February 29

Hi Friends,

Doug here, posting on behalf of Jane. She has not been feeling well lately, and many of you have been asking about her, so I'll try to fill you in on what's been happening for the past 8 days.

In her last post, Jane told about having a needle biopsy (ultrasound guided thoracentesis for you medical-types). I was at work on Saturday last, and the oncologist called Jane at home with the results. She was told that the sample drawn contained cancer cells, and that he wanted to talk with us on Monday (last). I took off work early, and we went to see Dr. Neville at 4:40pm on Monday. He recommended a new drug to approach the cancer, had the lab draw blood cultures, and scheduled a CT scan for next Wednesday.

Jane and I got home about 6:00pm, and by 9:00pm she had spiked a fever of 103°F. Then it was off to the Emergency Room, where they took blood cultures, chest X-ray and a CT scan. Needless to say, Jane was pretty worn-out by then. I brought her home at 3:00am after the results of the blood tests and CT were looked at. It turns out that her blood work showed no infection, and the CT showed a thickened omentum. We're not sure what that means right now. Anyway, after some Tylenol her temperature was down and the ER doc sent us home.

Yesterday (Thursday) Jane started on the new regimen of chemotherapy, which had to be done at the hospital, to observe her for any reactions to the new drug (Erbitux). The treatment went well, albeit slow, and Jane came home at 8:45pm on Thursday night. Today, she was feeling well enough to go out with a friend to the dollar store to get a few things for Amy's birthday which is today.

We celebrated Amy's birthday with her friends, pizza, and cake, and then Amy and her friends went to the MU on campus to bowl and play games.

Jane is resting right now, not feeling to good. She gets worn out very easily, so we're going to try and take things even more slowly now. This new chemo treatment is scheduled to continue for the next 16 weeks (yes, that's right, 16 WEEKS). If you are praying for Jane, please pray that she will be able to tolerate these treatments for as long as necessary. She has generally been in good spirits, but can always use people lifting her up in prayer.

Thank you to everyone who are helping us out in our time of need. Jane and I are overwhelmed with the response of our family, friends, and neighbors. God bless you, everyone!

doug

February 21

I come to the office each morning and stay for long hours doing what has to be done to the best of my ability. And when you've done the best you can you can't do any better.
- Harry S. Truman



Well, I don't go "to the office" anymore, but each day poses it's own challenges. All any of us can do is the best we can to the best of our ability, no matter what challenges we face.

We found a great home for our puppy Hazel. She gets to run, romp, and play on 9 acres with a "big brother" male boxer. I think she will be very happy there. We miss her, but I believe this has been the right decision. It's great to know she's gone to a good home. Still working on the cat issue...

I had to skip treatment again this week, as pneumonia isn't cleared up yet. In fact, there's a spot of fluid on my upper right lung that they want to biopsy. So, today at 1:00 I am going in for a needle biopsy. Not really looking too forward to it. I just hope the numbing beforehand works really good!! I don't like being awake for these procedures. It's kind of freaky.

Anyhow, we actually went out for a short cycle ride last Saturday. Should I have gone? That's debatable. But it felt great to be out and riding again, though still a bit cold. I was exhausted but happy when we got home. So I think it was worth it! Carpe Diem!!

I'll let you know how biopsy goes today. More later,

Jane

February 15

Wow, finally getting back to my blog. The last few weeks have not been so great. After last treatment (Jan 30), I was really wiped out, sleeping a ton. My back started hurting about 6 days into treatment cycle. At first it felt like muscle pain then it moved into my right lung and it really hurt to breathe. Long story short, I ended up the pneumonia. We were actually very relieved to know that's all it was! Thankfully, I didn't have to get hospitalized, and was sent home with antibiotics. I am healing, getting some energy back, though still have some discomfort in breathing and lung area. But it's so much better than it was!

I had to skip treatment (13th) because of this (which was ok by me). We'll see if I'm well enough next week to have another go at it. Red blood count is low (I'll get a shot to boost this next week), otherwise all other blood work is still good. CEA level is down to 6.8, which is also very good that it's coming down more. There's nothing worse than to go through all this and feel that it's not doing any good. So these blood tests are encouraging.

The doc in Seattle went on vacation until this week and is supposed to be reviewing my scan and getting back to me. His assistant corresponded with me last week to say he's very busy but will get back to me as soon as he can.

So in the meantime I'll continue with chemo. Doc Neville wants me to do 3 more treatments of this regime. We may or may not scan again after that, just have to wait and see how I'm feeling.

Prayers would be to hear from the surgeon soon and wisdom in going forward with surgery. Also for Doug's peace of mind and finding a different position at the hospital. CNA work is very hard, especially with 12 hour shifts. Also for the kids, that they will make right coping choices during these times of stress. Daniel got a job at Dairy Queen, but he needs more hours. Amy is doing well in school and just joined LaCrosse so this should keep her busy.

We also need to make some decisions on our pets. I just can't care for them and I've had to spend some money on one of my cats who is sick. I'm torn between finding out what's wrong with her and spending the money. We won't do any interventive stuff for her but just want to keep her comfortable or, if she has something terminal, to put her down. So I need wisdom here. Also, if you know anyone who would love to own an 8 month old female Boxer pup, let us know. She's really a wonderful dog but too much for our household right now.

Friends and family still prove to be an incredible support. We honestly could not make it through this without you all. We have been remiss to send thank you's and such, but please know how much we greatly appreciate all your kindnesses and sacrifices to us. It just goes beyond
words.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend (maybe more sun!!?)

Jane

January 24

The scan showed overall improvement, which is good. My CEA level has come down to 11 (from 17) which is also good. I missed treatment this week because of the cold, but will go in next Wednesday (30th) for treatment #6 of this round. In the meantime, I'm on a 7-day course of antibiotics. We're going to stay on the current regime, which is also good, as I didn't want to go back on the oxylyplatin. Kind of nice to have a break, but also still want to get treatment. It's a paradox!

My oncologist and surgeon have contacted the doc up in Seattle, so we're waiting to hear back from him. My sense is that he may want to see more remission before doing the surgery, so we'll hopefully hear back from him in the next few days.

Just waiting, listening, hoping, surviving, surrendering, enjoying each day.

More later,
Jane

January 20

Just a real quick one. On my birthday, the insurance company phoned me. They said there had been a discrepancy in policies (work hours) between two of the insurance offices, or something like that, and that they did indeed approve my disability claim! I told the woman on the phone that it was my birthday and this was a fantastic birthday present! So, thanks to Fred at church for pursuing this for me.

I came down with a cold on my birthday too. Oh well, ain't that life? Anyhow, this may affect my ability to get treatment on Wednesday. Please pray I get over this cold enough to get treatment.

I haven't heard anything yet as far as the scan. I will know something for sure on Tuesday, possibly tomorrow. I will let you know.

Enjoy football games today!
Jane

January 15

"Your surrounding friends will take good care of you."
- fortune cookie


Hi all,

I had treatment #5 last Wednesday and just today feel like I'm semi-normal. This one took more wind out of my sails. My bloodwork CEA level climbed to 17 a couple of weeks ago. Dr. Neville thought he would have seen it go down by now (although last week it went down 1 point, for what that's worth). Since there hasn't been a significant change in the CEA he wants to do the PET scan this Friday (Jan 18), to "see what's going on." This is fine by me.

Again, the prayer at this time is that I'll be able to have the IPHC surgery. (Not that I'm eager to be operated on stem to stern, but as I've been saying, "drastic times call for drastic measures.") This will perhaps increase my odds of a longer survival. Dr. Neville also mentioned possible clinical trials with a couple of biologic drugs they are testing at this time, and that also he would contact some docs up at OHSU who are "interested in these types of problems." I responded well to the Oxilyplatin before, but that's the one that causes neuropathy and I am not too eager to go back on that one. We'll just have to see what the scan shows.

My disability claim was denied so I am looking into appealing it. Apparently I needed to be working 40 hours a week and not 30-35. Didn't know that. We'll see how that goes. I understand getting disability has gotten to be very difficult. Too bad for the folks out there that really need it.

So, tomorrow is my 53rd birthday. Wow, it sounds old and then young at the same time. Depends on what you're comparing it to, I suppose. I am glad to see the sun today and they say more tomorrow, so I will plan to soak some in as much as I can.

I will let you know the scan results, probably early next week.

Have a good week
Jane

January 6

Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties. - Spurgeon

Nice to see snow today! I love how the white blankets everything. It feels so peaceful.

We were able to get away for a couple of days this week with the kids over to the coast. It was good to get away and have a change of scenery for a bit. Though it was extremely stormy, we had a fun time, lots of laughs (usually during meals). This reiterated to me the importance of sharing meals together around the table, not something we take time to do alot as everyone seems to be on different schedules.

Things are moving along. Treatment hasn't been too bad except that the mouth sores came back this week. This makes talking and eating laborious and things don't taste the same as normal. But, I do manage to get the food down and the words out! I've been a little tired and have to remember to pace myself.

The kids are doing well at this time. We talk openly about things and I think this is healthy. Doug is working hard and it has been a struggle on him physically. Please pray for his stamina, both emotional and physical, and that perhaps another less physically demanding position will open up at the hospital. We do need the insurance!!

So two more treatments, next one (#5) is Wednesday the 9th. After the 6th treatment on the 23rd, I'll more than likely have a PET scan the following Friday, Feb. 1. Please pray for these next two treatments, that I can tolerate them well, and that they are doing their job.

I'm just taking things day to day, trying not to look too far ahead, but at the same time, prepare for possible scenarios that may present themselves in the next several weeks. Should I be eligible for the IPHC surgery I would think this would take place relatively soon. One thing is that my son Daniel turns 18 on Feb. 9, and Amy turns 16 on Feb. 29 (leap year baby!). I sure don't want to miss those birthdays. But we'll have to wait and see how the logistics play out.

Your continued prayers and thoughts are always welcomed. I have to say again that we simply could not do this without all the help and support that has been poured out to us from family and dear friends. Everyone has been just amazing!

May the Lord bless your 2008! Take care of yourselves, get your check-ups, eat well, and take time for time outs.

Love to all,
Jane