We are 7 days away from Chris' last chemo treatment. (Pause and thank God). As it is with most things difficult, it seems like 6 months has gone by so slowly and yet June seems like yesterday. Despite the amazing fact that Chris is nearly done with his treatment it has been hard to stay joyful. I think we are emotionally "tapped out" and crawling towards the marathon tape with bloodied knees and sweaty faces! We were reminded recently to be grateful for all that we have and what has occurred in our lives. We had the wonderful privilege of being unexpectedly prayed for during each service at church 2 weeks ago- unfortunately we were late and waiting in the lobby while it was happening and missed it all! Wish we could have heard that beautiful noise.
I feel like Im rambling... sorry about that.
When we met with Dr. B last week he told us that he would have the radiologist look at Chris's scans to determine if he would ultimately need radiation treatment or not. Because of the size of one of the original tumors and the fact that Chris had night sweats, his stage is borderline for needing radiation. If he needs it, it would start mid December and be 5 days a week for 4 weeks, pushing his treatment into mid January. While radiation decreases the chance of Hodgkins recurrence by 3-4%, it increases Chris' risk of getting other cancers later in life by 3-4%. Lovely. Since he is only 39, he has lots of year left to potentially develop radiation related cancers. All in all, its not a great place to be decision wise and we are hopeful that the radiologist will be clear and emphatic in their opinion. We are hoping to hear back on that by late this week or early next week.
We are totally enjoying this homework/meeting/work vacation this week and are thankful for the break here at the end of it all. And we are thankful for you!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The finish line...
I (Chris) wanted to tell you myself the results of my recent PET scan. Unfortunately I received chemo the same day I received the results and I have been having a hard time bouncing back this past week. My cancer is gone. I have some scar tissue and that is all that remains from the previously cancerous lymph nodes. My doctor told me this is normal and over time the scar tissue will resolve. To be sure this is great news, but I really want to be done with chemo. I will have three more treatments, with the last on November 27th. The end is near!
I am doing ok. I am happy about my diagnosis, but I still struggle with being sick and what I consider being a 'part time' dad. It has been an amazing season. Not exactly a sabbatical, but the Lord has been gracious simply in the time to stop and be still. At the beginning I had expectations of a radical and complete change in who I am and how I do life, you know, go 'full on Denton.' Again, the Lord is good and has shown me that I have a lot of issues to face- sanctification can be a long process, and He is giving me some time to work on them.
I (Andra) want to share the family side of Chris' good news. As you can tell from Chris' words above, he is sooooo ready to be done with this whole process. He struggles with the limitations that the cancer has placed on him and wants so badly to be 'back in the race.' We try to encourage him as best we can that getting better is the most important thing- not mowing the grass or helping with homework.
I would say after having a week of heard the words 'cancer free,' that we are still in shock and a little numb- so if you see us and we seem less than exuberant, just know that we are adjusting to the news. Since we still have several chemo treatments left, it doesn't quite seen over. Unfortunately, radiation is still a possibility that we may need to face- please pray for us about that.
Thank you. Thank you for all the things you have said, things you have done and things yet to be done for our family. We truly could not have functioned as well as we have without you. Five months of help is nothing to sneeze at! God has shown us so clearly through all of this, how loved we are by you. We look forward to many joyful conversations and meals to come with you all! Yea!!
I am doing ok. I am happy about my diagnosis, but I still struggle with being sick and what I consider being a 'part time' dad. It has been an amazing season. Not exactly a sabbatical, but the Lord has been gracious simply in the time to stop and be still. At the beginning I had expectations of a radical and complete change in who I am and how I do life, you know, go 'full on Denton.' Again, the Lord is good and has shown me that I have a lot of issues to face- sanctification can be a long process, and He is giving me some time to work on them.
I (Andra) want to share the family side of Chris' good news. As you can tell from Chris' words above, he is sooooo ready to be done with this whole process. He struggles with the limitations that the cancer has placed on him and wants so badly to be 'back in the race.' We try to encourage him as best we can that getting better is the most important thing- not mowing the grass or helping with homework.
I would say after having a week of heard the words 'cancer free,' that we are still in shock and a little numb- so if you see us and we seem less than exuberant, just know that we are adjusting to the news. Since we still have several chemo treatments left, it doesn't quite seen over. Unfortunately, radiation is still a possibility that we may need to face- please pray for us about that.
Thank you. Thank you for all the things you have said, things you have done and things yet to be done for our family. We truly could not have functioned as well as we have without you. Five months of help is nothing to sneeze at! God has shown us so clearly through all of this, how loved we are by you. We look forward to many joyful conversations and meals to come with you all! Yea!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
CT scan results are in
Chris got his test results back Tuesday on his CT scan last week. The doctor said that the tumors had decreased in size. One of the tumors was reduced almost 50% in size. His chest was clear and there were no new cancer tumors. He will be on the same regimen of chemo and for now radiation is not needed. He was able to complete his chemo treatment yesterday, so that makes two treatments in a row since his blood counts are holding steady. His next treatment will be the halfway point in the entire process. Good, good, good news!
He says he is feeling good, and waiting for his white blood cell creating shot to kick in- the side effects usually last 1-2 days and after a week or so, he starts to feel pretty good. He still has his hair, but the doctor expressed some surprise that he hadn't started losing it yet. At the beginning they said he may not lose it- so I guess its a 50-50 shot at keeping it.
School starts next Monday and we have Meet the Teacher this Thursday night, but Chris probably wont be able to attend due to fatigue and lots of potential germs! Please be praying for us as school starts and we begin yet another routine of class, homework, Cub Scouts and work. We have been loved on so much this summer with all of the meals and helping around our house and the phone calls/emails. Thank you for your prayers and support. Andra and Chris
He says he is feeling good, and waiting for his white blood cell creating shot to kick in- the side effects usually last 1-2 days and after a week or so, he starts to feel pretty good. He still has his hair, but the doctor expressed some surprise that he hadn't started losing it yet. At the beginning they said he may not lose it- so I guess its a 50-50 shot at keeping it.
School starts next Monday and we have Meet the Teacher this Thursday night, but Chris probably wont be able to attend due to fatigue and lots of potential germs! Please be praying for us as school starts and we begin yet another routine of class, homework, Cub Scouts and work. We have been loved on so much this summer with all of the meals and helping around our house and the phone calls/emails. Thank you for your prayers and support. Andra and Chris
Friday, August 17, 2012
No News
Lots of people have been asking about the results of Chris' CT scan this past Tuesday. We haven't heard anything yet and probably won't until his next chemo treatment next Tuesday. In my eyes, no news is good news- if it was bad news I think they would call us, so I am choosing to be hopeful that the results are good! I will definitely let you know when I know! Andra
Monday, August 13, 2012
Upcoming CT Scan
Friends-
Chris is going in tomorrow (Tuesday) for his first follow-up CT scan since chemotherapy began in June. Basically, its to see if the cancer has gotten any smaller or if its changed locations. We are hopeful that things are going in the right direction. Chris has been able to have his last two chemo treatments in a row- no missed treatments due to low white or red blood cell counts!
He's starting to feel a bit better this week after having chemo last week. It takes a full week for him to recover at this point. We are trying to enjoy the last two weeks of summer before the boys head back to school. Summer has passed so quickly with all our family drama these days!
Chris is going in tomorrow (Tuesday) for his first follow-up CT scan since chemotherapy began in June. Basically, its to see if the cancer has gotten any smaller or if its changed locations. We are hopeful that things are going in the right direction. Chris has been able to have his last two chemo treatments in a row- no missed treatments due to low white or red blood cell counts!
He's starting to feel a bit better this week after having chemo last week. It takes a full week for him to recover at this point. We are trying to enjoy the last two weeks of summer before the boys head back to school. Summer has passed so quickly with all our family drama these days!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Quiet and Chemo
Friends- it is very quiet at our home right now. My in-laws have graciously taken the boys to their home until Friday. Chemo and cleaning and exercise and movies are on the agenda. Chris is scheduled for chemo on Tuesday and we are hopeful that he will be able to complete this round. He hasn't missed a round since the last time I told you about it, thankfully.
The boys and I went to a Rangers game against the Chicago White Sox a week or so ago. After sweltering in the 100 plus degree sun for an hour, we got some shade on the third base line and watched the Rangers score a victory. The boys got free Elvis Andrus jerseys, bought Rangers hats and consumed illegal amounts of sugary drinks and ice cream. Fun was had by all.
Thanks again to all the people who have helped us out with meals, and childcare and prayer. Each and every one a blessing.
The boys and I went to a Rangers game against the Chicago White Sox a week or so ago. After sweltering in the 100 plus degree sun for an hour, we got some shade on the third base line and watched the Rangers score a victory. The boys got free Elvis Andrus jerseys, bought Rangers hats and consumed illegal amounts of sugary drinks and ice cream. Fun was had by all.
Thanks again to all the people who have helped us out with meals, and childcare and prayer. Each and every one a blessing.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Good news and Sad news
Last Friday, I heard something that I never wanted to hear. My cousin Alan, 39 years old this year, passed away at a hospital in Chicago. He had been fighting cancer for several years now. He had come back from so many scary situations that I was convinced that he always would. Not this time. He and I were very close as children and I have some hilarious stories I could share. Unfortunately after our grandmother passed away in our teen years we didnt get as many opportunities to spend time together anymore. He always had a smile on his face and I never once heard him complain. He had his bad days, weeks even, but he suffered well. His best friend unexpectedly passed away 2 months ago, and our family is convinced that they had this all planned out in advance. He leaves a big hole in our families life. He has given our family a wonderful example of how to battle cancer. Please pray for my aunt and uncle, his brother and sister and his beautiful wife and children. They have an Alan sized hole that only God can fill for them. So thankful that he is no longer in any of the chronic pain he has experienced the last few years.
Chris had chemo last Friday and had a shot on Monday that increased his WBC count to normal levels. ( To our children's delight this meant we were able to go out in public and eat fast food together!) The shot's side effects were painful and long lasting. Its unclear if he will need these each chemo round or just as needed. Chris' brother Jeremy and his wife Lanette came to visit for several days and did everything from babysit the boys to making meals to cleaning our air vents. Pretty sure this elevates them to sainthood status- they endured Going Bonkers... 'nuff said.
Chris had chemo last Friday and had a shot on Monday that increased his WBC count to normal levels. ( To our children's delight this meant we were able to go out in public and eat fast food together!) The shot's side effects were painful and long lasting. Its unclear if he will need these each chemo round or just as needed. Chris' brother Jeremy and his wife Lanette came to visit for several days and did everything from babysit the boys to making meals to cleaning our air vents. Pretty sure this elevates them to sainthood status- they endured Going Bonkers... 'nuff said.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Friday the 6th
Chris WAS able to have his chemo treatment today. His WBC count was up to 4 from 2-ish earlier this week. I have two possible theories as to why they are up so high. #1: the insane amount of orange fruits and vegetables he consumed this week in either whole or juiced form (a whole bag of carrots in only a few hours is one example). He's going to be tanner looking in a week or so from all the beta- carotene he's eaten. #2: all of your prayers going out on his behalf- thank you.
If you remember, please pray for my cousin Alan who has been fighting cancer for several years now- he was hospitalized while on a family trip to Chicago, due to blood clots, and may need some additional surgeries soon. His wife Melissa and their two kids would really appreciate your prayers.
Chris has been a bit loopy today due to the steroid shot they give him on chemo day. It makes him feel pretty good for abour 24 hours. Let's just say he gets giggly- its fun to watch! No "roid rage" happening here. On the schedule for the weekend: lots of rest.
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