been replaced by a new one today”!!! Do I ever understand that saying! Getting old is not for sissies! I fully hope that my hand will be much better tomorrow.

On a Jack note, you may remember that Jack was keeping a detailed journal of this experience. Since he was first admitted to the hospital, the copious notes had stopped. This evening when I went to see him, he had written four pages of things he wanted to ask the doctor, me, as well as observations about events of the day. I was so encouraged since he has shown no interest in writing or reading anything for weeks now, especially since his brain surgery. I have been reading to him and he enjoys that activity but he hasn’t wanted to do it himself. He is getting stronger daily. The road ahead is uncertain, the road behind us has been challenging. Our hope and desire is to glorify our Lord throughout this experience. It makes me think of a verse in I Peter 4:12. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” I Peter 1:7 – “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” The question arises how can we glorify God in the midst of fiery trials? (This is copied from a pastor’s bulletin. I thought it worth sharing in a condensed form.)
By acknowledging His providence in all things. Nothing happens by chance. The purpose of the Lord is at work in all of our trials.
We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by acknowledging his wisdom in all He does.
We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by acknowledging all He brings to pass is for our benefit.
We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by acknowledging His power to sustain us while passing through the fire.
We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by trusting Him at all times. From Isaiah 12:2 – “Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid.”
The Lord continues to sustain us and bless us in the midst of this fiery trial.

One of the many blessings that we are experiencing is enjoying the other patients at the rehab facility. You may remember Frank. Last week Frank graduated from rehab to home successfully. We had a party. Since most residents are on a special diet, I could not bring food for anyone (I did bring Frank and Jack ice cream since they are not on a special diet.) I got Frank a purple and green sponge like crown for him to wear as well as 3 helium star balloons to tie on his wheel chair. Ann, another resident, who has a very flat affect in her voice intonation, suggested we needed to sing a song. I asked her if she could sing – she said only Happy Birthday. So I suggested we use the tune of Happy Birthday and change it to Happy Graduation Day. Everyone joined in. We had a great time. We called to make sure Frank had successfully gotten home and he had. On another note, Ann announced this evening that she is graduating on Thursday and then proceeded to inquire as to what we were going to do on Wednesday. As you can see, we have a very good time under these circumstances. My hope is that when I am sitting in one of these seats of these infirmed people someday that someone will come and brighten my day.

On Saturday, I leave for LA to attend a one day meeting and rest for 3 days. Hopefully, I can recharge my batteries which need replacing at the moment. The children are in charge. They are doing a great job at helping. Courtenay spent Saturday afternoon with Jack and took in a card game to play which I thought was a great idea. Other residents joined in. Jonathan and Megan and Tibit come when they can and make us laugh.

Tibit is a 3.5 pound daucsand/poodle mix who is black and curly like a poodle with a little body and tail like a daucsand. She is fun, funny, and cuddly. I am most happy to dog sit. She makes us laugh and she already knows she is loved. If you want to see pictures, you can visit Jonathan’s website at www.apelike.net/3000-mi.

Jack’s sister, Myra, sent the following to me that I think is also worth sharing.

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO

Cancer cannot cripple love.

Cancer cannot shatter hope.

Cancer cannot corrode faith.

Cancer cannot destroy peace.

Cancer cannot kill friendships.

Cancer cannot suppress memories.

Cancer cannot silence courage.

Cancer cannot invade the soul.

Cancer cannot steal eternal life.

Cancer cannot conquer the spirit.

Thank you to all who call and visit. Knowing so many care so much is very appreciated.

Blessings,
Carolyn