Today we worked on getting together all Judy's files and reports to fax to M.D. Anderson. We were able to get all but one doctor's report. The pathology slides have already been over-nighted to MDA.
We did finally get the lab report on the urine test, and it verified that we are dealing with a carcinoid tumor. That's what the Oncologist needed to be comfortable in administering the shot that we talked about earlier (Sandostaten). However, we don't want to start the treatment until we get an OK from MDA. We should know that within the next few days.
Although I haven't been able to concentrate on my work over the last few weeks, God is so good and He has really blessed my business, nevertheless. He never seems to amaze us with His grace and mercy.
Please pray that we can get into MDA quickly, so that we can get into a routine with some stability.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Weekend
We had a good weekend with our friends, the Gonzales' and the Hearrons. Just a relaxing time of good food, fellowship and playing lots of Spinner. Thank you Bob and Stacey for the use of your lake house.
Tomorrow, the results of the urine test should be in. The doctor will call with the results, hopefully giving us the go-ahead and start the shot treatments. I will also be talking to M.D. Anderson about setting up an appointment to do their evaluation of the pathology and CT slides. I will be faxing the records and over-nighting the slides. Then, they will contact us to set an appointment.
Judy is still feeling great and has joy and especially peace regarding the future. When people ask me how I am holding up, I simply say "Judy makes it easy for me, because of the grace and confidence she shows daily". God is so amazing!
Tomorrow, the results of the urine test should be in. The doctor will call with the results, hopefully giving us the go-ahead and start the shot treatments. I will also be talking to M.D. Anderson about setting up an appointment to do their evaluation of the pathology and CT slides. I will be faxing the records and over-nighting the slides. Then, they will contact us to set an appointment.
Judy is still feeling great and has joy and especially peace regarding the future. When people ask me how I am holding up, I simply say "Judy makes it easy for me, because of the grace and confidence she shows daily". God is so amazing!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Doctor's Visit
Well, today we saw Dr. Orr (Oncologist)To get the results of the blood work and 24 hour urine draw. The appointment was a little premature, as the results of the urine were not in, but should be either Mon. or Tues.
We now understand why the two tests...together, they should cofirm the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcidoid tumors...or not. Assuming agreement with the diagnosis, we can start the treatment (once a month shot). The doctor also suggested we have an echocardiagram, to be sure the cancer in the liver hasn't caused any damage to the heart valves. He does not suspect that it has.
Then, we asked about going to M D. Anderson for evaluation. He said he recently had a patient with the same tumor to call MDA, and they wouldn't see her because she had already started treatment, albeit, chemotherapy. So, we are going to talk to MDA immediately, to see if we can get in prior to starting treatment. The doc said it would not be a problem waiting to begin treatment, because this is a very slow growing type of cancer.So, we should hear from the doc on Mon. or Tues. concerning verification of the cancer type.
Here's how all you wonderful prayer warriors can help...pray that MDA will see us really soon, so that we can moove on to the next level, that being starting treatment.
We are leaving in a few minutes to go to Bob and Stacey's cabin at Lake Texhoma for the weekend. Sam and Barbara Gonzales are picking us up and we will hook up with Frank and Mary Hearron at the lake. We are going to have a wonderful weekend and we pray that all of you will too. All praise be to God.
We now understand why the two tests...together, they should cofirm the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcidoid tumors...or not. Assuming agreement with the diagnosis, we can start the treatment (once a month shot). The doctor also suggested we have an echocardiagram, to be sure the cancer in the liver hasn't caused any damage to the heart valves. He does not suspect that it has.
Then, we asked about going to M D. Anderson for evaluation. He said he recently had a patient with the same tumor to call MDA, and they wouldn't see her because she had already started treatment, albeit, chemotherapy. So, we are going to talk to MDA immediately, to see if we can get in prior to starting treatment. The doc said it would not be a problem waiting to begin treatment, because this is a very slow growing type of cancer.So, we should hear from the doc on Mon. or Tues. concerning verification of the cancer type.
Here's how all you wonderful prayer warriors can help...pray that MDA will see us really soon, so that we can moove on to the next level, that being starting treatment.
We are leaving in a few minutes to go to Bob and Stacey's cabin at Lake Texhoma for the weekend. Sam and Barbara Gonzales are picking us up and we will hook up with Frank and Mary Hearron at the lake. We are going to have a wonderful weekend and we pray that all of you will too. All praise be to God.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
From: Judy
Early yesterday morning, I went up to Baylor for some lab and blood work. It was my 1st time to go to the lab. I was going straight to my wonderful ,15 yr, part time job, after I finished w/the lab.
As I was filling out the paperwork, a queston came up asking about the stage of cancer I had. No big deal, it's stage 4. When I looked at the possible answers, I saw for the 1st time, that there was no cancer higher than stage 4. It took my breath away and my heart sank. How could this be?
As soon as I could get a signal, I called Ronnie and told him what I had just read. For a moment, there was silence on the phone. Then he said in a very soft voice, "Numbers don't mean anything to God." I asked him did you know this and did his heart sink when you heard this? He said, no he didn't know it and yes it took his breath away also. But, he said, "We don't have to be afraid and we are not in this by ourselves" And we are not.
Everytime I think about our situation, I think about how blessed we are to have the support we have...to have people to "come along beside you" to "stand in the gap" for and with you. What a blessing you all are to us. Your thoughts and prayers mean so very much to us. God is so kind and we feel Him around...everyday.
Judy
Ps 34:4
As I was filling out the paperwork, a queston came up asking about the stage of cancer I had. No big deal, it's stage 4. When I looked at the possible answers, I saw for the 1st time, that there was no cancer higher than stage 4. It took my breath away and my heart sank. How could this be?
As soon as I could get a signal, I called Ronnie and told him what I had just read. For a moment, there was silence on the phone. Then he said in a very soft voice, "Numbers don't mean anything to God." I asked him did you know this and did his heart sink when you heard this? He said, no he didn't know it and yes it took his breath away also. But, he said, "We don't have to be afraid and we are not in this by ourselves" And we are not.
Everytime I think about our situation, I think about how blessed we are to have the support we have...to have people to "come along beside you" to "stand in the gap" for and with you. What a blessing you all are to us. Your thoughts and prayers mean so very much to us. God is so kind and we feel Him around...everyday.
Judy
Ps 34:4
Sunday, April 18, 2010
TW3
Well, I'm back on the Blog, after a week off. I hope you understand that I don't want to post just to continue blogging. I won't write unless there is news of import to report to you.
Judy will be taking her 24 hour urine specimen to the oncologist in the morning. She will also be giving blood for some additional testing the doctor wants. Then, it's wait again till Friday, when we have our next appointment. Our understanding is we will begin the treatment, the shot of sandostaten then. Judy will self-administer the first week to ten days, giving two daily injections of a lower dosage, to be sure she can tolerate the medication. Afterwards, she will get one shot per month at the doctor's office. We are told that there should be very little side affect, if any at all.
We still intend to have Dr. Orr send the slides and pathology report to the doctor in New Orleans. Also, we intend to get an appointment with M.D. Anderson as soon as we can. Assuming agreement on the original diagnosis, we will be comfortable with the current treatment plan. If there happens to be disagreement, we will cross that bridge at that time. Please pray that we have the correct diagnosis, so that we can move on and fight the demon that we know is the enemy.
We must once again express our sincere appreciation for the literally hundereds of cards and letters from you, plus the phone calls of concern. We truly didn't realize how many wonderful friends we have out there. We thank and love you all, including our very special family.
Judy will be taking her 24 hour urine specimen to the oncologist in the morning. She will also be giving blood for some additional testing the doctor wants. Then, it's wait again till Friday, when we have our next appointment. Our understanding is we will begin the treatment, the shot of sandostaten then. Judy will self-administer the first week to ten days, giving two daily injections of a lower dosage, to be sure she can tolerate the medication. Afterwards, she will get one shot per month at the doctor's office. We are told that there should be very little side affect, if any at all.
We still intend to have Dr. Orr send the slides and pathology report to the doctor in New Orleans. Also, we intend to get an appointment with M.D. Anderson as soon as we can. Assuming agreement on the original diagnosis, we will be comfortable with the current treatment plan. If there happens to be disagreement, we will cross that bridge at that time. Please pray that we have the correct diagnosis, so that we can move on and fight the demon that we know is the enemy.
We must once again express our sincere appreciation for the literally hundereds of cards and letters from you, plus the phone calls of concern. We truly didn't realize how many wonderful friends we have out there. We thank and love you all, including our very special family.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Meeting with the Oncologist
Today we met with the Oncologist, Dr. Douglas Orr. He was a very affable man and he listened and answered all our questions. I'll go ahead and let you know what our next step is in the process. On Monday, Judy will turn in her 24 hour urine specimen and do some lab work. Then, we will see the Dr. again on Friday to go over the test results. We expect at that time, we will start the treatment. The good news is the shot of sandostatin will only be administered once a month, with most likely no side effects. We will also be setting an appointment to go to M. D. Anderson, to get another opinion of the biopsies. Also, Dr. Orr knows a well-known MD in New Orleans who is the expert in this type of tumor and we may also let him do an evaluation.
So, all-in-all, we are still looking at a disease called neuroindocrine carcinoma. It is a stage 4 cancer, with a prognosis of successful treatment for 7 to 12 years. Judy's reaction was "I can't accept that...I plan on living to age 107". Who would have thought? It really doesn't matter the origin of the disease because the treatment is the same. We looked at the pictures from the CT Scan. We could see the numerous tumors on the liver and those on the pancreas. He also showed us two spots on the kidney, indicating that they were just cysts that probably been there for a long time.
We are encouraged and we hope you are too. We plan to continue to pray for complete healing...we ask that you do the same. God will absolutely get all the glory!
So, all-in-all, we are still looking at a disease called neuroindocrine carcinoma. It is a stage 4 cancer, with a prognosis of successful treatment for 7 to 12 years. Judy's reaction was "I can't accept that...I plan on living to age 107". Who would have thought? It really doesn't matter the origin of the disease because the treatment is the same. We looked at the pictures from the CT Scan. We could see the numerous tumors on the liver and those on the pancreas. He also showed us two spots on the kidney, indicating that they were just cysts that probably been there for a long time.
We are encouraged and we hope you are too. We plan to continue to pray for complete healing...we ask that you do the same. God will absolutely get all the glory!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Myrtle Beach
Our first full day at Myrtle Beach and it was really nice. Jim and I started the day at Myrtle's Donna's Kitchen. Had the regular "Quick Pick", eggs, grits, wheat toast, bacon. Judy and Bonnie slept late. Then, we strolled the beach and picked up shells. I really found some beauts.
Judy is still feeling well and is just moving on like nothing has happened out of the ordinary. But, isn't that what you would expect of her? The boys went to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers baseball game. Anyone know what a chanticleer is? Please respond if you do.
We'll be talking to you again tomorrow.
Judy is still feeling well and is just moving on like nothing has happened out of the ordinary. But, isn't that what you would expect of her? The boys went to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers baseball game. Anyone know what a chanticleer is? Please respond if you do.
We'll be talking to you again tomorrow.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Little R&R
We are now in our little borrowed condo in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We plan on coming home Sunday evening Interesting place. Very pretty too. My buddy, Jim Needs and his wife Bonnie from Upper Sandusky, Ohio invited us down for a visit. Only plan is to go to the Carolina Opry on Saturday night.
Though there's not much to report, I am compelled to enter a correction regarding last night's post. Judy wants everyone to know that she is not giving cancer credit for her weight loss...she has worked hard to lose those pounds over the last two years. I stand corrected!
Good night
Though there's not much to report, I am compelled to enter a correction regarding last night's post. Judy wants everyone to know that she is not giving cancer credit for her weight loss...she has worked hard to lose those pounds over the last two years. I stand corrected!
Good night
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
D-Day (D for Diagnosis)
It's 1:30 and Judy and I are preparing to go to the doctor's office.We feel the prayers of all of you who are praying. With that kind of intercession, whatever the news, we will rejoice. No matter the outcome, we will praise Him, He who is all-knowing, omnicient and ever-present will be glorified. Will return to finish this Blog...
So, here's what we learned from the pathology report: Let me be clear that what I tell you is subject to change, once we see the Oncologist on Monday.
1) The tumors have a name...neuro-endocrine. It is a fast growing cancer, but most treatable.
2) It probably originated in the pancreas, although it really doesn't matter. The treatment would be the same.
3) Besides the pancreas, it involves the liver and three lymph nodes.
4) It's not operable, but the treatment with a stando staten injection daily should keep the tumors from growing or spreading.
5) These type tumors produce a high level of seratonin, which caused the diarrhea and weight loss.
All in all, if it has to be cancer, this is the best kind to have involving these organs. My tough little lady is going to live a long time...she may even make her goal of age 107! Again, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and caring, and especially the prayers of many righteous people.
Judy and I are leaving tomorrow for a few days in Myrtle Beach, S.C. with a Baylor buddy and his wife. We will be back Sunday evening, looking forward to what God wants for us in the future. Praise be to His Name!
So, here's what we learned from the pathology report: Let me be clear that what I tell you is subject to change, once we see the Oncologist on Monday.
1) The tumors have a name...neuro-endocrine. It is a fast growing cancer, but most treatable.
2) It probably originated in the pancreas, although it really doesn't matter. The treatment would be the same.
3) Besides the pancreas, it involves the liver and three lymph nodes.
4) It's not operable, but the treatment with a stando staten injection daily should keep the tumors from growing or spreading.
5) These type tumors produce a high level of seratonin, which caused the diarrhea and weight loss.
All in all, if it has to be cancer, this is the best kind to have involving these organs. My tough little lady is going to live a long time...she may even make her goal of age 107! Again, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and caring, and especially the prayers of many righteous people.
Judy and I are leaving tomorrow for a few days in Myrtle Beach, S.C. with a Baylor buddy and his wife. We will be back Sunday evening, looking forward to what God wants for us in the future. Praise be to His Name!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
From : Judy 11:25 PM
Tonight, the warrior is a child.....we cried. Our lives will change forever, no matter what. I almost don't want it to be morning. But it will be morning, and with that new strenght will come.
I am holding on to something my friend Cindi gave me last week... Psalms 18:1-19.
It talks about how God heard my cries. And He raced out of heaven to rescue me and HE WAS MAD!! I especially like that part. Then He scattered my emenies and reached down into the pit and lifed me up and took me to a safe place because He loved me.
I like it when God gets mad at the enemy. I beleive God will be there in the doctor's office tomorrow. And maybe He will have a sword. But the important thing is that He will be there. We will not be there alone. Maybe He will bring a few angels.
Because of you,my family,friends,and strangers, we will make it. Thank you,from this warrior, for helping us make this journey. I win,no matters what happens.
Good night,
Judy
I am holding on to something my friend Cindi gave me last week... Psalms 18:1-19.
It talks about how God heard my cries. And He raced out of heaven to rescue me and HE WAS MAD!! I especially like that part. Then He scattered my emenies and reached down into the pit and lifed me up and took me to a safe place because He loved me.
I like it when God gets mad at the enemy. I beleive God will be there in the doctor's office tomorrow. And maybe He will have a sword. But the important thing is that He will be there. We will not be there alone. Maybe He will bring a few angels.
Because of you,my family,friends,and strangers, we will make it. Thank you,from this warrior, for helping us make this journey. I win,no matters what happens.
Good night,
Judy
Pathology Eve
I didn't Blog yesterday because I didn't want to write just for the sake of writing. Also, I'm certain you don't want to take your valuable time read some babble. That being said, I do have some substance to report to you all who have encouraged us in this exercise. Technology can sometimes be a very good thing.
Judy and I both went to work today and tried to act as normal as possible...Judy is much better at that than I am. I know that many of you never have deemed me to be normal anyway. Judy is now reading the stack of cards that came in the mail today. The outpouring of love and con-
cern Judy and I have received over the last week has been incredibly touching and humbling. We simply marvel at God's grace and peace , knowing that whatever path He takes us down, we will be walking with Him. How can that be anything but wonderful?
We have a previously scheduled appointment with the Internist tomorrow at 2 PM. I called the GI doctor's office late today and learned that the lab results are in and have been faxed to Dr. Chung (the Internist). So, it looks like we will find out the source of the cancer and the type of cancer we are dealing with. That will give us the information we need to determine treatment options. For the first time, I feel myself being anxious about tomorrow's consultation. Judy keeps me grounded with her unbelievable faith and trust.
I told our son, Bob a while ago...it's time to "ramp up the volume" and start beating the drums. I would also like to ask you to do the same.
Good night,
Judy and Ronnie
Judy and I both went to work today and tried to act as normal as possible...Judy is much better at that than I am. I know that many of you never have deemed me to be normal anyway. Judy is now reading the stack of cards that came in the mail today. The outpouring of love and con-
cern Judy and I have received over the last week has been incredibly touching and humbling. We simply marvel at God's grace and peace , knowing that whatever path He takes us down, we will be walking with Him. How can that be anything but wonderful?
We have a previously scheduled appointment with the Internist tomorrow at 2 PM. I called the GI doctor's office late today and learned that the lab results are in and have been faxed to Dr. Chung (the Internist). So, it looks like we will find out the source of the cancer and the type of cancer we are dealing with. That will give us the information we need to determine treatment options. For the first time, I feel myself being anxious about tomorrow's consultation. Judy keeps me grounded with her unbelievable faith and trust.
I told our son, Bob a while ago...it's time to "ramp up the volume" and start beating the drums. I would also like to ask you to do the same.
Good night,
Judy and Ronnie
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Resurection Day
Today we celebrate the first resurection...He's alive!
The services at Shiloh Terrace Baptist today were awsome...there new menbers and one young man surrendering to the ministry as a missionary. Bob and his family were with us for the 11 o"clock service. Dr. Christina delivered a wonderful message of hope...1,100 in worship, $70,000. offering and 6 new members!
I for one, will be watching the Lady Bears take on UConn tonight in the semis. Now, that's scary!
Took a break to visit with Frank and Mary Hearron. It's 17 to 8 Uconn.
We are looking forward to a great week ahead. We expect to get a pathology report, so we can determine what options we have. In the mean time, Judy feels physically great, spiritually and emotionally at peace. UConn 26, Baylor 12...maybe I should go to bed..nah.
The services at Shiloh Terrace Baptist today were awsome...there new menbers and one young man surrendering to the ministry as a missionary. Bob and his family were with us for the 11 o"clock service. Dr. Christina delivered a wonderful message of hope...1,100 in worship, $70,000. offering and 6 new members!
I for one, will be watching the Lady Bears take on UConn tonight in the semis. Now, that's scary!
Took a break to visit with Frank and Mary Hearron. It's 17 to 8 Uconn.
We are looking forward to a great week ahead. We expect to get a pathology report, so we can determine what options we have. In the mean time, Judy feels physically great, spiritually and emotionally at peace. UConn 26, Baylor 12...maybe I should go to bed..nah.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Well, we've had a big Saturday with Bob and Stacey and the kids. What a beautiful day to be at Williams Stadium in Garland watching Ashlyn run in a track meet...no medal, but she ran very well in the 100 and 200. We went to Ft. Worth for dinner with Mom Lucas at Mama Mia's.
Not expecting any news over Easter weekend, we concentrate on the best news...Christ arose and lives today. Let's look forward to the next resurection, when all who know Jesus as Savior meet Him in Heaven. If anyone reading this blog doesn't know the joy and peace that Judy and I know in the Lord, you can have the assurance of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus and all His children. You can call on the name of Jesus right where you are; acknowlege your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness, receive Him as your Lord and Savior. He is ready and willing to receive you just as you are, no matter what your past. His death on the cross paid for all your sins past, present and forever. His resurection, which we celebrate tomorrow, guarantees you a mansion in Heaven.
If you want to know more of what it means to be "saved", feel free to contact Judy or me. It's a free gift...all you have to do is accept it.
Good night and a blessed Easter Sunday tomorrow.
Not expecting any news over Easter weekend, we concentrate on the best news...Christ arose and lives today. Let's look forward to the next resurection, when all who know Jesus as Savior meet Him in Heaven. If anyone reading this blog doesn't know the joy and peace that Judy and I know in the Lord, you can have the assurance of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus and all His children. You can call on the name of Jesus right where you are; acknowlege your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness, receive Him as your Lord and Savior. He is ready and willing to receive you just as you are, no matter what your past. His death on the cross paid for all your sins past, present and forever. His resurection, which we celebrate tomorrow, guarantees you a mansion in Heaven.
If you want to know more of what it means to be "saved", feel free to contact Judy or me. It's a free gift...all you have to do is accept it.
Good night and a blessed Easter Sunday tomorrow.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
This Good Friday has been very Good. Judy has been out shopping all day with Stacey, Ashlyn , Casey and Mattie. They were looking for fabric to recover our dining room chairs. Then, the rest of the day looking for a prom dress for Ashlyn. The boys (Bob, Blake and Lucas and Carson) went to AMC 30 to see Clash of the Titans. I also got my garden tilled, finally.
Another day of no news from the pathology lab...which is good news. Don't really expect to hear anything till next week now. Every day that passes brings Judy and I a greater peace and comfort, knowing that God is weaving His plan to bring glory and honor to His name through wichever path He wants us to follow. The really good news is that we know that we won't be walking that path alone.
From: Judy
This has been a good week. Our family and freinds have made it pass fast. It was Tues morning before I heard myself laugh. It sounded so good and even felt better. I love to laugh, it's good for the soul.
Another day of no news from the pathology lab...which is good news. Don't really expect to hear anything till next week now. Every day that passes brings Judy and I a greater peace and comfort, knowing that God is weaving His plan to bring glory and honor to His name through wichever path He wants us to follow. The really good news is that we know that we won't be walking that path alone.
From: Judy
This has been a good week. Our family and freinds have made it pass fast. It was Tues morning before I heard myself laugh. It sounded so good and even felt better. I love to laugh, it's good for the soul.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Maintaining
It's 1PM on Thursday and there's nothing of substance to report. Judy is running errands and doing the things she ordinarily does on her days off. Well, there's one piece of good news...we are going this afternoon to get my pants taken up in the waist. I've been losing about five pounds per month since November...cutting back on calories and exercising about an hour each day. Those who know Judy well, know that she is a "Care-Taker", it's her gift of the spirit. She's always concerned about everyone else's well-being, sometimes to the detriment of her own.
Looks like God needs me to be in shape. I'm not good at giving mercy and Judy is not good at receiving it. So, it's time we both learn a new role for a while.
Bob and Stacey and the kids (Ashlyn,Blake and Lucas) are coming tonight. We feel extra comfort when they are here. This closes day #3 since the biopsy with no pathology report. Every day that passes gives us hope that the prognosis will be more promising for treatment. If you are one of our prayer partners, please continue to pray for healing. Maybe if enough folks continue to pester God, He will just throw up His hands and heal Judy, just to get us all off His back.lol
Looks like God needs me to be in shape. I'm not good at giving mercy and Judy is not good at receiving it. So, it's time we both learn a new role for a while.
Bob and Stacey and the kids (Ashlyn,Blake and Lucas) are coming tonight. We feel extra comfort when they are here. This closes day #3 since the biopsy with no pathology report. Every day that passes gives us hope that the prognosis will be more promising for treatment. If you are one of our prayer partners, please continue to pray for healing. Maybe if enough folks continue to pester God, He will just throw up His hands and heal Judy, just to get us all off His back.lol
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