August 31, 2011

An update on Larry's recent doctor visits.
He went in to CCI yesterday for a MRI of his brain, no results yet, maybe on Tuesday. Also met with Dr. McCarty, radiology oncologist, and he explained how the radiation will work. Basically, once a day, 5 times a week, for 3 weeks.
Today we met with the neurosurgeon who didn't feel that surgery on Larry's back would be a good idea, that radiation would be the better choice.
We should find out for sure tomorrow about the radiation, but for now we have an appt on Friday to get 
marked for radiation.
Otherwise, Larry is still doing quite well, his back is giving him some pain, but that is about the worst of it. He seems to be eating much better, another good thing.
Thanks and love to all.

Chemo Day, August 23

Larry is still doing quite well, although the chemo seems to be taking its toll on his energy level. He is always tired now. But that is the worst of the side effects, so far.
Today's treatment was the last in cycle 3, next week we go in for a brain MRI and consults with the neurosurgeon and radiology oncologist. Those appointments are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. We are also hoping that Larry can get a port for his  treatments.His poor arms have just been so beat up by all of the blood draws and i.v.'s., and we know we will have at least 3 more cycles of chemo.
Larry also gained just over 2 pounds last week, which makes everyone happy.
Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers.

Chemo Day and more test results.

Larry has had a good week, he is eating well but doesn't have much energy.
We went in for chemo today, he had lost 2 pounds last week, but all of his blood work is good.
The MRI results showed that Larry has a compression fracture on his spine. We knew he had a "spot" on his spine, and apparently the spot has weakened the bone and caused the fracture. We will see a neurosurgeon for a consult for a possible surgery. We will also meet with the radiation oncologist to determine when he will begin radiation.
So last week's good news about the tumors shrinking was somewhat dampened by the MRI results. But as Dr. Shreeder told Larry today, "You look really good for a guy that is as sick as you are". And to me, Larry still looks quite healthy, even with the weight loss.
More next week.
Good night to all!!!

Chemo and Good Test Results

Sorry again for the long lapse in blogging.
After my lost blog about Larry's nephew dying, we just felt so sad. A week later my cousin died from cancer that she had battled for 13 years. God bless them and their children and families.
As for Larry, he is doing well, all things considered. He is eating better and is more upbeat. We had last week off from chemo, but did go in Friday for a ct scan. And the fantastic news is that the tumors, both the lung and adrenal glands, have SHRUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is a spot on his spine that the doctor wants to investigate, so Larry had a MRI this afternoon after his chemo.
Funny, we were both so worried about the ct scan results, but didn't really talk to the other about our fears. I guess it is the theory that if you speak the words, it might make it real? At any rate, we were both so relieved to get the good news. We are still a little concerned about the MRI results. But since we have to wait until next Tuesday, hopefully we can just bask in the good news that we have now.
Larry did gain a pound this time, which is good. His blood counts are still very good and blood SAT level is still remarkable(97-100%).
And once again, I have to mention that the all of the folks at CCI are just fantastic!!!
Thanks for all of the prayers and good thoughts.
Good night to all!!!!!!!

A Sad Day for Larry's Family

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.

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!!

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!

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!!

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!

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!!

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!!!

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.

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.

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.