GOOD NEWS!!!!!

The tumor has shrunk! The original size was 4.2 x 5.2 cm. It is now 3.7 x 4.1 with no metastasis to the liver or other organs!! According to research findings, only 24% of tumors like dad's shrink. He has found his way into that celebrated minority, just like he said he would. So, the M.D. wants to do four more rounds of chemo and reassess. He remains unsure if the spots identified on the lungs a few months ago are malignant, so he is going to have a radiologist examine the image when they reevaluate next month.

Dad's red blood cell count was low, so they want to do a blood transfusion tomorrow. His other counts looked good.

When I was praying for dad this morning, I asked God that He would let something happen today to let mom and dad know that He hears their prayers and is listening to the pleas of their hearts. I know that prayer was answered.

Dad still has a long road ahead of him, as we all know the statistics related to pancreatic cancer. But, today is a day to celebrate and to be thankful! How befitting that this news was delivered during the Thanksgiving season.

Thank you for all your continued prayers and support.

Please write your legislators to support more funding for pancreatic cancer research.

"A joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful."
The Book of Common Prayer

CATscan on Monday

Dad received chemo yesterday. His blood levels all looked good with the exception of his sugar, which was a bit high. He has lost a few more pounds, which has put his total weight loss at around 65 pounds. The Thursday following his Tuesday treatments is always his toughest day. He usually experiences fever spikes, significant fatitue, and complete loss of appetite.

He is looking forward to this weekend when he will make the annual family pilgrimage to southwest Missouri to go deer hunting with all the Bixler men. He will return Sunday and receive his ultrasound Monday. This is the first CATscan the oncologist has ordered since dad began chemo. Obviously, we are all a bit anxious to hear the results, and are optimistic that the tumor has stopped growing.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Follow the link below to see how you can help raise awareness (and funds) to fight this disease.

Thanks!!

http://www.pancan.org/raiseyourvoice/index.html

October 24

Dad and mom went to St. Louis today. Dad had the temporary stint in the bile duct that drains from the liver replaced with a permanent one. The procedure went well and they will return home tomorrow morning. Dad has to remain on a liquid diet for the next several days. Monday, he will receive a port through which the gemcitabin treatments can be facilitated with more ease. He will receive chemo again Tuesday.

The oncologist wants dad to receive two more treatments of gemcitabin before re-imaging him. So, the CAT scan will be scheduled a few weeks out. His appetite is very poor, and he remains fatigued. His potassium was low on Tuesday, but other levels looked good! Dad's spirit and optimism remain strong.

We're at the two month mark now. It's incredible how much we've learned and experienced in these two months. Our vocabularies have changed, as have the nature of our conversations. When I have free time, I find myself browsing cancer blogs, research abstracts, and clinical trials updates rather than overstock.com. I am also much more aware of the extensive network that inhabits cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers. It's hard to believe we are now in that web. It seems more people than I ever realized have loved ones with some type of cancer. This network spans all ages and cultures. I met a woman online from L.A. whose father also has pancreatic cancer with lung metastasis. She and I exchange any new information we find. We continue to explore medical and alternative treatments, supplements, etc. that are being tested with patients with pancreatic cancer.

Thanks for your continued support of mom and dad.

Tall Cotton.....

We took Ben to John's cotton field for his first lesson in picking cotton. He demonstrated natural talent that surprised us all! He didn't want to leave! Here's part of his lesson....Click on the arrow to view.

Hello from Gary

I just want to thank everyone for your responses and comments here on the blog, and for people calling, sending cards and food, and for coming by to visit.

On October 9th, I had been retired for exactly one year. Since that time I've had some great times with different people including travelling to the Grand Canyon and LA, visiting with Angie, James, and Ben in Tuscaloosa, attending Angie's graduation from her Ph.D. program in Florida, helping Tim get settled into his new home and job in Columbia, visiting with Craw and the Springfield crew as often as I could, hanging out with Joyce and Merlin, and many other wonderful experiences. I definitely have made the most of retirement.

It's exciting that Tim is working for the Department of Conservation. I told him to be sure to print plenty of deer tags for the family. :-) As I am writing this, Tim just called me from his deer stand. Wish I was with him.

Ben and Angie are here now and we're having a great time. I'm pretty fatigued this weekend, but doing ok. Lou Lou and my children, my brothers, sister, church family, and good friends have been so very supportive. To my past coworkers, be safe and take care. All of you are so helpful in many ways and are very special people. This is no step for a stepper. That's all the scoop for now.
Gar-o is still the man!

10-3-08

Dad has an appointment with his oncologist on Tuesday. Hopefully, we will get everything cleared up at that time. Dad's been pretty tired the past few days, which is expected. However, he is keeping his spirits up thanks, in part, to the wonderful displays of care and concern from all of you. Thank you.

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
~ Dr. Seuss