The time for chemo and radiation has arrived. Gary's big surgery was six weeks ago and his recovery has gone well. He lost about 22 pounds from all his procedures and surgeries so buying smaller pants was a must. His appetite is slowly returning but eating smaller portions has become his norm. Returning back to work last week, with a much lighter schedule, has lifted his spirits. I appreciate Jared and the office girls keeping a close watch on him.
Today was his first combined radiation and chemo therapy. The oral chemo, Xeloda, is taken morning and night. The radiation takes about 15 minutes at the MSTI Center here at the new St. Luke's Hospital in Twin. These treatments are Monday through Friday each week for six weeks. We were told last week that he would probably loose one of his kidneys due to the radiation but were told today the final plan eliminated that risk. Fatigue and nausea will be the main side effects of this treatment. Gary experienced some nausea this afternoon but the prescribed medication of Zofran seems to be doing its job.
We have been so blessed with great medical care and feel very optimistic about the future. We are so grateful for you continued prayers and expressions of concern on our behalf. Love to all of you!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
"Looking Up!"
After meeting with the Chemo Oncologist this afternoon we are looking up to the many "tender mercies" we have thus been granted. Dr. Symington is recommending the oral chemo, Xeloda, in combination with the 6 weeks of radiation. The approval from the insurance company will allow Gary to forgo the port and the infusion of 5-FU. We will meet with Dr. Sawyer, the Radiologist, this Thursday to finalize the treatment procedure. Treatments will start either July 15 or 22. The radiation treatments will be Monday through Friday each week. We also have an appointment in August with the Genetic Counselor to determine if further testing should be done for all our immediate family members.
We are so excited for this news. Since we were expecting 6-9 months of treatments, just 6 weeks is sweet music to our ears. The Doctor told us that he would not lose his hair and could possibly work part-time. We both really liked Dr. Symington. She was really fun to talk to and very upfront with information for us. I think we both walked out of the St. Luke's MSTI wanting to skip and dance to the car.
Gary is feeling like life is truly "looking up!"
Again, "thank you" for all your prayers and positive thoughts. Our hearts are full and our spirits lifted with all the things said and done in our behalf. Our loving Heavenly Father has truly blessed us.
We are so excited for this news. Since we were expecting 6-9 months of treatments, just 6 weeks is sweet music to our ears. The Doctor told us that he would not lose his hair and could possibly work part-time. We both really liked Dr. Symington. She was really fun to talk to and very upfront with information for us. I think we both walked out of the St. Luke's MSTI wanting to skip and dance to the car.
Gary is feeling like life is truly "looking up!"
Again, "thank you" for all your prayers and positive thoughts. Our hearts are full and our spirits lifted with all the things said and done in our behalf. Our loving Heavenly Father has truly blessed us.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Three weeks out...tomorrow.
OK, OK, I finally feel guilty enough to write another blog.
I was able to finally bring Gary home Wednesday, June 19. We were both so glad to be back in Twin. Gary has continued to improve daily with both his appetite and energy. He has enjoyed his recliner, his electric blanket (donated to the cause by JaNae), his journal, and reading his scriptures daily in both German and English with his new IPad. He is not allowed to drive until four weeks out of surgery so he has endured me as his chaufer with grace. His surgeon told him he could take short walks and I still have to remind him what "short" really means. It was wonderful having him attend church with me this morning...he loved it.
We met again this last Friday with his surgeon and he was pleased with his progress. We will meet with the Oncologist here at St. Luke's, July 8. Dr. Traverso told us that the Oncology Board there in Boise discussed his case last Tuesday and have recommended both Chemo and Radiation. Even though the cancer was considered contained and did not involve the lymph nodes, the nature of the "invasive cancer" stills requires aggressive therapy. Dr. Traverso also discussed the probability of having a Chemo port placed in his chest. This therapy will probably start sometime in late July. Having already gone through this with JaNae this last year gives us both chest tightening anxiety and peaceful assurance that we will make it through. JaNae has truly been our little hero as she and her little family have been such an example of faith and perserverance. She has been such a comfort to her Dad these last few weeks.
Gary and I have both been so overwhelmed by all the prayer, fasting and concern offered by all of you.
We both have expressed feelings of, "How can we possible thank everyone for all they have done for us?" We are deeply grateful and endebted to all of you! "Thank you, thank you!"
I was able to finally bring Gary home Wednesday, June 19. We were both so glad to be back in Twin. Gary has continued to improve daily with both his appetite and energy. He has enjoyed his recliner, his electric blanket (donated to the cause by JaNae), his journal, and reading his scriptures daily in both German and English with his new IPad. He is not allowed to drive until four weeks out of surgery so he has endured me as his chaufer with grace. His surgeon told him he could take short walks and I still have to remind him what "short" really means. It was wonderful having him attend church with me this morning...he loved it.
We met again this last Friday with his surgeon and he was pleased with his progress. We will meet with the Oncologist here at St. Luke's, July 8. Dr. Traverso told us that the Oncology Board there in Boise discussed his case last Tuesday and have recommended both Chemo and Radiation. Even though the cancer was considered contained and did not involve the lymph nodes, the nature of the "invasive cancer" stills requires aggressive therapy. Dr. Traverso also discussed the probability of having a Chemo port placed in his chest. This therapy will probably start sometime in late July. Having already gone through this with JaNae this last year gives us both chest tightening anxiety and peaceful assurance that we will make it through. JaNae has truly been our little hero as she and her little family have been such an example of faith and perserverance. She has been such a comfort to her Dad these last few weeks.
Gary and I have both been so overwhelmed by all the prayer, fasting and concern offered by all of you.
We both have expressed feelings of, "How can we possible thank everyone for all they have done for us?" We are deeply grateful and endebted to all of you! "Thank you, thank you!"
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Day 8 - Post Op
Gary has finally been released from the hospital and so happy to have this part of his journey over.
We are here with Jeff & JaNae and loving their little family.
We figure Chemo will begin some time in August.
As to his request while he has been down, I have been keeping up his journal. This morning when I walked into his room this is what I saw. His comment, "I'm back and you have been released."
So good to see him wanting to write again!
So thrilled to see all of you soon.
Again, thank you for your continued prayers.
Monday, June 17, 2013
We All Came to See Grandpa
Our Walker family reunion was originally scheduled for this last weekend. Work had been scheduled off and plane tickets had been purchased. However, cancer didn't have the manners to think about Dad's vacation. Cancer is really rude and inconsiderate that way.
Even though he was in the hospital, Dad insisted that we all get together anyway. So the entire Walker family headed to Boise and took turns visiting Dad in the hospital.
Here we all are in no particular order...except by birth.
Jared and Cara
JaNae and Jeff
Jill and Steve
Jon and Caprice...but without Jon and Caprice.
We only had pictures of their cute boys!
No joke, their boys are REALLY cute!
Jolyn and Dan
While Dad recovered and slowly started keeping down liquids, we swam, played at the park, and ate more junk food than we should have. We missed you Mom and Dad. Next year in Oregon with you FOR SURE!
Day 7 - Post Op
Great News!!!
Gary is doing so well. Dr. Traverso will release him from the hospital on Tuesday. He is required to stay here in Boise until Thursday. Jeff & JaNae have graciously & lovingly offered to let us stay with them. They are even giving up their room on the main floor so Gary won't have to climb stairs. Thy are wonderful to us.
Gary is enjoying low fat select real food. He is a happy man...ordering sourdough toast right now. We realize we still have quite the journey ahead of us, but are living proof of a loving Heavenly Father and answered prayers. We love and appreciate all of you, your prayers and concerns.
Gary says, "Life is Good!"
Gary is doing so well. Dr. Traverso will release him from the hospital on Tuesday. He is required to stay here in Boise until Thursday. Jeff & JaNae have graciously & lovingly offered to let us stay with them. They are even giving up their room on the main floor so Gary won't have to climb stairs. Thy are wonderful to us.
Gary is enjoying low fat select real food. He is a happy man...ordering sourdough toast right now. We realize we still have quite the journey ahead of us, but are living proof of a loving Heavenly Father and answered prayers. We love and appreciate all of you, your prayers and concerns.
Gary says, "Life is Good!"
Sunday, June 16, 2013
INTRODUCING...."RK"
as in RoadKill.
Destined to be the family favorite.....and guaranteed to cause a few fights with the Grandkids.
Dad is just grateful that he smells better than the one below!
We love our Dad and Grandpa!
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