The Family Together Again!

Saturday my husband and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary with over 50 of our friends and family in attendance. We renewed our wedding vows, danced, ate and had a great time.

Mike, Judy and Austin surprised us by showing up and it was great having them there. They had previously had plans but they fell through at the last minute so they were able to join us.

I kind of knew though that they would be there - that's just how she and Mike are. I had this feeling that somehow they would show up and they did!

It has been a while since I had seen Mike so yesterday was the first time I saw him without any hair at all. When I asked him how he was doing he said he was hanging in there and was going to the doctor this week. He had to walk outside a couple of times during the party because of his dry heaves.

My brother-in-law, Bobby, and sister-in-law, Chris had us all laughing hard with their dance moves. They are very entertaining. They like to shake their booty! We had a fun day and it was great having everyone together again!

The video above is the Keeper of the Stars that Bill and I have always said was our song. We forgot to play it yesterday, though so here it is now!

Mike Went to Doctor's Today

Mike had his doctor's appointment and he was rather disappointed when he left. The doctor told him that he can not return to work for at least another 2 - 3 months. He has to have another pet scan but they can't do the scan for another 2 - 3 months due to all of the radiation in his body. He's still not allowed to drive either.

The good news is that Mike gained a pound and he is feeling pretty good.

Keep saying prayers for Mike, as not being able to work is really hard for him.

Donations For Mike

Mike has been unable to work for quite a while now and it is still unknown whether he will be able to go back anytime soon. He is the income provider for him and Judy, so with only short-term disability coming in, I'm sure it's starting to get financially tight. If you would like to make a donation, just click on the Donate button below and you will be taken to a secure Paypal site where you can do just that!

We thank everyone who has made contributions for Mike. The support has been greatly appreciated.

Inspiration For Today...

Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you

Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved

Cold

Judy said Mike is having trouble staying warm. He's been trying to keep busy around the house to help pass the time. They have been working on cleaning out their basement and doing some other needed chores so at least he has something to do. She said they work a while then rest a while.

Mike hopes he can go back to work soon once he's able to drive. It's hard for Mike to not work. That's all he's ever done is work constantly. His body needs the time off though.

Comments on Moderation

I have had to put comments on moderation because people have been posting spammy links and stuff on here and I don't want anyone clicking on anything that could lead to a virus.

Mike Has FInished Radiation

Mike has now finished his radiation treatments. He has lost a total of 12 more pounds, though so they are hoping to have some weight back on him by the time he goes back to see the doctor on March 31st.

Judy says that he is feeling better and he is able to use his right hand now but he still doesn't have a lot of strength in it. He still cannot work, but even though that is hard for Mike not do work, it is probably for the best. He needs a lot of time to gain some strength and taking a break will be good for his body.

The doctor says that he cannot go back to work until he is able to drive again. He is hoping that by the end of the month when he sees the doctor he will be allowed to drive.

Leap of Faith

I talked to Mike this morning for a minute. He sounded pretty good over the phone. As always, he never lets on how he really feels.

Mike had tests done today on his brain and neck to see if the radiation has shrunk or gotten rid of the cancer. He will find out the results from those on Monday.

Yesterday and today were good days for Mike but earlier this week he was having a rough time of it. He has been sleeping a lot, which is not surprising considering what all he is going through.

Judy said with him being off of work it has been difficult for Mike because he has a lot more time now to think. They are hoping after they talk to the doctor on Monday that he will be allowed to go back to work and just do some really light duty stuff. His employers have been wonderful to him and they will take care of him. He needs something to do though - that's just the type of person Mike is.

Mike's Hand

Earlier this week Mike found out what was going on with his right hand. The doctor says the problems he is having is most likely coming from a lymph node in his neck that is cancerous.

It's not a new cancer area, though. A while back when they found out the cancer was in his spine there were three lymph nodes that were cancerous with one of them being in his neck.

On Wednesday, Mike started radiation treatments on his brain as well as his neck. He will have a total of 10 treatments on his neck that may cause him to temporarily lose his voice and he will probably get a sore throat.

Right now Judy is trying to keep Mike eating so that he doesn't lose anymore weight.

Mike's New Treatments

Mike started radiation treatments for the cancer in his brain and he will go five days a week for the next three weeks. He is not able to drive or work during this time.

They are giving him radiation on the entire brain to prevent any further spreading of the cancer cells.

The doctor isn't sure what is causing Mike to lose the use of his right hand. They will be donig another MRI to find out what's going on there.

As I receive updates, I will keep you posted.

Please keep the prayers coming!

Cancer Is In Mike's Brain

Mike had a doctor's appointment yesterday and he found out that the cancer has spread to his brain. The MRI showed a very small spot that has been affected.

Judy said she was scared to death yesterday when Mike came home for lunch. She said one minute he was eating soup and the next minute, his head was on the table and he was sound asleep. She made him go to bed and told him he was not going back to work. I guess he slept most of the day then and the doctor said that if she was not able to wake up Mike, or if he woke up and was not making sense or was confused, he would have to go to the ER.

Mike is now on medication to try and reduce the swelling on his brain. If they are able to get the swelling reduced, he will have radiation. She said today he is doing better than what he was yesterday except he was up with diarrhea a lot last night.

Bill stopped to talk to Mike on Thursday night and Mike said that he can no longer drive the big trucks at work because he doesn't have the strength.

Mike needs everyones prayers now more than ever so please continue to pray and pass it on.

Evolution of Dance - Funny Video!

The comedian in this video has gotten over 74 million views with this You Tube video. Watch and you will see why!

Mike's Doctor's Appointment Today

Mike had his doctor's appointment today. Here is the latest news from Judy:



We just got back from the Drs. Mike's tumor count went up again. It is now at 201.6. The blood counts are low. He is in a lot of pain so the Dr. put him on a patch for pain. He starts that today. The Dr. wants to try another Chemo called Xeloda. This is in tablet form. He will take it for two weeks and off for one week & then back on it for two weeks & off for one week.

We don't know how long he will be on this drug. We are waiting to hear from the Ins. Co. to see if they will cover this drug. The Cancer Center is dealing with our Ins. so we don't know when he will be able to start taking the drug. The Cancer Center will get back to us as soon as they hear from the Ins. Co. The drug will be sent to our home. It will be nice for Mike that he won't have to sit for hours with an IV in is hand.

He was having back side effects from the last Chemo drug. His hand looked like a burn. The Dr. told us today that it will go through stages. His hand was real red and than it got a white crusty look as if you put a paste of baking soda on his hand. Then his hand started peeling. It doesn't look as bad now just like dry skin.

Please keep him in your prayers. Also pray that the Ins. will cover some of the cost of the drug.

The Joys Of Being Bald...In Honor Of Mike's New Shiny Head

Judy said last night that Mike's hair is gone so in honor of the new bald Mike, I have a video I want you to see...






Mike, don't worry about being hairless. There are plenty of famous people who are bald...



Dr. Phil McGraw...

Yul Brenner...

Britney Spears...(although I wouldn't recommend aspiring to be like her!)

Mr. Clean...

Bald Quotes...

"Experience is a comb which nature gives to men when they are bald."

"Better a bald head than no head at all."

"I don't consider myself bald - I'm just taller than my hair."

“Hey, believe me. Baldness will catch on. When the aliens come, who do you think they’re gonna relate to?”

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.