Last night, Larry's nephew, Aaron Thrasher, passed away from injuries he sustained in a car accident.
Aaron has 3 children, Jake, Riley, and Reece, they will miss their daddy. Aaron's mom, Jeff Murphy, is Larry's older sister.
Please keep our family in your prayers.
On May 20, 2011, my husband Larry was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. That day was also his 61st birthday. This blog is our journey thru cancer.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Chemo, July 26
Great news for Larry, he didn't lose any weight last week. Instead, he gained a pound, which doesn't sound like much, but the fact that he didn't lose anymore was fantastic.
He has had a good week and he is trying his hardest to eat more and moving around as much as possible, which are good things. He still hasn't thrown up the first time and still has all of his hair.
We are off next week, I can't believe how fast this chemo cycle flew by. He goes in next Friday for a CT scan of his chest, abdomen and pelvis. The worst part of it is the contrast liquid that he has to drink before the scan. Two big bottles of "berry" flavored liquid. Yuck!!!! We will go back the following Tuesday to see the doctor, get results and have chemo. Depending on the results of the scan, his chemo will be adjusted accordingly. I am cautiously optimistic, he is doing so well, I am hoping it is carrying thru to the chemo treatments.
All else is well with our family. We are just hoping and praying that we have good news from the scan.
Good night to all!!
He has had a good week and he is trying his hardest to eat more and moving around as much as possible, which are good things. He still hasn't thrown up the first time and still has all of his hair.
We are off next week, I can't believe how fast this chemo cycle flew by. He goes in next Friday for a CT scan of his chest, abdomen and pelvis. The worst part of it is the contrast liquid that he has to drink before the scan. Two big bottles of "berry" flavored liquid. Yuck!!!! We will go back the following Tuesday to see the doctor, get results and have chemo. Depending on the results of the scan, his chemo will be adjusted accordingly. I am cautiously optimistic, he is doing so well, I am hoping it is carrying thru to the chemo treatments.
All else is well with our family. We are just hoping and praying that we have good news from the scan.
Good night to all!!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Chemo Day, July 19
Hello again. I guess I will just blog on chemo days and/or when there are big changes. I just can't seem to get my act together to write like I should. But on the other hand, just remember that no news is good news!!
Today we went in for chemo. We went in at about 10:30 and got out at about 1:30, which is about the normal time frame. Larry lost 8 pounds last week, not good. His protein count is low as well. So he is to eat, eat, eat. and exercise as much as possible. The eating is actually the tough part now. If anyone has any suggestions for things that he might like, I would love to hear it.
Other than that, Larry had a very good week. He seems to have the back thing just about cured. There is still a little discomfort, but not so bad that he needs pain meds.
Thank you again for all of the love and support!!
Good night!
Today we went in for chemo. We went in at about 10:30 and got out at about 1:30, which is about the normal time frame. Larry lost 8 pounds last week, not good. His protein count is low as well. So he is to eat, eat, eat. and exercise as much as possible. The eating is actually the tough part now. If anyone has any suggestions for things that he might like, I would love to hear it.
Other than that, Larry had a very good week. He seems to have the back thing just about cured. There is still a little discomfort, but not so bad that he needs pain meds.
Thank you again for all of the love and support!!
Good night!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, July 12
Again I must apologize for the long absence in posting to my blog.
Larry is doing well, but had a rough week last week. Apparently, the blood clot in his left lung was causing some nerve trouble and making him have what he thought was a "catch" under his shoulder blade. I was very afraid the cancer had spread to that side. Sunday night he was in so much pain that he literally could not move off of the bed. So we went to CCI yesterday morning and got him checked out. After a chest x-ray, the doctor determined that it was the blood clot causing the issue. He is on anti-inflammatory medicine for a while and pain med and muscle relaxers until the
pain gets better. I can't tell you how relieved I was yesterday, I had worried about it for at least a week and it was so good to get good news. The x-ray also showed that there has been no change since his May x-ray which was more good news.We went back to CCI for chemo today. It was a long afternoon, but uneventful. He will have another ct scan in about 2 weeks to see it the chemo is working.
Other than all of that, everything has been pretty good. Chad finally made it home last week, Courtney is enjoying her last couple of weeks before school starts back and Phillip and Casey are working hard in Atlanta.
Good night to all!!
Larry is doing well, but had a rough week last week. Apparently, the blood clot in his left lung was causing some nerve trouble and making him have what he thought was a "catch" under his shoulder blade. I was very afraid the cancer had spread to that side. Sunday night he was in so much pain that he literally could not move off of the bed. So we went to CCI yesterday morning and got him checked out. After a chest x-ray, the doctor determined that it was the blood clot causing the issue. He is on anti-inflammatory medicine for a while and pain med and muscle relaxers until the
pain gets better. I can't tell you how relieved I was yesterday, I had worried about it for at least a week and it was so good to get good news. The x-ray also showed that there has been no change since his May x-ray which was more good news.We went back to CCI for chemo today. It was a long afternoon, but uneventful. He will have another ct scan in about 2 weeks to see it the chemo is working.
Other than all of that, everything has been pretty good. Chad finally made it home last week, Courtney is enjoying her last couple of weeks before school starts back and Phillip and Casey are working hard in Atlanta.
Good night to all!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Finally Back!!
Sorry for the long delay since my last post.
Larry is still about the same as last week. Although he is eating better, apparently the new "appetite-enhancing" medicine has kicked in!! I thought he would never stop saying "What do you have in there to eat?" But I am just happy that he wants to eat.
We had a pretty dull weekend and holiday. We just hung around the house, it was way too hot to do much else. The hot, heavy, humid air is really hard on Larry, so he stays in all of the time.
We were off from chemo today, which was nice. I think the break has been good for Larry.
Our youngest child, Chad, will finally be coming home from Auburn tomorrow. He hasn't been home since before Larry was diagnosed. It will be good to have him home.
Good night to all!
Larry is still about the same as last week. Although he is eating better, apparently the new "appetite-enhancing" medicine has kicked in!! I thought he would never stop saying "What do you have in there to eat?" But I am just happy that he wants to eat.
We had a pretty dull weekend and holiday. We just hung around the house, it was way too hot to do much else. The hot, heavy, humid air is really hard on Larry, so he stays in all of the time.
We were off from chemo today, which was nice. I think the break has been good for Larry.
Our youngest child, Chad, will finally be coming home from Auburn tomorrow. He hasn't been home since before Larry was diagnosed. It will be good to have him home.
Good night to all!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 29
Today was a good day for Larry, and he is still feeling well after the chemo. We went out and ran a few errands this afternoon and then went out for supper. He was able to keep up with me quite well. I tend to walk really(too) fast, and so I am learning to slow down for him.
We are looking forward to the holiday weekend. I don't think we have anything planned, except a trip to the farmer's market for some fresh fruits and vegetables. It is a good sign that Larry is anxious to eat fresh squash, corn and tomatoes.
Good night to all!!
We are looking forward to the holiday weekend. I don't think we have anything planned, except a trip to the farmer's market for some fresh fruits and vegetables. It is a good sign that Larry is anxious to eat fresh squash, corn and tomatoes.
Good night to all!!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Chemo #3
Larry and I went in for his treatment this afternoon. We met with the nurse practitioner this week instead of the doctor, which was great. She gave us more info about Larry's labwork.
And the good news from the visit today is that Larry didn't lose any weight this last week and his blood work is still very good. Yeah!!!
He is still not eating like I think he should, but hopefully this will improve as they adjust some of the medications.
He is still pretty tired most of the time, but I am going to try and get him out of the house more. I think that inactivity doesn't help him keep his strength up. Next week is our "week off" from chemo, and will give his body a rest from the chemo and then he starts back the next week. His chemo schedule for now is 3 weeks of treatment and then one week off.
I can't begin to thank everyone for their love, support and concern for Larry. It has really helped us during our journey.
Good night to all!!!
And the good news from the visit today is that Larry didn't lose any weight this last week and his blood work is still very good. Yeah!!!
He is still not eating like I think he should, but hopefully this will improve as they adjust some of the medications.
He is still pretty tired most of the time, but I am going to try and get him out of the house more. I think that inactivity doesn't help him keep his strength up. Next week is our "week off" from chemo, and will give his body a rest from the chemo and then he starts back the next week. His chemo schedule for now is 3 weeks of treatment and then one week off.
I can't begin to thank everyone for their love, support and concern for Larry. It has really helped us during our journey.
Good night to all!!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 27
I think that the chemo is starting to take its toll on Larry. He has had a lot more fatigue this last week. His appetite kind of comes and goes, I am anxious to see if he has lost anymore weight.
Tomorrow is chemo treatment number 3. He is on steroids and I can tell a big difference in him. The steroids make him much more energetic. He was actually cracking jokes at dinner tonight. It was great to see him cutting up with us.
Hopefully, tomorrow will go as well as the other treatments. It will be another long afternoon at CCI, we can never get out of there in under 3.5 hours.
I will update tomorrow night!!
Good night to all.
Tomorrow is chemo treatment number 3. He is on steroids and I can tell a big difference in him. The steroids make him much more energetic. He was actually cracking jokes at dinner tonight. It was great to see him cutting up with us.
Hopefully, tomorrow will go as well as the other treatments. It will be another long afternoon at CCI, we can never get out of there in under 3.5 hours.
I will update tomorrow night!!
Good night to all.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday, June 25
Today was a quiet day. Larry was feeling really tired, I think the chemo is catching up with him. He seemed better this evening, a little more "chipper". So far, that is the only sign that he is taking chemo, just the fatigue.
I worked in the yard and Courtney started a new project of painting a little iron bistro set, table and 4 chairs. She is very creative and talented and the table and chairs turned out just beautiful!!
Larry's family came over for a visit this afternoon. His mom made his favorite, Cream Puffs!!! It was good to see his family and spend some time with them.
Good night to all.
I worked in the yard and Courtney started a new project of painting a little iron bistro set, table and 4 chairs. She is very creative and talented and the table and chairs turned out just beautiful!!
Larry's family came over for a visit this afternoon. His mom made his favorite, Cream Puffs!!! It was good to see his family and spend some time with them.
Good night to all.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 24
Larry has had a good couple of days. He seems more tired, but that is to be expected. He is trying to eat better and doing a pretty good job.
Still none of the common side effects from chemo. He is not as chipper as last week, but still doing amazing. I am hoping that this trend does not go away.
I am looking forward to a good weekend with Larry and Courtney and my mom. I am going to try and knock-out a few things on my to-do list. We will see how that turns out!!
Thanks again for all of the love and support.
Good night to all.
Still none of the common side effects from chemo. He is not as chipper as last week, but still doing amazing. I am hoping that this trend does not go away.
I am looking forward to a good weekend with Larry and Courtney and my mom. I am going to try and knock-out a few things on my to-do list. We will see how that turns out!!
Thanks again for all of the love and support.
Good night to all.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 22
Today was another good day for Larry. The chemo seems to zap his energy, but so far no nausea or throwing up. His attitude and sense of humor have stayed the same throughout this whole ordeal.
He has noticed that on these hot, humid days, that he cannot stay outside for very long at all. It is just too difficult to breathe.
My mom is still staying with us and I expect her to stay until Saturday or Sunday. She is starting to realize that she had major surgery 2 days ago. She is very sore and has a good deal of pain and discomfort.
Good night to all!!!
He has noticed that on these hot, humid days, that he cannot stay outside for very long at all. It is just too difficult to breathe.
My mom is still staying with us and I expect her to stay until Saturday or Sunday. She is starting to realize that she had major surgery 2 days ago. She is very sore and has a good deal of pain and discomfort.
Good night to all!!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Second Chemo Treatment
Today was Larry's second chemo treatment. And so far, so good. No nausea or any of the other side effects. Yeah!! He has lost some weight since last week, so they gave him some medication to help his appetite. Hopefully, it will help, or maybe he needs a new cook!!!
Update: My mom was discharged from the hospital today. She will stay with us until I feel she is strong enough to be alone. She is doing great, all things considered, and will continue to improve every day.
It was nice to be home tonight and not be split between home and the hospital. I actually cooked dinner and a very sweet friend brought us a couple dozen homemade cupcakes, chocolate and vanilla. They are as beautiful as they are delicious. Larry loves cupcakes because they are just the right size.
I am very hopeful that Larry will continue to do well after his treatments. As I have said before, if you didn't know that he was sick, you wouldn't be able to tell he was sick. I am still just amazed and happy about that.
Good night to all.
Update: My mom was discharged from the hospital today. She will stay with us until I feel she is strong enough to be alone. She is doing great, all things considered, and will continue to improve every day.
It was nice to be home tonight and not be split between home and the hospital. I actually cooked dinner and a very sweet friend brought us a couple dozen homemade cupcakes, chocolate and vanilla. They are as beautiful as they are delicious. Larry loves cupcakes because they are just the right size.
I am very hopeful that Larry will continue to do well after his treatments. As I have said before, if you didn't know that he was sick, you wouldn't be able to tell he was sick. I am still just amazed and happy about that.
Good night to all.
Monday, June 20, 2011
A long weekend
I must apologize for not blogging since last Thursday. I have been very busy.
Since Friday afternoon, my mom has been in the E.R., the stroke unit, surgery, ICU, and now the vascular surgery unit. She had a nearly completely blocked carotid artery. The surgery took care of it and I expect her to be released within a couple of days. Another pleasant experience at Huntsville Hospital. They have given my mom the best care and attention, and that is so important.
I have heard it said that God never gives us more than we can handle, but I think he has me confused with someone else!!!
And now about Larry, he has had a rough weekend, but I think it has a lot do with me being gone more than home all weekend. I made sure to be home at 8 p.m. every evening for his injection, but the rest of the weekend I was between the house and the hospital. Hopefully, things will get back to normal very soon. He has his second chemo treatment tomorrow morning. I have my fingers crossed that it will be as easy as the first one. He will only have one drug this time, so at least it will be a little quicker.
He has been in the house since Friday, so I will be happy to get him out and about. We really enjoy our time together and have a lot of laughs and fun.
Time for bed. I promise to update tomorrow night about the chemo. Please keep fingers crossed for him!!
Good night to all!
Since Friday afternoon, my mom has been in the E.R., the stroke unit, surgery, ICU, and now the vascular surgery unit. She had a nearly completely blocked carotid artery. The surgery took care of it and I expect her to be released within a couple of days. Another pleasant experience at Huntsville Hospital. They have given my mom the best care and attention, and that is so important.
I have heard it said that God never gives us more than we can handle, but I think he has me confused with someone else!!!
And now about Larry, he has had a rough weekend, but I think it has a lot do with me being gone more than home all weekend. I made sure to be home at 8 p.m. every evening for his injection, but the rest of the weekend I was between the house and the hospital. Hopefully, things will get back to normal very soon. He has his second chemo treatment tomorrow morning. I have my fingers crossed that it will be as easy as the first one. He will only have one drug this time, so at least it will be a little quicker.
He has been in the house since Friday, so I will be happy to get him out and about. We really enjoy our time together and have a lot of laughs and fun.
Time for bed. I promise to update tomorrow night about the chemo. Please keep fingers crossed for him!!
Good night to all!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Second Day After Chemo
I am very pleased to say that Larry has had another good day!!!
Larry, Courtney and I met some of my work friends for lunch today. We ate at Terranova's which is my personal favorite.
I went into work for the afternoon and Larry stayed home with Courtney. Larry and his brothers made it to their planned dinner at Po'Boy Factory.
Today marks 4 weeks since the diagnosis, which is hard to believe. I think it is all sinking in for us. Life has changed, the focus is on keeping Larry as healthy as possible. And most of the time, he is quite cooperative, most of the time!! I am just thankful everyday that Larry is still as healthy as he can be. If you didn't know that he was sick, then you wouldn't know that he was sick. I am very hopeful that it keeps up. He looks that healthy, which is a blessing.
Good night to all.
Larry, Courtney and I met some of my work friends for lunch today. We ate at Terranova's which is my personal favorite.
I went into work for the afternoon and Larry stayed home with Courtney. Larry and his brothers made it to their planned dinner at Po'Boy Factory.
Today marks 4 weeks since the diagnosis, which is hard to believe. I think it is all sinking in for us. Life has changed, the focus is on keeping Larry as healthy as possible. And most of the time, he is quite cooperative, most of the time!! I am just thankful everyday that Larry is still as healthy as he can be. If you didn't know that he was sick, then you wouldn't know that he was sick. I am very hopeful that it keeps up. He looks that healthy, which is a blessing.
Good night to all.
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