Tony has been experiencing weakness in multiple areas of his body. The Oncologist(s), suggest that the Lymphoma is the underlying cause of these problems. Yesterday after the results of the swallow test were read, we were told that Tony's Epicgloden (flap that opens and closes againist the larynex in his throat), is not functioning at full capacity. This presents a danger for Tony, in that he could asperate his food or drink. Tony is now adding "honey-thick" to all beverages. If the swallowing problems persist, Tony will have to be put on a feeding tube.
All of us, including the doctors, are hoping the chemotherapy will kill the cancer cells, allowing strength to return to all weakened areas of Tony's body. The good news is, the last spinal tap showed no cancer in the spinal column. This test will be done during every round of chemotherapy.
Things are in motion for Tony's transfer back to UCLA sometime next week (mid to late), where he will begin his 2nd round of chemo. In the meantime, physical therapy is going well and Tony walked 25 feet today with the aid of a walker. Tony is eating 3 full meals a day and supplementing with protein shakes, usually eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the middle of the night.
Patrice gives Tony a final backrub every evening before leaving for home. Tony is usually asleep by the time the backrub is finished. Visitors continue to lift Tony's spirits each day, and both Tony and Patrice feel cared about and loved by friends and family. The Pastoral visits are wonderful, and their church family has tended to them and their children in many ways. Their Homebuilder classmates at Sierra Madre Congregational Church are setting up a video cam, so that Tony can speak to the class "face to face" this Sunday.
"Whatever is good, whatever is lovely.....think on these"...Ecc:
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Medical Rehab
Tony has been at Huntington Hospital for 5 1/2 days. Physical and Occupational therapy sessions are going slowly, but surely. Today, Tony walked 12 feet with the aid of a walker, and did quite a bit of therapy on his left arm. The lab results from the latest spinal tap should be back by the end of this week, and will hopefully tell us, ONCE and FOR ALL, if there IS or IS NOT
cancer in Tony's spinal column, and if so, is it the cause of his weakened extremities.
Patrice arrives at the hospital every morning and friend, Cheryl Franco, is usually already in the hospital room, attending to Tony. The three of them are joined throughout the day with visitors who help pass the hours in between therapy sessions. Everyone helps with the lunch and dinner trays, blankets, changing of pillows, etc. Tony and Patrice are so grateful for the love and support from family and friends. As Patrice often says...."the words thank you, are just not enough.....there are no words."
And so it goes, day to day.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews: 12:1
cancer in Tony's spinal column, and if so, is it the cause of his weakened extremities.
Patrice arrives at the hospital every morning and friend, Cheryl Franco, is usually already in the hospital room, attending to Tony. The three of them are joined throughout the day with visitors who help pass the hours in between therapy sessions. Everyone helps with the lunch and dinner trays, blankets, changing of pillows, etc. Tony and Patrice are so grateful for the love and support from family and friends. As Patrice often says...."the words thank you, are just not enough.....there are no words."
And so it goes, day to day.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews: 12:1
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Rehabilitation at Huntington Memorial
Tony arrived at Huntington Hospital late Thursday afternoon. The ambulance ride was rough on him, due to heavy traffic and the driver having to apply the brakes often. Tony is settled in now, and had 3 hours of physical and occupational therapy on Friday.....and 1 hour today....Saturday. Tony was able to take 3 steps with the aid of a walker. He is consuming more food now that the effects of the chemotherapy have subsided. Protein and calorie in-take are very important now, as he needs the energy to be able to perform physical therapy. Tony weighs 180 lbs today. The dietician told Tony this morning, that the perfect weight for him, is 200 lbs. Patrice has now gone to the health food store to buy protein drinks with more calories and protein than the ones served in the hospital. Tony has got to put on some weight, as Patrice is horrified at the fact that she now outweighs her husband!
Tony requests a back rub about every 2 hours. Thanks to friends Mark and Sharon Sweeney....Tony has not run out of Bath and Body Works products since he checked into the hospital in early June. The Eucalyptus and Spearmint have become favorites. Tony's hair on his head and face have begun to fall out.
Patrice is now sleeping at home and able to get a good night's sleep, returning to the hospital each morning to spend the day with Tony. Vanessa and Michael are able to stop in daily, now that Tony is closer to home. The hospital room is beginning to reflect the love and concern from family and friends, as posters, balloons, etc. are allowed to come into the room. Tony was not able to enjoy any of these things at UCLA, as he was in ICU and the Chemo ward. Tony will return to UCLA in 12 days to begin his second round of chemotherapy.
Please continue to ask the Lord for His peace, that passes all understanding, to cover Tony at this time.
Tony requests a back rub about every 2 hours. Thanks to friends Mark and Sharon Sweeney....Tony has not run out of Bath and Body Works products since he checked into the hospital in early June. The Eucalyptus and Spearmint have become favorites. Tony's hair on his head and face have begun to fall out.
Patrice is now sleeping at home and able to get a good night's sleep, returning to the hospital each morning to spend the day with Tony. Vanessa and Michael are able to stop in daily, now that Tony is closer to home. The hospital room is beginning to reflect the love and concern from family and friends, as posters, balloons, etc. are allowed to come into the room. Tony was not able to enjoy any of these things at UCLA, as he was in ICU and the Chemo ward. Tony will return to UCLA in 12 days to begin his second round of chemotherapy.
Please continue to ask the Lord for His peace, that passes all understanding, to cover Tony at this time.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Changes..
Looks like Tony will have a new address very soon. Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena....Rehab Floor. Tony will be transported by ambulance either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of this week. He will stay there for 2 weeks, as his 2nd round of chemotherapy has been pushed back for 2 weeks. Tony will be transported back to UCLA for his 2nd round of chemo on or about August 4th. Tony's spirits are lifted, due to this news. Patrice will not be able to stay overnight with Tony at Huntington, and will go home each night, returning to UCLA with Tony.
The specific MRI's of Tony's C and L spine did not show any invasion of Lymphoma on the nerves, however another Spinal Tap was performed this morning, and the fluid has gone to the lab for testing of cancer inside the spine. At this point the doctors cannot confirm whether or not there is cancer in Tony's spine, and may not be able to... even AFTER the lab results are in. Either way, the Physical Therapy protocol is the same. Additionally, Tony's internal spinal column and brain are being treated with chemotherapy, and will continue to be throughout the next 3 months as a precaution.
The surgical incision across Tony's abdomen has finally healed to the point that every-other staple was able to be extracted yesterday. The staples at the very highest point of the incision were not able to be removed, as fluid continues to leak from that area. The doctors are keeping a close watch on this area of Tony's wound.
Our request for prayer(s) now, are specific. That Tony would begin to eat more, build strength in order to withstand the rigors of physical therapy over the next 2 weeks, that eventually he will be able to walk well enough to come home in between chemotherapy rounds and additionally, that he will be healed from cancer.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His powers that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and forever!....Amen
Ep: 3:20-21
The specific MRI's of Tony's C and L spine did not show any invasion of Lymphoma on the nerves, however another Spinal Tap was performed this morning, and the fluid has gone to the lab for testing of cancer inside the spine. At this point the doctors cannot confirm whether or not there is cancer in Tony's spine, and may not be able to... even AFTER the lab results are in. Either way, the Physical Therapy protocol is the same. Additionally, Tony's internal spinal column and brain are being treated with chemotherapy, and will continue to be throughout the next 3 months as a precaution.
The surgical incision across Tony's abdomen has finally healed to the point that every-other staple was able to be extracted yesterday. The staples at the very highest point of the incision were not able to be removed, as fluid continues to leak from that area. The doctors are keeping a close watch on this area of Tony's wound.
Our request for prayer(s) now, are specific. That Tony would begin to eat more, build strength in order to withstand the rigors of physical therapy over the next 2 weeks, that eventually he will be able to walk well enough to come home in between chemotherapy rounds and additionally, that he will be healed from cancer.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His powers that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and forever!....Amen
Ep: 3:20-21
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Daily Life Now..
Each morning as I wait for Tony to stir in his hospital bed, I watch the new day's light, stream into our hospital room. If it is a clear day, I can see the ocean from the large picture window just above the leather couch I sleep on. Here on the 6th floor of UCLA Medical Center, there is a beautiful view, day or night.
The nurse and care giver come through the door sometime between 7:45 and 8:15 and they write their names on the white board just to the left of the entrance. Tony and I eagerly await the posting of "his numbers"...ie., white blood cell count, platlets, and hemaglobin count. These change each day, and give us some indication of how well the chemotherapy is working. So far, so good. If we are blessed with either Young or Robert as our care-giver for the day, we know Tony will be well attended to. Nurse
Kim and Michelle are favorites too.
Soon after breakfast, teams of doctors visit and give us reports on Tony's test results, progress and any new drugs they have ordered. Each day brings the Onocologists, Cardiologists and Neuro Team. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists usually work with Tony in the afternoon. The Lift Team also comes on a daily basis to pick up and move Tony into different
positions. So far we have been blessed with NO bed sores.
Just today Tony told me that he has taken one step out of a hundred......with 99 more to go before he will be in remission. Neither one of us has truly accepted what has happened, and are still in shock regarding this cancer diagnosis. If I allow myself to really "feel" it, I become overwhelmed with fear and sadness......so I just keep moving.
I try and remind myself everyday what my husband has always said to me during difficult times....."just deal with it, Patrice, it's temporary and will pass......adapt". I'm trying.
The nurse and care giver come through the door sometime between 7:45 and 8:15 and they write their names on the white board just to the left of the entrance. Tony and I eagerly await the posting of "his numbers"...ie., white blood cell count, platlets, and hemaglobin count. These change each day, and give us some indication of how well the chemotherapy is working. So far, so good. If we are blessed with either Young or Robert as our care-giver for the day, we know Tony will be well attended to. Nurse
Kim and Michelle are favorites too.
Soon after breakfast, teams of doctors visit and give us reports on Tony's test results, progress and any new drugs they have ordered. Each day brings the Onocologists, Cardiologists and Neuro Team. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists usually work with Tony in the afternoon. The Lift Team also comes on a daily basis to pick up and move Tony into different
positions. So far we have been blessed with NO bed sores.
Just today Tony told me that he has taken one step out of a hundred......with 99 more to go before he will be in remission. Neither one of us has truly accepted what has happened, and are still in shock regarding this cancer diagnosis. If I allow myself to really "feel" it, I become overwhelmed with fear and sadness......so I just keep moving.
I try and remind myself everyday what my husband has always said to me during difficult times....."just deal with it, Patrice, it's temporary and will pass......adapt". I'm trying.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Still Waiting....
Tony has finished his first round of chemotherapy, without the Doxirubicin agent. Tony's heart ejection factor is still pumping at 44%, and the doctors would like it to recover to 50% ejection rate, before re-introducing the Doxirubicin. The Cardiologists believe with 2 drugs......Coreg and an Ace Inhibitor, his heart muscle can recover enough strength over the next two weeks so that the Doxirubicin can be part of the second round of chemotherapy. Tony's second round of chemotherapy will begin, July 29th.
The Neurology team has completed the EMG testing on Tony. They have ordered an MRI of his C and L spine, and hope the findings of this MRI will support the findings from the EMG test. Tony had the MRI done earlier today, and we hope to learn something tomorrow that would explain the weakened state of his arm and leg.
Tony will be transported back and forth from UCLA Medical Center, to an inpatient rehabilitation center (hopefully Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena), to receive alternating treatments of chemotherapy and physical therapy. Tony will not be going home until he can walk with a walker. Hopefully his inpatient physical therapy sessions will begin next week, so that he can get a good 5 to 7 days of physical therapy work done, before he is transported back to UCLA for his second round of chemotherapy.
Please pray for patience and sustainability for both Tony and Patrice
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."........psalm 62:5
The Neurology team has completed the EMG testing on Tony. They have ordered an MRI of his C and L spine, and hope the findings of this MRI will support the findings from the EMG test. Tony had the MRI done earlier today, and we hope to learn something tomorrow that would explain the weakened state of his arm and leg.
Tony will be transported back and forth from UCLA Medical Center, to an inpatient rehabilitation center (hopefully Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena), to receive alternating treatments of chemotherapy and physical therapy. Tony will not be going home until he can walk with a walker. Hopefully his inpatient physical therapy sessions will begin next week, so that he can get a good 5 to 7 days of physical therapy work done, before he is transported back to UCLA for his second round of chemotherapy.
Please pray for patience and sustainability for both Tony and Patrice
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."........psalm 62:5
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Waiting
This Tuesday morning we find ourselves waiting. Waiting for the Nuclear Heart Scan results to be reported to us by the cardiology team, and for the MRI results of the C and T spine to be explained by the Neuro Team. The results of these two tests will give us vital information as to how we move forward with Tony's treatment. The Heart Scan was conducted so that the ejection rate could be measured, and if strong enough, then the chemo agent, Doxirubicin can and will be re-introducted this afternoon.
The Neurologists are trying to come to a conclusion regarding Tony's weakened extremities (left arm and right leg). Some preliminary tests were conducted, and the MRI was ordered. An EMG test will be performed later this afternoon. An EMG is done with very small needles, much like those used in acupuncture, to determine nerve and muscle response. We hope and pray there is no permanent nerve damage, and that Tony can fully recover the use of his extremities, with physical and occupational therapy.
Please continue to pray for full recover, and for Tony's emotional and mental health. Everyday seems to bring more tests and more discomfort for Tony, as he has not been out of bed for over a month and is struggling with the reality that he cannot walk at this time.
"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63: 6-8
The Neurologists are trying to come to a conclusion regarding Tony's weakened extremities (left arm and right leg). Some preliminary tests were conducted, and the MRI was ordered. An EMG test will be performed later this afternoon. An EMG is done with very small needles, much like those used in acupuncture, to determine nerve and muscle response. We hope and pray there is no permanent nerve damage, and that Tony can fully recover the use of his extremities, with physical and occupational therapy.
Please continue to pray for full recover, and for Tony's emotional and mental health. Everyday seems to bring more tests and more discomfort for Tony, as he has not been out of bed for over a month and is struggling with the reality that he cannot walk at this time.
"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63: 6-8
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Fighting on Two Fronts
One of the chemotherapy agents had to be suspended on Friday morning due to the "heart flutter" that Tony has been experiencing. Today the cardiologist is happy to report that with the drug Verapamil, she was able to get Tony's heart back to normal rhythm and his injection rate strong enough so that the Doxirubicin, can be re-introduced, on Monday. Tony and the team of doctors at UCLA want to fight the Lymphoma as aggressively as possible, and knowing that the Doxirubicin will once again be part of the chemo "cocktail", has given us all a sigh of relief.
Another battle, at present, is Tony's weakened extremities. Tony's right leg and left arm have suffered "surgical myopathy", and Tony cannot walk or lift his arm. Physical Therapy has been introduced on a small scale, but intense physical and occupational therapy will be required, post treatment, in order for Tony to have use of his two extremities. Please pray specifically now for his heart to remain stable, and for full restoration of his arm and leg.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"........Philippians 4:13
Another battle, at present, is Tony's weakened extremities. Tony's right leg and left arm have suffered "surgical myopathy", and Tony cannot walk or lift his arm. Physical Therapy has been introduced on a small scale, but intense physical and occupational therapy will be required, post treatment, in order for Tony to have use of his two extremities. Please pray specifically now for his heart to remain stable, and for full restoration of his arm and leg.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"........Philippians 4:13
Friday, July 9, 2010
Eye of the Storm
Tony's first day of chemotherapy is complete; he faired well except for one minor set back. Prior to surgery, Tony was given an excellent cardiology report, he passed all nuclear medicine tests with an A+. But due to tumor lysis, and new medications his heart has been under a lot of strain. He has developed a "flutter", one that is made worse by one of the chemotherapy agents. Therefore at 5pm yesterday the oncologist discontinued this particular drug. Now he is receiving just two of the three and will finish on day 5 with a different drug. As we walk on this path of unknowns, we are taking on an attitude of being flexible. Flexibilty is what will carry us through this time. Each day has brought twists and turns, and as we are believing God day by day, we know He is in the center of this storm, carrying us and holding us tightly. We praise Him for loving us so much!
23rd Psalm (Living Bible):
"Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do what honors him the most Even when walking thrugh the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home."
23rd Psalm (Living Bible):
"Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do what honors him the most Even when walking thrugh the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home."
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Room with a View
Tony has graduated from thte ICU, and has been moved to the Heme/Onc floor! What a glorious day, not only for Tony, but for Patrice as well. Now Patrice can stay by his side and sleep in the same room, rather than moving from waiting room to waiting room. The oncology team is amazing, truly are new family. They have set his chemo "cocktail" in motion and now we enter into the world of cancer treatment. This cocktail contains three different chemo agents which will be infused via IV 24 hours straight x 4 days. Then on day 5 he will receive a separate chemo drug, one which we tried while Tony was still intubated in the ICU, and he responded well to. We covet your prayers as we enter into this foreign land of chemotherapy. We are praying that his kidneys remain strong and capable of filtering the toxins; that his nausea be minimal to none; that the chemo begins destroying the cancer cells quickly and that Tony's spirits remain high. Tony is ready to fight this lymphoma and win the battle. Once again, thank you for your prayers, they are so powerful.
Pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful. James 5:16
Pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful. James 5:16
Monday, July 5, 2010
Tony is Back!
Oh how the Lord has blessed us over the past 24 hours, as we have watched our Tony return to us. We have witnessed a true miracle, and wow does Tony ever have a story to tell! Tony has had us crying, laughing, and most importantly, praising our Lord for the gift of answered prayer. Tony has shared in great detail, the battle he has been going through since he arrived at the hospital. He states, " I was at the end of the earth and thought I was going to die." With sword in hand, Tony did battle. He is clear and focused and ready to stand up and shout from the mountain tops that our God is an awesome God. Tony also "passed" his swallow test today with flying colors. He is now off TPN ( total parenteral nutrition) and is able to eat on his own. Now our prayers are centered on completing his steroids to move onto his first true round of chemotheraphy. A new finding of lymphoma cells on his spine and some against his skull (nothing in his brain or CSF) are causing some problems with his left arm and right leg. We are claiming new found strength for him, to get up and move and get out of the ICU. Please join us in those efforts. We thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers. You truly are blessing all of us more than you will ever know.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6: 10-11
Affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. Romans 5: 3-4
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6: 10-11
Affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. Romans 5: 3-4
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Answered Prayer!
Praise the Lord! On this our Nation's birthday, we have received the most wonderful news, all answers to prayer! All is well... no internal bleeding, no need for further surgery, no stroke, and most importantly, no cancer in the brain or spine. Alleluia! We are weeping tears of joy as we rejoice in His mercy and grace. What an awesome God we serve. Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We wish you the happiest of days, as you celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends. And know... all is well with our souls.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Never a Dull Moment
Tony has expierenced some increased bleeding to his incision site today. Since surgery he has continued to ooze at the site with serous fluid, but today we have witnessed increased bleeding thru his dressing onto his gown and even his sheet. His clotting factors and blood levels have dropped enough to warrant repeated blood transfusions of packed red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Today alone he has received blood three times. Therefore, Tony went for a CT scan of his abdomen to determine if surgery is necessary to control this internal bleeding. They have a surgeon on standby right now as they are reading his scans. Tony is much more lucid and even participating in converstations with the doctor about his care. He is ready to fight this battle. We ask for prayer as we await news from the doctors regarding surgery.
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
MOVING FORWARD
Tony is still in ICU, and in stable condition. All of his "numbers" (blood pressure, temp, heart rate, etc.,) are normal. We now await the Oncology doctors to tell us what the treatment and protocol will be, in order to win the battle against Lymphoma. Tony was taken to radiology late last night and had an MRI taken of his brain and C-spine. It was difficult for him to remain in the closed MRI machine, so they were not able to scan his chest. We await the results of the brain and c-spine" to determine if an MRI of the chest will be necessary. Tony has been started on steriods thru IV. These are necessary for the next 5 days, along with high calorie in-take, before starting his first potent round of chemotherapy. Tony will remain at UCLA for at least another 2 weeks. As Tony has regained some strength and cognition, he understands what has happened, and what his condition is. Just this morning he told Patrice..."if I come out of this, I want to put on seminars about the power of faith." Watching Tony go thru all he has gone thru these past 12 days, and knowing, that he knows what is ahead, makes those words all the more awesome. We hope these seminars become a reality. May it all Glorify the Lord!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purposes"
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purposes"
Romans 8:28
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