We just heard that our young friend, Erik, is cancer free. So thrilled for him!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
July 31, 2010
Well, we thought we were going back up to PCMC last Wednesday, but it had to be postponed again. He received another transfusion here in Cedar City, and is now physically ready for another cycle of chemo. Derek, Alan, and David will drive to PCMC this coming Wednesday for three days. (Sounds like a party!) Derek just sold all his rock climbing equipment, putting the "extreme sport" chapter of his life behind him. It was hard to do, but he didn't want the temptation in front of him. Since his spine may be compromised, he will look for other activities that are not as physically stressful. Biking, swimming, maybe? Definitely no marathons.
Monday, July 19, 2010
July 18, 2010
Home again. Only 2 more chemo cycles to go! We're hoping he'll be able to go through the 13th session in two weeks. He is tired, but doing well.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 14, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
Just began chemo cycle #12. Derek will be in the hospital (SLC) until Monday. He has done well these past few weeks, gaining 14 lbs., staying energetic and upbeat. Our family just read the account in the Book of Mormon about Alma and his band of followers who were in bondage to the Lamanites. The Lord made their burdens light and they were able to bear them up with ease. We have felt this happening in our family. Derek has felt that either his burdens have become lightened or he has been strengthened and more able to bear them. He has discovered that he feels pain and discomfort differently, that the same pain that he rated as a "10" six months ago, he would rate maybe a "3" or "4" today.
Truly a great blessing!
( Mosiah 24: 14-15, Book of Mormon)
Just began chemo cycle #12. Derek will be in the hospital (SLC) until Monday. He has done well these past few weeks, gaining 14 lbs., staying energetic and upbeat. Our family just read the account in the Book of Mormon about Alma and his band of followers who were in bondage to the Lamanites. The Lord made their burdens light and they were able to bear them up with ease. We have felt this happening in our family. Derek has felt that either his burdens have become lightened or he has been strengthened and more able to bear them. He has discovered that he feels pain and discomfort differently, that the same pain that he rated as a "10" six months ago, he would rate maybe a "3" or "4" today.
Truly a great blessing!
( Mosiah 24: 14-15, Book of Mormon)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
June 30, 2010
Derek has finally been given the O.K. to go back up north for treatments, after three weeks of low blood counts. He and my parents left early this morning. While up there he will be scanned (CT scan) to see if the tumor is gone. We all hope it is, but even so he has to finish out the treatments. He is doing well now, but we hope this doesn't bring more crazy side effects.
Just found out that the CT scan showed nothing in his lungs and just a tiny bit of tissue left on his spine. After this session, only 3 more to go.
Just found out that the CT scan showed nothing in his lungs and just a tiny bit of tissue left on his spine. After this session, only 3 more to go.
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 21, 2010
New Post: just found out that Derek's blood counts are still low, so his next treatment will be postponed for another week. (Immunity is high, just the platelets are low). Now we can see why we were told in the beginning to plan on a year to complete chemo treatments. It seems that his body is taking longer to bounce back. We'll just plan on another week of good eating and good family times!
June 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, Derek!
These past two weeks have been good ones. Derek has had a healthy appetite and is making up for the weeks he couldn't eat. He managed to put on several pounds these past two weeks. He even drinks 32 oz. of a spinach smoothie every day! (I push them while I can:) He did have to receive blood last week, and will be going back to PCMC on Wednesday. While there, he will have a CT scan, which will show the state of the tumor (or hopefully, the lack of it). After all he's been through, I can't believe that a tumor can possibly survive. The fact that he has (survived), amazes me. He will also begin his 11th chemo session. This is the 3 day one. Thanks for you continued prayers, and for your investment in our welfare. We love you!
These past two weeks have been good ones. Derek has had a healthy appetite and is making up for the weeks he couldn't eat. He managed to put on several pounds these past two weeks. He even drinks 32 oz. of a spinach smoothie every day! (I push them while I can:) He did have to receive blood last week, and will be going back to PCMC on Wednesday. While there, he will have a CT scan, which will show the state of the tumor (or hopefully, the lack of it). After all he's been through, I can't believe that a tumor can possibly survive. The fact that he has (survived), amazes me. He will also begin his 11th chemo session. This is the 3 day one. Thanks for you continued prayers, and for your investment in our welfare. We love you!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
Derek has only four chemo sessions to go! He finished #10 a few days ago and is home in Cedar City for the week. I spent last week at PCMC with Dave and Derek, and we had a wonderful time together. The last time I was there was during Christmas vacation for that dreadful first treatment, more than five months ago. The mood then was somber and emotional for all of us.
The contrast this past week was amazing to me. We actually had a good time, and the mood was happy and hopeful. Each day, nurses seemed to hang out in his room, spending a lot of time joking around and talking. It was fun to see the relationships Derek had with them all. A home away from home. He also enjoyed visits from some of his friends who live in the SLC area.
Good news: Derek's stomach is healing, and he is able to eat again! He will head back up to SLC this weekend. With only 4 sessions to go, the light at the end of the tunnel is growing bigger and brighter. We are hoping to be over and done by the end of August.
Derek has only four chemo sessions to go! He finished #10 a few days ago and is home in Cedar City for the week. I spent last week at PCMC with Dave and Derek, and we had a wonderful time together. The last time I was there was during Christmas vacation for that dreadful first treatment, more than five months ago. The mood then was somber and emotional for all of us.
The contrast this past week was amazing to me. We actually had a good time, and the mood was happy and hopeful. Each day, nurses seemed to hang out in his room, spending a lot of time joking around and talking. It was fun to see the relationships Derek had with them all. A home away from home. He also enjoyed visits from some of his friends who live in the SLC area.
Good news: Derek's stomach is healing, and he is able to eat again! He will head back up to SLC this weekend. With only 4 sessions to go, the light at the end of the tunnel is growing bigger and brighter. We are hoping to be over and done by the end of August.
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