CaliLyn & I went to the Santa Barbara Zoo on Saturday. I have to say my all-time favorite animal to watch at the zoo are the penguins. Here's a cell video of the penguins:
Aren't they just all kinds of fun! That honk at the end was the penguin saying hello.
28 May 2008
27 May 2008
Tag: Scully's It
Zinger tagged Scully for a name meme that came from Tara Cat:
Lots of kitties wanted to know what Tara’s three names were after her Mom went to see Cats the other night. It got Tara and Kavan to thinking of a fun meme. In case you aren’t familiar with The Naming of Cats, in the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, by T.S. Eliot, we all have three names! So, in this meme, you must link to the originator of the meme (that is Tara), list the following rules, and then tell:
1. The name that the family uses daily (such as Peter, Agustus, Alonzo, or James)
2. The name that is particular, a name that’s peculiar, and more dignified (such as
Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat)
3. What you are doing when you are thinking of the name that only you know, and will never confess (when engaged in rapt contemplation), that deep and inscrutable singular name.
Then tag three others (and let them know they are tagged) to give us their names.
Scully's answers are:
1. Hey dog
2. Viscountess Scully the Defenestrated of Bartonhurst in the River - get your own Aristocratic Title
3. Walking or running the one mile track in my park with the person that feeds me or my friend Vickie
The only bloggers I know are those that I've read thru my sis (Zingers' mom). I'll tag a new friend ~ Steve ~ and see if he'll join.
Lots of kitties wanted to know what Tara’s three names were after her Mom went to see Cats the other night. It got Tara and Kavan to thinking of a fun meme. In case you aren’t familiar with The Naming of Cats, in the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, by T.S. Eliot, we all have three names! So, in this meme, you must link to the originator of the meme (that is Tara), list the following rules, and then tell:
1. The name that the family uses daily (such as Peter, Agustus, Alonzo, or James)
2. The name that is particular, a name that’s peculiar, and more dignified (such as
Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat)
3. What you are doing when you are thinking of the name that only you know, and will never confess (when engaged in rapt contemplation), that deep and inscrutable singular name.
Then tag three others (and let them know they are tagged) to give us their names.
Scully's answers are:
1. Hey dog
2. Viscountess Scully the Defenestrated of Bartonhurst in the River - get your own Aristocratic Title
3. Walking or running the one mile track in my park with the person that feeds me or my friend Vickie
The only bloggers I know are those that I've read thru my sis (Zingers' mom). I'll tag a new friend ~ Steve ~ and see if he'll join.
26 May 2008
Cool of the Morning
sun rays peak through the clouds
dew is still on the grass
i open the back door
winged creatures fly from the grass to the trees
the goats braying their wake up song
the roosters command the day's begin
i let scully out for her morning constitutional
the furries stare her down statuesque
she stares back wishing for privacy
once finished she sees me waiting at the door
she runs faster than a deer panting for water
the bunnies go on about their morning grazing
within moments the birds cover the ground again
You'd almost think I lived in a wildlife preserve with all the animals that hang out in my yard. Not even close. I'm in the middle of the city. It's a place where horse property still exists. Despite not being a morning person I love waking up on days I don't have to get ready and rush off to work. It's so cool to open the door and watch the wildlife. When the gate is closed between the house and the yard the animals all stay put until I open it. Watching Scully though she minds her own business. The bunnies don't get close enough to the house or her for me to take a decent picture. Maybe next years' tax return will afford me getting the nicer digital SLR camera I want.
dew is still on the grass
i open the back door
winged creatures fly from the grass to the trees
the goats braying their wake up song
the roosters command the day's begin
i let scully out for her morning constitutional
the furries stare her down statuesque
she stares back wishing for privacy
once finished she sees me waiting at the door
she runs faster than a deer panting for water
the bunnies go on about their morning grazing
within moments the birds cover the ground again
You'd almost think I lived in a wildlife preserve with all the animals that hang out in my yard. Not even close. I'm in the middle of the city. It's a place where horse property still exists. Despite not being a morning person I love waking up on days I don't have to get ready and rush off to work. It's so cool to open the door and watch the wildlife. When the gate is closed between the house and the yard the animals all stay put until I open it. Watching Scully though she minds her own business. The bunnies don't get close enough to the house or her for me to take a decent picture. Maybe next years' tax return will afford me getting the nicer digital SLR camera I want.
23 May 2008
What's with the Weather
Last weekend it was over 100º Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Today is only supposed to get 67º. It drizzled on my drive to work this morning. Out in the desert they got hail, rain and some tornados! We're not in the plains...what's w/the 'nados?!
Scores of people dying from earthquakes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis...any of this starting to sound like Revelation? Did anyone hear any trumpets? Look up and expectantly wait for Jesus!
Scores of people dying from earthquakes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis...any of this starting to sound like Revelation? Did anyone hear any trumpets? Look up and expectantly wait for Jesus!
17 May 2008
The Gentle Giant
Sue set up a Caring Bridge blog to keep the updates on Russ. Therefore, I'm going to stop posting her updates here. Feel free to check out his status daily by clicking the link to his name.
16 May 2008
Something to Say
Having all the updates from Sue has been good. Usually somebody will tell you they have a prayer need and then it's weeks before you ever hear anything else about it. I'm glad to hear how quickly things are being done for them. Thanks for checking back for regular updates on them as well as me.
There was a family that came to look at the house last night. Their realtor was at the house waiting for them when I got home. The lady who looked at the house said they live in town and are looking for another place so her Mom-In-Law can move in with them. I mentioned I was willing to stay and rent. I don't know if they were thinking of the guest house for her or the fifth bedroom that has a separate entrance, walk-in closet and bathroom. I'm praying it's the latter. They are coming back next week w/the Mom-In-Law to show her.
In the meantime, "our" realtor (Christine) let me know that both the family w/two kids and the man who wants to buy for his daughter & board horses are still interested. However, neither have made an offer yet. The family may not have the budget for the property. Christine said every time she's asked direct questions the husband would not answer.
Nobody else has called on it for a couple of weeks now. Since I'm going to be layed up after my surgery next month I'm a little thankful 'cause I won't have to break in new landlords in the midst of the pain. I'm still believing for a buyer who wants me to stay and are Christians. God is good!
There was a family that came to look at the house last night. Their realtor was at the house waiting for them when I got home. The lady who looked at the house said they live in town and are looking for another place so her Mom-In-Law can move in with them. I mentioned I was willing to stay and rent. I don't know if they were thinking of the guest house for her or the fifth bedroom that has a separate entrance, walk-in closet and bathroom. I'm praying it's the latter. They are coming back next week w/the Mom-In-Law to show her.
In the meantime, "our" realtor (Christine) let me know that both the family w/two kids and the man who wants to buy for his daughter & board horses are still interested. However, neither have made an offer yet. The family may not have the budget for the property. Christine said every time she's asked direct questions the husband would not answer.
Nobody else has called on it for a couple of weeks now. Since I'm going to be layed up after my surgery next month I'm a little thankful 'cause I won't have to break in new landlords in the midst of the pain. I'm still believing for a buyer who wants me to stay and are Christians. God is good!
Russ & Sue
Here's the latest from Sue - 16-May-08 3:30pm:
Good evening: Well today is almost over and it has been another loooong one. I went to bed early last night because I knew we had to be up at 5 a.m. to be at the hospital for lab work at 6:30 a.m. At 12:45 last night I heard a crash on the front porch, I knew right away what it was, a bear was after our bird feeders. I got my camera, turned on the lights and all I saw was one of our big 3 ft planters had been tipped over and the thistle feeder was gone. I opened the front door and heard it take off into the woods. I was awake for at least an hour and a half hearing all kinds of sounds, thinking he was back. There were still 4 feeders up. Found the feeder he got this morning, it was totaled. Good thing I set the alarm because I would have still been sleeping. So now we have to bring them in every night or I won't get any sleep, Russ snoozed right through it all. I was happy about that.
We managed to get some yard work done yesterday, one of my wonderful neighbors came over and raked while I worked on the planters, Russ threw rocks(too long to explain) it was a good day.
The placement of the feeding tube went fine, they actually go right into the stomach through the abdominal wall, in case you didn't know. He has been under anesthesia 3 times in the last week and a half, so it was no wonder he had some trouble this time. His heart beat and blood pressure dropped enough that the bells and whistles kept going off, the nurse was very concerned and called the doc. They put him on IV fluids and made us stay for a long time. He finally stabilized and walked out of there. Praise the Lord.
On the way home we got a phone call that he qualified for the study and would be getting the best of the trial. Sooooo, that must be what the Lord has in mind. We will continue to follow His Leading. Things have changed now regarding the schedule, he will get the new medication only, on Thurs. then we will get the new schedule at that time. I have heard so many people say that if you have a chance go for the trial, so many don't qualify but Praise the Lord he did. They commented today on how healthy he is in every other way.
One prayer is that insurance will cover all of this, I know we will have deductibles but you never know these days what they will allow and what they won't and if it has already been done and they won't pay....
I am going to try to set up an Internet website called Caring Bridge that you could check progress reports like this if you want, I know some prefer the e mails but others may not, so let me know if you would be interested and I will let you know when I get it going.
That's it for tonight, exhausted but still Praising God for His Guidance.
With much love and thanks,
Russ and Sue
Good evening: Well today is almost over and it has been another loooong one. I went to bed early last night because I knew we had to be up at 5 a.m. to be at the hospital for lab work at 6:30 a.m. At 12:45 last night I heard a crash on the front porch, I knew right away what it was, a bear was after our bird feeders. I got my camera, turned on the lights and all I saw was one of our big 3 ft planters had been tipped over and the thistle feeder was gone. I opened the front door and heard it take off into the woods. I was awake for at least an hour and a half hearing all kinds of sounds, thinking he was back. There were still 4 feeders up. Found the feeder he got this morning, it was totaled. Good thing I set the alarm because I would have still been sleeping. So now we have to bring them in every night or I won't get any sleep, Russ snoozed right through it all. I was happy about that.
We managed to get some yard work done yesterday, one of my wonderful neighbors came over and raked while I worked on the planters, Russ threw rocks(too long to explain) it was a good day.
The placement of the feeding tube went fine, they actually go right into the stomach through the abdominal wall, in case you didn't know. He has been under anesthesia 3 times in the last week and a half, so it was no wonder he had some trouble this time. His heart beat and blood pressure dropped enough that the bells and whistles kept going off, the nurse was very concerned and called the doc. They put him on IV fluids and made us stay for a long time. He finally stabilized and walked out of there. Praise the Lord.
On the way home we got a phone call that he qualified for the study and would be getting the best of the trial. Sooooo, that must be what the Lord has in mind. We will continue to follow His Leading. Things have changed now regarding the schedule, he will get the new medication only, on Thurs. then we will get the new schedule at that time. I have heard so many people say that if you have a chance go for the trial, so many don't qualify but Praise the Lord he did. They commented today on how healthy he is in every other way.
One prayer is that insurance will cover all of this, I know we will have deductibles but you never know these days what they will allow and what they won't and if it has already been done and they won't pay....
I am going to try to set up an Internet website called Caring Bridge that you could check progress reports like this if you want, I know some prefer the e mails but others may not, so let me know if you would be interested and I will let you know when I get it going.
That's it for tonight, exhausted but still Praising God for His Guidance.
With much love and thanks,
Russ and Sue
14 May 2008
Russ' Latest
Here's the last two emails from Sue:
13-May-08 4:00pm - untitled:
Teeth are pulled, denture is weird (ill fitting), keeps falling out, no molars to chew with, only denture on top (it looks great though) not happy camper but still smiling off and on. More tests tomorrow, results of PET scan, hearing tests, a heart scan (MUGA they call it), get fitted for a mask to hold his head still. We decided to do the clinical study or trial or protocol or whatever they call it and leave it in God's Hands, whether Russ is accepted or not. Hopefully they will keep Thursday free. We need some rest from our 60 mile round trip everyday. I went 54 mph and got 32.1 miles to the gallon. Usually we go about 68 and get 24. So we will save some by doing that.
Praising Him in the midst of pain.
Short and not so sweet.
Love, Sue
15-May-08 - Update:
Dear Ones:
Have you ever felt like you are in the furnace walking through the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego? A very powerful story in Daniel 3. Read it if you have a chance. The last verse 3:25 says," Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the 4th is like the Son of God." I feel that is where we are, as I was praying that image came to my heart. We are not alone in the furnace.
The denture is a problem for Russ, he can't talk right, no pain really with the extraction of the 16 teeth, Praise the Lord, just getting used to that "spoon in his mouth".
There are 2 ways this Clinical Study can go: one is accelerated normal therapy (chemo and radiation), or the addition of another drug which is supposed to strangle the cancer cells. A computer in Texas will randomly pick who goes where so there is no bias. He can opt out of the study at any time. We have again put which one he will be in, into God's Hands, the Author and Maker of all things good.
Yesterday he was mapped and fitted for the head and shoulder gear (net mask like material and hardens to his likeness) that holds him in place. He had another C.T. scan, I guess it is 3-D. to help the physicist map out the tumor. Several things to pray about here. Not only could he be burned by the radiation but he could have loss of hearing, loss of equilibrium, damage to spinal cord, voice box, many other areas that could be touched by the radiation and chemo.
Next we went to his ear, nose and throat doc to have his hearing checked, so they have a baseline. He already can't hear me (sometimes I think it is intentional, that's a Ha,Ha) and it was proven on the test, his high range of hearing is gone. I will learn to just lower my voice. Then we came back to the other building for LAB work and the MUGA scan to see his heart function. In the meantime I had to go down and reschedule a few things, set up a few more app't. and just keep everyone involved on their toes. Ya know you really need a secretary or an advocate if something like this happens, it is impossible to keep everything straight with out a larger pocket calendar (thanks Dick) and someone with a halfway clear mind.
We had 2 hours before we had to go see the dentist, we had some soup at Blackwoods, yummy, then off to get the dentures worked on. They are better but not perfect, we made it just in time to see Mitchell's puppet show and the Spring concert, in which both Brad and Mitchell participated. Saw many people there who hardly recognized Russ, clean shaven, new teeth and 25lbs lighter. He had been trying to lose weight because he was pre-diabetic and was doing a good job of it, being dedicated but now they want him to add on as much as possible and he can't because of his teeth or lack of.
Tomorrow is another big day. The PEG tube goes in, a tube directly into his stomach so he can receive nourishment when he can't swallow. Ya know, I think all of this stuff he is going through in the past weeks is so minor, I can't imagine what the next 7 weeks holds. He has his first Chemo and Radiation tenatively set for 22nd.
Matt is coming up on the 23rd-28th, Suzanne and family come June 1-12, Matt is coming again for awhile, then Ann is coming, then Wendy. We are so blessed by this, I can't tell you what it means to know we won't be going through this alone, in the physical sense. I know you are out there praying and holding us up, there is an Awesome Sense of Peace within us.
I have to get ready for my walk, first time in many days and it is gorgeous out. My legs have been aching from lack of exercise and sitting in the car and in the waiting rooms. Then I go to Cotton Pickin' Losers to weigh in. Russ said he might go too but I am letting him snooze as much as he wants today. We have a day off today, so will enjoy the beauty of God's Creation, do some yard work and maybe fish off the dock.
Love and blessings to you all. God Bless you.
Russ and Sue
13-May-08 4:00pm - untitled:
Teeth are pulled, denture is weird (ill fitting), keeps falling out, no molars to chew with, only denture on top (it looks great though) not happy camper but still smiling off and on. More tests tomorrow, results of PET scan, hearing tests, a heart scan (MUGA they call it), get fitted for a mask to hold his head still. We decided to do the clinical study or trial or protocol or whatever they call it and leave it in God's Hands, whether Russ is accepted or not. Hopefully they will keep Thursday free. We need some rest from our 60 mile round trip everyday. I went 54 mph and got 32.1 miles to the gallon. Usually we go about 68 and get 24. So we will save some by doing that.
Praising Him in the midst of pain.
Short and not so sweet.
Love, Sue
15-May-08 - Update:
Dear Ones:
Have you ever felt like you are in the furnace walking through the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego? A very powerful story in Daniel 3. Read it if you have a chance. The last verse 3:25 says," Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the 4th is like the Son of God." I feel that is where we are, as I was praying that image came to my heart. We are not alone in the furnace.
The denture is a problem for Russ, he can't talk right, no pain really with the extraction of the 16 teeth, Praise the Lord, just getting used to that "spoon in his mouth".
There are 2 ways this Clinical Study can go: one is accelerated normal therapy (chemo and radiation), or the addition of another drug which is supposed to strangle the cancer cells. A computer in Texas will randomly pick who goes where so there is no bias. He can opt out of the study at any time. We have again put which one he will be in, into God's Hands, the Author and Maker of all things good.
Yesterday he was mapped and fitted for the head and shoulder gear (net mask like material and hardens to his likeness) that holds him in place. He had another C.T. scan, I guess it is 3-D. to help the physicist map out the tumor. Several things to pray about here. Not only could he be burned by the radiation but he could have loss of hearing, loss of equilibrium, damage to spinal cord, voice box, many other areas that could be touched by the radiation and chemo.
Next we went to his ear, nose and throat doc to have his hearing checked, so they have a baseline. He already can't hear me (sometimes I think it is intentional, that's a Ha,Ha) and it was proven on the test, his high range of hearing is gone. I will learn to just lower my voice. Then we came back to the other building for LAB work and the MUGA scan to see his heart function. In the meantime I had to go down and reschedule a few things, set up a few more app't. and just keep everyone involved on their toes. Ya know you really need a secretary or an advocate if something like this happens, it is impossible to keep everything straight with out a larger pocket calendar (thanks Dick) and someone with a halfway clear mind.
We had 2 hours before we had to go see the dentist, we had some soup at Blackwoods, yummy, then off to get the dentures worked on. They are better but not perfect, we made it just in time to see Mitchell's puppet show and the Spring concert, in which both Brad and Mitchell participated. Saw many people there who hardly recognized Russ, clean shaven, new teeth and 25lbs lighter. He had been trying to lose weight because he was pre-diabetic and was doing a good job of it, being dedicated but now they want him to add on as much as possible and he can't because of his teeth or lack of.
Tomorrow is another big day. The PEG tube goes in, a tube directly into his stomach so he can receive nourishment when he can't swallow. Ya know, I think all of this stuff he is going through in the past weeks is so minor, I can't imagine what the next 7 weeks holds. He has his first Chemo and Radiation tenatively set for 22nd.
Matt is coming up on the 23rd-28th, Suzanne and family come June 1-12, Matt is coming again for awhile, then Ann is coming, then Wendy. We are so blessed by this, I can't tell you what it means to know we won't be going through this alone, in the physical sense. I know you are out there praying and holding us up, there is an Awesome Sense of Peace within us.
I have to get ready for my walk, first time in many days and it is gorgeous out. My legs have been aching from lack of exercise and sitting in the car and in the waiting rooms. Then I go to Cotton Pickin' Losers to weigh in. Russ said he might go too but I am letting him snooze as much as he wants today. We have a day off today, so will enjoy the beauty of God's Creation, do some yard work and maybe fish off the dock.
Love and blessings to you all. God Bless you.
Russ and Sue
12 May 2008
Scheduled
I will be having my surgery on June 11th. I will be in the hospital two nights and then off work for at least two weeks. The doctor said the two weeks would be the minimum I'm off and then it depends on the pain if I would be off longer. I'm glad it's finally happening.
As for the house, I have no news. Paul & Vickie are on vacation this week. I'm not sure if the realtor is showing the place while they are gone. We don't have a lock box. I'm pretty sure Paul had said either he or Vickie would be there every time the place was being shown. At least I won't have to move when I've had my surgery.
Here's the last two updates I got from Sue as to what is happening with Russ:
09-May-08 3:30pm - Latest News:
Good afternoon: I still want to stress, that if anyone would rather not receive these, please let me know. Some of you have already responded and I appreciate that.
Well this is the story as of today: We saw the Radiologist, he said this is a very aggressive but treatable cancer, he went over all the details, examined Russ and set up the rest of the scheduling, starting Monday. Monday we have to see the Oncologist, Russ needs to have both Chemo and Radiation at the same time. Unbelievable! How can our world turn upside down so quickly? Also Monday he will have to be fit and mapped for the radiation, after that we go to West Duluth for a Pet Scan to show if there is any other cancer anywhere, then we have a consultation with the oral surgeon at 3:45. Hopefully we will have time in between all of this to get him something to eat because he can't eat before the Pet scan.
The rest of the week is full also, oral surgery hopefully on Tuesday. Please pray about that. We need to get going on the radiation and can't until he heals at least ten days after they pull his teeth. The oral surgeon's office called to say the Tuesday appointment was just for a consultation. I really got upset because we were under the impression the teeth would be pulled. I called our dentist, he called the oral surgeon, within a 1/2 hour they called back to see if we could come Monday for the consultation and Tuesday MAYBE do the surgery, if they have time. I said to myself, "why did I get so upset, God is in charge, right?" I am learning. Pray they will have time. God hears your prayers on our behalf, otherwise we would be waiting several weeks before any of this could have come together.
We are both on edge, Russ can get impatient, as we all do during stressful times. On top of it all I was supposed to be fitted for a heart monitor today, I have irregular heart beats on occasion and lately has been one of those occasions. I found out I have to wear it for 30 days. I talked to the doctor, told her what was going on and she said to hold off, the EKG was normal. She doesn't seem too concerned, I have had it off and on for years. It is pretty common. So don't worry about me. That's the latest.
We love you and are asking God to bless each and everyone of you.
Russ and Sue
10-May-08 11:30am - PET Scan:
I don't think I was specific enough on the last e mail to let you know what a Pet Scan is. I would like to say it is to see if we qualified to have a puppy but unfortunately it is to see if the cancer has spread to any other part of Russ' body. So that is the specific prayer need. That it has not spread and is staying localized to the area they already know about. We couldn't do it without your prayers.
With so much love you can't imagine.
Russ and Sue
12-May-08 5:00pm - Update:
Hi all: We want to thank you all so much for all your enouraging emails and calls, we couldn't make it without them. I am keeping all the Scripture refences in a journal to refer to when times get tough. I may not be able to respond to you each time but know we read them all and tuck the words into our hearts.
We are in a state of both wonder and confusion. The Oncologist told us many scary things, but added that on Friday the 9th after we left there, a Clinical Research Study opened up that adds another drug to the treatment. We have to make a decision about it by Wednesday so would like prayer regarding that. It adds more risks of side effects and they don't know if it is effective or not but it has worked extremely well with other cancers, like colon, and lung. Whether it will work on this type is why they are doing the study. I have been back and forth on doing it. The docs sound so convincing, but ofcourse it is totally up to us and another factor would be if the cancer is localized to the neck area, if the PET scan, done today, shows any other areas that the cancer has spread he would not be eligible for it. Of course we are trusting that it has not spread and have put the whole matter in God's Hands. The way the trail opened up makes me wonder if that is God's Will........so the confusion.
Russ will loose all his beautiful hair with Chemo, either way and just now I had to shave off his mustache and beard. I don't even know the man. I have never seen him without at least a mustache and I am sure many of you have never seen him without a beard.
God answered our prayers about the Oral Surgeon, he will have 16 teeth pulled and an upper denture put in tomorrow at 11 a.m. without hardly any split between the 2 front teeth. (He has wanted to get rid of that forever.) So don't be surprised if there are no recognizable traits for you to know him by. He is not a stranger trying to break into our house, he does belong here. I just went to take another look, it is really shocking, not in a bad way, just different.
Wednesday was to be a free day but that has all changed, he is to meet again with the radiologist with our decision regarding the Clinical Trial and then get fitted for the apparatus that holds his head and shoulders still during radiation. It is a mask type thing and forms to his face, that is why he had to shave. Then we go to the audiologist to check his hearing, that is already on the fritz, the radiation and chemo can damage that even more. More prayer! Then a MUGA test which checks to see if his heart is will be able to stand up to the chemo and the flushing of liquids. See what I mean about scary?
Another thing that some of you already know is that Friday of this week he will have a stomach tube put in. They tell us he will have mouth and throat sores and will be unable to take liquids or nourishment by mouth, so to minimize the loss of any nutrients he will have this tube to just dump water and food into. That's no fun..............we all know he loves to eat. Heck of a way to lose weight!!! He also has to see a speech therapist, I believe it is to show him exercises to do with his mouth so he doesn't lose the muscles in his jaw.
Keep the clean jokes coming. We are Praising God and we smile and laugh when we can. I have to tell you though, every step has been a shock, it takes awhile to adjust until the next fiery dart hits.
I look at the gorgeous lake and the beautiful green lawn, with the leaves starting to bud out and know God's Love for us.
Take care loved ones and know you are so special to us, beyond measure we are so grateful to you and your faithful prayers on our behalf. I know God can heal in a moment and would love to see that happen, but His Will be done and to Him be the Glory.
We love you all.
Russ and Sue
As for the house, I have no news. Paul & Vickie are on vacation this week. I'm not sure if the realtor is showing the place while they are gone. We don't have a lock box. I'm pretty sure Paul had said either he or Vickie would be there every time the place was being shown. At least I won't have to move when I've had my surgery.
Here's the last two updates I got from Sue as to what is happening with Russ:
09-May-08 3:30pm - Latest News:
Good afternoon: I still want to stress, that if anyone would rather not receive these, please let me know. Some of you have already responded and I appreciate that.
Well this is the story as of today: We saw the Radiologist, he said this is a very aggressive but treatable cancer, he went over all the details, examined Russ and set up the rest of the scheduling, starting Monday. Monday we have to see the Oncologist, Russ needs to have both Chemo and Radiation at the same time. Unbelievable! How can our world turn upside down so quickly? Also Monday he will have to be fit and mapped for the radiation, after that we go to West Duluth for a Pet Scan to show if there is any other cancer anywhere, then we have a consultation with the oral surgeon at 3:45. Hopefully we will have time in between all of this to get him something to eat because he can't eat before the Pet scan.
The rest of the week is full also, oral surgery hopefully on Tuesday. Please pray about that. We need to get going on the radiation and can't until he heals at least ten days after they pull his teeth. The oral surgeon's office called to say the Tuesday appointment was just for a consultation. I really got upset because we were under the impression the teeth would be pulled. I called our dentist, he called the oral surgeon, within a 1/2 hour they called back to see if we could come Monday for the consultation and Tuesday MAYBE do the surgery, if they have time. I said to myself, "why did I get so upset, God is in charge, right?" I am learning. Pray they will have time. God hears your prayers on our behalf, otherwise we would be waiting several weeks before any of this could have come together.
We are both on edge, Russ can get impatient, as we all do during stressful times. On top of it all I was supposed to be fitted for a heart monitor today, I have irregular heart beats on occasion and lately has been one of those occasions. I found out I have to wear it for 30 days. I talked to the doctor, told her what was going on and she said to hold off, the EKG was normal. She doesn't seem too concerned, I have had it off and on for years. It is pretty common. So don't worry about me. That's the latest.
We love you and are asking God to bless each and everyone of you.
Russ and Sue
10-May-08 11:30am - PET Scan:
I don't think I was specific enough on the last e mail to let you know what a Pet Scan is. I would like to say it is to see if we qualified to have a puppy but unfortunately it is to see if the cancer has spread to any other part of Russ' body. So that is the specific prayer need. That it has not spread and is staying localized to the area they already know about. We couldn't do it without your prayers.
With so much love you can't imagine.
Russ and Sue
12-May-08 5:00pm - Update:
Hi all: We want to thank you all so much for all your enouraging emails and calls, we couldn't make it without them. I am keeping all the Scripture refences in a journal to refer to when times get tough. I may not be able to respond to you each time but know we read them all and tuck the words into our hearts.
We are in a state of both wonder and confusion. The Oncologist told us many scary things, but added that on Friday the 9th after we left there, a Clinical Research Study opened up that adds another drug to the treatment. We have to make a decision about it by Wednesday so would like prayer regarding that. It adds more risks of side effects and they don't know if it is effective or not but it has worked extremely well with other cancers, like colon, and lung. Whether it will work on this type is why they are doing the study. I have been back and forth on doing it. The docs sound so convincing, but ofcourse it is totally up to us and another factor would be if the cancer is localized to the neck area, if the PET scan, done today, shows any other areas that the cancer has spread he would not be eligible for it. Of course we are trusting that it has not spread and have put the whole matter in God's Hands. The way the trail opened up makes me wonder if that is God's Will........so the confusion.
Russ will loose all his beautiful hair with Chemo, either way and just now I had to shave off his mustache and beard. I don't even know the man. I have never seen him without at least a mustache and I am sure many of you have never seen him without a beard.
God answered our prayers about the Oral Surgeon, he will have 16 teeth pulled and an upper denture put in tomorrow at 11 a.m. without hardly any split between the 2 front teeth. (He has wanted to get rid of that forever.) So don't be surprised if there are no recognizable traits for you to know him by. He is not a stranger trying to break into our house, he does belong here. I just went to take another look, it is really shocking, not in a bad way, just different.
Wednesday was to be a free day but that has all changed, he is to meet again with the radiologist with our decision regarding the Clinical Trial and then get fitted for the apparatus that holds his head and shoulders still during radiation. It is a mask type thing and forms to his face, that is why he had to shave. Then we go to the audiologist to check his hearing, that is already on the fritz, the radiation and chemo can damage that even more. More prayer! Then a MUGA test which checks to see if his heart is will be able to stand up to the chemo and the flushing of liquids. See what I mean about scary?
Another thing that some of you already know is that Friday of this week he will have a stomach tube put in. They tell us he will have mouth and throat sores and will be unable to take liquids or nourishment by mouth, so to minimize the loss of any nutrients he will have this tube to just dump water and food into. That's no fun..............we all know he loves to eat. Heck of a way to lose weight!!! He also has to see a speech therapist, I believe it is to show him exercises to do with his mouth so he doesn't lose the muscles in his jaw.
Keep the clean jokes coming. We are Praising God and we smile and laugh when we can. I have to tell you though, every step has been a shock, it takes awhile to adjust until the next fiery dart hits.
I look at the gorgeous lake and the beautiful green lawn, with the leaves starting to bud out and know God's Love for us.
Take care loved ones and know you are so special to us, beyond measure we are so grateful to you and your faithful prayers on our behalf. I know God can heal in a moment and would love to see that happen, but His Will be done and to Him be the Glory.
We love you all.
Russ and Sue
09 May 2008
The Calm Before the Storm
Here's another note from Sue. I used the subject line of her email.
Dear Family and Friends:
This morning I awakened early, prayer and praise were already coming out of my heart, we serve an Awesome God. I realized that today will be a deciding factor regarding the rest of our lives. I don't know how we would survive without our faith. I am not saying we will not be tested and tried, have pain in the flesh, heart and soul but we have a promise that He will not give us more than we can bear, I cling to that promise, I know the question "why?" will have a tendency to creep in but I have the assurance that Jesus will carry us through whatever lies ahead. It is a scarey place to be, the unknown, but as Russ has said, " It says over and over in the Word, ' Do NOT be afraid.'"
As I prayed for the man I love, I was reminded of what he says to me every time I go out for my walk in the morning, "Via con Dios", which means, "Go with God". So today as we embark on a journey no one should have to go alone, I say to him and you. "Via con Dios, my love. Your love and support, your prayers and concern have been a testimony of God's Love. Thank you
Yesterday was probably a more normal day for us, we went to our Cotton Pickin' Losers(weight club), Russ has to start putting on weight now instead of dropping the pounds. Then to town, for errands and a routine Mammogram for me. My Mother's Day present from Russ has been a yearly thing; to put in the dock, so yesterday he did that. It was not an easy job but he felt good about it, he had accomplished something practical. Then our friends the Wallin's invited us for coffee, they wanted to know what was happening, they have been in Florida for the winter. It was a good day, a day to remember, a routine day of necessities and accomplishments and dear friends, of continual uplifting e mails and phone calls. Praise the Lord.
Oh, yes if I repeat myself about issues, please forgive me, I am talking to so many people that it is hard to remember who I have already told.
I will let you know what transpires today at the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Dept.
Love,
Sue
Dear Family and Friends:
This morning I awakened early, prayer and praise were already coming out of my heart, we serve an Awesome God. I realized that today will be a deciding factor regarding the rest of our lives. I don't know how we would survive without our faith. I am not saying we will not be tested and tried, have pain in the flesh, heart and soul but we have a promise that He will not give us more than we can bear, I cling to that promise, I know the question "why?" will have a tendency to creep in but I have the assurance that Jesus will carry us through whatever lies ahead. It is a scarey place to be, the unknown, but as Russ has said, " It says over and over in the Word, ' Do NOT be afraid.'"
As I prayed for the man I love, I was reminded of what he says to me every time I go out for my walk in the morning, "Via con Dios", which means, "Go with God". So today as we embark on a journey no one should have to go alone, I say to him and you. "Via con Dios, my love. Your love and support, your prayers and concern have been a testimony of God's Love. Thank you
Yesterday was probably a more normal day for us, we went to our Cotton Pickin' Losers(weight club), Russ has to start putting on weight now instead of dropping the pounds. Then to town, for errands and a routine Mammogram for me. My Mother's Day present from Russ has been a yearly thing; to put in the dock, so yesterday he did that. It was not an easy job but he felt good about it, he had accomplished something practical. Then our friends the Wallin's invited us for coffee, they wanted to know what was happening, they have been in Florida for the winter. It was a good day, a day to remember, a routine day of necessities and accomplishments and dear friends, of continual uplifting e mails and phone calls. Praise the Lord.
Oh, yes if I repeat myself about issues, please forgive me, I am talking to so many people that it is hard to remember who I have already told.
I will let you know what transpires today at the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Dept.
Love,
Sue
08 May 2008
Fighting the Good Fight
My friend Russ is going through a fight with cancer. Since I've told all my prayer warrior friends to check up on my requests here I thought I would just start posting their updates as well. I offered his wife the info to start a blog to keep the updates together, but she hasn't done it yet. I'll add the link if she gets around to it.
Here are the dates and her emails (oldest first):
05-May-08 7:00am ~ Prayer Request:
Russ has surgery this morning for a mass that developed over a 3 week period. He was having a swollen tonsil thinking it was from the colds that are going around. No pain however. On Thursday he said he should go and have it checked. He went to a doctor in the group (his doc was full up) who looked at it also finding a mass on the side of his neck. She immediately set him up on Friday with a specialist. The specialist was blunt. He says it is 99% certainly a cancer and set him up for emergency surgery today. They fit him in so it is not until 12:30.
I have always had you to depend on for prayer and would appreciate your prayers now. We did fine through the weekend trusting whatever happens to be in God's Hands. The enemy continues to try to put fear in our hearts, but we will stand as long as we can against the forces of evil. We need people like you to lift our arms when we can't anymore. I am asking for you to say a prayer for him. I will be in touch.
With love,
Sue
08-May-08 6:30pm ~ Result:
Well, the news from the surgery was not good. The doctor said it is a squamous cell carcinoma involving the tonsil and a large mass on the outer side of the neck but under the skin and another lesion on the other side. It is very aggressive and I believe the size had enlarged over the weekend. The treatment will be very, very harsh. We have not talked to an oncologist yet. Hopefully we will get an appointment this week to start treatment. The doc that did the surgery said they will do radiation aggressively 5 days a week for 6 weeks. He will be unable to eat solid food because his throat will be so sore. I don't know if his voice box, etc will be involved. Then possibly a chemo that is very strong making him extremely ill. The doctor said they wouldn't put him through it if they didn't think it would cure him. This kind of cancer is found in heavy smokers and alcoholics. Go figure, he has never had a cigarette and the beer once a month certainly didn't do it.
We are going to fight this battle with your prayer support. We love you and appreciate so much your friendship and love.
Russ and Sue
06-May-08 8:00am ~ Thank You:
We are still floating on the prayers of the saints and I know as the situation gets more and more difficult we will become very dependent on those prayers. As last evening and this morning have progressed we have had many encouraging emails and calls, many supportive offers and many professions of love for us. I cannot tell you how much it means. We believe God is going to do some amazing things during this time in us, in our Gethsemane family, our own family, our unsaved friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ who live far away. Here we go on an unknown journey of FAITH. Let's sit back putting this whole thing in the very Capable Hands of our Loving God and watch Him work.
The prayer we have now is the timing, wisdom for the doctors, that the course of treatment would be set up quickly (I can see a change in the tumor on the neck already in a few days, it has grown). We are waiting on the throat doc to set things up.
God Bless you all for your faithfulness to us.
With love,
Russ and Sue
07-May-08 6:30pm ~ Another Step:
This may be more info that you want to know so please let me know if you would rather I didn't send to you. It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all. I am doing this so I can keep an account of all the events that happen along the way, showing God's Hand upon us.
The latest developments are: Yesterday I called our dentist and told him what was going on. He was shocked to hear as we had been in there 4 weeks ago. This dentist does the most thorough job of any dentist I have ever been to: checking the neck, the throat, the tongue, etc. at that point he saw nothing. Anyway, he wanted to know the name of Russ' doctor, so he could call him. He called me back and said, "I have told the girls at my office to clear a whole block of time, rescheduling other patients to fit Russ in today for x-rays etc.
Russ has a lot of problems with his teeth, he was scheduled to have a few pulled etc. etc. etc. but because of $$ we had decided to wait until September when some CD's mature. I told him we would have to make payments, he told me he was not worried about money one bit, he was concerned about Russ and how he could help. So we went today. He did another exam, with more extensive x-rays, which showed a lot of bone recession which is one of the reasons Russ had to have them pulled. The radiation therapy will cause some very serious problems in the mouth: damage to salivary cells, more bone recession, root deterioration, etc. So, the answer is to pull teeth so the roots don't get infected and cause really serious problems for the rest of his life.
On Tuesday we go to have all of his teeth on top pulled and four on the bottom. The oral surgeon has also opened a block of time for him. He is so booked that usually you have to wait months to get in. On Friday we go to see about the radiation or chemo or both treatment. So, Tuesday will be oral surgery and then he'll have two weeks to heal, then onward to whatever the Lord has in store. His Hand of direction has opened doors that would normally take weeks and months. We are so grateful we have Him in our lives. Peace like a river attendeth our souls.
Love, love, love you.
Russ and Susie
That is all I have for now on Russ. As emails come in I will continue to post them here.
As for me, I received the approval from the insurance for my surgery. I called the doctors' office. My doc is off on Wednesday's which was the day of the week I was hoping to have it done. The scheduling person said she will ask him (he sometimes will do a surgery that day if he's available) otherwise it will be on June 10th. I will be in the hospital two nights (possibly three). I will find out when she calls back how long I will be unable to go to work. My doc said I'd be able to sit up for "an hour or two" after about a week.
In regards to the selling of the house, the gentleman who came down from San Francisco to look at the house last week sent his daughter and her friend to have a look. Paul said their realtor made a comment that they really like the place. Though by 6:00 last night they still hadn't submitted an offer. The great thing about the property is it's zone for animals (horses, chickens, goats, etc.). They both have horses that they are boarding elsewhere as well as having to pay rent for themselves individually. He is interested in having me stay! Woo Hoo! We'll see how it works out.
Here are the dates and her emails (oldest first):
05-May-08 7:00am ~ Prayer Request:
Russ has surgery this morning for a mass that developed over a 3 week period. He was having a swollen tonsil thinking it was from the colds that are going around. No pain however. On Thursday he said he should go and have it checked. He went to a doctor in the group (his doc was full up) who looked at it also finding a mass on the side of his neck. She immediately set him up on Friday with a specialist. The specialist was blunt. He says it is 99% certainly a cancer and set him up for emergency surgery today. They fit him in so it is not until 12:30.
I have always had you to depend on for prayer and would appreciate your prayers now. We did fine through the weekend trusting whatever happens to be in God's Hands. The enemy continues to try to put fear in our hearts, but we will stand as long as we can against the forces of evil. We need people like you to lift our arms when we can't anymore. I am asking for you to say a prayer for him. I will be in touch.
With love,
Sue
08-May-08 6:30pm ~ Result:
Well, the news from the surgery was not good. The doctor said it is a squamous cell carcinoma involving the tonsil and a large mass on the outer side of the neck but under the skin and another lesion on the other side. It is very aggressive and I believe the size had enlarged over the weekend. The treatment will be very, very harsh. We have not talked to an oncologist yet. Hopefully we will get an appointment this week to start treatment. The doc that did the surgery said they will do radiation aggressively 5 days a week for 6 weeks. He will be unable to eat solid food because his throat will be so sore. I don't know if his voice box, etc will be involved. Then possibly a chemo that is very strong making him extremely ill. The doctor said they wouldn't put him through it if they didn't think it would cure him. This kind of cancer is found in heavy smokers and alcoholics. Go figure, he has never had a cigarette and the beer once a month certainly didn't do it.
We are going to fight this battle with your prayer support. We love you and appreciate so much your friendship and love.
Russ and Sue
06-May-08 8:00am ~ Thank You:
We are still floating on the prayers of the saints and I know as the situation gets more and more difficult we will become very dependent on those prayers. As last evening and this morning have progressed we have had many encouraging emails and calls, many supportive offers and many professions of love for us. I cannot tell you how much it means. We believe God is going to do some amazing things during this time in us, in our Gethsemane family, our own family, our unsaved friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ who live far away. Here we go on an unknown journey of FAITH. Let's sit back putting this whole thing in the very Capable Hands of our Loving God and watch Him work.
The prayer we have now is the timing, wisdom for the doctors, that the course of treatment would be set up quickly (I can see a change in the tumor on the neck already in a few days, it has grown). We are waiting on the throat doc to set things up.
God Bless you all for your faithfulness to us.
With love,
Russ and Sue
07-May-08 6:30pm ~ Another Step:
This may be more info that you want to know so please let me know if you would rather I didn't send to you. It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all. I am doing this so I can keep an account of all the events that happen along the way, showing God's Hand upon us.
The latest developments are: Yesterday I called our dentist and told him what was going on. He was shocked to hear as we had been in there 4 weeks ago. This dentist does the most thorough job of any dentist I have ever been to: checking the neck, the throat, the tongue, etc. at that point he saw nothing. Anyway, he wanted to know the name of Russ' doctor, so he could call him. He called me back and said, "I have told the girls at my office to clear a whole block of time, rescheduling other patients to fit Russ in today for x-rays etc.
Russ has a lot of problems with his teeth, he was scheduled to have a few pulled etc. etc. etc. but because of $$ we had decided to wait until September when some CD's mature. I told him we would have to make payments, he told me he was not worried about money one bit, he was concerned about Russ and how he could help. So we went today. He did another exam, with more extensive x-rays, which showed a lot of bone recession which is one of the reasons Russ had to have them pulled. The radiation therapy will cause some very serious problems in the mouth: damage to salivary cells, more bone recession, root deterioration, etc. So, the answer is to pull teeth so the roots don't get infected and cause really serious problems for the rest of his life.
On Tuesday we go to have all of his teeth on top pulled and four on the bottom. The oral surgeon has also opened a block of time for him. He is so booked that usually you have to wait months to get in. On Friday we go to see about the radiation or chemo or both treatment. So, Tuesday will be oral surgery and then he'll have two weeks to heal, then onward to whatever the Lord has in store. His Hand of direction has opened doors that would normally take weeks and months. We are so grateful we have Him in our lives. Peace like a river attendeth our souls.
Love, love, love you.
Russ and Susie
That is all I have for now on Russ. As emails come in I will continue to post them here.
As for me, I received the approval from the insurance for my surgery. I called the doctors' office. My doc is off on Wednesday's which was the day of the week I was hoping to have it done. The scheduling person said she will ask him (he sometimes will do a surgery that day if he's available) otherwise it will be on June 10th. I will be in the hospital two nights (possibly three). I will find out when she calls back how long I will be unable to go to work. My doc said I'd be able to sit up for "an hour or two" after about a week.
In regards to the selling of the house, the gentleman who came down from San Francisco to look at the house last week sent his daughter and her friend to have a look. Paul said their realtor made a comment that they really like the place. Though by 6:00 last night they still hadn't submitted an offer. The great thing about the property is it's zone for animals (horses, chickens, goats, etc.). They both have horses that they are boarding elsewhere as well as having to pay rent for themselves individually. He is interested in having me stay! Woo Hoo! We'll see how it works out.
04 May 2008
Stayin' Home
The open house went well today. There only seemed to be one family that was pretty interested. However, I'm not sure if they were interested in having me stay. Paul said he thought they seemed so when he told them I was willing to stay.
A gentleman who lives up in the San Francisco area had come down last week to look at the place for his daughter is coming back this week to look again. He is interested in having me stay on board which totally blesses me. His daughter rents a place & has horse that she boards. She also has a friend who does the same. They are looking at this place so they can rent the front house, I'd keep my house & they would be able to have their horses here.
We'll see what God decides.
A gentleman who lives up in the San Francisco area had come down last week to look at the place for his daughter is coming back this week to look again. He is interested in having me stay on board which totally blesses me. His daughter rents a place & has horse that she boards. She also has a friend who does the same. They are looking at this place so they can rent the front house, I'd keep my house & they would be able to have their horses here.
We'll see what God decides.
01 May 2008
Surgery is the Option
I had my doc appointment today. It took almost an hour and amazingly there was prolly only ten minutes of wait time in that. He said his first option for the tumors would normally be a DNC. However, the placement of the tumors forbids that in this case. He said the next option would be to burn them out and the next option is to remove my uterus. Burning them out is only second option to the DNC, but is not an option because of the same reason. While I don't have a prospect yet, I do pray that I will one day be married and still have kids so removing my uterus isn't an option for me.
He re-read my report and confirmed that he can remove the tumors via surgery. It will be a small incision and two to three night hospital stay. He's going to do it at a surgery center near the hospital instead. He said it's a much nicer facility and is more like an upscale hotel than a hospital. Please pray the insurance will approve it. Once approved we will schedule it for early June. I have a regional seminar June 7th so I don't want it before then because I don't want to miss the regional.
So, that said as soon as I have confirmation of the insurance approval and the date I'll post it.
On the home front: there will be an open house for the property on Sunday from 1 - 4. The broker thought I might be uncomfortable with people walking thru the house while I'm there. Paul said they needed to let me decide. I'm glad to stay. Since my biz rises with the more people involved it just brings me more opportunity (and I don't have to leave the house! I just wish my perfect empowered drinking water would have gotten here already...c'est la vie).
I did just find out something else today. Turns out the guest house isn't permitted. When Paul & Vickie bought the property fifteen years ago it was an as-is foreclosure. They considered permitting it, but their broker at the time said they might end up having to tear down walls to reveal wiring and such so they opted to not do it. They are also selling as-is so he thinks that is why the family with the two kids hasn't moved forward yet. Though he said they were certainly interested in keeping me on as a tenant.
I spoke with CaliLyn last night and told her Auntie Lisa might have to move. I explained the circumstances to her and told her to pray that whoever buys the property wants to keep me and Scully. She amended it to: "And they have to be Christians still." I said, "ABSOLUTELY!"
As I continue to say I know Who holds the future so I'm not concerned. Thanks for all your prayers and keep 'em coming.
He re-read my report and confirmed that he can remove the tumors via surgery. It will be a small incision and two to three night hospital stay. He's going to do it at a surgery center near the hospital instead. He said it's a much nicer facility and is more like an upscale hotel than a hospital. Please pray the insurance will approve it. Once approved we will schedule it for early June. I have a regional seminar June 7th so I don't want it before then because I don't want to miss the regional.
So, that said as soon as I have confirmation of the insurance approval and the date I'll post it.
On the home front: there will be an open house for the property on Sunday from 1 - 4. The broker thought I might be uncomfortable with people walking thru the house while I'm there. Paul said they needed to let me decide. I'm glad to stay. Since my biz rises with the more people involved it just brings me more opportunity (and I don't have to leave the house! I just wish my perfect empowered drinking water would have gotten here already...c'est la vie).
I did just find out something else today. Turns out the guest house isn't permitted. When Paul & Vickie bought the property fifteen years ago it was an as-is foreclosure. They considered permitting it, but their broker at the time said they might end up having to tear down walls to reveal wiring and such so they opted to not do it. They are also selling as-is so he thinks that is why the family with the two kids hasn't moved forward yet. Though he said they were certainly interested in keeping me on as a tenant.
I spoke with CaliLyn last night and told her Auntie Lisa might have to move. I explained the circumstances to her and told her to pray that whoever buys the property wants to keep me and Scully. She amended it to: "And they have to be Christians still." I said, "ABSOLUTELY!"
As I continue to say I know Who holds the future so I'm not concerned. Thanks for all your prayers and keep 'em coming.
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