Chemo, Shemo.....

Well....Today is the day that we have been anticipating with much nausea...Dad's first Chemotherapy infusion.  He went in early this morning and we waited by our phones for any texts or calls that would keep us updated.  This pic was sent to us at about noon.  As you can see he is in a comfy pleather chair with some uplifting reading material and a cute, happy nurse named JaNae.  (Good sign, don't ya think?)  As you can see nurse JaNae is draped in a blue smock and purple gloves.  (They wear those whenever they handle the chemotherapy drugs, and chemotherapy patients dry heave whenever they see those cute nurses.)

Dad does not have a port, but receives his infusions of Gemzar from a vein in his arm.  They found a good strong vein in his lower arm which made us all happy.  He did have a little burning and stinging at the infusion site, so they turned the pump down to make him more comfortable.  Next time they will administer the Gemzar with saline, which will help.

MSTI also serves lunch to the patients getting their infusions over the lunch hour.  We laugh that the lunch is "complimentary."  Complimentary as in, after you have and pay for your infusion, there is no more money to pay for lunch!  :) Dad enjoyed an egg salad sandwich, Fritos and and iced diet Dr. Pepper.  One of his amazing patients, who is also a nurse there brought him a big strawberry frozen yogurt!  We are happy he is being pampered.

He was pleased and (anxious) to go home around one.  His arm and shoulder were aching from the infusion, but did great!  We love and are proud of him!  He is a fighter!

Still Hanging in There

Gary has just finished his 4th week of oral chemo and radiation.  He has tolerated it well and is still trying to get 2 miles of walking in every morning.  JaNae and kids were here last week and she was able to convince him that he didn't need to be the "tough guy" with the nausea...take the Zofran!  His appetite has diminished some and most foods are not appetizing to him.  Our garden supplying us with great vegetables has been so helpful.  Besides the nausea his main complaint is that of fatigue.  Still working full days at the office with a much lighter schedule of patients.
We met with our Chemo Oncologist this last week.  She casually mentioned that Gary would also be receiving an additional 4 months of infusion Gemcitabine or Gemzar for short.  They will give him 4 weeks off, then he will receive a once a week infusion lasting about 1 to 1 1/2 hours for 3 weeks and then one week off.  This rotation will then be repeated for 3 additional months.  This was the first we had heard of this but apparently this is what oncologists do.  Let you get through one phase and then casually spring you into another.  Gary did mention to JaNae last week that he was concerned that they weren't treating him as aggressively as they had treated her cancer.  Dr. Symington explained that this chemo drug possibly reaches other cancer cells not covered in the chemo radiation spectrum he is currently receiving.
Again, "thank you" for all you love and prayers.  We have felt so wonderfully overwhelmed by all your expressions of concern!

Chemo Therapy & Radiation

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!

"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.

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!"

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.  

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!