Fix It

I have a "fix it" attitude. When something is wrong with someone I care about, I have this instant urge to jump into action and to try and fix the situation. I guess this is common among us control freaks! It's like that with Mike. I just want to fix him and make him better. But the only thing I can do is pray. With cancer, there is no way for me or anyone else on earth to fix it.

I'm sure Judy, Mikie, Michelle and the rest of the family are feeling the same way. We just continue to pray and hope that the Lord's will is to get Mike through this battle.

Mike's Blood Test Results

Mike had his doctor's appointment yesterday and his news was not good. His "tumor count" went from 72 back up to 192. Before that, his count was 298. His other blood work counts are low but that is due to the chemo. On February 7th he will have more blood tests run. If his counts for his regular blood work do not improve, he will not be able to have his chemotherapy treatments until they go back up.

If his tumor count goes up again, the doctors are going to try a different type of chemo. Judy says that Mike is getting weaker, but he continues to go to work each day. It would probably benefit him greatly to cut his hours back. He needs to build up some strength and reserve what little energy he has to get well. The doctor says it is okay for him to continue working, though.

Please keep Mike in your prayers.

Infection

Mike is doing pretty good. Right now he has an infection in his left hand and wrist area and he is on antibiotics.

This Friday, Mike will have blood work done to check his tumor count and kidneys. If all is well with that, he will then have chemotherapy.

Please pray that Mike gets good news from his blood work!

Facts About Cancer of the Esophagus

Mike's cancer has been a shock to everyone. I thought I would share some facts about esophagus cancer that you may not know.

The wall of the esophagus has several layers. Cancer of the esophagus starts from the inner layer and grows outward.

Long-term reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus sets up a special problem. It can change the cells in the lower end of the esophagus. They become more like the cells that line the stomach. These changed cells produce a condition called Barrett esophagus. The altered cells can change into cancer, so they should be closely watched by a doctor.

There are two main types of esophagus cancer: Squamous cell and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancer grows form the top layer of the lining of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma starts near the opening to the stomach. This type of cancer cannot start unless squamous cells have been changed by acid reflux.

In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimated there would be approximately 15,560 new cases of esophagus cancer. This cancer is 3 to 4 times more common among men than among women and 50% more common among African Americans than among whites.

The cause of esophagus cancer is unknown but there are risk factors that make this type of cancer more likely. The person's age (typically in people over 40), sex (men are 3x more likely than woman to get type of cancer), history of heartburn, tobacco and alcohol use, obesity and very hot liquids are all risk factors. Diets that don’t include enough fruits or vegetables and certain minerals and vitamins can raise the risk of this cancer.

The Cancer Society says that at this time there is no sure way to prevent esophagus cancer. Some lifestyle changes that can decrease your risks include avoiding alcohol and tobacco, eating fruits and vegetables (raw), and maintaining a healthy weight. Some studies have found that the risk can be lowered in people who take aspirin or other drugs such as ibuprofen that reduce inflammation.

Source: American Cancer Society

I Apologize For The Lapse In Posting

Sorry I haven't posted for a week. A week is exactly how long I have been having severe CFS symptoms. My headaches are so bad I can't hardly stand to keep my eyes open, so once I am able to function properly again, I will back to my regular posting.

I talked to Judy for a few minutes last week and Mike is feeling better than what he was. The chemotherapy treatments are really hard on him and I believe he has three sessions left in this cycle.

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that we have entered a new year! Where did 2007 go? Each year continues to go faster. With each new year comes hope, motivation and expectations of a brighter, happier and healthier year. It is common for many people to make new year's resolutions but usually by March the motivation has worn off and old habits set back in. It doesn't have to be this way, though!

For a little something different on here I thought I would post the top 10 new year's resolutions people make from an article on About.com:

Spend more time with family and friends. A poll showed that over 50% of Americans yearly vow to spend more time with family and friends and to appreciate them more.

Fitness changes. A common resolution most people make is to exercise more, eat less and to eat healthier.

Lose weight. Probably the most popular resolution of all. Over 65% of Americans are considered overweight, so no wonder why this is the most popular!

Quit smoking. This is a very smart resolution and a healthy one if you are able to kick the smoking habit! There are many resources available to help people quit and your lungs and heart will thank you! Your family will also thank you for no longer smelling like an ashtray.

Enjoy life more. How easy that is to say, but not as easy to do! Americans are so stressed out, it isn't any wonder heart attacks and heart disease are on the rise. Find a hobby you enjoy to de-stress, take on less responsibility at work and enjoy your family more when you come home.

Quit drinking. For the social drinker, this may be an easy resolution to keep. For someone who has a drinking problem, they need further support and help from local groups, such as AA. There are still too many drunk drivers on the road killing innocent people.

Get out of debt. If you are spending more than you are making, or if your credit cards are maxed out, then you definitely need this resolution! Learn how to budget your money and always ask yourself before spending if the item is a "need" or a "want". It you don't need it, don't buy it.

Learn something new. This is something I do. I like to learn and try new things so each year I attempt something I have never done before. It doesn't have to be anything big but it can be fulfilling to accomplish it!

Volunteer. There are many organizations, charities and hospitals who are always looking for volunteers. Volunteer a few hours a week to make a difference in someones life.

Improve organizational skills. My husband needs to make this a resolution! I can't stand walking downstairs into "his" room - it is a disaster area but I'm not allowed to touch it! I love to organize and if your house or a room is out of control, break the task down into small sections. Trying to tackle the whole room or house at once can be overwhelming and you will end up not accomplishing anything. Make a list for each room and follow the list, checking off each task as it is completed.