THURSDAY

I can’t believe it has been 10 days since my last update.  Sorry for taking so long. 

Mary finished her 4th round of chemo on Friday.  In an effort to better control the side effects she imbibed huge fluid intakes.  For a woman who isn’t a big water drinker to begin with this was a chore.  I would keep telling her, “when you think you have drunk enough, drink some more.”  We both believed it helped.  By the end of the five days of treatment she only had one night that was especially rough. 

Now that we are six days removed she is finding renewed energy and interest in doing things.  Yesterday she joined me at our seniors luncheon.  (I was an invited guest, not a card carrying member.  Just wanted to clear that up).     We ate at Der Dutchman in Waynesville.  She enjoyed the meal immensely and did very well in visiting with the Hoys, a new couple she had not met before.  I was really proud of her.  Today she is having lunch with a friend from church.  All of this encourages me because I want so much for her to do things she enjoys and get out of the house more.

So she is on the road to feeling better and is still maintaining a functional level of communications. 

It has been six months now since the diagnosis. She will have two more rounds of chemo.  From what the doctors have stated, that will be the end for that option.

Mary is scheduled for an MRI at the end of this month but is not sure she wants to do it.  In some ways she would rather just let things play out and gauge whatever growth is occuring in the tumor by what is happening with her speech and emotions rather than the MRI.  If things get more difficult in those areas increased steroids would be the next step.  Though the last MRI was very encouraging, Mary is more inclined to not want to know what is really going on in her brain. 

Tomorrow night is our staff Christmas party.  We are going to La Comedia for their Christmas spectacular.  It is a dinner theater in Springboro, good food, good show.  I am thrilled that Mary is feeling good enough to enjoy it.

That’s it for this time.  Thanks again for all your prayers.  I hear from so many of you that you continue to lift us up daily before our Father.  That continues to fuel our confidence that God is at work accomplishing His will and glory.  So thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

MONDAY

We are back after a blessed Thanksgiving in Chicago.  Each evening we were there, Mary would say, “This was a good day.”  Her greatest joy is being with family and seeing everybody have a good time.   Thanksgiving evening saw us journey to the Bowling Alley.  It is a yearly tradition that everyone looks forward to.  Bryan and Jon paved the way with high games of 192 and 173.  Considering they only bowl once a year that is more than respectable.  No bragging rights for old Dad this year.  I just couldn’t get on a roll. 

Besides a great Thanksgiving dinner cooked by Mary’s 83 year old Mom, we indulged on pizza at some of Chicago’s great pizza places, ate ice cream at Oberweis’  (thanks to sister in law, Sue Biggs, who donated her gift cards to the cause) and took in the movie Blind Side.  It was a gripping story that challenged all of us at the potential our lives have to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Mary and I arrived home Saturday evening, and Mary once again started experiencing the leg cramps and pain she had earlier in the week.  I bought some bananas and GatorAde to see if the potassium and electrolytes would help.  She also took some pain killers more frequently and by Sunday afternoon was feeling better.  The trip to the doctor the previous Wednesday had been pretty non eventful.  He was pleased at her level of functionality and felt good about keeping her at the same level of steroids.  That made Mary and I very happy. 

Today starts another round of chemo.  She is committed to drink tons of water to try and help her feel better during the treatment time.  Last month was tough on her so we trust that the fluids will really help.  We have a pretty good routine established and the days go quickly.  Our church Christmas party is this Friday evening and she really wants to go.  Pray that she will have the strength and feel well enough to be involved.  I know that would mean alot to her.

Again, thanks for your encouragement and prayers  We are so blessed by your friendship.  May this season of Christmas fill your hearts with great joy as you celebrate the Christ child and what His arrival means to us.  His gracious salvation is the greatest gift ever.

SATURDAY

Though November has been a good month in so many ways, Mary is starting to experience some regression again.  Over this past week her communication ability has gotten more challenging for her.  Reading and composing emails require numerous read throughs and edits and even then she is not sure she is getting things right.  Her speech, though still better than it had been for a long time, is getting challenged with word selection.   Some of this may be due to the fact she had the flu quite severely earlier in the week.  She has bounced back, but has not recovered her former communication levels. 

The steroid level she has been on has been working fairly well, but the dosage may have to be reviewed.  Her monthly appointment with the oncologist is this coming Wednesday, and he will be able to determine whether any additonal increases should be made.  Mary’s desire to stay involved with life as much as possible is still there, but her confidence has been shaken a bit this week. 

After the appointment Wednesday with the oncologist we will be heading to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with Mary’s mom and all the family.   All of our children, spouses, and grandkids, along with all Mary’s side of the family will be there, a total of 20 adults plus kids.  It will be a madhouse with all the noise and activity, but it is a wonderful reminder of how we have all been blessed.  There is always evidence of the many answers to prayer that God has given us through the years.

I also want to add a word of thanks to the many of you that remembered my birthday this week with cards, emails and calls.  I had a great day enjoying my favorite goodies, was taken to lunch by my loving and beautiful wife and to supper by Bryan, Beth and the boys.  Along with that I got a new pair of running shoes from Mary Ann,which I really am enjoying.

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be sure to take time to give thanks.  Truly God is good.  Thanks for your ongoing prayers.   We have no doubt God is at work.  We trust him not only for strength in the journey, but we trust His purpose in all this and the result He has ordained.  Our desire is that we will come forth more purified in our love for Him, and that praise and honor will result to His glory

SATURDAY

Mary had a wonderful time with our daughter, Sarah, in Chapel Hill.  I had the joy of driving down after church on Sunday and spending the day on Monday with them before Mary and I headed back home Tuesday.  It gave Mary great joy to see the house our kids are building take final shape.  She oozes with delight as she talks about the beauty of the kitchen cabinets, the wood floors, the tiled showers, etc.  There is nothing not to like in this cottage style home.  The floor plan of 1400 sq ft is laid out so efficiently and homey.  We both just love it.  The kids get possession of it a week from Monday. 

Mary continues to function at a good level.  She went to the Ladies Bible Study on Thursday morning, and then that evening we went to friends for supper.  It was the first time that Mary felt able to go over to someone’s house to eat and fellowship. 

She still has limits on her stamina.  When she overdoes it she pays the price for a day or so by struggling with her overall ability to communicate.   But she bounces back and is ready to go again.  She really wants to reengage life as much as possible for as along as possible.  Though she knows she has limits she still has alot to give.   Her communication ability has been good enough the last few weeks that she is getting more confident in social situations.  She recognizes she is not normal, but is aware that she is doing much better than before.  

The steroids have really helped in her communication, but have created a lot of puffiness in her face.   She wishes her face wasn’t so round and full.  I call her my botox babe.  No wrinkles.  Her hair is also starting to grow back, though not yet in the prime radiation area.  Hopefully we’ll see some action there soon.  She looks forward to not having to wear her hats in public.  May not be too long.

So for these last weeks of improvement we thank the Lord.  Your prayers continue to mean the world to us.  We are so grateful for your love for us. 

SATURDAY

Mary finished her 5 days of chemo on Monday.  This was the toughest of the rounds so far, but she is rebounding quite well.  She was scheduled to fly from Cincy to Greensboro on Thursday evening to have some mother/ daughter time with Sarah and I was concerned that she would not be well enough to go.  But Thursday was a better day and off she went.  I was given a security pass to go with her to the gate.  Her flight was non-stop, so in less than an hour she was in Greensboro where Sarah met her.

Each day she sounds stronger and stronger.  I just got off the phone with her and rejoice at how well she is speaking.  I hear alot of joy and energy in her voice.  So we all praise the Lord for this wonderful time right now, where she is increasing in her ability to speak, read, and write.  I don’t want to give the impression that it is normal, but it is so much better than it has been at any time over the last few months.  In many ways Mary’s abilities right now seem to counter the facts of what is going on in the brain.  But we are not trying to figure it out.  We are just praising the Lord.  We will ride this wave of better communication ability for as long as we can.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers and encouragement.  And for all of you that are part of the weekly flower arrangement that gets delivered to us, a huge thanks.  They are absolutely beautiful. 

THURSDAY

PRAISE THE LORD for a good report today!!  You may remember that the report on the August MRI was quite discouraging.  We had been informed that the tumor had re-grown to half its original size even with the radiation and chemo.  By all human expectations we would not have been surprised if the tumor had grown again significantly, but the latest MRI revealed the tumor had only grown 1 mm, from 1.6 to 1.7 cm.   We truly attribute that to all your prayers.  This was a God thing, and we continually are reminded that He is in full control, not bound by medicines and their performance or lack thereof.     So today was a day of rejoicing.  Along with that we returned home from our time in Florida to discover that our church family received a love offering for us.  Mary and I were totally blown away.  Our church family has taken generosity and kindness to the highest level.  We are blessed beyond our worthiness.  We again thank the Lord for His provision

So all in all we had a red letter day.  To top it all off Mary received an arrangement of flowers that were built around tulips, her favorite flower.  Add to that a sunny day in the upper 60’s and we just sensed a special smile of God saying again, “I am here, and I make all things beautiful.”

Thanks again for your prayers.  Mary will remain on 12 mg of steroids for now, will start her next 5 day chemo treatment tonight, and will not need another MRI until the end of December.  All of this is good.

MONDAY

We are back!  What a great time we had enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.  Six beautiful days of mid 80’s and balmy breezes.  We stayed at Sand Key the first few days and enjoyed Clearwater Beach and Sand Key Beach.   Mary enjoyed walking out on the pier and watching the fisherman and pelicans ply their craft.    Though Mary’s stamina wasn’t the best we developed a pretty good daily schedule.  I’m up first and enjoy a hour or two doing a run and reading the paper by the pool.   After we both dress we eat a light breakfast and head to the beach.  Short walks or sitting and watching people take us up to lunch.  A favorite place is Sweet Tomatos, a salad bar of fresh veggies, a soup bar and some great breads.  Mary would rest in the afternoon and then be ready for some exploring by car and a light supper.  We arrived back in Orlando Friday afternoon and went to see the movie, Amelia, which we both enjoyed.  Saturday and Sunday were theme parks.  First the Magic Kingdom and then Sea World.  We split them up with a morning session and an evening session.  Sunday we celebrated our 34th Wedding Anniversary.  We reflected back on the incredible goodness of God, His grace, provision and direction.  His blessings and faithfulness.  I realized anew how enriched my life has been by being married to this amazing and beautiful women.   She is truly something special.

Tomorrow we head for the hospital for the next MRI.  We appreciate your prayers, both for that and our time with Dr. Gordon on Thursday.  I really expect an encouraging report.  I know the last one was quite discouraging, but I am anticipating that the tumor’s growth will be less than might be expected, given the ineffectiveness of the radiation and first few rounds of chemo.  We continue to rest in the Lord.  Mary and I both embrace the goodness of God at all times and in all things.

Thanks for your prayers.

MONDAY, October 19

There is much to be thankful for as Mary and I head for Florida tomorrow.  First of all, the increase in steroids began to show its positive impact on Wednesday of last week, to the point where Mary went to the Women’s Bible Study Thursday morning, and out to lunch with a friend.   I was thrilled by what I was seeing and still am.  Though not quite as sharp as Wednesday and Thursday, she functions quite well, just tires out a bit too quickly and needs recovery time. 

A week ago I wasn’t sure this trip was going to happen, but I thank the Lord that in His grace and love, Mary is doing well enough to really get excited about going.  And so am I.  We will be splitting our time between the beach and Orlando.  We will rest a few days by the water, a favorite thing to do, and then a theme park or two.   Though Mary doesn’t do the rides, she loves to sit and watch people and activities around her. 

As we go I enlist your prayers for two things.  One, that Mary’s speech and comprehension would be strong enough to enjoy the week without a lot of frustration.  Two, that the physical discomfort Mary deals with can be controlled, freeing her to maximize her enjoyment.  Thanks so much.

We will be back in Dayton next Monday.  Til then we are going to enjoy the fun and the sun in the warm weather of the tropics.  See ya.

TUESDAY

 We had a wonderful weekend with our family.  Sarah flew up from North Carolina early Saturday morning and spent the better part of three days with us.  Bryan and family also dropped in throughout the weekend, which made the time together extra special.  You just can’t beat time with family.  Sarah headed back home last evening, which produced a few tears as we said good bye, but we will see her again in early November.

We had to make a decision last week regarding the level of steroids Mary was taking.  We had bumped her back up to 4 mg a little over a week ago to seek to improve her communication ability which had suffered significantly by the reduction to 2 mg.   That amount just wasn’t getting the job done anymore.  On Thursday the doctor prescribed a daily dosage of 12 mg.  Mary showed welcomed improvement with that amount.    Her improvement still leaves her struggling with reading and speaking, and she has some memory challenges, but she is able to function at basic conversational levels.  

She still wants to do Florida for our wedding anniversary, so we are making plans.  Pray that that will be a special week of enjoyment for us.  We will leave Tuesday, the 20th and return Monday, the 26th.  That will be followed by her next MRI on Tuesday, the 27th and a doctor’s visit on Thursday, the 29th.  This next MRI will be very telling as to what is going on in her brain.  We continue to pray for a miraculous healing, while submitting fully to God.  Even in the midst of the pain of our reality, there is real peace and rest in the arms of Jesus.

Thanks again for your love, concern and prayers.

MONDAY

We are 48 hours past the last chemo pills.  That is always good to celebrate.  Now it is time to rebound and keep climbing that ladder.  Things communication wise had risen to about an 18 out of 30, and have remained there for the most part.  That level provides reasonable function in speech, but challenges Mary’s comprehension when reading or receiving information.  She does fairly well in the normal conversations of life, but struggles with sermons (doesn’t get much out of mine she says, which kind of stings) and books.  (Fortunately I didn’t write those.)  I did talk with the doctor today about the level of comprehension and speech she was currently at and he suggested that we increase the steroid intake back to 4 mg.  This is where Mary had been for the past month but last week he wanted to begin the weaning process if she could do so without visible decline.  It looks like Mary functions best at the 4 mg level.  By Thursday we should see a return to her previous level of communication. 

Our daughter, Sarah, is coming this weekend and that will provide a real boost for Mary Ann.

So we continue to commit all these things to the Lord and pray for His wisdom, strength and healing.  Thanks for adding your prayers to ours.