Tony will finish his 3rd round of chemotherapy tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. He will be released from UCLA Medical Center the following day. We here at home have everything in place and we anxiously await Tony's arrival.
All is going well and a nurse will be coming into our home over Labor Day Weekend to draw blood and check Tony's vital signs. Tony will be in Nadir and very weak over the Labor Day Weekend, as this is when the effects of the chemo will "hit him" the hardest. Tony's immune system will be compromised until the Wednesday following Labor Day. After that he will be feeling well and hopes to get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
Tony has a very good attitude about his limitations. The doctors are encouraging Tony to excercise each and everyday and are believing that the nerve damage to his arm and leg is peripheral damage that can be reversed. It will take a lot of work and affirmative answer(s) to prayer, but Tony says he is "up to it" and has "set his goals."
As always, we would ask that you pray for Tony's nerves to be restored, cancer to be defeated and that we would seek His will in all of it.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Third Round Has Begun...
Tony was transported from Huntington Hospital to UCLA this morning. They were waiting for him and began the chemotherapy late this afternoon. All familiar faces welcomed us back to UCLA 6th floor Oncology....it was hugs and smiles all around.
This third round of chemo will be finished late Tuesday, and Tony will be COMING HOME on Wednesday or Thursday. Preparations are in full swing for Tony's homecoming.
I (Patrice), will be out getting equipment from Bed, Bath and Beyond and the Convalesant Aid Society, this weekend. Dale Brown will be rounding up Tony's buddies, Don, John and Ray to come and modify the house and complete various projects that need doing.
Tony cannot travel up or down stairs, at this point. Luckily the back entrance to our home is flat, with just a 4-inch step-up into the house.
Once Tony arrives home, a health care nurse, physical therapist and occupational therapist will come to the house and work with Tony 3 days a week. Patrice, Michael and Vanessa, along with Larry, Kathy and Cheryl will take over the therapy sessions the remaining 4 days.
Please pray that Tony's transition home will go smoothly, safely and without incident.
This third round of chemo will be finished late Tuesday, and Tony will be COMING HOME on Wednesday or Thursday. Preparations are in full swing for Tony's homecoming.
I (Patrice), will be out getting equipment from Bed, Bath and Beyond and the Convalesant Aid Society, this weekend. Dale Brown will be rounding up Tony's buddies, Don, John and Ray to come and modify the house and complete various projects that need doing.
Tony cannot travel up or down stairs, at this point. Luckily the back entrance to our home is flat, with just a 4-inch step-up into the house.
Once Tony arrives home, a health care nurse, physical therapist and occupational therapist will come to the house and work with Tony 3 days a week. Patrice, Michael and Vanessa, along with Larry, Kathy and Cheryl will take over the therapy sessions the remaining 4 days.
Please pray that Tony's transition home will go smoothly, safely and without incident.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Feeling Good...
Tony is feeling pretty good! His personality, humor and wit have returned and we have shared a wonderful last couple of days together. Yesterday Tony said he felt like things were almost back to normal and that he is looking forward to coming home in early September. To that end, he has me, (Patrice), making lists of things to do and have in place when he arrives home.
This morning, Tony's brother Larry, went to work on Tony's hair. It's gone now. All that is left is a mustashe and gotee. We are curious as to how Tony's hair will grow back....dark, white...straight..curly??? It was the topic of conversation this morning.
There are many hurdles to clear over the next couple of months in regards to winning the battle againist Lymphoma....and many more months of physical therapy to regain strength in Tony's leg and arm. We have been told everything from "this is the best his foot and arm will recover"....to..."some or all of the strength may come back depending on how hard you work".....to "we don't know". So, after all the tests are in, and all the doctors and physical therapists have spoken, we know our Heavenly Father, the great physician, knows what Tony's future holds. We wait and watch for His will to be revealed to us.
This morning, Tony's brother Larry, went to work on Tony's hair. It's gone now. All that is left is a mustashe and gotee. We are curious as to how Tony's hair will grow back....dark, white...straight..curly??? It was the topic of conversation this morning.
There are many hurdles to clear over the next couple of months in regards to winning the battle againist Lymphoma....and many more months of physical therapy to regain strength in Tony's leg and arm. We have been told everything from "this is the best his foot and arm will recover"....to..."some or all of the strength may come back depending on how hard you work".....to "we don't know". So, after all the tests are in, and all the doctors and physical therapists have spoken, we know our Heavenly Father, the great physician, knows what Tony's future holds. We wait and watch for His will to be revealed to us.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Making Progress...
Before I update everyone on Tony's progress, we (Tony and Patrice), want to say Happy Birthday to our dear niece, Heather Baker. She is a blessing in our lives and has been since the day she was born. Heather always comments on "the blog", and sends scriptures, via text message to us daily....keeping us uplifted and mindful of His word. We love you Heather!
Today I watched Tony lift himself out of his hospital bed, grab onto his walker and walk 200 feet. He was exhausted after the journey around the 4th floor of the hospital, but feels like he is accomplishing a goal he has set for himself. Being able to get out of bed and walk around the house is what we all have hoped and prayed for. It looks as if this will happen, and we are excited that Tony may be coming home before Labor Day Weekend.
The second round of chemotherapy and it's effects are over. Tony's "numbers" are back in normal range and he was strong through-out the treatment and recovery phase. Tony's 3rd round of chemo begins in one week. He will be transported back to UCLA next weekend, for that purpose.
The charge nurse at Huntington Hospital found out that Tony and I were Christians. She came into our room today and asked if she could pray for Tony. We were thrilled, and reminded once again, that His love comes to us through one another. How grateful we are for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement".....Philemon 1:6-7
Today I watched Tony lift himself out of his hospital bed, grab onto his walker and walk 200 feet. He was exhausted after the journey around the 4th floor of the hospital, but feels like he is accomplishing a goal he has set for himself. Being able to get out of bed and walk around the house is what we all have hoped and prayed for. It looks as if this will happen, and we are excited that Tony may be coming home before Labor Day Weekend.
The second round of chemotherapy and it's effects are over. Tony's "numbers" are back in normal range and he was strong through-out the treatment and recovery phase. Tony's 3rd round of chemo begins in one week. He will be transported back to UCLA next weekend, for that purpose.
The charge nurse at Huntington Hospital found out that Tony and I were Christians. She came into our room today and asked if she could pray for Tony. We were thrilled, and reminded once again, that His love comes to us through one another. How grateful we are for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement".....Philemon 1:6-7
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Working Hard...
Tony is working hard 3 hours per day with the physical therapist(s) at Huntington Hospital, and will transport back to UCLA on Saturday, August 28th. Tony's goal is to be able to stand up from a sitting position, unassisted. He hopes to be able to do this by the time he comes home, after his third round of chemotherapy in early September.
Tony is recovering very well from his second round of chemotherapy. No nausea or sickness...just a little tired. The hair on his scalp and face have fallen out, to the point that Tony has decided to shave his head. Tony has asked Patrice to buy a "book that illustrates hats", as he wants to show Patrice which hats to purchase!
The 10-inch incision across Tony's abdomen has completely healed.
Visitors come each day and help pass the time. Tony likes hearing about what is going on in the lives of our family and friends. Tony has also asked friend, Kathy Larson, to re-tell (over and over), the stories of what happened while he was unconscience. Good friend that she is, Kathy re-tells the stories as many times as Tony asks to hear them.
"A friend loves at all times"....proverbs 17:17
Tony is recovering very well from his second round of chemotherapy. No nausea or sickness...just a little tired. The hair on his scalp and face have fallen out, to the point that Tony has decided to shave his head. Tony has asked Patrice to buy a "book that illustrates hats", as he wants to show Patrice which hats to purchase!
The 10-inch incision across Tony's abdomen has completely healed.
Visitors come each day and help pass the time. Tony likes hearing about what is going on in the lives of our family and friends. Tony has also asked friend, Kathy Larson, to re-tell (over and over), the stories of what happened while he was unconscience. Good friend that she is, Kathy re-tells the stories as many times as Tony asks to hear them.
"A friend loves at all times"....proverbs 17:17
Friday, August 13, 2010
Back in Pasadena...
Tony is being transported to Huntington Hospital as I write this. Tony will spend the next 12 days in the rehabilitation unit and work with the physical and occupational therapists. Tony is happy that he has pain in his left bicep, as he has had no sensation in that area since he woke up in ICU. We think maybe his nerves are beginning to regenerate. We also take this as a sign, that the chemotherapy is working and destroying the cancer cells that have seized Tony's arm and leg.
Tony now weighs 177 pounds and continues to have a healthy appetite. Patrice will meet the ambulance at Huntington Hospital this afternoon with a #2 meal (with chocolate shake) from In-N-Out.
Just before Tony left UCLA today, the Head and Neck Specialist injected collagen into Tony's left vocal cord, closing it up enough so that Tony can sip regular liquids. His voice is almost back to normal. It may take more collagen injections before Tony's vocal cord is fully functioning.
We have seen many, many, affirmative answers to prayer, and many small and large miracles. We may write a book when this is all over!
Giving thanks today, for all the prayers that have been prayed on Tony's behalf.
Tony now weighs 177 pounds and continues to have a healthy appetite. Patrice will meet the ambulance at Huntington Hospital this afternoon with a #2 meal (with chocolate shake) from In-N-Out.
Just before Tony left UCLA today, the Head and Neck Specialist injected collagen into Tony's left vocal cord, closing it up enough so that Tony can sip regular liquids. His voice is almost back to normal. It may take more collagen injections before Tony's vocal cord is fully functioning.
We have seen many, many, affirmative answers to prayer, and many small and large miracles. We may write a book when this is all over!
Giving thanks today, for all the prayers that have been prayed on Tony's behalf.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Going Well..
Tony's second round of chemotherapy began late yesterday. The chemo agent Doxorubicin was administered and a heart monitor was hooked up in order to monitor Tony's heart. So far....all is well! I am looking at the orange colored Doxorubicin right now, and the bag is almost empty, while Tony's heart remains steady. This is a huge affirmative answer to prayer.
Tony's second round of chemo will take 6 days to complete.
Tony's appetite still remains strong, and he is eating 3 full meals with snacks and dessert each day. We are hoping he will be able to put some weight on, even through the treatment phase. We also pray that as the chemo destroys the cancer cells, the strength will return to his weak muscles. On Monday, the Head and Neck doctors will come in and assess Tony's swallowing problems and hopefully treat him, so that his voice and ability to swallow water will return to normal. In the meantime, Tony is walking 70 feet at a time, with the walker and doing 3 + hours of physical therapy per day.
" Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, His son" (Hymn)
Tony's second round of chemo will take 6 days to complete.
Tony's appetite still remains strong, and he is eating 3 full meals with snacks and dessert each day. We are hoping he will be able to put some weight on, even through the treatment phase. We also pray that as the chemo destroys the cancer cells, the strength will return to his weak muscles. On Monday, the Head and Neck doctors will come in and assess Tony's swallowing problems and hopefully treat him, so that his voice and ability to swallow water will return to normal. In the meantime, Tony is walking 70 feet at a time, with the walker and doing 3 + hours of physical therapy per day.
" Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, His son" (Hymn)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
First Night Back at UCLA..
It's 10pm and I am sitting in the dark in our hospital room. Tony has been given his medications for the night and is drifting off to sleep. Tony's return from Huntington Hospital to UCLA this afternoon went smoothly. I am relieved that he is much calmer this time around and is confident as he begins his second round of chemotherapy, in the morning. The familiar nurses and care partners have helped both of us feel welcomed back to the 6th floor. We were glad to find out that Megan and Miki would be Tony's nurses tonight.
Both Tony and I have accepted our "new reality". It no longer feels like a bad dream or as if we are in shock. It is now a journey that we are taking together. Each day is the same and yet a little different. Tony's humor has returned, and he smiles more now. Tony's weight dropped to 165 pounds, but he has gained 5 pounds over the past few days and now weighs 170. I continue to
order food, food and more food for Tony, who has been compliant and has had a very healthy appetite over the past 2 weeks.
Drinking regular fluids is impossible for Tony, until his swallowing problems are resolved. To that end, the Head/Neck and Swallowing doctors will see Tony tomorrow and discuss possible remedies. Tony's strong desire, at present, is to be able to gulp down an ice cold drink without having to add in the "thick-it" powder.......yuck!
Cards and letters continue to come in the mail, and I bring them to the hospital and share them with Tony. So many kind and caring words have been conveyed from our family and friends. We hold them all close to our heart(s). Tony and I talk often about enjoying our family and friends again, outside of the hospital. We hope that becomes a reality.
With that I say goodnight and blessings to all of you.
Both Tony and I have accepted our "new reality". It no longer feels like a bad dream or as if we are in shock. It is now a journey that we are taking together. Each day is the same and yet a little different. Tony's humor has returned, and he smiles more now. Tony's weight dropped to 165 pounds, but he has gained 5 pounds over the past few days and now weighs 170. I continue to
order food, food and more food for Tony, who has been compliant and has had a very healthy appetite over the past 2 weeks.
Drinking regular fluids is impossible for Tony, until his swallowing problems are resolved. To that end, the Head/Neck and Swallowing doctors will see Tony tomorrow and discuss possible remedies. Tony's strong desire, at present, is to be able to gulp down an ice cold drink without having to add in the "thick-it" powder.......yuck!
Cards and letters continue to come in the mail, and I bring them to the hospital and share them with Tony. So many kind and caring words have been conveyed from our family and friends. We hold them all close to our heart(s). Tony and I talk often about enjoying our family and friends again, outside of the hospital. We hope that becomes a reality.
With that I say goodnight and blessings to all of you.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
It's Back to UCLA
Tony will be transported to UCLA from Huntington Hospital, tomorrow. We received good news this afternoon regarding Tony's heart muscle recovery. His ejection factor has improved to 50 - 55%, which tells us that the Doxirubicin (chemotherapy agent), can be administered during this next round of treatment. This is what we have been praying for since the Oncologist told us that Doxirubicin is a "first line of defense" againist high-grade Lymphoma.
Tony has enjoyed many visitors over the past 12 days while at Huntington. The room was light and bright, with flowers, posters, cards and candy everywhere. All of the physical therapists that worked with Tony were cheerful and kind, making the painful treatment sessions a little less difficult. Tony walks 50 feet a day with the aid of a walker, and now has a lightweight brace on his right lower leg and foot. This brace keeps his toes up so that he does not have to "drag" his foot when walking.
Tony's voice is very raspy, and he cannot drink any liquid that is not thickened to a honey-like consistency. We hope to address this problem this week with the Head and Neck doctors at UCLA.
Tony is scheduled to begin his 2nd round of Chemotherapy later this week. Please pray that Tony will be able to recover quickly and have minimal to no side effects.
We appreciate and count on your prayers at this crucial time.
Three times, I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, and my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Tony has enjoyed many visitors over the past 12 days while at Huntington. The room was light and bright, with flowers, posters, cards and candy everywhere. All of the physical therapists that worked with Tony were cheerful and kind, making the painful treatment sessions a little less difficult. Tony walks 50 feet a day with the aid of a walker, and now has a lightweight brace on his right lower leg and foot. This brace keeps his toes up so that he does not have to "drag" his foot when walking.
Tony's voice is very raspy, and he cannot drink any liquid that is not thickened to a honey-like consistency. We hope to address this problem this week with the Head and Neck doctors at UCLA.
Tony is scheduled to begin his 2nd round of Chemotherapy later this week. Please pray that Tony will be able to recover quickly and have minimal to no side effects.
We appreciate and count on your prayers at this crucial time.
Three times, I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, and my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
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