As of July 31, 2009

Ok, here's the latest on John.

We had an appointment with the radiologist yesterday, for what we thought was his first treatment. When we arrived, we were told it was just for an exam, to go over his x-rays and get a scan. Then they "marked" his body for the radiation treatment, which are to start next Monday. So, we were very disappointed for the delay, but we got the information we needed about what to expect when the treatment starts.

So, the treatment is for five consecutive days (Monday through Friday) for only 10 minute sessions. The part we really wanted to hear is, the doctor told us he is 75% sure that the treatment will take his lower back pain away. We were just disappointed they could not start is right away.

While he waits for Monday to arrive, he seems to be suffering from some of the cancers in other areas of his body. He is still very uncomfortable and not much energy. However, he has a good attitude and great faith that he will get through this, but not without some difficulties. His humor is still there. When someone asks if they can do anything for him, he says, "bring a bag of money and cookies". That's for now anyway, He probably won't even want the cookies next week.

There are a few things that would help us. One, Lori left for Washington D.C for her second certification for her new job with the University of Utah on the National Children's Study team and we will be babysitting her 3 year old yellow lab, Cedar. Now, if you know our yippy, barking little pooch, Zoie, when someone comes to the door Zoie runs barking her head off and the Cedar does as the "pack dog" does and charges and barks uncontrollably. Cedar is so strong, there is no way to hold him back from barging out the door, if we dared to open it. If Cedar got out and anything happened to him, John and I would have to leave the country.

So, for the next 2 1/2 weeks, would you please call a few minutes ahead, so we can put the dogs outside. Otherwise, we have go through the garage door and meet you at the front porch for a visit. It is insane.

We both thank you all for your comments on the blog sight and for your fasting in our behalf this Sunday.

We'll report back in, when we have something new to tell.

John's cancer update 7/27/09

At the suggestion of Karen Parrott, I have set up a blog, which was very helpful to their family, when Margo underwent her heart surgery. I loved going on it and finding out the latest on Margo's condition and all the things that were going on during that time. However, I am not as creative and don't think my notices will bring much humor and good reading to you. But, at least you will not wonder what is going on.

I am sorry for the impersonal way of letting people know how John is doing, since he was diagnosed with cancer. For those that didn't get the complete story, or only parts of it, a ct scan was taken and a "mass" showed up malignant, but the doctor did not feel the cancer originated in that area. So, they ordered a PET scan, which is a full body scan, where all areas that show any signs of cancer would "light up like a Christmas tree". Then, they would know where the cancer started, the type of cancer and what our options would be for treatment.

The PET results came in and the news was not good. The cell were not identifiable, so the type of cancer is not known. So, the cell type is unknown.

The scan came back with signs of cancer throughout his body. To be more specific, there is some in the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest, in the Rt scapula, L second rib (in the front), L2 & L3 lower back disks, pelvis (hip area), a small amount in the thyroid and heart and both lungs.

The good news is, the kidneys, liver and remaining organs have no signs of cancer in them.

There is hope in a new chemo treatment that does not have the awful side effects of old. No vomiting or hair loss, but will cause him to be very tired and his immune system will be low.

So, we have decided to start with the radiation treatment in the lower back area, where so much of his pain has been. If this is successful, we will move on the the chemo treatment, which offers a wide sweep over the cell and hopefully will kill all in it's path.

We should know within 2 months if this treatment is going to be beneficial or not. We are not planning past that time.

We continue to thank you for your love and support and all comments are relayed directly to John.

Until next report, Love, Nancy & John