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.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
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.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
May 29, 2010
Derek and my parents are on their way up North today. It's close enough to Derek being neutropenic, so they wanted to be close to Primary Children's in case Derek gets a fever. Since it's happened before, they want to be near a hospital that knows what's going on with Derek. My parents and I thank Aunt Jan again for putting everyone up; we know it's not easy. We also thank everyone for their continued support and prayers. Thanks very much.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
May 23, 2010
Derek received his last radiation treatment on Wednesday and is home for a week. It's been six weeks since he's been gone, and we're thrilled to have him home again.
Little did we know how hard radiation would be on his stomach. We figure it is because of the area being radiated, but it has reeked havoc on his stomach lining, so that he still can't eat. He is able to drink some water, but continues to be "fed" through the IV. The last time he ate real food was about 2 weeks ago, and will likely have to eat this way for another week or two, depending on how quickly his stomach heals. He spent the evening with a group of friends Friday and had to carry his "survival kit" (backpack of IV fluids) with him. We are so thankful for the faithful and understanding friends he has! He looks forward to being with them, and they have continued to stand by him whenever they (and he) are able.
He also underwent his 9th chemo treatment while at PCMC last week. (Five more to go, which may take until the end of the year because of delays from the dreaded side effects). At least he'll be able to eat again (we're hoping soon!) His beautiful dark eyebrows and eyelashes are almost gone and he is incredibly skinny, but he has what is most important: a humble and trusting heart, and an optimistic attitude.
Thanks to all of you who continue to care about and pray for Derek, who put his name in the temple whenever you attend, and who offer your help and service. We can't adequately express our gratitude for all your kindnesses. We love you.
Little did we know how hard radiation would be on his stomach. We figure it is because of the area being radiated, but it has reeked havoc on his stomach lining, so that he still can't eat. He is able to drink some water, but continues to be "fed" through the IV. The last time he ate real food was about 2 weeks ago, and will likely have to eat this way for another week or two, depending on how quickly his stomach heals. He spent the evening with a group of friends Friday and had to carry his "survival kit" (backpack of IV fluids) with him. We are so thankful for the faithful and understanding friends he has! He looks forward to being with them, and they have continued to stand by him whenever they (and he) are able.
He also underwent his 9th chemo treatment while at PCMC last week. (Five more to go, which may take until the end of the year because of delays from the dreaded side effects). At least he'll be able to eat again (we're hoping soon!) His beautiful dark eyebrows and eyelashes are almost gone and he is incredibly skinny, but he has what is most important: a humble and trusting heart, and an optimistic attitude.
Thanks to all of you who continue to care about and pray for Derek, who put his name in the temple whenever you attend, and who offer your help and service. We can't adequately express our gratitude for all your kindnesses. We love you.
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 10, 2010
Derek is being fed intravenously now, and the radiation treatments have been postponed until Wednesday. He is scheduled for chemo treatment, as well, but we'll see if they decide to go ahead with that. They actually wheeled Derek in to receive radiation today, but Dave didn't feel good about it, so he stopped the radiologist. He discussed his concerns with a doctor, who decided to postpone treatments. Derek received some red blood cells and is feeling more alive.
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