August 22, 2010

It's taking longer to rebound from each treatment. It's a good thing we're near the end. On Tuesday Derek spent time at VVMC to receive platelets, then again on Friday to receive red blood cells and more platelets. We'll know tomorrow if he is finally ready for that last chemo cycle. We have wondered why he has done so well emotionally. Although this regimen has been harsh, he has been able to stay on top, keeping a positive outlook most of the time. Depression hasn't gotten in the way. We are convinced that your sincere prayers are keeping him healthy emotionally, as well as helping him heal physically. He is being carried by the prayers of those who care about him!

August 7, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,
For you who are trying to keep up on Derek's treks northward, I'm sorry. I'm lousy at updating this. By Friday he was physically able to go through another cycle, so he's now doing the 3-day thing at PCMC. He'll be home again on Monday. This is his 13th treatment (out of 14). It's taking him longer to recover between treatments, so who knows when the last one will be. We're hoping it happens before September. Thanks for hanging in there with us.
--Ever Onward, the Paynes

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.

We just heard that our young friend, Erik, is cancer free. So thrilled for him!

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.

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)

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.

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!