Cathy's Journey

Heaven's new citizen

2010-02-17T23:33:00.002-06:00

Cathy lost her battle against cancer on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 12:30 AM surrounded by her family and a dear friend. The grief is horrible, but we do not "grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope" [1 Thes 4:13]. We share her belief in the atoning sacrifice of Christ for salvation and the hope of glory.

Cathy's love of God and passion to share the gospel of Christ animated her and endeared her to so many who loved her in return.

Visitation will be in the commons of College Church in Wheaton from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Monday February 22 and her memorial service will be in the sanctuary on Tuesday, February 23 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private.

Soon more information will be available at hultgrenfh.com

Dateline 2/10/10

2010-02-10T22:23:00.004-06:00

We [Cathy, her sister Kay & brother-in-law Dan and I] met with Dr. Bayer on Monday, 2/8 PM for what will become a weekly blood draw & observation. While he was heartened to hear Cathy state her current intention to fight on, he did tell us some new and difficult things:

He described Cathy's "state" as catabolic. While I can't describe that well enough or thorough enough, suffice it to say it is daunting.
He mentioned that Cathy's bilirubin needs to get down to no higher than 2 to enable her to get on the PARP inhibitor study.
He told us that the ascitic fluid in her abdomen is rich in protein. While it is good to remove the fluid such that cancer is not bathing in / fed by it and she experiences some relief from the swelling, it means that after a draining, more fluid is produced which continues to deplete her body of the protein she needs. Also there is a concern not to eat too much protein to make up for the loss, as that could cause kidney failure - we walk a fine line.

Finally today we learned of her bilirubin levels from the 2/8 blood draw: 9.4

While this is discouraging, both Dr Bayer and Conzen [U of C breast cancer specialist] cautioned us that it will take 3-4 weeks before we'll know of the efficacy of the current chemo Cathy is on, Xeloda. I'll recap the bilirubin levels over the last month:

1/15 5.2
1/26 9.9
1/28 11.3 [drawn @ U of C]
1/30 7.9
2/8 9.4

I just wonder about the accuracy of 1/28 or 1/30 or the potential that the U of C lab equipment is calibrated to different standards than Delnor's eqpt.

The side effects of Xeloda are mounting up on Cathy, in addition to her pain & discomfort from the cancer and ascites, but she'll get a week's reprieve after her last dose on Friday evening. We continue to COVET your prayers for strength, comfort, healing and mercy from God our father.

Update ...

2010-02-04T22:39:00.002-06:00

It was a rough day for the most part for Cathy. Most who spent time with her over the last two days have expressed deep concern for my sweetheart.

I spent the late afternoon with Cathy taking her to Delnor Hospital to learn how to use the catheter to drain the fluid in her abdomen. 1650 ml of fluid was taken and I observed some relief and an uptick in Cathy's countenance.

Being "my evening off", I took the occasion to attend an "Adult Service Provider Resource Fair" [agencies offering services for individuals with disabilities]. I mention this for two reasons:

I bumped into a number of people who know my wife and daughter. In discussing Cathy's situation, I was encouraged and so proud of my wife AND daughter with the comments about the impression they both have made through the years - bright sunshine!
I returned home to find my wife back in the throes of her familiar and increasing pain

Thankfully, Cathy is able to sleep fairly well, thanks either to Advil or the prescribed Vicadin, and is doing so now. Thanks for your continued prayers, cards and acts of service, meals, etc.

Another intervention ...

2010-02-02T22:05:00.003-06:00

The ascites was back in a big way on Sunday, within 24 hours of the "paracentesis ". Cathy had vowed she would not replay Saturday's intervention due to the pain - and SHE IS A TOUGH COOKIE!

This side affect of liver compromise will not go away with one draining of the peritoneal cavity, it is chronic unless and until liver function improves. The new chemo [Xeloda] Cathy is on has the potential of helping the liver to improve by destroying the cancerous breast cells that are now in her liver and allow the liver to replace those cancerous cells with healthy liver cells.

In order to "buy time" for Xeloda to provide this improvement [Dr. Bayer estimated 3-4 weeks], we needed a way to mitigate the agony she is experiencing with the significant abdominal distension - thus we had her abdomen "tapped" again today but with a PleurX catheter that will allow us to drain the fluid as often as daily.

Cathy is in extreme discomfort from the liver and ascites and experiences sharp pain whenever she moves quickly or in the wrong direction [which is just about any direction]. Chronic fatigue is a common side effect of ascites due to cancer so when in a comfortable position, she can rest well.

I am reminded how the young live as if immortal / invincible. At this time we are painfully aware of how fragile we are; given each heartbeat and breath by our omniscient and loving God. Please pray for Cathy's pain control, the efficacy of the catheter and chemo and grace & mercy from the Lord.

OUCH!

2010-01-30T22:50:00.003-06:00

It's called "ascites" and it is the pooling of excess / fugitive fluid pooling in the abdominal cavity - and Cathy has developed it over the last two weeks. The 5-6 month "pregnancy" look is the result and Cathy could no longer tolerate the pain. Thus, we spent 7 hours of today in the ER at Delnor awaiting tests, results, and finally the "paracentesis" whereby the fluid was removed.

Cathy didn't sleep last night so when they finally gave Cathy some Dilaudid [pain killer], she rested deeply ... for ten minutes at a time as I had to "force" down the solution she needed to drink before another CT scan. That, in and of itself, was not easy as Cathy already was so swollen that she didn't have the room for more, and yucky at that, fluids in her abdomen.

The paracentesis / tummy tap was very painful even with local anesthetic as they poked a needle into Cathy's abdominal cavity. A lot of fluid was removed and she's a tired ragamuffin so I'm hoping sleep will breathe new life into her frame tomorrow.

If You Could See Her Now ...

2010-01-28T23:05:00.003-06:00

Wow, what a difference a day can make when you have metastatic breast cancer in your liver! Cathy was awful on Wednesday and by the time we reached the U of C clinic today, she had double the energy and "voice".

We met with Dr. Suzanne Conzen and staff and were very pleased with her professionalism, candor and competency. Due to additional bleeding [cancer loves sources of blood], trauma, potential infection, and a firm belief that the underlying liver issue causing elevated enzymes is the cancer, Dr. Conzen thought it wiser NOT to biopsy the liver.

Since most chemotherapies are metabolized / processed IN the liver and Cathy's bilirubin is elevated to the point she can NOT receive most chemos, Dr. Conzen prescribed a much less toxic [to the hair, fingernails, etc] ORAL chemo [XELODA] that Cathy can self administer and is not processed in the liver. Additionally, there is strong evidence that this drug can be highly effective in helping to restore better liver function [proved by reduced bilirubin].

Like any drug, this one has potential side effects but a patient of Dr. Conzen's has been on this chemo for 40+ weeks and her bilirubin has fallen from 18 to ~1.5 [normal]. As usual, Cathy will follow the Drs. regimen and we will remain faithful and look forward to seeing what this treatment will yield. Praise God!

In God's Hands

2010-01-27T22:28:00.004-06:00

Today Cathy had her follow up appointments with the infectious disease Dr. [Lewis] and Dr. Bayer, and not a moment too soon. Cathy has been very fatigued, in increasing pain, itching from elevated Bilirubin and uncomfortable from distended abdomen - an "expert" in mothering, Carol Casey having given birth to 7 children, estimated Cathy's girth to resemble a 5-6 month pregnant women. While Cathy's vitals were all good / within range, her weight has increased around 11 # in the last 9 days. Cathy has also been concerned about increasing yellowing of her skin due to jaundice, and it was confirmed to her today as a result of yesterday's blood draw results - her bilirubin has increased from 6.2 on 1/18 to 9.9 as of 1/26.

The daily intravenous antibiotic Cathy has been administered for the last 9 days has proven, if anything, only to exacerbate her liver malfunction [or perhaps of no assistance at the very least]. Cathy's other elevated liver enzymes have not come down since her hospital stay so the antibiotic was discontinued.

Carol Casey was along for both appointments and like us, she was impressed with the candor, compassion and efficient manner in which Dr Bayer got things going. Two bits of good news came out of this meeting. Although he admitted the current regimen has proven unsuccessful, Cathy's WBC is up to 10 [WOW!] and he has moved Cathy along to the University of Chicago for them to conduct tests, evaluate Cathy, and potentially get her in the PARP Inhibitor phase III study.

We have a 4:00 appointment on 1/28 through which we hope and pray the U of C Drs. can biopsy Cathy's liver, drain excess fluid, and determine that she is a viable candidate for the study [the cancer in her liver is rather "diffuse" / integrated front portion of her liver and not an identifiable and measurable tumor].

I believe this is a "double blind" study [the Drs. don't know which patients are initially prescribed the PARP inhibitor] and the recipients of it are chosen by lottery [she has a 50% chance of receiving chemo with placebo or a 50% chance of getting chemo and PARP inhibitor].

Though much has to be done [and this might presume she is ABLE to get chemo at all in light of her elevated liver enzymes] we gratified to know she is being cared for and the Drs. are being proactive rather than having Cathy languish at home without being monitored. We're also praying that a biopsy of the liver might provide better direction for her care. Additionally, IF Cathy can receive chemo, even if she doesn't get the PARP inhibitor, at least she'll get more than she has received in the last three weeks because of low WBC or elevated liver enzymes.

Finally, Lord willing, if Cathy does get the PARP inhibitor, it has shown great promise in fighting triple negative breast cancer: http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/health_news/health_wavy_norfolk_parpstudy_20090909

When we've been successful in distracting Cathy from her pain, we've seen glimpses of her trademark sense of humor and love of life and others. Please pray with us for compassionate and good doctors, test results that provide hopeful treatment, that Cathy would receive the PARP inhibitor and that we would remain in God's care and loving hands.

The [Mother] Eagle Has Landed

2010-01-20T22:24:00.002-06:00

Cathy was released from the hospital tonight. Although she screened negative for Hepatitis A, B or C from her 1/15/09 blood draw, the infectious disease doctor called in on Cathy's case seems to think the recent elevation of liver enzymes was due either to:
"Hepatitis" as a reaction to the medication designed to combat THRUSH, Flucazanole OR
Yeast / Candidiasis in her liver [thrush migrated there]
So, fun for us, we will be administering the same intravenous anti-fungal medication she has been receiving while in the hospital the last 2 or 3 days. Thankfully, our insurance provides for Home Health Care that will get us set up for it and instruct us how to do it.

Our "matriarch" is tired from inability to sleep in the hospital, dried out in her mouth / nose from the dry hospital air and now eating quite well again! Her liver enzymes are coming down, WBC is up and should continue to rise through lack of chemo the last two weeks and for the foreseeable future and platelets are well into normal range.

Another prayer concern is that Cathy will not get chemo until her liver enzymes are under control. This cancer has been aggressive and fast growing, we hope and pray that the cancer will be held in abeyance while her enzymes retreat.

What a day - renewed hope!

2010-01-18T23:07:00.002-06:00

With rising liver enzymes, jaundice and concerns of Hepatitis or liver failure [signs looked to the former, fears "imagined" the latter], today has been quite the rebuttal. And we praise God for answered prayers!!

The day started with another blood draw at the chemo station since Cathy's blood from Friday, 1/15 was still inadequate to allow for therapy. Results came back with a solid 3.6 well above the cautionary point and platelets exceeding 200 [160 being the low point of "normal].

The next stop was to meet with Dr. Bayer and get the full results from the liver enzyme and tests for hepatitis. Cathy was negative for hepatitis A, B or C and the cancer marker even ticked down slightly! However, many of her already significantly elevated liver enzymes more than doubled. The CT scan from 1/13 could reveal any clues, Cathy can't get MRI scans now, so Dr. Bayer had Cathy admitted to the hospital for more tests and to be seen by a gastroenterologist and infectious disease doctor. The concerns being a possible blockage causing the increased enzymes. Chemo was not administered and won't be until the liver enzyme conundrum is deciphered.

The intake procedure, subsequent scans [EKG, X-ray and ultrasound] and visits by doctors was done with remarkable precision and timeliness. Both doctors, as well as Dr. Bayer, suggested the Flucazanole for THRUSH may have contributed to these elevated enzymes and the ultrasound did not indicate any blockage. Additionally, blood drawn today showed one of the key enzymes even retreated between last Friday and today ... and Cathy took her last Flucazanole this morning! If subsequent tests on Tuesday, 1/19 show enzymes continuing in a decreasing fashion, Cathy will be released from the hospital and will not need and ERCP procedure to be done.

This sure looks like great news and should allow chemotherapy to resume sometime soon. HOWEVER, with weekly chemotherapies resuming, the concern is now focused on a way to keep Cathy's WBC from degrading to the point that she gets THRUSH again as the treatment [Flucazanole] may be as disquieting as the ailment!

For now, the patient is resting [as best possible] in the hospital and we'll fight tomorrow's battles with renewed optimism! Praise be to God for answers to many faithful prayers!!

Long Overdue [2 of 2]

2010-01-17T23:37:00.003-06:00

The events of this past week warrant a post all their own, so strap in! January 11 proved to be, almost on queue, another week without chemo [it seems the story is the same every third week]. Cathy's WBC was at 0.9 [again, normal is 4.1 - 10.9]. Additionally, Cathy experienced excruciating THRUSH in her throat again, almost immediately following the last dose of Flucazanole from her prior bout with THRUSH - but this is just one more result from such low WBC. Because the Dr and nurses all thought Cathy looked strong, and she is such a good patient and can rebound on her own, Dr. Bayer elected to avoid the cost [and PAIN] and forego the Neupogen shots.

Not knowing why he did this and [with the incorrect misunderstanding about previoius transfusions], I contacted the Dr. on Tuesday for clarification. I also mentioned that Cathy and I had compared the last three "liver panels" against the original blood draw from 9/14. While some of the key liver enzymes had come down slightly over the last 6 weeks or so, they were all SIGNIFICANTLY higher than those from 9/14 and one key measurement went up.

Dr. Bayer had been on some task that took him away from seeing patients for several weeks, so after we hung up he reviewed Cathy's liver measurements. He called me back within 2 hours on Tuesday to suggest a new CT scan ASAP and another blood draw on Friday, 1/15. En route to the CT scan on Wednesday evening, Cathy mentioned some new symptoms she had noticed that were abnormal. By Thursday when the Dr. called to inform us of the CT scan results [no new growths, but no reduction in the size of the tumor in her liver], Cathy also informed him of her jaundiced eyes and skin - signs of additional compromise in her liver.

Full results of Friday's blood draw should be known by our late AM chemo appt on 1/18. These last few days have been very difficult not knowing what else is wrong with Cathy's liver and if this will affect her ability to continue with chemo. Amidst all the fatigue [so UNlike Cathy], I did see some strength from her for a short period this afternoon and it gave me hope that we can still address these issues.

The goal is to get Cathy to the point that she can receive the "PARP inhibitor" that is in final testing now. The test is going so well that our Dr. is optimistic it may receive FDA approval by mid-summer '10. We have, to this point, opted against getting in the test as there's a 50% chance she would get the chemo and placebo instead of the chemo and PARP inhibitor and there are vastly different and apparent results that all can see, even though it is a double blind study. Please pray with us to this end. Thanks for caring, encouraging, helping and praying.

Long Overdue [1 of 2]

2010-01-17T23:18:00.005-06:00

For those who might still be following, I'm sorry for the delay in updating. Though our holidays were much more low key & "abbreviated", most of what was done was done by me so its been busy.

To update, Cathy received her chemo on 12/14, but again on 12/21 her White Blood Cell [WBC] count was too low to get chemo. During Cathy's original bout with cancer in fall of '08, Cathy received Neulasta to help her body create sufficient WBC to keep her on the schedule of chemo every other week - but using Neulasta does not allow for chemo on a weekly basis as Cathy is doing now. So on 12/21, with her WBC count at 1.1 ["normal range of 4.1 - 10.9], Dr. Bayer scheduled Cathy for daily Neupogen 12/21-12/23 . This stuff brings up the WBC but at the cost of flu-like symptoms and BONE PAIN. Tough trooper that she is, Cathy felt the pain the evening of 12/21. The evening of 12/22, however, was AGONY. Cathy lamented that she just couldn't do it again on 12/23. Although the "stand-in" Dr. ordered Cathy to have the shot, the nurses who know my wife's resilience insisted on taking blood labs first - praise God she was at 5.6, didn't need to get the shot, and had an extra day to recoup for Christmas.

We enjoyed time with family and friends for Christmas and the New Year. Cathy once again had consecutive chemo on 12/28 and 1/4 and we marched into the New Year. We hope your Christmas, like ours, was joyful and filled with the love of family and friends at the celebration of our Lord's marvelous birth.

We'll take it !!

2009-12-07T23:02:00.003-06:00

Cathy's pre-chemo labs came back on November 30th showing her blood too degenerated to allow for chemotherapy. The Dr. and staff didn't seem flustered as a result and suggested the extra week off may do her some good and allow her to gain strength and her blood to rebound sufficiently to receive her scheduled "nab paclitaxel + Avastin". Cathy did show a bit more energy and we fed her a fair amount of beef on Saturday and Sunday to help.

The "pinch hitter" [not our regular oncologist] made a comment to Cathy today to the effect of, "Well this is a happy story" with regards to Cathy's response to her chemo. She DID get her dual chemo today and evidently [we haven't seen them], her abnormally high liver markers are continuing to come down! The "exit strategy" / maintenance regimen has not been discussed with us [perhaps it's just way too premature], but today we are very heartened by Cathy's response and the medical community's view of her progress.

Cathy had declined the steroids administered prior to her chemo the last two treatments but today's nurse wasn't aware of this change. So before Cathy and her sister noticed, she had received nearly 1/2 of the steroid ... Cathy was full of life this evening! Getting sleep as a result is still yet to be determined. Cathy is SUCH A TROOPER. She is fighting so valiantly and we appear to be seeing results as a result of her spirit, the faithful prayer of so many, the Lord's favor and chemo sufficient for the task. Thanks for your loving support and prayers.

Too much fun? Too much to eat?

2009-11-28T22:12:00.004-06:00

Perhaps we overdid it taking Cathy to the Rockford area for Thanksgiving to be with her family. The food and warm fellowship were excellent as always and not something Cathy or the rest of our small family could stand to miss. But in light of how comprimised Cathy has felt since returning it sure makes me second guess staying too long or Cathy indulging too much [extra pressure on her liver causing extra pressure on her lungs]?

On Friday we finally reviewed her labs from Monday's chemo. They weren't good: platelets below 100 and other factors above or below norms. It caused me to do some more internet research about Triple Negative and I was smacked into reality at just how pernicious this cancer is. Stories of other triple negative breast cancer patients with similar stories to Cathy's: faithful, young, vibrant, healthy, active women inflicted with this insidious stuff. Please continue to pray for her strength, response to chemo, the doctor's wisdom, timely medical advances and God's overarching grace and mercy.

WOW!

2009-11-22T23:13:00.001-06:00

"WOW!!", Dr. Bayer exclaimed while feeling Cathy's abdomen during last Monday's chemo appointment. He followed that up by facetiously saying, "We don't even need to have a CT scan". Evidently the swelling in Cathy's liver has noticeably receded. Cathy then asked if she could have her chemo [got both the nab-paclitaxel and Avastin this time] sans the steroids. Dr. Bayer, knowing his model patient is tough, in tune with her body and capabilities, and able to take the "risk", agreed.

Since it had been 11 days since Cathy's last chemo and she felt strong, she skipped the steroids feeling they caused side effects worse than any perceived benefit, and she proved quite perceptive - she slept better after the chemo, exhibited none of the "shakes" she had after previous chemos and was unfazed by the chemo's nasty effects until about Wednesday afternoon.

Tonight Cathy felt she may have regressed a little bit but I think it's due to the increased activity she has exhibited over the last 3 days and the protracted time she has avoided the oxygen [generator or mobile backpack unit]. Cathy's voice is stronger, aforementioned energy and activity increased and resolve renewed. She ate quite well today, too!

Tomorrow brings another chemo [nab-paclitaxel only] and we hope the side effects will be minimized so Thanksgiving with family can be maximized, for we have MUCH to thank the Lord for. We wish you dear and faithful "followers" a blessed Thanksgiving as well and thank you for your prayers, cards, letters, phone calls and support in so many ways.

Hark, is that light?

2009-11-08T22:06:00.003-06:00

Well, Cathy reacts like anyone/most would when she gets chemo, but as she "digests" the nasty stuff and "emerges from the" she looks and acts much like the Cathy I know and love. Well, that may be stretching it with regards to the "looking" aspect [she still has oxygen support, is VERY thin and has lost her hair] but the sparkle is back in her eyes, her face shows little effects from the crud she's been through over the last few weeks, and her wit, charm and spunk are effervescent as ever. Her voice is much stronger as she's overcome the thrush and perhaps gained lung capacity as [we're hoping & praying] her liver swelling may be receding.

Couple the physical / relational improvement with platelets that continue their ascent to normalcy and liver enzymes that have begun to fall and optimism has returned to our home. It's all anecdotal for now as we'll not know anything conclusive until sometime in early December when Cathy will get another CT scan, but it sure seems we're moving in the right direction.

We praise God for Cathy's apparent improvement and face each day with renewed optimism.

SO Cool, SO Sweet!

2009-10-28T20:17:00.003-05:00

As the flu season gets underway and is heightened with added concerns due to H1N1, Dr. Bayer told us nearly two weeks ago that the swine flu would likely be deadly in Cathy’s immuno-suppressed state. Since Hope daily invades the germ-pool we know as High School and since her oral fixation makes her an even greater candidate to contract the nasty stuff, Cathy and I have debated getting the vaccination for Hope. She has the greatest likelihood in our family of getting the flu and would pose the greatest difficulty to care for and keep Cathy from contracting it

past vaccinations have been difficult for Hope and other Angelman Syndrome patients. Do we gamble with possible complications from the vaccination or near certain extreme difficulties in the event Hope contracts the H1N1 flu?

we had not considered getting the vaccination for Cathy as we were under the impression she couldn't get it in her compromised state

Well, on 10/22 it turns out Dr. Bayer informed Cathy that she CAN and should get the vaccine. We also decided Hope would be better served by getting the vaccine than the possible consequences if she didn't.

This is where it gets REAL SWEET AND REAL COOL:

As difficult as it is to secure the vaccine with demand outstripping supply, Carol Casey requested that Mrs. and Dr. Erickson seek to get two of the shots for my girls

Dr. Erickson solicited the assistance of a Vice President of our local hospital to assist in the hunt.

Cathy has a limited window between and before her weekly chemotherapies

On Tuesday evening, 10/27, thanks to the assistance of these aforementioned saints, Dr. Erickson administered the shots in our home on the last day before Cathy would have to wait for at least 4 more days!

More reasons for praise and two less reasons for substantial concern. Is this not SO cool and SO sweet. Like manna provided for each new day. "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3: 22-24. Perhaps I should end after this glorious scripture, but I must make one cogent observation: Can anyone imagine this type of loving, sacrificial and extremely timely medical care in the future if any currently proposed form of health care reform goes through?

Good News?

2009-10-25T22:08:00.001-05:00

Rather than get chemo on Thursday, 10/15, we met with Dr. Bayer. They took blood and Dr. Bayer advised Cathy to eat a high protein diet. We left the office, Cathy "dined" on 1/2 of a beef sandwich from Panera and we ran a couple errands including a visit to Walmart - Cathy in tow in a wheelchair due to her compromised breathing. Upon returning home, the protein "kicked in" and we heard great news from her labs: overall her blood looked great since the infusion on 10/13 and her platelets were up to 101.

Cathy inadvertently received no additional oxygen from the generator for nearly 24 hours from 10/15 PM until early evening 10/16 [I cross-threaded the threads in the "bubble humidifier" lid and air escaped as a result]. When the cause was discovered on Friday night, Cathy opted to go without the added oxygen and breathe solely on her own and did remarkably well thru Monday, 10/19. Her oxygen saturation during the labs was ~97%, a full 1% higher than her sister's for which Cathy chided Kay! Monday was a good day but Tuesday AM the sharp pain in Cathy's side returned and the need for oxygen was once again self-evident.

Thru this last week leading up to chemo on 10/22, Cathy remarked that since she still felt so bad, she lamented not getting chemo on 10/15. Well, it's still early in the marathon, but between labs on Monday, 10/19, and additional labs pre-chemo on Thursday, it turns out her blood looks great AND it appears her elevated liver enzymes have dropped a bit! Praise God !!

Chemo is nasty and Cathy feels fatigued and nauseous but due to the steroids they give during administration, she has a pretty good 24-30 hour period before the wheels fall off. After dinner on Friday, 10/23, Megan Maertens dropped over bearing home-made scones. Upon handing me the plate of delectable scones, Megan and her boyfriend, Nate, sat on the floor at the foot of the recliner ["Cathy's Throne"] and each massaged a foot of Cathy's for ~2 hours, moved to her hands and Megan finished up with a shoulder and scalp massage. Coupled with the "healing touch" and sweet discourse we enjoyed for nearly four hours, Cathy appeared to grow stronger through the night and remained so until nearly noon on Saturday - a full 16 hours of "health" longer than her past experiences.

Today has been rough, her liver continues to be painful and she produces a fair amount of phlegm [by-product of the chemo?] Although the liver has been bothering her for nearly 10 weeks now, it seems she is more aware of a different pain after chemo - we hope and continue to believe that it is the cleansing effect of the "nan-paclitaxel" destroying the tumor.

I hope to post some pictures on the blog, once again, if I can only figure it out without wasting precious hours. It's been a long weekend and I'm going to join Cathy in slumber now. Thanks for checking in and keeping Cathy in your prayers.

Catching Up

2009-10-14T22:48:00.003-05:00

Quick updates since it's been so long since we weighed in:
Saturday, 10/3: turns out Cathy's platelets were at 35 [normal range 160-400] and in pain. Quite a reversal from Friday.
Sunday, 10/4: platelets fell to 21 and she got a platelet infusion late that night
Monday, 10/5: platelets at 58 and Cathy dismissed late afternoon with oxygen support. Also had bladder infection [a first]. Wall unit O generator to arrive 6-7 PM. Portable cylinder ran out of O ~9:00 and plug in unit arrived about 10:00 FINALLY
Tuesday, 10/6: Cathy is thin in hands, arms, shoulders and ribs but abnormally bloated in her abdomen, hips, bottom, legs and feet. In addition to inflamation in her liver, additional inches causing significant discomfort.
Wednesday, 10/7: labs revealed platelets fell to 40 and liver enzymes unchanged [at least no increase]. Decent evening but severe pain late in her left kidney
Thursday, 10/8: Cathy got chemo [nan-paclitaxel] with steroids and came home full of energy.
Friday, 10/9: PM the wheels fell off. Called me at the office to say her liver hurt. Different than general / continued pain? We surmised that perhaps the targeted chemo was taking effect!
Weekend was quiet as Cathy felt awful and throat became sore
Monday, 10/12: labs moved to Monday. No news on liver enzymes but orders for blood transfusion [2 units] for Tuesday.
Tuesday, 10/13: Outpatient infusion took 7 hours for two units of blood - all day! Nurses determined throat / mouth sores as THRUSH - she didn't need that!
Wednesday, 10/14: White blood cell count reported too low that Cathy will NOT get chemo on Thursday. Sweet evening, however, in that a HOST of High School youth group ["HYACKS"] students and adult leaders came to pray collectively outside our home for Cathy and our family. A concert of prayer which we appreciate so.

My prayer request specifically for Cathy's health is divided into short and long term. Long term that the chemo would have full effect and remove the tumors and full remission would result. Short term is for Cathy to avoid infection of any flu or other colds and to be able to bear up with all the pain of cancer and side effects of chemo.

Welcome ERABS

2009-10-03T21:55:00.001-05:00

Fellow classmates of '79. As Cathy's husband I want to thank you for checking her blog & your concern for her well being. You can bet both she and I would have much rather been catching up with you on this reunion night than where we are now. Cathy is /no, WAS resting comfortably as I write this. I'll not go into much of her current dilemma [you can read about it here] or our last 10 years since the 20th, but I can tell you she is, as she was in High School, well loved, interested in other's well being, energetic, fun and fun-loving. She has grown, however, since High School into a wise, loving and discerning mother, church youth leader, employee, friend and wife [we celebrated our 28th anniversary on August 1st]. Just a little context, as you read: our son Wesley is 22 and attempting to get into the Air Force to pursue special forces in S.E.R.E., our 19 year old daughter, Hope, is handicapped with a genetic defect called Angelman Syndrome and is our constant and sweet companion. Please join our little "community" in praying for Cathy's full recovery and Lisa or Erin can let you know how to get in touch with Cathy during/after her recuperation.

The Latest

2009-10-03T20:51:00.003-05:00

An update from Thursday's last post will, again, be mixed with good and bad. Wesley and Hope accompanied me to visit Cathy on Thursday evening and Leanne joined us a little later. We were all encouraged at Cathy's coherence and improvement resulting from some pain medications and the IVIG drip.

Friday AM I was back at the hospital in the morning for Dr. Bayer's rounds. Cathy had received her chemo overnight and was responding very well. While I was at work she had some visitors and appeared to be unfazed. Friday night upon my return with Hope, we were amazed at what we saw. Leanne had come as well and remarked that Cathy looked about 80% of her normal self and I couldn't disagree. Her pain meds were changed slightly and she received her 2nd dose of IVIG.

Saturday, however, was an awful "relapse" into the pain and weakness we had been seeing prior to arriving at the hospital. Before I made it to the hospital in the morning, Cathy called to inform me of her sleepless and uncomfortable night. Her normally concave abdomen has been slightly distended due to the swelling of her liver from the cancer. Cathy is much too private and proper for me to write this but both chemo and the pain meds are each sufficient alone to cause constipation ... she had BOTH and is quite stopped up as a result, adding insult to injury in her abdomen.

The Dr. had indicated that [especially when the tumor has not been surgically removed prior to?] her chemo would present her with good and bad days. The effects of the meds on the tumor themselves might release toxins[?] and make her sick, too. In her experience, if this is the case, it seems a bit odd since she had such a great day immediately following the chemo and this day we'd all like to forget today!

While I took Hope home in the late afternoon for a change of scenery for her and dinner at home, Leanne remained with Cathy. Leanne called from the hospital and offered to care for Hope at home while I returned to visit Cathy. Upon her arrival, Leanne was visibly shaken and crying profusely by Cathy's condition. It's now 9:30 PM and Cathy is miserable with minuscule relief. Now her third night in the hospital ... we'll need to see remarkable improvement for her to come home sometime on Sunday, but not until we know she is good AND stable.

Mixed [but mostly good] News

2009-10-01T20:14:00.003-05:00

Wow, what a day. It was over 5 hours from entry at Delnor til Cathy finally got in her room ... and another hour before Cathy saw Dr. Bayer. He is a no nonsense, smart and very compassionate [certainly to his model patient, my wife] oncologist. We got some discouraging news but nothing compared to the GREAT news he brought - Cathy's bone marrow is cancer free!! Her marrow showed no pre-leukemia, no damage from last year's chemo and it is producing "boat loads of platelets".

Thus the "bad" news: evidently her liver is "eating up the platelets" and he diagnosed her with ITP [Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]. This is an autoimmune disease of unknown? origin and as a result her chemotherapy regimen will unfortunately change. Instead of the Loyola based trial with three chemos, she'll get two of them but with different frequency [more on that later].

We are just jazzed between the results of the bone marrow test and the fact that she's in the hospital, getting pain medication, being monitored AND getting the IVIG [platelet protector] she was supposed to get today AND BETTER YET, getting the chemo when the IVIG is finished dripping.

As for the chemo, she will NOT get Carboplatin but tonight will get Avastin along with the "nan [nano albumin bound] paclitaxel". We have no idea if / when she'll get off the chemo. She will get the nan-paclitaxel weekly and Avastin every three weeks. For at least the near term she will also get the IVIG on roughly a monthly basis.

Tonight she, and we, can all rest comfortably knowing that she is getting the proper care she needs. Tomorrow morning we'll meet with Dr. Bayer again and we are going to lobby for her to stay in the hospital until her pain is conquered and / or we can see some noticeable improvement to her abdominal pain.

Tonight our pleading has changed to praise. Thank you Lord!

Where do I begin?

2009-10-01T13:19:00.003-05:00

As I post, we are attempting to get Cathy admitted to the hospital [Delnor]. Here for almost 2.5 hours and she's just beginning to get labs in the ER. Cathy has been in significant discomfort and distress with inability to breathe, coughing and abdominal and chest pain due the cancer on her liver. Evenings of late have been very difficult as she tries to get to sleep but finally this morning [to the relief of many, especially me] thru consultation with Dr. Bayer, he thought it best to admit her. Now let me back up.

Monday 9/28 Cathy made her way back to LaGrange Oncology [in Geneva @ Delnor] to have her platelet levels checked and review the PET scan results from Saturday. After taking Dexamethasone [steroid] to help restore her platelets, they actually FELL from 70 on Friday to 58 on Monday. As a result, Dr. Bayer took bone marrow from her hip - OUCH! The full body PET scan showed no advance of the cancer to anywhere else in her body, praise God.

Tuesday saw Cathy at Central DuPage Hospital to get the mediport installed. Between the sedation, pain medication and oxygen, Cathy reports she felt GREAT. But from Tuesday night til now, all of her distress got worse.

Based upon Cathy's weakness and my observation of her Tuesday night and Wednesday morning I called her from my office to inform her I was calling Dr. Bayer to see if they could observe her or admit her to the hospital after chemo on Thursday. Although Cathy told me "NO", against her wishes I called. The nurse said chemo is really only on an outpatient basis [as we knew from her earlier chemo] and informed me she had no chemo scheduled! An appointment was scheduled for 2:00 but Cathy declined when I informed her of it. She called the Drs. office, cancelled the appointment, took a Tylenol and enjoyed a brief sunbath which seemed to help. Evidently Dr. Bayer is awaiting the results of the bone marrow test and will not give her chemo until her platelets are increased ... they scheduled an infusion of some super dooper platelet producing drug for today, 10/1 at 11:00.

Cathy looked no better [worse?] this morning when I left for work but I figured she'd see the Dr. @ 11:00 and they could go from there. Instead, based upon Cathy's own discomfort and Leanne Maerten's urging, Cathy called Dr. Bayer and they decided she should be admitted.

That's the good, bad & ugly [mostly bad & ugly] of our situation. Cathy has now had some pain meds delivered and is resting a bit more comfortably now. More to come as we get more care but for now, please continue to plead to the Lord that we'll get some answers, action and healing.

It's Official :(

2009-09-26T23:09:00.003-05:00

Cathy and I had a long day at Delnor Hospital on Friday. Arriving at 10:00 AM, we eventually met with Dr. Bayer [onoclogist]. He confirmed Cathy's Triple Negative cancer has returned ... this time as a "nodule" in her right lung and on her liver. We saw the CT scans and biopsy reports and it appears the cancer on her liver is larger and producing the most discomfort.

Surgery is out of the question. While there are two other regimens Cathy could pursue, we opted for the trial Dr. Bayer offered us as he confirmed it was the route he'd suggest if it was his wife he was treating. This chemotherapy features the use of nanoparticles to focus the killing effects of the chemo directly to the cancer. This will feature a nine week course of a 3 drug chemo administered at the beginning of week 1, 4 and 7 followed by a scan at the end of week 9. Additional meds will be administered on the other weeks as well. When that's done, she'll start the process over again. We're not sure when she'll be weaned off the stuff, though.

In addition to the meeting with our Dr., we also made calls to providers and our health insurance company for additional tests. Blood was drawn, X-Rays were taken and an EKG was performed. Due to abnormally low platelets, Cathy also began taking an oral steroid.

A P.E.T. scan was performed today. Cathy will return to the Dr.'s office on Monday to review the PET scan and check her platelet levels. If OK, she'll get another "mediport" installed in her shoulder so that the chemo can begin next Thursday.

That's it for now ... thank you for your interest in and prayers on behalf of Cathy.

AARRRRGGGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-22T21:22:00.003-05:00

Well, first my apology for those of you who checked in to Cathy's blog since April 1st, but things kinda wound down quietly last spring. Cathy completed her radiation on 4/15 and Dr. Bayer [oncologist] declared her in remission in early June. Cathy and I enjoyed a four day "break" over Memorial Day [thanks to Karen Carr's sacrifice of service in caring for Hope] while we enjoyed the marriage ceremony of Mark and Emily DeLew. And before we knew it, we were in the full throes of an enjoyable summer!

For those of you who haven't heard yet, however, things took a nasty turn in late August. Cathy [and I] came down with a cold that she could not shake. After experiencing a rash travelling around her torso for a few days, Cathy and I visited our dear friend and accomplished dermatologist, Carol [Tharpe] Almy at her home. Since her office is many miles away [Wilmette], she did not do the skin biopsy she felt was appropriate but suggested Cathy get it done the following day nearer our home. Wouldn't you know it, the rash was not there when visiting our local dermatologist so a biopsy was not done then, either.

One week later, 9/14, as a result of her constant cough, a positive X-Ray and other factors, Cathy was diagnosed with pneumonia and blood was drawn for additional tests. On Wednesday, 9/16, the results came back with elevated liver enzymes and other irregularities. Consultation between our family doctor and Dr. Bayer resulted in a CT scan Cathy did that evening [no Obamacare here ... yet]. On Thursday afternoon we learned that a nodule was in Cathy's lung and a spot appeared on her liver ... thus a biopsy was ordered for today, 9/22 with concerns of metastasized cancer.

Over the weekend as a result of my prayer request in Sunday School, Carol Almy [also in my class] suggested after class that Cathy could have a fungus in her lung due to her compromised immune system and potential inhalation of spores from mold, gardening "dust" with bird or bat droppings or time around the lake. Fungi such as Aspergillus, Blastomycosis or Histoplasmosis. Although these can be deadly if not caught in time, this gave us hope for something less than cancer. [BTW, we do have a parakeet and Cathy cleaned her cage a number of times over the summer]

WELLLLL, today was the biopsy. Cathy continues her chronic cough and her lethargy is so un-Cathy-like! The medical staff at the hospital didn't seem to encourage us with the thought of fungi but we are now bracing, once again, for the probability of cancer. Cathy was a model patient but it was a long day due to the need for proper recovery time and an emotional one to boot.

God is God and we continue to believe in His sovereignty for our lives. We are praying for fungi [caught before it's too progressed] but, not knowing the will of our Heavenly Father, are preparing for the "C" word. Dr. Bayer suggested a new drug that may be more helpful for her triple negative breast cancer [likely that is what's gone elsewhere in her body]. So now we covet your prayers once again ...

18 down, 10 to go

2009-04-01T21:05:00.002-05:00

She's experiencing some discomfort and discoloration, but Cathy remains the resilient, energetic and determined model of a patient. As of today Cathy has accomplished the first 3.5 weeks of radiation and has only 2 weeks left.

A couple more picts have been added of Cathy with her sisters from this past weekend. We enjoy the benefit of loving and supportive family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank y'all !!

She's GLOWING!

2009-03-11T22:03:00.002-05:00

Cathy has resumed her standard "perky mode" now that she is 4 weeks removed from her final chemo, so she is back to her "old" glowing personality.

However, I'm referring to the fact that she has now completed her 3rd [of 28] day of daily radiation therapy so I'm thinking somewhere along the line she'll be able to light up a room literally!

Yesterday, 3/10, was another one of those busy multi-tasking medical days. Cathy left home at 7:00 AM for an 8:30 surgery appointment including general anesthesia to remove her "medi-port", was home by late AM and made it for her 1:30 PM radiation. After dinner she walked [in a rather yucky mid-western late winter rain] for nearly an hour!

Today Cathy spoke to her small group at Women's Bible Study about her experience and growth through this "journey", put in an hour or two at work and then returned home to take Hope off the bus and get her situated after school. When I got home after work I found her working on orthodontic "models" before leaving to have dinner at Gino's East [pizza] with her High School youth group girls ... right now she's back to a [nascent] red-headed whirling dervish!

And speaking of red head, her "chrome dome" is now getting fuzzy and there are distinctly pigmented areas in her scalp. THIS IS GONNA BE FUN seeing her hair grow back!

By the way, the four of us were able to get away for a 4+ day extended weekend in the sun at the end of February. It was great to have some sun, sand, warm weather and rich family time together. THIS was a few days after Cathy, against my prior stated wishes, pulled off a completely surprise party for her husband's monumental birthday [one with a "0" after it]. While languishing thru her chemotherapies over the prior 2.5 months, she had been planning for what turned out to be an outstanding evening for me ... that feat alone was overwhelming.

Thanks for your on-going concern, reading these posts and praying for Cathy's restoration.

YEE HAH!!

2009-02-10T22:27:00.002-06:00

Well, the "fireworks" are still to come, but Cathy received her final chemo today and it does have that feeling of completing your FINAL final exam. If the last two treatments of Taxol are a reliable guide, we can expect 2-3 brutal days with some relief coming by late Saturday or mid-day Sunday and feeling pretty spunky by Tuesday ... THEN we can say the chemo is "a wrap"!

We found out last Friday that Cathy will begin radiation oncology sometime after her "scheduling meeting" on March 3rd. What we know for sure is that she will incur 25-28 treatments, 1/day over the course of 5 - 5 1/2 weeks. Fatigue will evidently set in ~ week three. The GREAT news about it is it'll take place across the street from CDH and easily en route home from her work in Wheaton. We've been told the whole process from entrance to exit can take place in approximately 15 minutes.

We have been reminded how volatile / unpredictable Triple Negative breast cancer can be, often coming back in different parts of the body as a different type of cancer. As Dr. Bayer has stated, however, "we're going for the cure, not just buying you time", thus the aggressive chemo AND radiation regimen. It is not living in denial, it is not looking at the world through rose colored glasses, but we will remain upbeat, positive and most importantly relying on God's sovereignty for Cathy's future. His providence through all of this seems to indicate more years to enjoy Cathy's company. Please join us in prayer to that end. God's richest blessings to you for your love, care and prayers through this long [and continuing] journey.

1 To Go!

2009-02-01T22:11:00.002-06:00

Last Tuesday saw Cathy receive chemo #7. While the side effects of Taxol are intense, it seems they may be shorter lived than Adriamycin/Cytoxan. Saturday afternoon found us in the Ogden 6 theater enjoying "Australia". Due to the rather regular "irregularity" that has happened with each chemo, she was unable to attend church today. Eyelashes are beginning to fall out and Cathy's fingernails appear to be dying. But Cathy's energy seems to be getting stronger earlier in the Taxol cycles.

Nine days from now Cathy will brace herself for her 8th and final chemo and we are anticipating this phase to be completed.

We found out last week that, due to her impending radiation therapy, Cathy's final surgery will be postponed until sometime in the fall. Just maybe we'll be able to enjoy a respite this summer!

Thanks for following Cathy's Journey.

A quick note ...

2009-01-20T23:31:00.004-06:00

At this time of [a work] night, it'll have to be a quick update. Thankfully it is a good one.

Although she is far from feeling good, Cathy is much better at this point in cycle #6 than she was in cycle #5. Sunday afternoon found us [Cathy, Hope and I] having a late lunch in Woodstock followed by a matinee of "Marley & Me" [a very good show], and running some errands [she even was jealous that I was having all the fun ... so she joined me for some snow shoveling in the evening!] Monday was down time and visiting. Today Cathy had her "extra" blood test; hemoglobin was acceptable and white blood cell count was excellent considering the previous 6 chemo cycles she has endured.

We continue to marvel at the love, prayers and care we have received. This will be, indeed, a long journey as chemo will end mid-February, radiation will likely not start until mid-March and probably not end until the end of April. And sometime shortly afterwards, one last surgery and six more weeks of convalescence. Cathy has already endured 3.5 months of absolute yuck and yet we've been tenderly loved and cared for. God's richest blessings to all you dear folks.

Silly me ... er, us

2009-01-13T22:26:00.002-06:00

Well, we thought since she was done with Adriamycin [and Cytoxan] AND her 2nd regimen of chemo consisted only of Taxol, that the last four treatments would be more tolerable - WRONG. Cathy had lots of pain [some coming/going, others chronic and staying put in the same places]. Additionally she had g.i. "issues" which didn't seem to resolve themselves until late Friday, 1/9. Taxol is known for this, but she might have had a bug, since I had some of it, too.

We did have a delightful, and almost normal, weekend spent with dear friends and shared over food, games and "24" [not to minimize those other dear friends we weren't with!]

Today saw Cathy receive round #6 [of 8] and she is now 1/2 way done with Taxol [but not 'til all the "fun" is over as a result]. We are thrilled with the care she is receiving from her oncologist and we can trace all of Cathy's excellent care to the initial referral from her OB-GYN and fellow College Church member, Susan Acuna!

Due to Cathy's evident peeling skin on her hands and the other symptoms she expressed, Dr. Bayer is considering reducing the amount of chemo that is administered to her [evidently Cathy is so sensitive that the dose she is receiving might be superfluous]. As I write, she is tired but still awake at this late hour and "relatively" symptom free ... until the steroids and Emend [three very expensive daily anti-nausea pills she take] wear off.

We are so grateful for your interest, care, encouragement and prayers. G'nite!

Hopes not reality

2009-01-04T00:33:00.002-06:00

Well, based on the energy Cathy appeared to exhibit Friday evening, I had hoped this chemo would, indeed, be easier on her and she could make WEEKLY attendance at church starting this Sunday. Saturday put those hopes to rest. Taxol, evidently, is also very TaxING. While Cathy has had an appetite and "satisfied" it, shortly thereafter the nausea has returned. Additionally she is more fatigued and is experiencing body pain like she didn't during rounds 1-4. The pain will make it's frenetic rounds at various locations in her body right down to her ankles and toes. The neuropathy appears to be ending up in her hands again, in addition to the aches and pains she has felt elsewhere. Another College Church Sunday with only my Hopester in tow [well, it appears Wesley will be more frequent again, too, but in his own time!]

Breaking news...

2008-12-30T23:50:00.002-06:00

As one of the goals of my vacation, I was able to accompany Cathy to her chemo today. Although she didn't have her pre-treatment meeting with the doctor and there was only one drug administered, the flowrate made this chemo nearly 4.5 hours long [future chemos should go quicker as they learn of Cathy's ability to handle the drug]. Many updates as a result of Cathy's round #5 [and first of Taxol]

1] I've been meaning to remind those who have seen Cathy on her "good week" that they shouldn't be misled. Cytoxin and especially Adriamycin were BRUTAL. When Cathy left home she would burn brightly with friends and family, then flame out. Furthermore, the cumulative effect has taken a toll on her. This most recent "good week", albeit during Christmas, was never really good - lots of nausea. Cathy's diet, physical conditioning and stamina, attitude and faith enabled her to rise above much of the nasties.

2] However, we've been told that Taxol doesn't produce as much nausea as the first cocktail. As a result, I need to refrain from assuming that she'll be unfazed by Taxol with regard to nausea completely due to #1 above, but I sure would like to see that!

3] Side effects from Taxol, we've been told, include the total loss of any remaining hair she has and neuropathy [which she already experienced after round #4]

4] Pre-chemo labs showed very acceptable white blood cell counts but VERY LOW hemoglobin. Beef and green leafy vegetables high in iron are now in order and an extra blood test will be conducted next week to check the hemoglobin.

5] I need to set the record straight or risk a libel suit from the "innocent" Neulasta shot [day-after-chemo shot designed to boost the immune system]. The timing of the shot seemed to indict Neulasta as the nausea culprit. It turns out the steroids administered during chemo wear off 24 - 48 hours after they were administered and it was, indeed, the chemo drugs that caused the nausea.

6] Prayer requests, then, include:
- increased hemoglobin; Cathy dreads the thought of a blood transfusion if not
- a marked reduction in nausea
- successful interventions to limit neuropathy

Thank you for reading, caring and praying. I hope to report soon on better results.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T22:43:00.003-06:00

Since it's been so long since last I blogged, perhaps we've lost our readership. It seemed during round 3 we had settled into a bit of a routine [albeit a real yucky one]. I had considered blogging since 11/21 with the simple line of:

DITTO

Well, regardless, we want to thank each and everyone who has followed this blog, prayed for Cathy, provided meals, treats, well-wishes at church or helped Hope in the AM/PM shifts for your faithful service on her account. We have so much to be thankful for and at this Christmas time, when we reflect on God's greatest gift to humanity in the provision of Christ for what really ails us all, we can only be thankful and humbled by His grace and your love as a result.

As far as the news goes; we are now wrapping up chemo #4 as Cathy begins to regain her strength and appetite. The oncologist and we were looking forward to getting beyond the "red stuff" [the kidney and heart-toxic Adriamycin] and are hoping the last four treatments with Taxol might be a little gentler. However, Taxol has the side-effect of neuropathy [nerve implications]. Cathy has already begun to experience this in her hands and fingertips, leading her to believe they may have given her the wrong dose during her fourth treatment on 12/16.

Some other good news: we are pleased with how we scheduled the chemos such that Cathy has been able to enjoy [and recharge / replenish her diet] Thanksgiving, our first First Trust Christmas party [12/15] and now Christmas [New Year's eve will be a different story with #5 occurring on Tuesday, 12/30]. Additionally, I was able to combine my remaining 8 vacation days with Christmas and New Years Day and take a full two weeks off to care for Cathy, take care of Hope while off for Christmas break and provide a reprieve our "Hopie's Helpers".

Now, having spent 23 years in the motivation / reward / recognition industry, should I reward the first person who reads this post to the end and "comments" ... ?

We wish a joyous and blessed Christmas to you and yours.

I spoke too soon ...

2008-11-21T12:47:00.002-06:00

Well, it was "fun" while it lasted. Cathy survived the first 24 hours after her Neulasta shot pretty well, but came crashing down late Thursday afternoon. She's a pretty sick puppy now so we're looking forward to another quiet weekend. But there's no place I'd rather be than caring for my bride and my daughter as a result. Your thoughts and prayers on her behalf are appreciated!

What a trooper!

2008-11-19T21:43:00.002-06:00

Well, for those who saw my wife between 11/10 and 11/17, you may have been hard pressed to know she was battling cancer and the effects of chemo. OK, so her energy didn't last as long as normal, but she sure had good bursts of it!

We did enjoy Hope's 19th birthday on 11/10 and with Wesley and his sweetie, Danielle, in tow, we enjoyed High School Musical 3 and Culver's afterward almost as much as watching Hope's response to the movie - what a blast she is!

But back to the business at hand: I admit to feel due some kudos for recognizing the quality of bride I coerced into marriage 27+ years ago, but she's even amazing me after all this time. Allow me to explain:

- Monday 11/17 saw Cathy get her labs [good news that her white blood count was well above the minimum], visit the cancer support center, get her first "fill" at the plastic surgeon's office with no complaints at all and end the night at the cosmetologist's office where her hair was buzzed and wig styled. While it was shocking to see her minus her beautiful hair, her glowing facial features more than compensated for her loss ... and not a tear was shed!

- Tuesday was round two of chemo with Cytoxin and Adriamycin with little more than some fatigue and chills in the evening.

- Today "featured" her second shot of Neulasta [the brutal stuff] and as I write this, she is sitting by my side and going relatively strong! Taking a cue from previous warriors, she has "overhydrated" herself to mitigate some of the nauseau and fatigue.

I don't think we'll adequately thank y'all for your prayers, support, assistance and concern, but we feel and appreciate it profoundly. Thank you Lord for your loving arms and comfort to our family, especially Cathy.

Rough!

2008-11-09T22:05:00.002-06:00

Well, this was one week we'd rather forget! It seemed Cathy survived the chemo pretty well. With the exception of the symptoms I referred to in my previous post, she seemed to rebound, even admitting to feeling well Wednesday AM. That is until a few hours after the administration of the Neulasta shot. Starting Wednesday evening and lasting up until around noon today [Sunday], Cathy was just whooped. Indeed she felt bone pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea and loss of appetite.

We're hoping for a good week this week since Tuesday, 11/18 we will start this "fun" all over again. It appears very likely that every other week from now until early February, we'll have "a week we'd rather forget". Thanks for keeping Cathy in your prayers!

2008-11-04T22:06:00.003-06:00

Well, round one of 8 has been administered. Cathy did well with the delivery of the meds today but started feeling the effects around dinner time ... fatigue, flu-like feelings, weird sensations, dry mouth, etc. The good news is Cathy was in awe by the delivery system [medi-port] as well as the technology of all of the other tests she's undergone - I think it's neat that while going through this, she can still see the wonder of God's provision via our advancements in medicine. As has been the case in the past when I've been unable to accompany Cathy to one of her numerous medical appointments, today she was graced by the companionship of a dear sister in Christ.

Tomorrow she gets an immune system booster that promises aching down to the bones for 2-3 days - FUN!

The army of saints continue to amaze us and cause us to praise God for His mercies thru them. We are also astonished at God's providence to move me from a 23 year career as a manufacturer's representative [the last 13 years as owner of the small firm] to my current employment which bestows unparalleled health insurance. One less [very big] thing to worry about. Thank you Lord, thank you First Trust and thank you all for your interest in, concern for and prayers on behalf of my dear bride.

The week that was / The week that will be

2008-10-26T20:52:00.003-05:00

Monday Cathy and I met with the plastic surgeon. He's pleased with her mending process so now, instead of Monday and Thursday apppointments, we've now moved to appointments every other Monday [for now, at least].

Wednesday mid afternoon we met with the oncologist and his staff. Cathy is scheduled to begin her chemotherapy on 11/4 with a combination of Cytoxan and Andriamycin ["heart toxic"]. Due to her stage 3c "triple negative" diagnosis, Cathy's care is referred to as "dose dense". Not only are the meds "aggressive" in nature, the frequency is every other week for four treatments, followed by a second medication [Taxol] for four more treatments, instead of "normal" chemo once every three weeks for six treatments.

Friday morning brought a minor "procedure" to install her medi-port below her right collarbone to facilitate easy hook up for her chemo.

Cathy has bounced back very well [continued dull pain at incision sites] from the original surgery and was out for dinner with friends and me on Friday night after her surgery in the morning. However we are very wary about the future with 8 doses of chemo, followed by radiation therapy. As a result, I'm concerned we'll likely not see the effervescent Cathy we all know and love so well for 4 - 6 months.

The week ahead appears to be relatively light with all of Cathy's current engagements occuring on Monday, 10/27: MUGA test in the morning [to begin a baseline of her heart function as they'll monitor it throughout threatment] and chemotherapy "education" at Delnor Hospital in the afternoon.

Thank you once again for being Christ's arms, feet and heart to us in such a tangible way as well as taking our cares, concerns and needs before the Lord's throne of grace in prayer.

The results are in!

2008-10-16T23:31:00.002-05:00

Cathy received the call this morning from her surgeon that her PET scan came back "clear" [with a little qualification]. She told Cathy that a spot shows up in her left chest, as if an infected lymph node was left behind, but she believes it to be a "shadow". The Dr. said they would proceed with chemo and radiation and take another PET scan afterward to assure that any potential real spot has been eradicated.

On 10/24 Cathy will undergo a minor surgery to install her "medi-port" to ease administering of chemo.

WOW, as I write this, I realize that three weeks ago the first blog entry was made on the eve of her surgery.

Much has transpired since then. Cathy's energy is increasing but pain still remains. Through it all we have seen God's faithfulness in handling the large and small details. Thank you all for your prayers and many acts of service, we are sooo appreciative.

Steady as she goes

2008-10-10T20:20:00.002-05:00

Well, the pain is beginning to wane, energy is returning slowly and we've been heartened by two good tests [whole body bone and CT scan were "clear"]. However, we still have a very important scan [PET] to take on Monday evening. Cathy also meets with her surgeon Monday at noon in preparation for her 10/24 surgery to implant her Medi-Port [for chemotherapy] and has standing appointments every Monday and Thursday afternoon with the plastic surgeon. As you can see, 10/13 will be a busy day, but it is the results of her PET scan that we covet your prayers for. Thanks for your outpouring of love, prayer, and interest in keeping up with Cathy's Journey!

Oncology ...

2008-10-08T23:54:00.000-05:00

The last 24 hours have been busy with the medical community. Tuesday evening Cathy did the whole body bone scan and initial reports from her surgeon's office staff were that they were good.

Wednesday afternoon we met with the oncologist and received sober news of Cathy's "triple negative" diagnosis. As a result, in addition to the other tests we had scheduled [PET and CT scans], we need to do a genetics test for BRCA1 and meet with research specialists at the University of Chicago Hospital. At this point we're looking at two rounds of Chemo [one may involve a very expensive, aggressive and potentially damaging drug] followed by radiation. Blood was also drawn today for two blood tests: microscopic tumor material and protein tumor markers.

We are to meet w/ U of C Drs. between now and the next appointment with our local oncologist on 10/22.

Additionally, this evening [from 6:30 - 9:00] Cathy completed the CT scan but nothing has been revealed about the results.

Cathy has stopped taking her prescription pain medicines as of Tuesday and has only two tablets left of her antibiotics.

We see the plastic surgeon tomorrow evening and we hope to make some positive advancements with him during this upcoming appointment.

Had I known how prophetic Cathy's blog title might be, I wish I had called it, "Piece 'O Cake, Cathy".

We have never been Christ followers for a Health & Wealth agenda, so we are not focused so much on the prosperity aspect of this verse we are clinging to, but rather the "hope and a future": "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

God is sovereign and he will accomplish His purposes. Please pray with us that His plan for Cathy is full restoration of her health.

Prayer & Thanksgiving

2008-10-05T10:46:00.002-05:00

We continue to be amazed at God's provision through so many of you in prayer, meals, assistance and pleas to help further. We've been well cared for and want for nothing physical except healing for Cathy and rest for us all.

We would ask for continued prayer for Cathy for comfort and good results from her upcoming tests [whole body bone scan on Tuesday, CT & PET scans TBD] and ongoing healing and that the pain would subside soon.

We meet with the oncologist on Wednesday afternoon so we hope to get more information and direction from him [we've heard exemplary things about him].

Hope still wants to hug her mom with her "all body bear hugs" but she is content just being near mom and getting kisses and "makeshift" hugs.

Hmmmm

2008-09-30T23:06:00.003-05:00

Initial results from pathology were relayed to us today ... and they were nowhere near as optimistic as we had hoped for. Dr. Lee was much more guarded than on Friday, Dr. G. [plastic surgeon] rose to the occassion with Cathy.

Cathy has three more tests to complete [CT scan, PET scan and bone scan] and also her initial meeting with the oncologist on 10/8.

In the meantime, we continue to covet your prayers on her behalf for strength [spiritual as well as physical], accelerated healing and great future results against more daunting odds. Thank you.

Blessed and humbled

2008-09-29T22:23:00.002-05:00

We've been home over 1 day now, and it hasn't been just quiet convalescing. Between ineffective and nausea inducing pain-killers, and concerns over drains, pinching, bleeding, swelling and the like, we've been busy with visits to Drs and pharmacies. We think we've made the proper adjustments and are moving on.

After an update on the "state of affairs", I must point out that we are, indeed, humbled by the outpouring of love and support by many dear folks via prayer, meals and care for Hope pre and post school. Thank you for blessing Cathy and the rest of our family by your love and service!

Well?

2008-09-28T09:39:00.002-05:00

Dr. Ghadari just left after checking Cathy out, removing the pain pump [it was installed such that it could come home with her, but had "slipped out" after 12-18 hours and she's been on oral pain meds since] and changing her bandages.

Since she had eaten breakfast and we had walked prior to his arrival, and based upon his assessment of her condition, he gave the hospital orders that we could leave at Cathy's discretion.

As I write this, we are enjoying the College Church 9:30 service over the internet and Cathy is in no rush to "bug out". Upon our return, I plan on putting a card on our door advising when Cathy welcomes visitors and when she needs rest and quiet. We'll depart when Cathy decides she's ready to return home. Thank you for your interest, prayers and understanding her wishes.

Where do we go from here ..

2008-09-27T12:16:00.002-05:00

Well, as anyone who has spent time in a hospital before knows, Cathy did NOT get a good night sleep between machinery, discomfort and the continual parade of nurses and techs arriving to check vitals, etc. Her post-surgery anesthetic slumber lasted only about 30 minutes and Cathy was in full form worried about the inflatable leggings and "spirometer".

I succeeded in keeping Dr. Lee's "educated guess" [stage 3 cancer] from her so she could rest better last evening, but did give her the full report this morning, which was still a very positive prognosis from Dr. Lee. Cathy, however, is focused on the negative possibilities and "what ifs". Dr. G. stopped by this morning and encouraged Cathy to think of this as a marathon, not a sprint. He also asked her NOT to think 3 steps ahead ... so antithetical for Cathy!

I will remind her, over and over again, about Matt 6:25-34 and Phil 4:6-7 ... please pray for her to rest in these key scriptures.

WOW

2008-09-26T16:47:00.002-05:00

She's out of "recovery" and in her SUITE, but she is far from alert or even awake. In light of the lack of sleep she's had over the last few weeks, headache she endured pre-surgery and the trauma her body received during surgery, I was delighted to hear she'll likely sleep thru the night before the anesthesia wears off - GREAT. Quoting Brad Paisley, "She looks so much like an angel, I don't wanna wake her up!"

Speaking of WOW, I'm not sure how we got this Hyatt-like suite - are these the normal level of accouterments due to the outstanding benefits of my employer? Private room with high ceilings, flat screen TV, granite tiled bathroom, sleepable couch for moi, etc. Next door is a kitchen / living room while across from Cathy's room is a quiet sitting area complete with waterfall and 3rd floor veranda. She may not want to come home! Staff and Drs have been wonderful, too.

Slicing & dicing is done for now [round 1]

2008-09-26T15:05:00.003-05:00

Plastic surgeon [Dr. G.] spoke to me a little after 2:30 that his surgical work on Cathy was done. She did fine and he had nothing abnormal to say about the surgery. Post op recovery expected to be 1-1.5 hours. Dr. G. will visit the next two days. Please lift Cathy and Hope [she misses her mom so] up in prayer as the healing begins.

2008-09-26T13:01:00.002-05:00

We [Cathy's family and I] just met with the surgeon who performed the mastectomy. Surgery itself went well but cancer was found in 4 or 5 nodes beyond the sentinel node. Lab results will not be known until next week, but the Dr. suspects that this would indicate ~stage 3 cancer. That was a blow, but the Dr. recognizes Cathy's spunk and fighting spirit and expects good results when it's all said & done. We will pray toward that end.

Start your engines ...

2008-09-26T10:19:00.003-05:00

Evidently surgery was scheduled for 9:45, but then got delayed ~1/2 hour. Cathy was in tears before I left her to pre-op shortly after 9:00, but from a NASTY headache. As uncomfortable as the sentinel node biopsy was, she said it was eclipsed by her headache [had all night, slept very poorly, and unable to take aspirin or drink per Drs. orders!] They administered some morphine before I left her. Between both Drs., they have scheduled 6 hours for surgery but we expect it to be more like 5.

2008-09-26T08:19:00.002-05:00

Both of Cathy's sisters and their husbands arrived shortly after she was gowned and in her little "room", providing comic relief. She is having the sentinel node biopsied now [not a pleasant experience] as we wait. Leaving her curtained area en route to the lab, the nurse commented on what a wonderful wife I have ... like Hope, she shares her sunshine wherever she goes!

First Blog ... That was easy [sorry Staples]

2008-09-25T21:46:00.000-05:00

First, Cathy and I would like to thank all of you for your outpouring of love expressed by prayers, meals / offers for meals in the future, phone calls, notes and assistance with Hope and general hand holding.

We praise God for y'all and the strength that we've drawn from those prayers.

Tonight, however, we just kind of hit the wall from exhaustion - too many things to do in too short time and on too little sleep for both of us.

As I write this, Cathy is taking her shower and and then prepping with the pre-surgery cloth protocol [only to scrub down again in the morning]. We are to arrive at the hospital by 6:45 and I hope to be able to blog throughout the day and in the coming days.

NOTE: The doctor told us to have a "No Visitor" policy after surgery to aid in her rest and recovery. We hope to return home by Sunday evening at the latest.

Thanks for loving Cathy, keeping up with her journey through this blog and allowing her to begin her healing as quietly as possible. As y'all know, it's hard to keep my "bundle of energy" down for very long, so I reckon she'll welcome your calls in the not-too-distant future!