1-31-13

As barbara a I were eating breakfast the shower lady came. So we hurried and finished eating then Barbara took a shower. Then she went back to bed. Well then the nurse came and checked her vital signs. Then she rested the rest of the day. she is still free from pain and the cancer is non existent. She is just tired. Leanna arrived this evening. It is always good to have her here with us

Thanks for all the prayers and calls. Barbara and i appreciate them.

About 2 this afternoon it started snowing. Funny snow. It was going sideways. North to south. Didn't stick to the ground and was not enough to measure. Was fun to watch but not to be on it.

Good news my nephew brad thompson gets back to Kansas tonight after being in Japan or on an aircraft carrier for 3 years Praise God for his safety.

1-30-13

I think the cats missed us. One of them slept on barbara or me all night. Barbara was very tired from the traveling. She rested all day. The therapist came and had her work out. But she sat up in the chair all afternoon. It was cold and she enjoyed being right in front of the fireplace. She said she didn't have any pain just real tired.

1-29-13

Got up this morning and brian fixed breakfast for barbara and me then we left. Yes it was raining. I do not like to drive in the rain but today it was enjoyable. We have not had any rain in so long that it was good to drive in the rain. Thank you God for the rain

We stopped at cracker barrel on the way home but it was pouring so we got the food to go and just ate in the car. It was good to be home. Barbara went straight to bed. I had to spend time with the cats. They seem to think that they need to be petted

Barbara got tired of riding with about 30 minutes to go. Otherwise it was a good drive

We are changing some medicine to see if it will allow barbara to have more energy.

1-28-13

Barbara got up and after breakfast we drove to Dallas for an appointment with the oncologist

He said that the medicine was working to stop the head shakes. But one of them might be causing her to be really sleepy all the time. So he suggested that we reduce taking one of the pills. Barbara has no use of her left side and the right side is getting weaker.

The goal was to have 6 months of chemo and we now have 7 months. The goal was to have 4 avastin treatments and barbara had 6 treatments. The doctor said Barbara was not a candidate for any of the clinical trials because of her weakened state

The doctor will contact dr Parikh and I am to call dr Parikh on Tuesday. They don't want to do anything that will cause barbara to lose more use of her right side. All of the medicine needs to work together.

Thanks for all the prayers

1-27-13

Barbara got up and had breakfast. Then she took a nap. Then we read from the bible while leanna and brian were at church. Then leanna fixed a great lunch. She had her mother in law here and it was her 76 th birthday. Never miss an opportunity to celebrate. So we celebrated

Barbara went back to take a nap. She says that she is not in any pain. That is an answer to prayer and one of those miracles that we have prayed for

Tomorrow we travel to baylor medical to see the oncologist

1-26-13

Barbara was hungry at 4:30. Yep we ate then she got up at 8:30 and ate again. Still has her appetite. She rested all morning. Then we ate lunch. Then her head was shaking a little so I read to her from the bible. That seems to calm her head down. (we have made it to first Kings.) So she was able to get some rest. Then we went to david and Sarah's for (them) thompson hays Evon and martin Christmas. What great fun. We sure do like hanging out with this group.

Then we had pizza. Oh we had to celebrate ac's birthday. We didn't get it celebrated last month so this was really a late celebration for him also.

Bottom line barbara had a good time. She wanted to come home and go to bed. I am sure that she will sleep late.

1-25-13

Barbara got up and had a good breakfast then she went back to sleep. She then got up and she went to see . Dr Parikh. After looking at this weeks blood test dr Parikh was impressed . Her test shows liver improvement. It seems that since october 11 barbara has been having liver problems January 4 was the worst but now her blood counts show liver improvement. This is a small miracle. Actually it is the result of prayer from many prayer warriors. Thank you

1-24-13

Barbara got up at 4:30 and we had liver mashed potatoes and gravy. Then she went back to sleep.

The nurse came and checked her vital signs (they all looked fine) and then we headed to OKC. Barbara has an appointment on Friday. We had a nice drive. The trip just made barbara tired. She has been resting since we got to Leanna and Brian's house.

1-23-13

Barbara got up this morning and there were 10 deer in the field behind the house. They are so much fun to watch she ate a good breakfast then went back to sleep. She had a stomach ache but once she had a good bowel movement she felt better. Donna came to talk and also brought lunch. She had surgery and her arm is in a sling but she still brought food for Barbara. The therapist came and had barbara work out Leanna left at 3 to go home. Barbara rested all afternoon

After supper she was ready for bed. But did you see the sky this evening. It was beautiful. Barbara said that God is sure putting on a show with the cloud formations and colors

1-22-13

Barbara got up at 4 and ate breakfast. Then I went to bible study. When I got home Barbara was hungry so we ate again. Then the shower lady came. Barbara took a nap as soon as the lady left. Then she got up and we went to parsons to give blood
After that we went to eat Notice that barbara still has a good appetite. We came home and sonny came by to talk about his new granddaughter. Yes he wanted to see barbara.

The doctor called and said that Barbara's blood platelets were at 155,000 but her liver count was elevated. They said that barbara needed to see dr Parikh soon. I told them that we had a Friday appointment and they were very pleased. They told me to stop giving Barbara one of the medicines that drives the liver count up.

So we have both doctors looking at Barbara's liver count. I think that is good

I forgot to tell you that we had 10 deer in the back yard yesterday. There was one buck in the group. Barbara and I received a pair of binoculars for Christmas so it was fun to watch the deer

1-21-13

Barbara got up early. She had breakfast. Then she slept till lunch. While eating the therapist came and worked Barbara out. After a short nap Jerry Bolin came for a visit. Barbara had a good time..

This evening Barbara wanted to finish watching a movie we started yesterday. Bottom line barbara had a good day

1-20-13

Barbara got up at 6 and wanted pan cakes. After breakfast she went back to bed.
I went to church. Two young men who were/are in the Awana program got baptized today. It was good to see those young men being baptized

Barbara and leanna had church at home. We had lunch then barbara wanted to watch a movie. She only watched half of it before she wanted/needed to take a nap

Barbara had a good day today

1-19-13

Barbara got up this morning and the sun was shinning. Wow was it gorgeous. David and sarah had breakfast and then they left to go back to OKC. Barbara rested. After lunch she and I took a nap. Mandatory nap time. Leanna arrived this afternoon. Barbara rested. David and Suzzann brought supper by. Thanks. Barbara went back to bed.

As I have said before she is just tired.

Thanks for all the prayers

Remember Sunday is coming

1-18-13

David and sarah came to visit They got here late last night. Barbara got up and she had a stomach ache. She rested most of the day. Then in the afternoon she said she felt like going out to eat with david and sarah. So she got dressed and I took her to the car. Then she said that she didn't feel well. So david and sarah went and got food and brought it back to the house.

Barbara sat on the porch and watched the in sun go down. She couldn't believe that it was so nice out. Ok she did have blanket on it is the middle of January

1-17-13

Barbara got up and had a stomach ache. She ate breakfast and then took a short nap. Then the shower lady came and Barbara took a shower. Then the nurse came and took all her vital signs.

I then called the oncologist to find out her blood platelets count from Tuesday's blood donation

Her count was 139,000. Remember that was the day after she finished her chemo for this month. The doctor was pleased

Barbara had a good bowel movement and her stomach ache went away. The body just knows what it needs. Isn't it amazing how God designed our bodies? Barbara said that God is in control and He always provides. So she is still resting. I made Barbara work out this evening after supper. So now she is really tired.

Thanks for the prayers. Barbara appreciates them.

1-16-13

Barbara was very tired today. She rested most of the day. The therapist came and made her work her arms and legs

She continues to like eating. She also continues to have head shakes

This afternoon the doctor called with results from the blood test Barbara did yesterday. The tests did not show as much damage to the liver as last week. We have an appointment with the doctor on January 25. The doctor was pleased.

1-15-13

Barbara got up early and ate breakfast. Then she laid on the sofa until the shower lady came. After the shower we went to give blood at the hospital. Then we had lunch with Sonny and Judy. Judy is leaving this weekend to go to china to pick up their newest granddaughter with Becky who is adopting a little girl 5 years old.

Then we came home and Barbara took a nap. She is just very tired. She is not hurting. You can see by the picture that the cat likes to sleep on Barbara's pillow

1-14-13

Barbara got up late but was hungry. Then she laid on the sofa until the therapist came. He made her work her arms and legs. Then we had lunch. Tonight she took the last chemo pill for this cycle.

Her head still shakes but she is not in pain. Dr Parikh has requested a more intensive blood test so Barbara will give blood tomorrow. The doctor is worried about her liver. One of the side effects of chemo is that it may damage the liver so Dr Parikh wants to monitor the liver very closely

I read to Barbara for over an hour today.

Tonight our neighbors the Days brought breakfast for tomorrow morning. Thanks.

1-13-14

Barbara got up early. She wanted to lie on the sofa not in the bed. So while I was at church she rested on the sofa. She did not sleep today but rested all day. After supper she took the 4th of 5 chemo pills for this month. The chemo pills just make her very tired.

Thanks for all the prayers. Barbara knows that God has a plan for her life and that He will take care of her.

1-12-13

Barbara got up ate breakfast and announced that she wanted to be on the sofa not the bed. So she spent the morning on the sofa. Then after lunch she wanted to rest in the bed. After supper she went back to the sofa. So now she has taken her chemo for the night and is waiting before she goes to bed
She had a pretty good day. The chemo does not seem to bother her

Remember Sunday is coming

1-11-13

Barbara had a great day. She was very active and was joking with leanna and I. She still has a little bit of a head shake. Leanna made her do her exercises. Barbara said it felt good to exercise
The liver angel came by with some liver and onions. They were great. Thanks Suzzann
This evening our neighbor brought over pizza for Barbara and I. Thanks to all the Days. The pizza was wonderful. Barbara took chemo tonight. Day 2 of 5.

Notice that Barbara wanted calico cats. They have taken up a prime spot on Barbara's pillow

1-10-13

Barbara got up and had a good breakfast then she took a nap. Then we'd had a revolving door. First the nurse came to check Barbara. Then the shower lady came. Then the therapist came. Whew. Barbara did well with all these distractions. Then Sonny and Judy came to check on Barbara

Then this evening barbara started chemo for 5 days. She is such a trooper. She keeps on going much like the energizer bunny

Barbara has been wanting a calico cat for quite some time. Well look where the cat sleeps.

1-9-13

Barbara got up this morning and was doing much better. She ate then went back to bed. We had lunch and the therapist came and made her work her arm and legs. It made her tired but she is trying to get stronger. Her head is still shaking. I talked to the oncologist a couple times today. They have prescribed another medicine to help with Barbara's shakes. She is to continue with the medicine from last week and add today's. So I drove to parsons and got the medicine so she might have a chance of a good nights sleep. I gave it to her with supper. She is resting without her head shaking.

We will pray that it continues working all night

Leanna arrived this evening

1-8-13

Barbara was real weak today. She wanted to eat breakfast and then take a nap. She was napping and Suzzann came and brought food. The the shower lady came and barbara took a shower. Then we got to eat the food Suzzann brought. Boy was it good. Then barbara took another nap. She was having a lot of head shakes. Couldn't seem to get them stopped until about 6 pm. She has been sleeping real good since then.
I have told you that we have seen a miracle every day. Well today our niece Becky received a travel date to go to china and pick up her adopted daughter. She leaves January 19. She has been in this adoption process for 5 years and was told it would be later in the spring. Then boom she found out today that she flies January 19. Thanks God for making all the details happen in your time frame. Praying for safe travels and that the red tape is all taken care of in a timely manner

1-7-13

Another day without pain. Barbara still had the head shakes. But they don't hurt

Sonny and Judy brought lunch today. Thanks I didn't have to cook and barbara didn't have to eat my cooking Then while they were here the therapist came. He worked with Barbara. He said it would do Barbara's neck good for a massage. He will give her a massage when he comes back on Wednesday. So I got some Ben gay out and rubbed it on Barbara's neck. She said it felt good.

After supper she went to bed and the shaking has stopped. Hope it stops for good.

1-6-13

Barbara ate a lot of food today. She even had a snack but still ate a good meal. Her head shakes continue. They are less if she is lying down. So she spent most of the day in bed.

One of the two cats that Barbara acquired has found out that she can get on the bed. In fact she likes to get on Barbara's chest and lay down. It makes Barbara happy

Barbara likes for me to read from the Bible to her. She says that her head doesn't shake while I am reading to her. So we have started reading from Genesis 1. The pastor usually challenges us to read the Bible from beginning to end as a new years resolution Barbara and I might make it, depending on her head shakes.

1-5-13

Barbara still has the head shakes. They don't hurt but does affect her eating and drinking. She still has a big appetite. After lunch barbara wanted to sit in the living room.

David and Suzzann came by to visit

After supper barbara headed back to bed. Her shaking seems to lessen when she is lying down.

Remember Sunday is coming

1-4-13

Barbara had a doctors appointment this morning. She still has the head shakes

Dr parikh has a concern with Barbara's liver count. So she sent barbara for an ultra sound. It did not show that barbara had a problem. The doctor was very concerned with the shakes so she
requested that I contact the oncologist who said that it might take up to a week before the drug really takes affect.

Then we drove home to Kansas barbara immediately went to bed
We always enjoy spending time with the kids but it is also good to get home

1-3-13

Barbara had a day of rest today. She did not have anyplace that she had to be. She had the head shakes most of the day but after supper they stopped and she got some serious sleep. Snoring included.

The doctor called today and said that her blood platelets were at 169,000. Barbara is on target to begin chemo on Monday.

The doctor is happy with the platelet count and also with the swelling of brain tissue (or lack thereof)

Barbara is just glad that God is in control. She hears about others who are suffering and she is so thankful that God has helped every step of the way this last year.

1-2-13

Got up early and was at baylor hospital at 7:15. Barbara had the head shakes. The MRI technician said he had some problems getting a good MRI but barbara finally relaxed and he was able to complete the MRI

It showed that "the affected area" has continued to decrease from July and from October. The doctor was very impressed. The doctor did not think that the head shakes were seizures. He felt they were just happening because Barbara's brain has been traumatized He did not want Barbara to use Ativan. He felt it was too quick and didn't have lasting effects. So he prescribed a new medicine that should stop the shakes but also allow Barbara use of her body

Then he said he wanted to cut about half of the steroids if possible. We have a plan to do that.

He wants to make sure that the therapist makes Barbara work out. He wants to strengthen her arms and legs.

Overall a very positive meeting with the doctor.

We drove back to OKC and will be here 2 more days as we have an appointment on Friday. Then we will go home.

I was glad that Barbara still had the head shakes so the doctor could see them. It is great how God works things out even without us. Thanks God for always taking care of barbara and me

01-01-13

Happy new years

Hope you all had a great 2012

Barbara and I pray that your 2013 is better than last year.

Barbara is still having the head shakes. No pain just shakes. It is real hard to eat or drink if your head is shaking. But barbara continues to have a great appetite and eats a lot

We left OKC today and drove to Dallas. Barbara has two appointments early in the morning. The drive down to Dallas was very hard on Barbara. She is resting tonight.