What a day this has been. We are in Renton, just south of Seattle. Leland had his appointment at the Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center today. We were there for 3 1/2 hours. His records were reviewed, he was examined and seen by two Oncologists, one Medical and one Naturopathic.
His cancer has been quite agressively advancing while we have been treating it "naturally and non-toxically." And making him sick in the process. The doctors today were quite clear that unless something positive is done very soon to arrest it, he will not make it much longer. I could see him fading away before my eyes for the last three weeks, and he felt it, so it was not hard to convince us.
Bottom Line: Tomorrow he begins his treatments which will consist of several Naturathic treatments designed to complement Low Dose Chemotherapy at about 25% of the normal dose and given once weekly rather than every three weeks. We had understood Chemo was not an option in his case, and we had both said many times we would never submit to it. However, this type of delivery is easier on the patient, and more effective, according to the Doctors here. So with very few options that seem to make any sense for him, we decided to go for it. The decision was also driven by earnest prayer for wisdom and doors to open or shut. This seems like an open door and we are walking through it in faith.
We had a good trip here; Leland was able to eat well for the last two days, as we had taken him off all the stuff he was taking before. But then last night was very painful which his pain meds helped very little. He ended up in a bed at the clinic today, as the appt was long, he was in pain and tired. We do not think this will be easy; neither has what we have been doing, but we are hoping for better results.
He was given a stronger prescription for pain today, which seems to be helping and some meds to go along with the treatment for tomorrow, which he was unable to keep down. We got 4 extra pillows from house keeping at our hotel, and he is sleeping on the couch in our room on top of about 5 pillows, which is a lot more comfortable for him. The bed is like a board compared to our bed at home, and it is impossible for him to sleep in it. I don't much like it either, but can tolerate it a lot better than he can. Otherwise the room is comfortable and adequate.
The plan is for his first treatment to be done tomorrow morning then we head for home.
Thank you Del and Chuck for the surprise supper you brought out to us on Tuesday evening, and the car cleaning you did-we so appreciated it. And while we are gone, Bob and Annie are going to spray the clover in our our lawn; it seems to be taking over, Bob noticed it and offered to spray it for us. Thank you so much. Kathy is cleaning house for us on Friday, a real labor of love, and we have been given lots of garden produce. We feel very loved and cared for. We are thankful for so much even in the midst of this trying time, knowing that God has a plan, and as long as we trust Him, he will walk with us through the fire.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
This has been another difficult week, struggling with pain control, nausea and all the implications that follow. Leland has not been able to eat very well, has not been able to keep down some of what he has been able to eat, and this morning we recorded a record weight loss of 7 pounds for just one week. Not good.
He is lying on the couch where he has been most of the day, fatigued and nauseated. Clearly, the plan we are on is not working and I am actively working on getting him into an Integrative Clinic with an Oncologist who sucessfully practices Integrative Medicine, meaning that the best of both types-Alternative and Medical are used together in synergy and carefully formulated for the individual. Hopefully we will be able to get an appointment soon and get some different answers.
The MRI was sobering, and not what we wanted to hear. The Dr. said it clearly shows mets to the bones which were not there on the original CT Scan back in April. The ND says the Protocel is working and he believes has killed the cancer in the bones leaving holes which show up as lesions. The pain would be from healing bone. The MD says the pain is from the cancer invading the bones.
Sigh. I did a study hoping to find that MRI is less acurate than CT Scan, but that is not the case. Leland has an appt for another Bone Scan and X-Rays this week.
Wish I could go to the High Priest like David did, and have him inquire of the Lord for us! We have of course been doing that, but so far we have no clear answer.
Will appreciate your continued prayers for wisdom as we attempt to navigate these murky and troubled waters.
Thank you Dear Todd for the incredible offer of a housekeeper coming in to assist us, I must admit this has turned into more than a full time job. And thanks to Del and Chuck for coming over this week and hanging some new blinds for us as well as washing some very dirty and neglected windows and picking strawberries. Love you all!
He is lying on the couch where he has been most of the day, fatigued and nauseated. Clearly, the plan we are on is not working and I am actively working on getting him into an Integrative Clinic with an Oncologist who sucessfully practices Integrative Medicine, meaning that the best of both types-Alternative and Medical are used together in synergy and carefully formulated for the individual. Hopefully we will be able to get an appointment soon and get some different answers.
The MRI was sobering, and not what we wanted to hear. The Dr. said it clearly shows mets to the bones which were not there on the original CT Scan back in April. The ND says the Protocel is working and he believes has killed the cancer in the bones leaving holes which show up as lesions. The pain would be from healing bone. The MD says the pain is from the cancer invading the bones.
Sigh. I did a study hoping to find that MRI is less acurate than CT Scan, but that is not the case. Leland has an appt for another Bone Scan and X-Rays this week.
Wish I could go to the High Priest like David did, and have him inquire of the Lord for us! We have of course been doing that, but so far we have no clear answer.
Will appreciate your continued prayers for wisdom as we attempt to navigate these murky and troubled waters.
Thank you Dear Todd for the incredible offer of a housekeeper coming in to assist us, I must admit this has turned into more than a full time job. And thanks to Del and Chuck for coming over this week and hanging some new blinds for us as well as washing some very dirty and neglected windows and picking strawberries. Love you all!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Sunday, August 19, Here we are...
After talking with Mom this morning, I'm here in Goldendale. Saturday night was rough for both of them. Dad slept no more than 5 or 10 min at a time due to pain levels and Mom got about 2 hours total as she was taking care of him. Dealing with cancer is bad enough when you're not completely sleep deprived! So I came out, did some dishes and laundry, and we all took naps. Awww.
Dr. M (the urologist) sent in a prescription for a stronger pain killer and Dad is resting more comfortably now. We also received a premliminary report from Dad's tests last week, but are waiting for a complete rundown and consultation from the doctor next week. We'll keep everyone posted at that time.
For now we are picking fresh tomatoes, telling stories, cooking chili, listening to frogs, and trying to relax. And as always, we accpet all your love and prayers.
~Cherilyn
Dr. M (the urologist) sent in a prescription for a stronger pain killer and Dad is resting more comfortably now. We also received a premliminary report from Dad's tests last week, but are waiting for a complete rundown and consultation from the doctor next week. We'll keep everyone posted at that time.
For now we are picking fresh tomatoes, telling stories, cooking chili, listening to frogs, and trying to relax. And as always, we accpet all your love and prayers.
~Cherilyn
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Sunday August 12, 2012
It has been a good week in many ways with some sadness as well. Chaunda came on Tuesday, stayed over and went to Portland with us, then left on Thursday. It is always so good to have the kids come! On Wednesday morning we got a call from Jannie with the news that Mom VT had passed away the night before. She had not been doing well, and the news was not unexpected. She lived a good long life, 100 years, 5 months and 2 days. She was ready to go to her rest. Her service will be October 7th. We all will miss her in many ways, and feel grateful that God answered our prayers to take her gently in her sleep so she would not be afraid or anxious. Another blessing is she never knew about Leland's cancer. Del told her Leland was sick, and couldn't come to see her for a while, but was working on getting better. She was satisfied with that, which was a blessing for all!
The trip and the MRI went fine, and I was able to visit with my former workmates and dear friends in the Cytology Dpt while Leland was having the test run. We then did some shopping and returned home, tired, but with most everything accomplished.
We have not yet received the MRI report as the Urologist was out of the office until this week, so perhaps tomorrow. The blood tests will be done tomorrow; the kit finally came from the Onco Lab in Boston. I will need to go to The Dalles to pick up dry ice for the part which will be shipped back to Boston via overnight mail. There is no source of dry ice in Goldendale; the lab manager has gone out of his way to obtain this particular test, so the least I can do is go after the dry ice.
Leland has felt a little better this week, still fatigued and nauseated at least some nearly every day, but it seems to be under control most of the time. The pain comes and goes, and we keep working on finding ways to deal with it. Tomorrow I will go to Wahlgreens in The Dalles and buy some Sea Bands to try-it works for pregnancy nausea and sea sickness, so perhaps it will work with Leland. It is worth a try at least.
One good piece of news: He gained another pound this last week, not a lot, but certainly better than losing another one! So he has now regained the weight he lost during the cleanse, which tells us he is assimilating his food again.
Friday night, Ed and Dana came in their motor home to visit. We had a simple supper outside on the patio with Del and Chuck-a very pleasant evening indeed. Leland did not feel super well, but was able to participate, which he enjoyed very much. Ed and Dana spent the night in their motor home, then came in and had breakfast with us, after the men went out and picked a few fresh blueberries and strawberries to go on our granola. A lovely visit-come again!
Sabbath evening we watched a DVD lent by a friend; Ron Clouzet speaking of Christ in you, the hope of glory and we in Christ, which means we are surrounded by Christ on all sides. Everything which touches us, also touches Him, must go through Him and has a purpose for the greater good. We had not thought of it in quite that way before, but found it very comforting, a wonderful arrangement indeed!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Sunday August 5, 2012
Another busy week has passed, with another coming up. Last week Mark, Tina and Grant were here from Monday until Friday. They were wonderful, helping out in so many ways I can't list them all, but some of the biggest ones were shopping for a new printer to replace the dysfunctional one, installing it, changing out the refrigerator in the house for the better one in the garage, and doing a lot of other smaller things. Of course we always enjoy their company.
On Monday also, Norm arrived, and through the week, we were able to spend time with him as well as Del and Chuck. It is so good to have family around! Thanks Norm for taking our wretched garbage to the dump and thanks to Del and Chuck for the use of their pickup, since ours is in Seattle right now. Chaunda used it, and will return with it this week.
Leland is doing as well as he ever does. Compared to good health, he is not there yet, but compared to some of the worse times, he is feeling better. Such ups and downs leave us grateful for the good days, and seldom able to plan very far ahead. He has been paying bills today, and scanning old slides on the new printer, something he has not had energy to do for quite a while. Sabbath was good too, we went to church, then Norm, Del and Chuck came for dinner (bringing a good share of it) and stayed the rest of the day, which we enjoyed.
One really good note for today: He gained back 4 of the five pounds he lost on the cleanse which makes me really happy!
He will have blood tests done early in the week, then on Wednesday will go to Portland for his MRI. His Urologist, Dr. M, wants all these tests repeated in three months, which will be November. So this set will be a very good baseline, as none of them were done in the beginning. I do not know how a CAT scan (which was done at first) correlates to an MRI, but will find out.
We just got a phone call from Jannie telling us Mom VT is not doing well at all; we are expecting her to leave us any time now. She is very tired; it will be a mercy for her to rest until Jesus comes.
Another busy week has passed, with another coming up. Last week Mark, Tina and Grant were here from Monday until Friday. They were wonderful, helping out in so many ways I can't list them all, but some of the biggest ones were shopping for a new printer to replace the dysfunctional one, installing it, changing out the refrigerator in the house for the better one in the garage, and doing a lot of other smaller things. Of course we always enjoy their company.
On Monday also, Norm arrived, and through the week, we were able to spend time with him as well as Del and Chuck. It is so good to have family around! Thanks Norm for taking our wretched garbage to the dump and thanks to Del and Chuck for the use of their pickup, since ours is in Seattle right now. Chaunda used it, and will return with it this week.
Leland is doing as well as he ever does. Compared to good health, he is not there yet, but compared to some of the worse times, he is feeling better. Such ups and downs leave us grateful for the good days, and seldom able to plan very far ahead. He has been paying bills today, and scanning old slides on the new printer, something he has not had energy to do for quite a while. Sabbath was good too, we went to church, then Norm, Del and Chuck came for dinner (bringing a good share of it) and stayed the rest of the day, which we enjoyed.
One really good note for today: He gained back 4 of the five pounds he lost on the cleanse which makes me really happy!
He will have blood tests done early in the week, then on Wednesday will go to Portland for his MRI. His Urologist, Dr. M, wants all these tests repeated in three months, which will be November. So this set will be a very good baseline, as none of them were done in the beginning. I do not know how a CAT scan (which was done at first) correlates to an MRI, but will find out.
We just got a phone call from Jannie telling us Mom VT is not doing well at all; we are expecting her to leave us any time now. She is very tired; it will be a mercy for her to rest until Jesus comes.
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