Today, Mike is going under at 3:00 pm for the pain block. Mike requests prayer specifically for miraculous super natural healing. He is asking God specifically that they go in and the tumor that they say is there is not.
I ditto that and ask specifically that all hands laid on Mike be God's hands. That he directs all treatment, care in every way regarding Mike. I specifically ask that His presence be so literal that the Doctors and nurses talk about this specific procedure for years to come. I can literally see it right now.
I will post more today, but it will probably be very late.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Energizer Bunny
As of now, it seems we have turned a corner on the pain. We have not done the nerve block. It is schedule for tomorrow. The doctor who is doing the procedure came in and talked to us about the risks and benefits. There is a very the possibility that Mike will go through it and it will not work. So I am praying that it will work and allow us to control the pain to continue this fight.
The bone scan brought us good news on two fronts, that cancer is not in Mike's bones and it means that the pain is nerve related. We know the tumor is very near the celiac nerve area in the abdomen. All this pain could literally be centered there and this procedure could solve or reduce the that issue.
The pharmacist in the hospital stepped in and helped with the pain issue in the mean time. Mike was on a continuous drip and then would buzz the nurses for breakthrough pain. So for the past 24 hours we were buzzing the nurses every hour. The problem was that sometimes they can't get it fast enough and the little pain would escalate and now we were behind the pain. So today Mike is on a continuous drip and a "clicky" as we call it so he can self medicate when the pain first starts to appear. It has worked for the past 5 hours and I am hopeful that it will continue working through the night.
Tonight, Mike started laughing and I asked him what was up. He was looking at all his cords, machines, iv's, etc and said this would make a great Energizer Bunny commercial. "I have stage 4 cancer, but I keep going and going and going." We both giggled because it is funny. The past week has been difficult and everywhere we turn there is bad news - but the Hope is still there. I have heard it all, been given time lines, told what should happen, but Mike is the ultimate Energizer Bunny and God is the battery. He gives us strength, power, Hope, and keeps going and going. Nothing can stop Him. Death didn't stop Him either. As an incredible minister in North Carolina prayed in a prayer call over the cell phone last night - Kingdom Vision. We will always keep our eyes on Him.
Please pray specifically for this procedure to work tomorrow and that there are no complications and that Mike tolerates going under for it. Pray for Elizabeth. She is missing her Mom and Dad. Pray for a restful night. Please also pray for Mikes Grandmother. She is in the hospital in Elyria for bleeding.
Again, I am praising Jesus for the tide of prayers, the great comments, wonderful emails, phone calls, and help - Gini, I now have 3 deodorants in my possession... I really did need it and I guess others noticed!! LOL!!
The bone scan brought us good news on two fronts, that cancer is not in Mike's bones and it means that the pain is nerve related. We know the tumor is very near the celiac nerve area in the abdomen. All this pain could literally be centered there and this procedure could solve or reduce the that issue.
The pharmacist in the hospital stepped in and helped with the pain issue in the mean time. Mike was on a continuous drip and then would buzz the nurses for breakthrough pain. So for the past 24 hours we were buzzing the nurses every hour. The problem was that sometimes they can't get it fast enough and the little pain would escalate and now we were behind the pain. So today Mike is on a continuous drip and a "clicky" as we call it so he can self medicate when the pain first starts to appear. It has worked for the past 5 hours and I am hopeful that it will continue working through the night.
Tonight, Mike started laughing and I asked him what was up. He was looking at all his cords, machines, iv's, etc and said this would make a great Energizer Bunny commercial. "I have stage 4 cancer, but I keep going and going and going." We both giggled because it is funny. The past week has been difficult and everywhere we turn there is bad news - but the Hope is still there. I have heard it all, been given time lines, told what should happen, but Mike is the ultimate Energizer Bunny and God is the battery. He gives us strength, power, Hope, and keeps going and going. Nothing can stop Him. Death didn't stop Him either. As an incredible minister in North Carolina prayed in a prayer call over the cell phone last night - Kingdom Vision. We will always keep our eyes on Him.
Please pray specifically for this procedure to work tomorrow and that there are no complications and that Mike tolerates going under for it. Pray for Elizabeth. She is missing her Mom and Dad. Pray for a restful night. Please also pray for Mikes Grandmother. She is in the hospital in Elyria for bleeding.
Again, I am praising Jesus for the tide of prayers, the great comments, wonderful emails, phone calls, and help - Gini, I now have 3 deodorants in my possession... I really did need it and I guess others noticed!! LOL!!
Good News
Mike told me to get on the blog and let everyone know that the Bone Scan was negative for cancer. Praise Jesus! Mike told me he wanted to post some good news for everyone since it has been awhile. I thank Jesus for every joy He sends our way. Mike also wanted me to post Psalms 118:17 from him. That verse states:
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
I will post more tonight once all doctors make the rounds. Please pray that the nerve block procedure will happen today and that it will be successful
Monday, February 8, 2010
Welcoming the Angels
The night was somewhat better last night, that or I just was so tired I slept through things. Mike went down early for the J tube placement and was in pain even under sedation. I just can't seem to find the words right now. Pain seems to be the theme of the day. Trying to get the pain under control and get Mike comfortable. It is just surreal right now and I am a little numb. We have changed Mike's pain medicines again to stay on top of things. He has been throwing up so we haven't started the J Tube feedings. Just keeping him on TPN for now.
Mike is going in for the celiac block tomorrow. Please...Please pray with me that it will work and take away pain Lord Jesus hear our prayers!
Elizabeth was up here tonight when Mike came back in horrible pain after the bone scan. Melissa and I were trying to get him comfortable and Elizabeth said the angels are right there and she pointed to three places. She left with Melissa to go to a basketball game and I texted her. I said by the way, I feel the angels here too. Thank you for confirming my feelings. She texted back:
I left them for you and Dad. I don't know, I can just feel them when they are at a certain place like tonight.
I read the text to Mike and his response? He said to the angels, "Welcome Friends. Welcome Angels."
Mike is in terrible pain, however all his other labs, blood work, pulse, oxygen, blood pressure are good. I am praying that tomorrow will be the day we turn the corner..
Thank you (especially family) for all comments, texts, calls, emails, visits, food, snacks, deodrant, help, and as always prayers. I just can't respond to everything right now but we feel completely wrapped in God's Hands by your outpouring.
Much love to everyone.
Mike is going in for the celiac block tomorrow. Please...Please pray with me that it will work and take away pain Lord Jesus hear our prayers!
Elizabeth was up here tonight when Mike came back in horrible pain after the bone scan. Melissa and I were trying to get him comfortable and Elizabeth said the angels are right there and she pointed to three places. She left with Melissa to go to a basketball game and I texted her. I said by the way, I feel the angels here too. Thank you for confirming my feelings. She texted back:
I left them for you and Dad. I don't know, I can just feel them when they are at a certain place like tonight.
I read the text to Mike and his response? He said to the angels, "Welcome Friends. Welcome Angels."
Mike is in terrible pain, however all his other labs, blood work, pulse, oxygen, blood pressure are good. I am praying that tomorrow will be the day we turn the corner..
Thank you (especially family) for all comments, texts, calls, emails, visits, food, snacks, deodrant, help, and as always prayers. I just can't respond to everything right now but we feel completely wrapped in God's Hands by your outpouring.
Much love to everyone.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Long Night and Day.. NOT letting go of our Savior
I stayed with Mike in the hospital last night. The pain for Mike is pretty significant. He is hurting in his back and abdomen and continues to be weak. Prayers have been flowing. I have had a lot of help from family and friends. We put Mike on a morphine pump this afternoon and then had the doctor add another pain medication to help with the break through pain. We finally got on top of the pain around 5:00 pm this evening. We also put a Foley catheter in so he wouldn't have to get up to go to the bathroom. It has gotten to the point where he didn't have the strength to pull his legs on the bed after he collapses into bed after going to the bathroom.
I want to make it clear that we are not done fighting but the battle is huge. This afternoon was extremely hard and Mike has been in the worst pain and calling to Jesus. I do love him for that. Even in his most severe moments, he is calling to Jesus. That is how firmly he is planted with the Savior. AND we are not letting go....
Mike as asked me to blog that he says thank you for the prayers and please keep pouring it on.
I am asking to you pray for Elizabeth and my family and local friends that are surrounding us right now. Things are changing all the time and everyone is bending so I can be here non-stop with Mike.
I want to make it clear that we are not done fighting but the battle is huge. This afternoon was extremely hard and Mike has been in the worst pain and calling to Jesus. I do love him for that. Even in his most severe moments, he is calling to Jesus. That is how firmly he is planted with the Savior. AND we are not letting go....
Mike as asked me to blog that he says thank you for the prayers and please keep pouring it on.
I am asking to you pray for Elizabeth and my family and local friends that are surrounding us right now. Things are changing all the time and everyone is bending so I can be here non-stop with Mike.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Answered prayers, hurdles ahead.
It was a busy morning. I slept late and got a call from Mike at 8:30 saying the GI doctor was here and he was going to be scoped. He was worried about the insurance paying for it. I had to reassure him that he was admitted through the ER and everything done while in the hospital will be covered. I hate that he is even worried about insurance paying or not. I told him that is my job. Don't worry. So I hopped in the shower, threw some clothes one, gave Elizabeth a list of what needs to be done at home and her schedule and headed to the hospital. I didn't make before they took him back, but thank God my Dad was here. I was able to say I love you over the phone to him and Dad was waiting for me in the waiting room. I praise God that we have a different GI doctor for this procedure. She is actually the doctor that did my Dad's colonoscopy about a month ago and the same doctor that will do my mother's later this week.
The procedure went longer than expected. She stretched Mike's esophagus and then moved into the stomach down to the bottom where the stomach empties into the intestines. It is called the duodenum (sp??). Haven't had time to research that yet. Anyway, that area is now thickening and they took a biopsy. It appears that the cancer has spread there. So the doctor stretched that area just like she did to the esophagus. This is good because it means that Mike's stomach will drain. Mike has been put on IV nutrition and on Monday will get a GJ Tube. The G tube will extend into his stomach and the J portion of that tube will go into his small intestines. In the meantime, we need to be in prayer about placing a stent down in that area. It is something that can not be done here at this hospital and we would have to go to one down in Dallas. I don't know about the insurance end of that so please be praying that if that is an option we choose, that the insurance will not be an issue.
So this new GI doctor is wonderful and such a blessing. As I was talking to her, I realized that God has answered a prayer that I have been praying for so long. She had options. She had ideas for pain management. She didn't suck the hope out of the air. AND her office doesn't take Tricare. My Dad mentioned Medicare and she said Tricare pays less than Medicare. (another doctor). BUT she also said she wished there was something better for these guys because they sacrifice so much to serve our country AND she said she would talk to her office manager and see if there was a way to take Mike as a patient as an outpatient. Thank you Jesus.
Mike is resting and is very low on energy. They are working on clearing his bowels and he is getting wonderful care today. The nurses are wonderful and the tech is one of the best we have ever had. We have many hurdles to jump here, but I can finally see the hurdles and that is an answer to prayer as well.
It is good to journal to see how God moves when you pray. I have seen very real prayers answered in very real ways today. I know God is listening and moving and therefore I fully believe that He has heard and is hearing my prayers about Mike's complete earthly healing and will answer them. In fact He is hearing the prayers for Mike all around the world. So I am on my knees, waiting, praising, and watching.....
Prayer needs:
Mike's strength, energy nutrition, pain, and for the cancer to die
Elizabeth and I as we try to maintain some sort of schedule during the days and weeks ahead
For the insurance to work out for all Mike's medical needs including this wonderful GI doctor
For the numbness in Mike's right foot. It is a side effect from Chemo and it has progressed with this last treatment.
Praise:
Dad
God answering prayers
For the wonderful nurses in GI lab and on the floor. In fact, the GI nurse ran into me in the hall after she brought Mike back from the procedure. She said how much she has been praying for us and glad we had a good Christmas. She said how everyone asks about Mike and she even began to tear up. She cares for him so much. Thank you Jesus. I prayed that He would be with Mike in the procedure and provide incredible care as if it was me in there with him. He answered.
The procedure went longer than expected. She stretched Mike's esophagus and then moved into the stomach down to the bottom where the stomach empties into the intestines. It is called the duodenum (sp??). Haven't had time to research that yet. Anyway, that area is now thickening and they took a biopsy. It appears that the cancer has spread there. So the doctor stretched that area just like she did to the esophagus. This is good because it means that Mike's stomach will drain. Mike has been put on IV nutrition and on Monday will get a GJ Tube. The G tube will extend into his stomach and the J portion of that tube will go into his small intestines. In the meantime, we need to be in prayer about placing a stent down in that area. It is something that can not be done here at this hospital and we would have to go to one down in Dallas. I don't know about the insurance end of that so please be praying that if that is an option we choose, that the insurance will not be an issue.
So this new GI doctor is wonderful and such a blessing. As I was talking to her, I realized that God has answered a prayer that I have been praying for so long. She had options. She had ideas for pain management. She didn't suck the hope out of the air. AND her office doesn't take Tricare. My Dad mentioned Medicare and she said Tricare pays less than Medicare. (another doctor). BUT she also said she wished there was something better for these guys because they sacrifice so much to serve our country AND she said she would talk to her office manager and see if there was a way to take Mike as a patient as an outpatient. Thank you Jesus.
Mike is resting and is very low on energy. They are working on clearing his bowels and he is getting wonderful care today. The nurses are wonderful and the tech is one of the best we have ever had. We have many hurdles to jump here, but I can finally see the hurdles and that is an answer to prayer as well.
It is good to journal to see how God moves when you pray. I have seen very real prayers answered in very real ways today. I know God is listening and moving and therefore I fully believe that He has heard and is hearing my prayers about Mike's complete earthly healing and will answer them. In fact He is hearing the prayers for Mike all around the world. So I am on my knees, waiting, praising, and watching.....
Prayer needs:
Mike's strength, energy nutrition, pain, and for the cancer to die
Elizabeth and I as we try to maintain some sort of schedule during the days and weeks ahead
For the insurance to work out for all Mike's medical needs including this wonderful GI doctor
For the numbness in Mike's right foot. It is a side effect from Chemo and it has progressed with this last treatment.
Praise:
Dad
God answering prayers
For the wonderful nurses in GI lab and on the floor. In fact, the GI nurse ran into me in the hall after she brought Mike back from the procedure. She said how much she has been praying for us and glad we had a good Christmas. She said how everyone asks about Mike and she even began to tear up. She cares for him so much. Thank you Jesus. I prayed that He would be with Mike in the procedure and provide incredible care as if it was me in there with him. He answered.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Back in the hospital
Mike is back in the hospital. Our home health nurse was concern about Mike's lack of bowel movements and called the doctor. The doctor told us to go to the ER. So off we went. However, Mike's back hurts so much. It hurts to stand and it hurts to sit up. My incredibly brave husband endured tremendous pain to get to the ER. I truly though he was going to pass out and I just sat there crying and driving. I hate that I can't take the pain away. I pulled up to the ER and ran in crying and he was put in a wheel chair and wheeled strait back to a trauma room. I parked the car and by the time I got back to a room, there was a flurry of activity. To make a long story short, Mike has a blockage at the bottom of his stomach and is partially blocking the entrance to his intestines. They think it is a tumor. This blockage is keeping the stuff in the stomach from draining out at a proper rate. The food is just sitting in his stomach. They have stopped the G Tube feeding and he is now on TPN for the weekend along with good pain medicine. On Monday, he will be getting a J tube which feeds directly into his intestines. Hopefully this will allow us to gain strength and weight to continue the fight with our still undetermined next step.
We are both tired, but that nagging feeling I have had that something wasn't right is gone. I feel like we are headed in the right direction.
Pray:
Mike and all his medical issues - pain management, strength, and the cancer to die
Rest for everyone
Elizabeth and I and the emotions of it all
Praise:
Kathy for dinner last night and ER stay
Rippees for loving on Elizabeth tonight
Dinner from Chick fila
Private room, new doctor, and a great Big God!
We are both tired, but that nagging feeling I have had that something wasn't right is gone. I feel like we are headed in the right direction.
Pray:
Mike and all his medical issues - pain management, strength, and the cancer to die
Rest for everyone
Elizabeth and I and the emotions of it all
Praise:
Kathy for dinner last night and ER stay
Rippees for loving on Elizabeth tonight
Dinner from Chick fila
Private room, new doctor, and a great Big God!
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