Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Battle Continues!
Well the battle continues. Lynn finished radiation for the second time and unfortunately it did not reduce the pain like it did the first time and as we were hoping for. She got scanned on Monday and it looks like he radiation is beginning to shrink the 3 tumors and lymph nodes which were targeted but the other tumors have grown somewhat in size.
The second reason for the scans was to get a “baseline” now that Lynn has started another round of chemo last Thursday. She will receive a drug commonly called “gemzar” (http://www.gemzar.com/Pages/index.aspx) . It will be given as a single agent. Lynn’s red count is quite low so Dr. Choong wants to keep a very close watch on all her blood counts. He said she will most probably need transfusions during this round to keep the red counts up (and we are hopeful the transfusions will help with her energy level). Gemzar is infused but it will go pretty quickly. The “cycle” includes receiving the chemotherapy during the first and second week and then a week off. She will be rescanned after the second “cycle”. She is also getting a shot to help with bone growth in the thought that this will help with the pain.
Her two major issues now are her pain and her fatigue. As to the pain issue, she will be seeing Dr. Marks, a pain specialist to explore options next Tuesday. Hopefully the chemo will also knock down some of the pain. As indicated, the transfusions will increase her red blood count which should help.
Life continues. Lynn continues to work as much as she can to keep her life "normal" and has just returned from Houston from a national SEBS conference where she got to spend time with her long time friends in the business. We are looking forward to our first spring visit to the Lake House and spending time with friends. The kitchen and first floor remodel is essentially done and we are enjoying the “beverage center” on MORE than a regular basis. The kids are doing well. Abbey finished her second year at St. Mary’s and is home for the summer. Danny’s gig at Marquette High is coming to a close so he is searching for opportunities. Jake continues with UNUM in Chicago and he is enjoying life in the big city.
As always, thanks to God and to all of you for the continued thoughts and prayers. Our love to all!
The second reason for the scans was to get a “baseline” now that Lynn has started another round of chemo last Thursday. She will receive a drug commonly called “gemzar” (http://www.gemzar.com/Pages/index.aspx) . It will be given as a single agent. Lynn’s red count is quite low so Dr. Choong wants to keep a very close watch on all her blood counts. He said she will most probably need transfusions during this round to keep the red counts up (and we are hopeful the transfusions will help with her energy level). Gemzar is infused but it will go pretty quickly. The “cycle” includes receiving the chemotherapy during the first and second week and then a week off. She will be rescanned after the second “cycle”. She is also getting a shot to help with bone growth in the thought that this will help with the pain.
Her two major issues now are her pain and her fatigue. As to the pain issue, she will be seeing Dr. Marks, a pain specialist to explore options next Tuesday. Hopefully the chemo will also knock down some of the pain. As indicated, the transfusions will increase her red blood count which should help.
Life continues. Lynn continues to work as much as she can to keep her life "normal" and has just returned from Houston from a national SEBS conference where she got to spend time with her long time friends in the business. We are looking forward to our first spring visit to the Lake House and spending time with friends. The kitchen and first floor remodel is essentially done and we are enjoying the “beverage center” on MORE than a regular basis. The kids are doing well. Abbey finished her second year at St. Mary’s and is home for the summer. Danny’s gig at Marquette High is coming to a close so he is searching for opportunities. Jake continues with UNUM in Chicago and he is enjoying life in the big city.
As always, thanks to God and to all of you for the continued thoughts and prayers. Our love to all!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
We Are Sorry for the Delay
We are sorry for not updating the blog for a while, but the days seem to get away from us. Lynn has rehired me to help with updates so you have to put up with me again.
In February, the pain returned after a successful round of radiation. Scans showed the cancer had not only returned but had progressed to lymph nodes which previously had not shown any signs of disease. Lynn was accepted into a Phase II Clinical Trial through University Hospital in Madison. They were testing different agents that target enzymes that allow cancer to grow. Unfortunately, after two “cycles” the cancer continues to progress. After consulting with a number of doctors, the current treatment program is going to be a return to radiation first and then a return to chemotherapy. Radiation to hopefully address the pain which is escalating way too quickly. Once the pain is controlled, it is the hope that systemic treatment will keep things “at bay” because the good news is the cancer still has not spread to any vital organ or to her brain.
Our continued thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts. Your continued love and support have been unending.
We are enjoying our new kitchen and keeping the new beverage center active.
All of our love
We are sorry for not updating the blog for a while, but the days seem to get away from us. Lynn has rehired me to help with updates so you have to put up with me again.
In February, the pain returned after a successful round of radiation. Scans showed the cancer had not only returned but had progressed to lymph nodes which previously had not shown any signs of disease. Lynn was accepted into a Phase II Clinical Trial through University Hospital in Madison. They were testing different agents that target enzymes that allow cancer to grow. Unfortunately, after two “cycles” the cancer continues to progress. After consulting with a number of doctors, the current treatment program is going to be a return to radiation first and then a return to chemotherapy. Radiation to hopefully address the pain which is escalating way too quickly. Once the pain is controlled, it is the hope that systemic treatment will keep things “at bay” because the good news is the cancer still has not spread to any vital organ or to her brain.
Our continued thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts. Your continued love and support have been unending.
We are enjoying our new kitchen and keeping the new beverage center active.
All of our love
Friday, January 8, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010 !!!!!
Thank you to all whose prayers have kept my miracle of life continuing into 2010. My family, friends, neighbors, community, Christian women’s group, prayer chains too numerous to recall have been in daily prayers of which I am the recipient. I often receive letters and emails from people who know some of you...but whom I have never met...wishing me well and offering prayers and hope.
God has blessed me once more and allowed me to continue this great gift of life for a while longer. My 4 weeks of radiation targeting three tumors has been successful in shrinking them on my last set of scans. There is no new evidence of cancer returning to my liver and my brain remains free of cancer to this day (although some question this). I am STABLE and will not have to undergo more chemo for at least 8 weeks. My FIRST treatment free period in a year! I will be scanned again in March for further evaluation, and no matter what occurs then, I have planned a trip to Mexico with our Producer’s group from work and a trip to Florida to visit my mom and whatever else I can fit in!! Party time is relative, limited by my continuing daily fatigue.
I continue to pray daily for all of you and your challenges in life and hope you are the recipient, as I have been, of strength to continue down our respective paths. All roads lead to heaven which has its own comfort amidst the speed bumps and potholes slowing our journey. I continue to fully enjoy each day on earth and hope our paths cross often.
I stay warm each day with my prayer shawls and hand knit items.
I had a surprise fireworks display put on my exclusive enjoyment at our lake house on New Year’s Eve to ring in this glorious New Year! Thank you Ertz’s and Machi’s. It was a glorious display.
CHEERS TO YOU UNTIL I WRITE AGAIN IN MARCH!
God has blessed me once more and allowed me to continue this great gift of life for a while longer. My 4 weeks of radiation targeting three tumors has been successful in shrinking them on my last set of scans. There is no new evidence of cancer returning to my liver and my brain remains free of cancer to this day (although some question this). I am STABLE and will not have to undergo more chemo for at least 8 weeks. My FIRST treatment free period in a year! I will be scanned again in March for further evaluation, and no matter what occurs then, I have planned a trip to Mexico with our Producer’s group from work and a trip to Florida to visit my mom and whatever else I can fit in!! Party time is relative, limited by my continuing daily fatigue.
I continue to pray daily for all of you and your challenges in life and hope you are the recipient, as I have been, of strength to continue down our respective paths. All roads lead to heaven which has its own comfort amidst the speed bumps and potholes slowing our journey. I continue to fully enjoy each day on earth and hope our paths cross often.
I stay warm each day with my prayer shawls and hand knit items.
I had a surprise fireworks display put on my exclusive enjoyment at our lake house on New Year’s Eve to ring in this glorious New Year! Thank you Ertz’s and Machi’s. It was a glorious display.
CHEERS TO YOU UNTIL I WRITE AGAIN IN MARCH!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
OVERDUE Health Update
All I can say is I am sorry for not updating my information when I have so many people looking for my status and wondering at what 'prayer level' we currently are.
Okay, let's get right to the update. The oral chemo drug did not well enough for me to stay on it. The side effects were pretty yuck also so I was okay with stopping it. My recent CT scans showed similar results to the last time---the tumors still remain in the same three areas (lymph nodes near my removed lung, in the lining of an area near my removed lung, and in my adrenal gland) and all three tumors have grown slightly. The tumor in my removed lung lining has spread and permeated my right 4th, 5th, and 6th ribs which is causing some constant pain, similar to fractured ribs. They are controlling this with medication.
All of my MD's were in agreement that I should start radiation on my ribs to shrink the tumor and mitigate the pain. I have also received a PET scan and a brain MRI. Very good news that there were no tumors in my brain, or liver, or anywhere else for that metter!! Celebration!! Because my tumors are currently confined to only 3 areas, my MD's have agreed (reluctantly) to radiate all 3 areas simultaneously. The treatments are over 4 weeks. I have just begun week 2 yesterday and all is going well.
My MD's have stopped my oral chemo drug in search of a different systemic treatment with better results. These options are being further explored while I am in radiation and I hope something can be implemented soon after my radiation ceases. I NEED a successful systemic treatment (chemo) to survive.
The current prayer status is therefore changing from orange to red! Please pray my MD's find something that helps keep my tumors controlled. I was diagnosed last December 1st and I feel I have been successfully 'living with cancer' which was the goal all along. I feel good about this past year.
Now on to the social and family aspects of 'living'. Some of our dearest friends took care of ONE of only two items on my bucket list...and I can't think of the second item! We took a luxurious private jet to the ROCK 'N ROLL hall of fame and besides a great tour, we had FRONT row seats to a Janis Joplin musical tribute which was fantastic! A private post-performance party with all the musicians lasted way past my bedtime--we had a nice conversation and pictures with the lead singer of SANTANA! WOW summaries the trip.
I was also healthy enough to make a quick trip to Dallas where an SEBS associate was getting married. I stayed with friends who hosted the wedding...and came back and changed a number of items on my current remodel job to incorporate what I saw at their lovely home. I call my first floor remodel job 'The Jaki Project' as her home was the inspiration for redoing my kitchen and first floor.
My kids are all doing well and were home for Thanksgiving. Son Dan shot his first deer which will help feed him and his roomates who are teaching down at MUHS. Jake is busy selling to make his year end goals and Abbey is studying hard for some good grades this semester @ St. Mary's in Winona, MN.
In my second week of radiation, I am feeling a decrease in the 24/7 pain I had been experiencing. All your prayers have kept me successfully 'living with cancer' for an entire year!! I pray to God everyday for ALL of you who so generously keep me in your prayers. God thinks I am a VIP when he looks at the number of prayers coming into my name. THANK YOU and I promise to provide updates when there is news to report. I will be getting scanned after I complete the radiation therapy. Hugs & Kisses to all of you. Lynn
Okay, let's get right to the update. The oral chemo drug did not well enough for me to stay on it. The side effects were pretty yuck also so I was okay with stopping it. My recent CT scans showed similar results to the last time---the tumors still remain in the same three areas (lymph nodes near my removed lung, in the lining of an area near my removed lung, and in my adrenal gland) and all three tumors have grown slightly. The tumor in my removed lung lining has spread and permeated my right 4th, 5th, and 6th ribs which is causing some constant pain, similar to fractured ribs. They are controlling this with medication.
All of my MD's were in agreement that I should start radiation on my ribs to shrink the tumor and mitigate the pain. I have also received a PET scan and a brain MRI. Very good news that there were no tumors in my brain, or liver, or anywhere else for that metter!! Celebration!! Because my tumors are currently confined to only 3 areas, my MD's have agreed (reluctantly) to radiate all 3 areas simultaneously. The treatments are over 4 weeks. I have just begun week 2 yesterday and all is going well.
My MD's have stopped my oral chemo drug in search of a different systemic treatment with better results. These options are being further explored while I am in radiation and I hope something can be implemented soon after my radiation ceases. I NEED a successful systemic treatment (chemo) to survive.
The current prayer status is therefore changing from orange to red! Please pray my MD's find something that helps keep my tumors controlled. I was diagnosed last December 1st and I feel I have been successfully 'living with cancer' which was the goal all along. I feel good about this past year.
Now on to the social and family aspects of 'living'. Some of our dearest friends took care of ONE of only two items on my bucket list...and I can't think of the second item! We took a luxurious private jet to the ROCK 'N ROLL hall of fame and besides a great tour, we had FRONT row seats to a Janis Joplin musical tribute which was fantastic! A private post-performance party with all the musicians lasted way past my bedtime--we had a nice conversation and pictures with the lead singer of SANTANA! WOW summaries the trip.
I was also healthy enough to make a quick trip to Dallas where an SEBS associate was getting married. I stayed with friends who hosted the wedding...and came back and changed a number of items on my current remodel job to incorporate what I saw at their lovely home. I call my first floor remodel job 'The Jaki Project' as her home was the inspiration for redoing my kitchen and first floor.
My kids are all doing well and were home for Thanksgiving. Son Dan shot his first deer which will help feed him and his roomates who are teaching down at MUHS. Jake is busy selling to make his year end goals and Abbey is studying hard for some good grades this semester @ St. Mary's in Winona, MN.
In my second week of radiation, I am feeling a decrease in the 24/7 pain I had been experiencing. All your prayers have kept me successfully 'living with cancer' for an entire year!! I pray to God everyday for ALL of you who so generously keep me in your prayers. God thinks I am a VIP when he looks at the number of prayers coming into my name. THANK YOU and I promise to provide updates when there is news to report. I will be getting scanned after I complete the radiation therapy. Hugs & Kisses to all of you. Lynn
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
New Treatment---New Hope
So sorry for my tardiness! I know many of you rely on this blog. Our prayers have been answered for the meantime. Apparently, God listens (we should never be surprised) because we have been directed to Northwestern and a world- renowned lung oncologist, Dr. Jyoti Patel. We were more than a little nervous because we were not sure what options remained for treatment after we were told the cancer has returned in early September, and Froedtert did not think I was a candidate for radiation. I think Dr. Patel saw the somewhat apprehensive look on our faces when she came into the room because before she even introduced herself, she said she wanted us to know that there are a few conventional treatment options available and that is before we even have to look at clinical trials. I appear to be a candidate if we ever have to go that route. There appears to be a number of ongoing trials, one of which is in Madison.
She has prescribed Tarceva, an oral chemo drug, taken daily. The side effects include rash, fatigue, diarrhea (maybe this will take care of some of the weight gain from the last drugs) so I am not complaining! I am very happy to be off those awful steroids which made me feel for a few days like I had “mad-cow” disease. I really feel pretty good on this treatment. Dr. Patel is going to keep a close watch over me scanning me every month (I am so far behind on this I am already due for my scans). The other requirement is that my liver tolerates the treatment. I had the liver function tests which turned out fine and we will go to see Dr. Patel tomorrow, Thursday which will be 4 weeks on my new treatment. If this treatment didn’t work, we will move on to the next one.
I remain optimistic and I am grateful for all of the continued prayers and good thoughts not only for me but for all of my family. I have said this countless times, but words cannot express how thankful I am for all the love and support I have received over these many months. I love you all and plan to be around for a while to share that love with you. FOR THOSE OF YOU TO WHOM I STILL OWE THANK-YOU NOTES…PLEASE accept this as my written thanks for all the cards, gifts, PRAYERS, bible passages pertinent to my situation which have been written down for me, the great wine, and on and on and on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am receiving faster than I can reply but I pray every day for you-who are so faithfully praying for me.
Now back to work and play. I just returned from Portland, OR for a business meeting last week and this past weekend, went off to Door County for an annual “long weekend”. This Friday thru Monday it’s east to New York City for kosher corned beef and ‘purse heaven’ in Chinatown. Talk about fatigue! I will be happy to get back to work after all my travels! Seriously, we have hired 2 new employees on the health side and I have a part-time person helping on the disability side of the business. I have committed to slowing down. I cannot keep up with the demands of 10 hour days!! It will be a gradual slow down and our entire company has been so wonderful and understanding. I love the people I work with and my clients of the last 19 years and that’s why I go in everyday. Sometimes I am useless but they let me sit there anyway!!
God is good, all the time! Life is good, all the time!
I will write after my appointment at NWU.
Love to you all,
Lynn
So sorry for my tardiness! I know many of you rely on this blog. Our prayers have been answered for the meantime. Apparently, God listens (we should never be surprised) because we have been directed to Northwestern and a world- renowned lung oncologist, Dr. Jyoti Patel. We were more than a little nervous because we were not sure what options remained for treatment after we were told the cancer has returned in early September, and Froedtert did not think I was a candidate for radiation. I think Dr. Patel saw the somewhat apprehensive look on our faces when she came into the room because before she even introduced herself, she said she wanted us to know that there are a few conventional treatment options available and that is before we even have to look at clinical trials. I appear to be a candidate if we ever have to go that route. There appears to be a number of ongoing trials, one of which is in Madison.
She has prescribed Tarceva, an oral chemo drug, taken daily. The side effects include rash, fatigue, diarrhea (maybe this will take care of some of the weight gain from the last drugs) so I am not complaining! I am very happy to be off those awful steroids which made me feel for a few days like I had “mad-cow” disease. I really feel pretty good on this treatment. Dr. Patel is going to keep a close watch over me scanning me every month (I am so far behind on this I am already due for my scans). The other requirement is that my liver tolerates the treatment. I had the liver function tests which turned out fine and we will go to see Dr. Patel tomorrow, Thursday which will be 4 weeks on my new treatment. If this treatment didn’t work, we will move on to the next one.
I remain optimistic and I am grateful for all of the continued prayers and good thoughts not only for me but for all of my family. I have said this countless times, but words cannot express how thankful I am for all the love and support I have received over these many months. I love you all and plan to be around for a while to share that love with you. FOR THOSE OF YOU TO WHOM I STILL OWE THANK-YOU NOTES…PLEASE accept this as my written thanks for all the cards, gifts, PRAYERS, bible passages pertinent to my situation which have been written down for me, the great wine, and on and on and on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am receiving faster than I can reply but I pray every day for you-who are so faithfully praying for me.
Now back to work and play. I just returned from Portland, OR for a business meeting last week and this past weekend, went off to Door County for an annual “long weekend”. This Friday thru Monday it’s east to New York City for kosher corned beef and ‘purse heaven’ in Chinatown. Talk about fatigue! I will be happy to get back to work after all my travels! Seriously, we have hired 2 new employees on the health side and I have a part-time person helping on the disability side of the business. I have committed to slowing down. I cannot keep up with the demands of 10 hour days!! It will be a gradual slow down and our entire company has been so wonderful and understanding. I love the people I work with and my clients of the last 19 years and that’s why I go in everyday. Sometimes I am useless but they let me sit there anyway!!
God is good, all the time! Life is good, all the time!
I will write after my appointment at NWU.
Love to you all,
Lynn
Friday, August 28, 2009
Prayer 'Alert Level' Upgraded to Orange
Dearest All,
We are asking you to kick up the prayer level a bit as we have been presented with some additional challenges this week. I had my routine scans and unfortunately, there are a couple of areas that are of a “concern” to my Oncologist. My adrenal gland is enlarged again and this was a gland that was problematic initially. There is also some “shadowing” outside where my lung was removed that was not there previously. These areas were clear nine weeks ago when I was scanned. They are both close to where the original tumor was.
I will be having a PET scan on Monday, 8/31 and the results will be definitive as to whether the cancer has reared its ugly head. We meet with the doctor on Wednesday to get the results. We also have a meeting with a radiation oncologist to discuss radiation options as both of the lesions are small. We have had discussions about going to see Dr. Patel at Northwestern. She is a world renowned lung cancer specialist who is on the cutting edge of clinical trials and treatment. If the current treatment isn’t working, we will need a new cocktail mixed. The good news is that there still appear to be some treatment options. Also it was good to get the news that the cancer is not in my liver or in my brain.
We also will be investigating some new diagnostic options and lung cancer markings which are used to customize treatment being offered at Mass General in Boston.
The good news is I feel great and find it hard to believe that I may not be as healthy as I feel. My hair is filling in really fast and I have ¾ inch alfalfa sprouts all over my head under the long thin hair I have never lost. I have a great deal more energy than before and “feel normal”. My life is good today.
Well, these were not the results we were hoping for as things were returning to some semblance of normal, but we do have options to address this current situation in the event the news is that the cancer has returned.
I cannot thank you all enough for all your love, prayers and support. You all have been incredible especially Patricia B. and Jaki C. who do not let a single week go by since January without dropping a note…adding a prayer or Bible verse. I cherish each and every word from each of you. It is funny because I was getting ready to tell ‘you all’ to knock it off and focus on someone who needs support and ‘save’ my help for when I really need it…and now I am asking for your thoughts and prayers and support as we face these current challenges. Please keep me and all of my family in your prayers.
Love,
Lynn, Tim and family
I will update my blog as we get more information. I know you all want to chat or have me drop a note or e-mail but I just don’t have the time. Just know I love you all and I thank God every day for each of you. I am truly blessed to have all of you in my LIFE.
We are asking you to kick up the prayer level a bit as we have been presented with some additional challenges this week. I had my routine scans and unfortunately, there are a couple of areas that are of a “concern” to my Oncologist. My adrenal gland is enlarged again and this was a gland that was problematic initially. There is also some “shadowing” outside where my lung was removed that was not there previously. These areas were clear nine weeks ago when I was scanned. They are both close to where the original tumor was.
I will be having a PET scan on Monday, 8/31 and the results will be definitive as to whether the cancer has reared its ugly head. We meet with the doctor on Wednesday to get the results. We also have a meeting with a radiation oncologist to discuss radiation options as both of the lesions are small. We have had discussions about going to see Dr. Patel at Northwestern. She is a world renowned lung cancer specialist who is on the cutting edge of clinical trials and treatment. If the current treatment isn’t working, we will need a new cocktail mixed. The good news is that there still appear to be some treatment options. Also it was good to get the news that the cancer is not in my liver or in my brain.
We also will be investigating some new diagnostic options and lung cancer markings which are used to customize treatment being offered at Mass General in Boston.
The good news is I feel great and find it hard to believe that I may not be as healthy as I feel. My hair is filling in really fast and I have ¾ inch alfalfa sprouts all over my head under the long thin hair I have never lost. I have a great deal more energy than before and “feel normal”. My life is good today.
Well, these were not the results we were hoping for as things were returning to some semblance of normal, but we do have options to address this current situation in the event the news is that the cancer has returned.
I cannot thank you all enough for all your love, prayers and support. You all have been incredible especially Patricia B. and Jaki C. who do not let a single week go by since January without dropping a note…adding a prayer or Bible verse. I cherish each and every word from each of you. It is funny because I was getting ready to tell ‘you all’ to knock it off and focus on someone who needs support and ‘save’ my help for when I really need it…and now I am asking for your thoughts and prayers and support as we face these current challenges. Please keep me and all of my family in your prayers.
Love,
Lynn, Tim and family
I will update my blog as we get more information. I know you all want to chat or have me drop a note or e-mail but I just don’t have the time. Just know I love you all and I thank God every day for each of you. I am truly blessed to have all of you in my LIFE.
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