I would like to share something that happened to me today at the Sam’s Club gas pumps in Wichita Falls. I left the hospital to come home and decided to go by Sam’s and get some stuff we needed at the office. Upon my arrival at Sam’s, I saw that gas was $2.40 and since it was as cheap as it was I would fill my Jeep. I pulled up to one of the gas pumps, and noticed an older gentleman outside his car but wasn’t putting gas in it. He walked back to my vehicle and said he had spilled some gasoline and was waiting for it to evaporate or make certain it was safe to leave it. He advised me that he thought I would be better off to go to another pump to get gas of which I did. I went around the gas pumps and pulled up on one side of the pump and there was another man pumping gas on the other side of the pump. When I got out, he spoke and made a comment about the weather and then asked me if I had had a good Christmas. I told him yes, but that it was not the type of Christmas that our family had had in the past that the best part of it was being able to bring my son Michael home from MD Anderson in Houston after 9 months of treatment. He asked me about Michael’s cancer, his age and how he was doing. He said he could say a lot of things but that anything he said would not be something that I hadn’t already heard or experienced. When he finished filling his car, he walked around the gas pump and introduced himself and wanted to know my name and Michael’s name so he could put them on his church’s prayer list. He took my hand and said the only thing he could do for us that would help would be to pray for Michael and me. He offered the sweetest prayer and we visited for a few more minutes. As we were standing there in Sam’s Club Parking Lot, the attendant from the little hut walked up and said she had noticed us praying and that she would like to pray for whatever we were in prayer for. So again, we held hands and prayed once again for Michael. The young woman told me that she had become a Christian after her life was not what God wanted it to be and He finally got her attention and drew her unto Him.
You know, I cannot remember the names of these two people, but names are not that important when God is involved, because He knows who these two folks are and how much they blessed this mother’s life by taking the time to pray for me and my son. God Bless you both.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Greetings from the Big O. Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and ready to start a New Year. We certainly are ready to end this year and start another one. . . . . hopefully won't be on such a roller coaster as 2009 has been. God has blessed Michael and I in so many ways this year. If it had not been for the trials in our lives, God would not have grown us into the people He has molded us to be. There have been times during the past year that I thought God had turned loose, but you know, we look back on the past year and realize God has never turned loose, it was us that had turned loose of His loving hands. I thank God that He was never too far from us for us to take His hand and hold on again.
Christmas didn't come around to our household with all the decorating and such that it usually gets. But you know, I think this is the kind of Christmas that Christ intended. It's not all about decorations and finding that perfect gift. We have been given so many gifts this year (some material) but most of all the gift of blessings throughout 2009. You cannot purchase the gifts that have become real to us this year in a store. We have seen the gift of love, life, good news, gift of prayers from our friends and family, and the gifts of comfort to a mother who has just been told her only son has an aggressive cancer growing in his body, and then the gift of miracles (healing). We have seen the power of prayer in Michael's life. We serve an AWESOME GOD. We have prayed for our doctor at MD Anderson to seek God in his life and we were told at our last visit that he and his family had attended church the week before. Praise God. . . . . . and that is an answered prayer in itself. Keep praying for Michael as this battle is won, but the fight is not over. We love each and every one of your. May God bless you and yours in 2010.
Michael is a patient at United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls as I type. He is undergoing this week of chemo as a inpatient since the weather was so unpredictable and will be coming home on Friday. We saw our new doctor, Dr. Reddy at the Texoma Cancer Center on Monday, and since they were going to be closed on New Years day, he felt it would be in Michael's best interest to do the chemo at the hospital. This was to keep from missing a day on Friday. We will be going to Wichita Falls for 1 hour a day chemo beginning next Monday for 5 days. and then back to Houston in a couple of weeks after chemo is completed for our next PET Scan and Chest X-Ray.
Christmas didn't come around to our household with all the decorating and such that it usually gets. But you know, I think this is the kind of Christmas that Christ intended. It's not all about decorations and finding that perfect gift. We have been given so many gifts this year (some material) but most of all the gift of blessings throughout 2009. You cannot purchase the gifts that have become real to us this year in a store. We have seen the gift of love, life, good news, gift of prayers from our friends and family, and the gifts of comfort to a mother who has just been told her only son has an aggressive cancer growing in his body, and then the gift of miracles (healing). We have seen the power of prayer in Michael's life. We serve an AWESOME GOD. We have prayed for our doctor at MD Anderson to seek God in his life and we were told at our last visit that he and his family had attended church the week before. Praise God. . . . . . and that is an answered prayer in itself. Keep praying for Michael as this battle is won, but the fight is not over. We love each and every one of your. May God bless you and yours in 2010.
Michael is a patient at United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls as I type. He is undergoing this week of chemo as a inpatient since the weather was so unpredictable and will be coming home on Friday. We saw our new doctor, Dr. Reddy at the Texoma Cancer Center on Monday, and since they were going to be closed on New Years day, he felt it would be in Michael's best interest to do the chemo at the hospital. This was to keep from missing a day on Friday. We will be going to Wichita Falls for 1 hour a day chemo beginning next Monday for 5 days. and then back to Houston in a couple of weeks after chemo is completed for our next PET Scan and Chest X-Ray.
Happy Birthday Michael! it is hard to believe my son will be 25 years old on Christmas Eve. What a hidden blessing God gave us 25 years ago.
We are so blessed to live in Olney, TX . Arrived home last night about 11:00pm and Michael was soooooooo surprised to find his tree with gifts under it. He is still trying to figure out how someone got in our house to put up our tree. Our babies were so glad to see us.....Amanda stood in the living room and bard and howled like she was saying, "Look everyone, look whose home!" That wasn't enough, she then went outside and stood in the yard and did the same thing. Aren't dogs amazing....they love you even if you have deserted them for nine months! We are home for an undetermined period of time. Michael will be getting his treatments in Wichita Falls beginning next week. Hallelujah! We will be going every day for 14 days (1 1/2 hours a day) and then blood work here in Olney twice a week during the last 7 days of the 21 day cycle. God is so Good. This treatment is a trial to see how low a dose of chemo we can get as a maintenance dose to keep the cancer from activating itself again. It is a very aggressive cancer and don't want it to come out of hibernation.
Bet yet, Dr. Ravi gave Michael a "release to go back to work"....he is just ecstatic.....Will be working on Monday through Friday. Dr. Ravi told him he had to pay attention to his body...when it says, "I'm tired" he needs to obey. Hopefully we can keep him true....
We would like to thank every one for you continued prayer support and encouragement. We could not have made it the past 9 months without our Lord and Savior helping us through all this horrible disease. God is good and we are seeing miracles happen in my son. Hoping we have him many more years to keep his momma on her toes. Love to all and Merry Christmas.
We are so blessed to live in Olney, TX . Arrived home last night about 11:00pm and Michael was soooooooo surprised to find his tree with gifts under it. He is still trying to figure out how someone got in our house to put up our tree. Our babies were so glad to see us.....Amanda stood in the living room and bard and howled like she was saying, "Look everyone, look whose home!" That wasn't enough, she then went outside and stood in the yard and did the same thing. Aren't dogs amazing....they love you even if you have deserted them for nine months! We are home for an undetermined period of time. Michael will be getting his treatments in Wichita Falls beginning next week. Hallelujah! We will be going every day for 14 days (1 1/2 hours a day) and then blood work here in Olney twice a week during the last 7 days of the 21 day cycle. God is so Good. This treatment is a trial to see how low a dose of chemo we can get as a maintenance dose to keep the cancer from activating itself again. It is a very aggressive cancer and don't want it to come out of hibernation.
Bet yet, Dr. Ravi gave Michael a "release to go back to work"....he is just ecstatic.....Will be working on Monday through Friday. Dr. Ravi told him he had to pay attention to his body...when it says, "I'm tired" he needs to obey. Hopefully we can keep him true....
We would like to thank every one for you continued prayer support and encouragement. We could not have made it the past 9 months without our Lord and Savior helping us through all this horrible disease. God is good and we are seeing miracles happen in my son. Hoping we have him many more years to keep his momma on her toes. Love to all and Merry Christmas.
Catch up time....December 18, 2009
Sorry I have been so unattentive to keeping the blog up to date, but there has not been a whole lot to blog about this week. Monday and Wednesday we had blood work done and all our counts were GREAT! Nothing has dropped like it has when we had the three aggressive chemos. Wednesday I went to a class to learn to take care of Michael's catheter line under his collarbone since we have opted to leave it in this time rather than having it removed. Had a report class on Thursday. Thursday was a very good day in that we met our friend, Andrew Moritz at the hospital and went to Southwell's for lunch. Had a very nice visit and heard about the good report that Andrew had received from his PET Scan from the day before. Also enjoyed meeting his brother in law, Tyler who had flown to Houston with him for his test and results. That is one proud daddy and uncle. Said our goodbyes to them after lunch and came back to the house to work. Friday morning, we went back to the hospital and I had to "prove" my learning from the two days before that I could flush and change Michael's dressing. Yeah, they said I was certified.....but that was not what Michael said. ......He said I was a lot rougher than they were....but hey, you can't take the professionals home with you......and we want to go home.
Michael was suppose to go play cards today, but we are still at the house. I asked him to please go to bed soon when I went to bed, but I got up at 3:00am and he was still up.....so momma is being momma today and did not wake him up to play cards. He is one upset big boy....he needs his sleep and rest to fight this terrible stuff and he thinks he is made of iron.....oh well! Maybe next time he will remember today! He still lives under my roof and I am one tough momma sometime. We have been here nine months and you can't keep up the fight with no rest! He is planning to work this week at the store. It is wonderful to be pain free for the past 9 months.....and if my son was just a little stronger, he would be back to his normal energetic self....Thank you Lord for the miraculous healing this year in our lives.
Michael was suppose to go play cards today, but we are still at the house. I asked him to please go to bed soon when I went to bed, but I got up at 3:00am and he was still up.....so momma is being momma today and did not wake him up to play cards. He is one upset big boy....he needs his sleep and rest to fight this terrible stuff and he thinks he is made of iron.....oh well! Maybe next time he will remember today! He still lives under my roof and I am one tough momma sometime. We have been here nine months and you can't keep up the fight with no rest! He is planning to work this week at the store. It is wonderful to be pain free for the past 9 months.....and if my son was just a little stronger, he would be back to his normal energetic self....Thank you Lord for the miraculous healing this year in our lives.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Well, when we thought the end of chemo was finished, we just found out that we will be coming back after the first of January for another round. Thought this momma was finished going to school, but have to go the class tomorrow to learn how to take care of Michael's Central
Venous Catheter that is in his chest while we are home for the holidays. Will let you know more after Monday of next week regarding our future in 2010.......wow! Michael is feeling wonderful and has realized that his work may be put off longer than expected since we are going to have more chemo......He is down tonight somewhat because he was hoping to go back to work after New Years......hang in there son.....it will happen one of these days.
Venous Catheter that is in his chest while we are home for the holidays. Will let you know more after Monday of next week regarding our future in 2010.......wow! Michael is feeling wonderful and has realized that his work may be put off longer than expected since we are going to have more chemo......He is down tonight somewhat because he was hoping to go back to work after New Years......hang in there son.....it will happen one of these days.
Friday, December 11. 2009
We are nearly finished with chemo this round....one more day after today. This has been a great round.......just hope it is doing what it is suppose to do. Michael and I are going out tonight with family to enjoy a good Mexican Dinner. His uncle, lady friend, her daughter and son in law, uncle's son and daughter in law will all be there. Family is a wonderful experience. I am so thankful Marc had family to enjoy.
By the way, if you talk to Michael ask him about the photo he took yesterday on the way to the hospital of the homeless man sleeping on the street......it is quite a photo. Poor guy, know he must have been freezing!
Counts are great.......platelets are 91, wbc is 2.7, hemoglobin is 10.9, creatinine is 1.2.......great numbers!
By the way, if you talk to Michael ask him about the photo he took yesterday on the way to the hospital of the homeless man sleeping on the street......it is quite a photo. Poor guy, know he must have been freezing!
Counts are great.......platelets are 91, wbc is 2.7, hemoglobin is 10.9, creatinine is 1.2.......great numbers!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Just looked at our calendar and it has been updated. Looks like we will see Dr. Ravi on Monday morning, December 21 and probably will be released to go home that day. Our appointment was set for December 28, so looks like they are going to try and get us out of here earlier. I think they are trying their best to get everyone home for Christmas and New Years that they can. Michael is doing wonderful No side effects from this chemo other than a little loose bowels once in a while but Imodium takes care of it. Chemo will be finished on Saturday of this week and then all we have next week is blood work on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hopefully we won't have to have blood or platelets during this round. Everyone stay warm ....temperature here tonight is 42 degrees. Forecast is for it to be 32 by morning.....Houstonians are freezing.......
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Well, thought I had better update the blog....been a while since I had. Been updating face book and chatting with friends and family, and forgot the blog. Everything is going as planned in Houston. Started our 6th day of chemo this afternoon. Platelets and hemoglobin was down yesterday, but Dr. said we could go ahead with the 6th day. Hopefully, we will get to finish this round before we leave for Christmas. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Houston and at the hospital. Dr.'s wives came in last week and decorated the hospital and it looks awesome. No lights on the trees, just a lot of decorations. It is amazing what artificial limbs and other little trinkets do to make a tree beautiful. I have taken some photos....Michael is feeling great....no down time so far. We are going to miss all the Christmas parties back home....wish we were there. But then don't need all the sweets and good food......We look forward to being there next year.....Hope everyone has a great week and remember two folks in Houston love each and every one of you.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
THANKS LORD FOR A GREAT DAY! MICHAEL IS IN GETTING HIS THIRD DAY OF CHEMO FOR THIS ROUND. SO FAR SO GOOD WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS. HIS SHOULDER IS FEELING A LITTLE BETTER, BUT STILL SORE TO THE TOUCH. NICE NOT HAVING TO SPEND FOUR TO SIX HOURS AT THE HOSPITAL EACH DAY. WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR YOUR CONCERN FOR HIM YESTERDAY....WAS A TRYING DAY. LOVE YOU ALL AND THANKS FOR CHECKING ON HIM.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Today has been a day that we really don't want a repeat of....Michael had his catheter line put in his chest this morning at 8:00am. Went from there to have an x ray done to make certain it was in the vein.....sure 'nough they had not got it through his chest but it had turned and went through his neck......back to the room for another surgical procedure to remove that one and put in another one. Finally finished in about 2 hours for a procedure that should have taken 30 minutes.....I finally went to check on him as I was afraid they had punctured his lung....Thank God for small miracles....He is suffering pretty much after the second insertion from all the working in his collarbone area....Finally wanted a pain pill....maybe that is all he will need....Waiting for second day of chemo......Finally got the bills printed....sorry folks, but thought I needed to keep my job......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 , 2009
WE ARE PRAYING THAT TODAY IS A MUCH BETTER DAY THAN YESTERDAY. DECEMBER 1, 2009 - TUESDAY: WE SAW THE NURSE AT 10:00 AM FOR CHEMO TRAINING ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE NEW CHEMO. NO INTERNET SERVICE AT THE HOUSE SO WE WENT TO BORDERS BOOKS SO I COULD WORK ON THE BILLING FOR THE CITY. WE HAD HARDLY ARRIVED AT BORDERS AND GOT OUT OUR COMPUTERS...LOOKED AT THE SCHEDULE FOR MD ANDERSON AND THEY HAD US SCHEDULED AT 1:30 FOR AN INTERVIEW ON THE CATHETER THEY ARE INSERTING RIGHT NOW. BY THE TIME WE FINISHED THE INTERVIEW IT WAS 3:00PM AND OUR CHEMO WAS SCHEDULED AT 4:00PM. STILL CANNOT GET ON THE OFFICE COMPUTER REMOTELY FROM MD ANDERSON DUE TO A BLOCK THEY HAVE ON THEIR SYSTEM. STILL NO WATER BILLS CALCULATED. STARTED CHEMO AT 5:00PM AND FINISHED AT 7:00PM. WENT TO BORDERS AND STAYED UNTIL 10:00 WORKING ON BILLS....NEARLY READY TO CALCULATE. OH YES, I HAD PURCHASED A $100.00 PREPAID PARKING PASS AND WHEN I GOT TO THE EXIT IN THE PARKING GARAGE THE MACHINE KEPT MY PARKING CHIP. THAT WAS A WHOLE 'NOTHER STORY....WASN'T ABOUT TO LET IT GO SINCE I HADN'T USED IT BUT ONCE SINCE PURCHASING IT. WE WILL BE BACK THIS AFTERNOON FOR CHEMO AT 4:00PM....IT WILL ONLY TAKE ABOUT 1 1/2 HOURS THIS CYCLE...EACH DAY. HOPEFULLY BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS......
Wonderful News---November 24, 2009-Tuesday
Today was a day I didn't ever dream would come so soon. Michael has felt wonderful for the past two weeks and it has been very hard keeping him indoors. After seeing our oncologist on Friday morning and seeing how our blood counts had rebounded, he told Michael that he could go back to work if he felt like it. I really thought it would be better to get over the flu season, but Michael promised that he would wash his hands and such if he could just go to the store and visit. Of course, I knew when I let him out of the car, he was not going to 'just visit'. I dropped him off at 8:00am on my way to work and Pam Farmer brought him home when she went to lunch at 11:00am. He called me and told me how good it felt to be able to go to the store and volunteer with sacking, stocking, and just being the normal "Personal Relations" guy that he seems to be everywhere he goes. He did find out that he is not back to normal, but with a little exercise and building up himself....I think he will be able to go back to his normal duties sooner than we thought. He was in heaven today from the time he put his red apron on until he walked out the door at Stewart's. He will admit, he was a little tired, but recovered quickly. My son, the 'Wolfman' is one tough young man and I would not take anything for him. So watch out Stewart Gang, Michael will be back before you know it.
Friday, November 20, 2009
WOW what Awesome PetScan Results. Words from the mouth of the Radiologist who read the scan......."Stable PET/CT , with treated pulmonary metastases and treated tumor in the pelvis. There is no evidence of tumor recurrence or progression". In other words.....it is dormant and in REMISSION .................AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Home for Thanksgiving and will be returning to Houston on Sunday afternoon to begin our 8th round of Chemo on Tuesday.
Home for Thanksgiving and will be returning to Houston on Sunday afternoon to begin our 8th round of Chemo on Tuesday.
November 17, 2009 - Tuesday
Tomorrow starts another chapter in our life with cancer. We will be leaving home tomorrow morning for our trek to Houston. We will have a PETScan on Thursday morning beginning at 7:00 am. Should be finished at the hospital around 2:00pm. We will see Dr. Ravi at 10:30am on Friday and then will know what the next step will be. We will be staying with my brother-in-law.........he hasn't decided to throw us out yet. We will post what is next just as soon as we know ourselves. Praying that everything is still dormant and inactive. We have won this battle but will continue the fight with God's help.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Greetings from Home! We are trying to ready ourselves to make the trip back to Houston. We are counting the days until we have to go back........8 fast moving days. We have really enjoyed our time at home and at work. It certainly is nice to be back in a normal routine and having control of our lives. Hopefully when we get back and have a PETScan done next Thursday, everything will be inactive and they will send us home again. We would love to be home for the holidays, but aren't getting our hopes up too much. Guess I can cook Thanksgiving Dinner in Houston as well as in Olney. Michael is feeling great and actually has hair growing again. Take a look at the red-head on the blog page, because from what it looks like, he is going to be a blonde. He says he likes the shaved look so well, he is going to keep it shaved, but I really doubt that! Pray that his body can continue to heal and we don't have to have any more treatments now or ever! God is still on His Throne and taking care of His own. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2009
Just thought I would update the blog. There isn't much going on with us as we are still at home waiting to report back to Houston. We will be back in the saddle on November 18 making our trip south. On November 19, we will be having a PET Scan done at 7:00 am and chest X-ray. On Friday, November 20, 2009, we will be seeing Dr. Ravi to see what the next plan of action will be. We know God is in control and we are praying for a cancer free body.....or even cancer that is in remission (inactive). Keep the prayers coming for Michael........he is a real trooper.
Sunday, October 18. 2009
Greetings this beautiful day that the Lord hath made.........what a great day to be alive. We have not written much on the blog the past week since our life is kind of quiet. I have worked every day and Michael has rested every day. We have blood work done tomorrow to see where we are on our counts. Praying that they are continuing to increase. Made a 90 mile trip yesterday to Chillicothe, Texas to pick out a pumpkin for Halloween. Enjoyed the landscape and all the green stuff. It is really unusual this time of the year to have green grass growing. Michael is feeling better each day. He is looking forward to getting out and seeing some folks. We would encourage you to come by the house when it is warm and visit. He hates wearing his mask around people, but doesn't have to on the porch. We have chairs ready for some people to visit. Thanks to all for all you do and remember God is still on His throne. Love you all...Terri and Michael
Monday, October 12, 2009
Greetings from Olney. We haven't had anything to write about since we have been home. We are having blood work done daily and counts are going up slowly. Right now, they have us scheduled to go back to Houston on November 18. If counts get to where they need to be, we may have to go back a little sooner. Just want to get this next round over with so we can come home and stay. Michael is getting some much needed rest and is feeling great other than the neuropathy in his hands and feet. He wants to get out, but due to the flu and virus that is going around, we are keeping him in as much as possible. Continue to pray for him as the battle is won but the fight is not over. . . . . . . . We love all of you and think about you every day. If you have time give him a call and help pass the time..........Just received lab report from hospital....platelets are up to 57 today and white blood count is 3.5 Hemoglobin is 7.9. All are still very low, but we are making some progress. Thank you Lord for some better counts today. No blood needed and no platelets needed....YEAH!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
It is wonderful to be home. We would have to agree with Dorothy on the 'Wizard of Oz', "There is no place like home". It is wonderful to sleep in our own beds. God has really been good to the Wipperman Family. God has to somehow put us in situations that cause us to realize how blessed we are. We have food, a home, family, friends and most importantly His love and Saving Grace.
I never thought I would get excited over blood counts coming up, but we made great progress from yesterday to today with platelets. Our platelet count come up from 13 yesterday to 19 today....praise God. Looking forward to being able to get out and about with caution one of these days. When the weather is a little warmer please come by to see Michael and he can sit on the porch and talk. He is 'antsy' to see folks he loves. If you are on the porch he won't have to wear a mask. We love everyone and look forward to seeing you again.
I never thought I would get excited over blood counts coming up, but we made great progress from yesterday to today with platelets. Our platelet count come up from 13 yesterday to 19 today....praise God. Looking forward to being able to get out and about with caution one of these days. When the weather is a little warmer please come by to see Michael and he can sit on the porch and talk. He is 'antsy' to see folks he loves. If you are on the porch he won't have to wear a mask. We love everyone and look forward to seeing you again.
October 6.2009
Just a quick note to let everyone know we made the trip north yesterday after visiting with Dr. Ravi. He advised he was going to let us come home for some recouping and would see us in about a month to six weeks.....Dr. Ravi advised he needed to avoid contact with people as much as possible. Please call him anytime.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Just received a call from the triage nurse regarding blood counts today. Just wish I could sneak some of my old tired blood in the tube for his. White blood count has dropped to 1.4 and hemoglobin has dropped to 7.5 and I wasted my money on the T-Bone he had for lunch yesterday as it didn't move the platelets any....they are still at 12. I guess money isn't wasted as they did't go DOWN. She advised me that the bone marrow just is not there any longer.....but then we don't know why they go up one day and back down or blow what they were the previous day. Looks like we will have to stay in Houston longer than we had hoped....See the doctor tomorrow to see what is on our plate the next month or so. God is still in control.
Keep on praying.....we are going to win this new battle.......Go Michael!
Love to all, Terri and Michael
Keep on praying.....we are going to win this new battle.......Go Michael!
Love to all, Terri and Michael
Friday, October 2, 2009
Today is same song and different dance. Had blood work done and counts are down even more. Just had a call from the hospital and said they were going to postpone chemo another week. Said they were surprised he is not going up they way he has done so far. I told them the chemo is working overtime. Counts are down even further today. His platelets were 20 on Wednesday, 15 on Thursday and 11 today. Hopefully we will get to travel north the first of next week. Thanks everyone for praying for my Aunt Margriette. She is still having some pain, but hopefully be back in the saddle with a little bed rest. She will be in the hospital for a few days and possibly have to have some surgery on her back, but hoping that is not needed. Praying for the best outcome.....
Tuesday, September 29,.2009
Today started off with blood work at the hospital this morning. Michael ran fever last night, but refused to go to the hospital e.r. Come to find out, he has mouth sores again which is probably causing the fever at night. We just can't get our platelet count up where it needs to be. Yesterday, platelets were 19 and today they are back down to 6. Had to go to the hospital this afternoon to have a bag of platelets. Hopefully these will help. This is the most platelets we have had to inject since starting this journey. We have had 4 units of blood and 6 units of platelets this cycle. Michael is so tired and worn out ........doesn't want to go to the hospital and his attitude needs some adjustments. I guess if I had been poked and prodded as much as he has in the last 6 months, my attitude would be bad also; probably worse than his. We are just ready to get this over with and get our life back to normal.
September 26, 2009 Saturday
Go Red Raiders! We are sitting here watching the University of Houston and
Texas Tech Red Raiders playing football. We were warned this morning that we didn't want to say loudly that we were for the Red Raiders being in Houston. That would be like tell Olney folks you were a Holliday Fan in Olney. We have had a fairly uneventful day. Had platelets last night and of course had a reaction to them. His body just doesn't know what to do when it gets something he needs. Ran a pretty good fever after they started the platelets, but finally went down. He has felt better today, but still not good. Just a little fatigued. Counts are still very low even after having blood and platelets on Thursday and Friday. Hopefully counts will start rebounding now since we have some good blood. We hope to get the PIK line out tomorrow. Decided to leave it in this time until we were sure we would need no more blood and platelets. We are officially completed with round #7 and look forward to the beginning and completion of Round #8. Just three more weeks we hope.
Texas Tech Red Raiders playing football. We were warned this morning that we didn't want to say loudly that we were for the Red Raiders being in Houston. That would be like tell Olney folks you were a Holliday Fan in Olney. We have had a fairly uneventful day. Had platelets last night and of course had a reaction to them. His body just doesn't know what to do when it gets something he needs. Ran a pretty good fever after they started the platelets, but finally went down. He has felt better today, but still not good. Just a little fatigued. Counts are still very low even after having blood and platelets on Thursday and Friday. Hopefully counts will start rebounding now since we have some good blood. We hope to get the PIK line out tomorrow. Decided to leave it in this time until we were sure we would need no more blood and platelets. We are officially completed with round #7 and look forward to the beginning and completion of Round #8. Just three more weeks we hope.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Just a quick note to let everyone know what is going on today. We have been to the hospital this morning to have blood drawn to see if we are going to have to have a couple units of blood or platelets today. Our counts were falling yesterday and look for them to be lower today, but hopefully not. Maybe the chicken fried steak he had for dinner last night has brought them up. This coming week will be the week we have to watch counts so closely. Yesterday was not a good day for either of us. God got us through it though......but had to get our attention to do it. He is so Good.......
Will write more later.......
Terri and Michael
Well, we are at the hospital getting blood..... counts were low today....will be at hospital until a little after midnight...Hopefully will be all we have to have this cycle......pray that it will be.
Will write more later.......
Terri and Michael
Well, we are at the hospital getting blood..... counts were low today....will be at hospital until a little after midnight...Hopefully will be all we have to have this cycle......pray that it will be.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Today is a great day in Houston. Weather is cooler and God has sent Houstonians some much needed rain. I guess we have had about an inch. We will take that anytime, but hope and pray I am out of the area when the hurricanes start brewing. We are having a great day. Michael is up and laughing today. Had about 5 hours sleep yesterday afternoon and feels much better. Will have blood work done tomorrow to see where we are platelet and hemoglobin wise. Have to go back to the hospital tonight about 10:00pm for a bag change...thought it would be the last day, but Dr.'s orders have decided another day. Maybe it will keep the counts from dropping so much. Continue praying and praising our Miracle Maker, Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 21, 2009
We have had a pretty good sort of a day in the great Southeast......Went and had blood drawn this morning and counts are dropping dramatically. White blood count is 2.2, hemoglobin is 8.2, platelets are 79, magnesium is 2.0 , potassium is 4.4, and creatinine is 1.0. If they continue to drop, we will probably have to take advantage of the Olney Blood on Wednesday. Probably have to have some platelets as well. He is soooooo tired today, hasn't even been on his computer. He is asleep right now and very pale. It is amazing how fast his body can react to the chemo....one minute he feels great and the next minute he can hardly go! We have to go in tonight about 9:00pm to have the fluid bag replaced. Tomorrow everything comes off and Round 7 will end...except for the count watching. I am ready to come home and get our lives back to normal if there is such a thing. Thanks to all for your continued prayers and encouragement. I have decided my being strong has just about left me. Only one more round...though......
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Good morning all.....we are doing well here in the big city. Michael has had a good 4 days of chemo....no big side effects other than being a little fatigued at times. This is the first round without hiccups so he is happy about that. They certainly do aggravate him when he has them. Tomorrow we will start watching our blood counts again. Hopefully they won't go as low as they have in the past. We are still getting the Lovenox shot each evening for the blood clot and guess we will until platelets fall below 50. We will be getting fluids only after tonight. This is the last day for the other chemo. Yeah! Round 7 is almost history. We are looking forward to coming home for good. Michael is such a trooper. He has developed a big fan club here in Houston. The nurses and all the staff just love him. They all want him as their patient and they all come by to see him when he is in a room. They have become part of our extended family. It is so neat to be walking down the hall and someone will say "hi Michael and Mrs. Wipperman". Guess with a name like "Wipperman" no one can forget it. Ha! Hope everyone gets a nap this afternoon and ready for a new week.....Love to all, Terri and Michael
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Look out medical profession, here I come! I have been promoted from nurses aide to nurse over a matter of a shot. Michael is having to take blood thinners for the blood clot in his lung and I gave him his shot last night for the first time. We started our 7th round of chemo last night. We are taking adriamycin/“red devil”, ifosamide, mesna (protectant for kidneys), venicristine, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. We will have all with the exception of the ‘red devil’ for 5 days. The red devil is for only 3 days thank goodness…
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
PRAISE THE LORD....NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT RIGHT NOW WITH THE LIVER....GREEN LIGHT FOR CHEMO TO BEGIN LATE THIS AFTERNOON.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Today began with us arriving at the hospital at 8:00am for the CVC line insertion. First of all it usually takes about 45 minutes and today it took 2 hours. I was beginning to get a little uneasy about the time factor when the head nurse came and called me into the room where Michael was lying. His pulse rate on the machine was 177 and she advised she was a little worried about it. Said she had checked it manually and had not noted any irregular beats or skipped beats. She let us go to x-ray for the picture to make certain the line was not hooked on the end. Said his veins are very difficult to put a line in. Said they weren't hardly large enough for the catheter to be inserted. We went back to the hospital tonight to start our round 7 of chemo. Was there about 4 hours and chemo was never started. They advised that Dr. Ravi had ordered a liver test due to Michael's white count being up in such a short period of time. They called Dr. Ravi and he advised to have blood work done and then results would determine if we could start chemo tomorrow. Seems like the longer we are here, the harder it gets. Seems like there are a lot of curves these days instead of straight roads. My oh my, just wish the "Wip" was still around to be with us through all of this. Maybe he saw the hand writing on the wall and couldn't take it.....ha! I'm beginning to wonder if I am strong enough to make it to the end....I'm beginning to feel as old as I am plus about 20 years. As Ronnie Stroud would tell Michael, keep on keeping on. ......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
WE MADE THE TRIP BACK TO HOUSTON THIS AFTERNOON WITH A FEW PROBLEMS, BUT NOTHING TOO BAD. FIRST OFF THE BAT, THE JEEP WOULDN'T START THIS MORNING WHEN WE STARTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR LAB WORK. HAD TO GET RICK CLARIDA TO COME JUMP ME OFF AND OFF TO NAPA FOR A NEW BATTERY. WOW.....BEFORE WE GET THROUGH IN HOUSTON, WE WILL HAVE A NEW VEHICLE AGAIN REPLACING EVERYTHING ONE ITEM AT A TIME. FIRST THE GASKET ON THE OIL PAN AND NOW A BATTERY. THANK GOD I WAS HOME WHEN THE BATTERY DECIDED TO CRASH. UPON OUR ARRIVAL IN HOUSTON, WE LEARNED A YOUNG MAN ABOUT 2 OR 3 YEARS YOUNGER THAN MICHAEL HAD PASSED AWAY LAST NIGHT ABOUT 11:00PM. WHAT A BLOW TO US. HE HAD A DIFFERENT FORM OF SARCOMA CANCER THAN MICHAEL AND HAD NOT HAD THE RESULTS FROM TREATMENT THAT MICHAEL HAD HAD. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY....HIS NAME WAS JAKE NEVES. HIS MOTHER SAID THEY WERE RELIEVED THAT HE WOULD SUFFER NO MORE BUT THE LOSS OF THEIR SON WAS DEVASTATING. HIS PAIN WAS STILL CAUSING HIM LOTS OF MISERY. THEY WERE REALLY A SWEET FAMILY AND WE VISITED WITH THEM EACH TIME WE SAW THEM. WE HAVE THE PICK LINE PUT IN TOMORROW MORNING AT 8:30AM AND THEN GO BACK TO START CHEMO ROUND 7 TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6:30PM. IF PLANS GO AS INTENDED WE SHOULD BE FINISHED HERE THE END OF OCTOBER. HALLELUJAH!!!!!
Thursday, September 10,2009
Thought I would write a few lines since everyone is wanting to know what is going on in our lives, right Nita? We have been home since Sunday evening getting some much needed down time or rather Michael is getting some much needed time. We will be going back to Houston on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning depending on what the counts are on Friday. Michael's white count has dropped hard since we have been home for some unknown reason. His platelets are near the 'going back for more ' range but are waiting on the word about his white count. He was scheduled to start Chemo last night but counts weren't high enough. Today has really taken a toll on Michael due to losing his boss, Harold Stewart to cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fay, Robert and Danny and their families. He was a very unique individual and was a huge ICON in Olney, TX. He will be greatly missed. We certainly know where he is tonight, enjoying time with the Lord and having a great reunion with his mom and dad.
PRAISE THE LORD.......SEPTEMBER 4, 2009
WELL, IT WAS THE NEWS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SINCE COMING TO HOUSTON. NO SIGN OF ANY CANCER......HIP HIP HOORAY AND PRAISE THE LORD. MICHAEL IS IN FOR THE CT SCAN AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE TO CHECK BACK WITH THE DOCTOR AFTER IT IS OVER TO SEE WHAT THE RESULTS ARE. IF THEY ARE POSITIVE THE BLOOD CLOT EXISTS, THEY WILL START HIM ON BLOOD THINNERS TWICE A DAY. WE CAN DEAL WITH THAT KNOWING WHAT WE KNOW TODAY......IN FACT, WE CAN DEAL WITH ANYTHING......SINCE WE KNOW GOD IS IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS......AMEN. OF COURSE, THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT WON'T RETURN, BUT WE CAN BEAT IS AGAIN....RIGHT? DR. RAVI DID TELL US THAT WE WERE GOING TO GET TO TAKE A SHORT BREAK BEFORE THE NEXT ROUND AS MICHAEL'S SYSTEM IS VERY TOXIN.......WILL PROBABLY COME HOME FOR REST...HE HAD A SLIGHT FEVER THIS MORNING OR WE WOULD HAVE GOT TO GO HOME TODAY......SAID THE CHANCE OF IT WORSENING IS HIGH SINCE HE HAS NO DEFENSE IN HIS WHITE BLOOD COUNT. SAID IT COULD BECOME LIFE THREATENING IN LESS THAN 4 HOURS.....SO WE WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE FIRST OF NEXT WEEK.....PROBABLY TUESDAY.
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SAID A PRAYER, SENT CARDS, CALLED, AND EVEN THOUGHT OF US DURING THE PAST MONTHS. YOU'RE AMAZING AND OUR GOD IS TRULY AN AMAZING GOD. ALSO TO THOSE WHO HAD ANY PART IN THE BAKE SALE AND THOSE WHO DONATED TO THE MEDICAL FUND. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD SOME PART IN KEEPING OUR OLNEY HOME GOING......WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE ALL THIS WITHOUT YOU ALL.........
LOVE, TERRI AND MICHAEL
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SAID A PRAYER, SENT CARDS, CALLED, AND EVEN THOUGHT OF US DURING THE PAST MONTHS. YOU'RE AMAZING AND OUR GOD IS TRULY AN AMAZING GOD. ALSO TO THOSE WHO HAD ANY PART IN THE BAKE SALE AND THOSE WHO DONATED TO THE MEDICAL FUND. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD SOME PART IN KEEPING OUR OLNEY HOME GOING......WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE ALL THIS WITHOUT YOU ALL.........
LOVE, TERRI AND MICHAEL
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Well, today has been a very trying day. Arrived at the hospital this morning about 6:15 am to have blood drawn to see what our counts were. After blood work was completed we made a trip over to the Outpatient Radiology Center to have our even cycle chemo CT Scan on Michael's full body. To start off the scan, we were told that they had a block on the scan because our insurance company had not approved it. The appointment was for 7:00am and finally at 9:20, they advised that it had just been approved and they would proceed. Michael was really praying that it wouldn't be approved because he didn't want to drink the two bottles of barium. God didn't answer his prayer, so he went in for the scan. We finally got out about 11:20am and went by Burger King to get him something to eat. When we arrived home about 12:00noon, we received a call that his hemoglobin count had dropped to 6.5 and that he would need to return to the hospital for two units of blood at 1:00pm. But before they ended the call about the blood, we were also informed that the Radiologist had just called Dr. Ravi and advised they had found a blood clot in Michael's chest and they recommended him getting a more detailed scan of his chest. They advised that they would try to get it scheduled later this afternoon. We went in for the 2 units of blood and was released about 7:30pm. Needless to say, the scan was not done, so we have to be back at the hospital at 6:30am in the morning for blood work, 8:00am for appointment with Dr. Ravi, and 9:15 for the CT Scan. We were hoping to get to come home this weekend, but looks like it will be postponed for a day or so. Hopefully, something good will come out of the horrible week in that the cancer will be decreasing or gone. Think positive....although it is hard to do after a day like today.......I am mentally exhausted......Keep praying.
Love,
Terri and Michael
Love,
Terri and Michael
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
We are in the hospital as we speak having a cardiac scan done. I have my feet propped up and relaxing a while. The cardiac scan was at 1:00pm and the PET Scan is at 3:30pm and needless to say we are running about 40 minutes late so far on the cardiac scan and probably will be at least 1-2 hours late on the PET Scan. Michael is starving to death - he thinks. Nothing to eat since last night and can't eat or drink anything other than water until after the PET Scan. We are praying for a clearer if not clear report from the Pet Scan than the one after round 4. We should have the results on Friday when we see the Dr. Hopefully we will get the okay to come home for Labor Day before starting the next round of chemo. Michael has felt good the past couple of days. We did have to have platelets last night since his platelet count was down to 2 yesterday. They dropped from 20 to 2 in 24 hours. Platelets 10 or under requires a platelet transfusion and hemoblogin7.1 and under requires two units of blood.
Monday, August 30, 2009
Hope everyone had a good weekend and was ready to end a month and start a new one this week. It is hard to believe it is already September. Where did the summer go? The saying, "the older you get the faster time goes" is really a reality with me. We had a very quiet weekend. Michael enjoyed playing Yu-Gi-Oh at Bo's Hamburgers on Saturday and then Sunday we rested most of the day. He is feeling pretty good other than his feet hurting which is caused from the chemo. It is a form of neuropathy. He also has it in his fingers. We have already been to the hospital for blood work. Hopefully counts will be up enough that we won't have to go back for blood and/or platelets. We don't have anything scheduled tomorrow but Wednesday we have a full day. Beginning at 7:00am we have a PET Scan to see what the chemo is doing with the cancer. We hope to have something to shout about! That afternoon at 1:00 we have a CARDIAC scan to check his heart. On Thursday morning, we have a CT Scan of his whole body. Friday is our doctors review of where we are. Hopefully our counts will be high enough we will be able to head home for Labor Day. He will have another NPlate shot for platelets before the next round starts and will have to wait for 5 days after the shot to start the chemo. We are hoping and praying that they will give the shot either Friday or Saturday morning and then we can have 5 days at home. God is good and we know he is working His miracle in Michael's life in His own time. Will write more later.
08-28-09 GETTING SOME OF THE GOOD OLNEY BLOOD
WISH I COULD SEND SOME OF THIS RAIN HOME TO THE BIG O THAT WE ARE GETTING HERE IN HOUSTON TONIGHT. WE HAVE FLOODING IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON AND EASTWARD. AS WE WRITE THIS, WE ARE AT THE HOSPITAL GETTING TWO UNITS OF BLOOD. WOULDN'T YOU KNOW , WE HAD THE IV LINE REMOVED LAST NIGHT AND TONIGHT WE HAD TO HAVE BLOOD. WE WILL PROBABLY BE HERE UNTIL ABOUT MIDNIGHT. HE HAS HAD TO HAVE BLOOD WORK DONE TWICE TODAY AND NOW BLOOD. BEFORE THIS IS ALL OVER, HE IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE A PIN CUSHION. MICHAEL IS SOUND ASLEEP. WE HAVEN'T HAD VERY GOOD LUCK THIS WEEK. THEY SAY GOD DOESN'T PLACE MORE ON YOU THAN YOU CAN HANDLE, BUT HEY, I AM NOT AS STRONG AS HE SEEMS TO THINK I AM. OF COURSE, MY PROBLEMS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE THAN THEY ACTUALLY WERE. I WON'T BORE YOU WITH MY CAR PROBLEMS, BUT I WILL HAVE TO SAY GOD IS GOOD....KEEP ON KEEPING THE PRAYERS GOING.....GOD IS GOOD AND WE WILL BE BACK HOME BEFORE YOU KNOW IT!..
LOVE TO ALL, TERRI AND MICHAEL (some have said they don't know when to call--call anytime and if we are unable to answer your call due to us being in the hospital where our wonderful cell phone won't ring, leave a message and we will call you back. We usually can transfer our cell calls to the room where we are in the hospital 940-564-6220)
LOVE TO ALL, TERRI AND MICHAEL (some have said they don't know when to call--call anytime and if we are unable to answer your call due to us being in the hospital where our wonderful cell phone won't ring, leave a message and we will call you back. We usually can transfer our cell calls to the room where we are in the hospital 940-564-6220)
Round Six is History....August 27, 2009
Round six is officially over. Have a week to watch counts and see what happens. We have scans next week to see where we are in the eradication of the sarcoma. Hopefully it is gone or nearly gone. Two more rounds for certain. Looks like we are looking at the middle to end of October. We have a PET Scan, CT Scan and a Heart Scan next week and then a doctors appt on Friday. Hopefully he will release us for a few days.
Had the IV line removed tonight and the bag of fluids stopped. Michael said he feels like a free man when the bag isn't a part of him.
Had the IV line removed tonight and the bag of fluids stopped. Michael said he feels like a free man when the bag isn't a part of him.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH EVERYONE. WE ARE HAVING AN UNEVENTFUL ROUND SO FAR. TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN MY MIMI'S 92ND BIRTHDAY. I CERTAINLY DO MISS HER. TODAY IS MY LAST DAY OF THE "RED DEVIL" FOR THIS ROUND. THREE MORE DAYS OF FLUIDS AND THE CHEMO WILL BE HISTORY. THEN TWO MORE ROUNDS TO GO.
BACK IN HOUSTON, AUGUST 18, 2009
We arrived in Houston this evening about 7:30pm. We will be having our CVC line put in tomorrow morning about 7:30 at the hospital and then will begin our 6th Round of Chemo at 1:00pm. Had a wonderful week at home, and it was certainly hard to leave this morning. Looking forward to being back home for good. We certainly owe a lot to my brother-in-law and Michael's Uncle Forrest for all he has done for us during the past four months. We will never be able to repay him for his kindness and hospitality. Will try to update the blog a little better this round and hopefully our counts will stay up where they are suppose to and not drop to the critical range. Thanks for your prayers. Love, Terri and Michael
BACK IN HOUSTON FOR TONIGHT
WE ARE BACK IN HOUSTON TODAY, BUT WILL BE LEAVING FOR OLNEY IN THE MORNING EARLY. WE COULD NOT GET THE PLATELET INJECTION CHANGED TO WICHITA FALLS OR DALLAS TODAY. WON'T HAVE TO BE BACK IN HOUSTON UNTIL WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AT 1:00 PM TO START CHEMO FOR ROUND 6.....HAD BLOOD WORK DONE TODAY AND PLATELETS ARE UP TO 182......WOW....WHAT A ROLLER COASTER RIDE WITH COUNTS! WE WILL BE IN OLNEY UNTIL TUESDAY AFTERNOON OR WEDNESDAY MORNING DEPENDING ON WHEN THEY SCHEDULE THE CVC LINE INSERTION ON WEDNESDAY BEFORE CHEMO. PLEASE DROP BY IF YOU HAVE A MINUTE AND WISH THE WOLFMAN LUCK ON ROUND 6. WE ARE NEARING THE END OF TREATMENT WE HOPE.....THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU ALL DO. LOVE, TERRI AND MICHAEL
HOME AT LAST!!!!!!! August 10, 2009
JUST WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW WE ARE HOME AT LAST FOR A FEW DAYS. DON'T HAVE TO GO BACK UNTIL THURSDAY AT THE EARLIEST....MICHAEL'S COUNTS ARE UP TO 3.9 FOR WHITE BLOOD COUNT, 8.4 FOR HEMOGLOBIN AND 62 FOR PLATELETS........PRAISE THE LORD......IT CERTAINLY IS NICE TO BE IN OUR DIRTY HOUSE FOR A CHANGE.......HOPE TO SEE ALL THIS WEEK SOMETIME....
I AM GOING TO WORK TOMORROW AND MICHAEL IS GOING TO STEWARTS TO BE THE PR MAN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS......HA! IS JUST ABOUT TO HAVE A FIT TO GO BACK TO WORK........
TERRI
I AM GOING TO WORK TOMORROW AND MICHAEL IS GOING TO STEWARTS TO BE THE PR MAN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS......HA! IS JUST ABOUT TO HAVE A FIT TO GO BACK TO WORK........
TERRI
Yeah!!!!!!
This has been a lonnnnnnngggggg weekend.. especially since we had planned to be home for it. However, our counts are going up again. Today, Michael's hemoglobin was up to 8.3 and his platelet count was up to 53. We could have come home today, but thought we needed to stay for our oncologist appointment tomorrow morning with Dr. Ravi. Want to ask some questions and gather his thoughts as to our progress. We are going to ask him if we can go home for a few days. Michael's platelets have to be 100 before we start another round of chemo. . . . . . . so maybe we can have a few days. This is information that was shared by the triage nurse on Friday. Mom could stand a few days also. Michael really wanted to be home today for the 3rd anniversary of Marc's death. We would have liked to be home to put some flowers out for him. But guess that is not that important. Michael is feeling pretty good. Walked from the parking garage to the lab today. He hasn't done that in over two weeks. Hope to see all real soon......
TODAY'S BLOOD DRIVE TOTALS.......WOW
WOW! THAT IS A THREE LETTER WORD TO DESCRIBE THE TURNOUT WE HAD FOR THE BLOOD DRIVE TODAY IN OLNEY. JUDA CALLED A LITTLE WHILE AGO AND ADVISED WE HAD 100 COME IN TO DONATE BLOOD AND ONLY 11 WERE TURNED DOWN FOR SOME REASON. YOU ALL ARE AWESOME! I KNOW I SPEAK FOR ALL THE OLNEY PATIENTS.......THANK YOU FOLKS FOR ALL YOU DID. IT IS GREAT LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN......OF COURSE WE KNEW THAT.....!!!!!THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR GIVING OF YOURSELVES TO HELP US.....YOU ARE THE BEST! I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT THE STORE REAL SOON .....AS SOON AS I AM FINISHED WITH TREATMENTS AND GET SOME STRENGTH BUILT UP. I LOOK FORWARD TO CARRYING OUT YOUR GROCERIES AGAIN. I REALLY DO MISS EVERYONE.
LOVE TO ALL OF YOU,
MICHAEL WIPPERMAN AND ALL
LOVE TO ALL OF YOU,
MICHAEL WIPPERMAN AND ALL
HOORAY FOR COUNTS!!!!!
Never in my life did I think I would get so excited over counts moving upwards, but hey, we have something to get excited over. We might celebrate big time for this increase in counts. Michael's platelet count is up to 20 today....yeah! We might be on the upward swing for a change. He looks a whole lot better and actually has some pink in his lips this afternoon. I have promised him a surprise if he can get them up to 50 by the end of the week (not that he has anything to do with it).
I want to remind everyone to make an effort to donate blood tomorrow at the civic center in Olney for all the Olney folks who are struggling with this terrible disease. Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to give a unit of blood tomorrow and know that every drop is greatly appreciated.
I personally want to thank everyone who has helped in any way get the drive off the ground. Especially to our friend, Juda Ming for her unselfish time and organizing ability. You are the best......and if there are any cookies left, save us just one. Understand a lot of baking will be going on in Olney today and tonight. Juda is hoping for 100 units of blood tomorrow, so please don't disappoint her. Thanks everyone and God Bless you All. Thanks to Carter Blood Bank who will be doing the drive. Thanks again.
Love to all our friend and family,
Terri & Michael
P.S. Michael felt good enought to go to OUTBACK Steakhouse for dinner tonight. First steak we have had in over 5 months. Was it MMMMMMM Good........!!!!!! He said he had to get his counts up quick........and he is doing all he can to get them where they need to be. He ate 1/2 rack of baby back ribs and macaroni and cheese.....He is one full boy!
I want to remind everyone to make an effort to donate blood tomorrow at the civic center in Olney for all the Olney folks who are struggling with this terrible disease. Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to give a unit of blood tomorrow and know that every drop is greatly appreciated.
I personally want to thank everyone who has helped in any way get the drive off the ground. Especially to our friend, Juda Ming for her unselfish time and organizing ability. You are the best......and if there are any cookies left, save us just one. Understand a lot of baking will be going on in Olney today and tonight. Juda is hoping for 100 units of blood tomorrow, so please don't disappoint her. Thanks everyone and God Bless you All. Thanks to Carter Blood Bank who will be doing the drive. Thanks again.
Love to all our friend and family,
Terri & Michael
P.S. Michael felt good enought to go to OUTBACK Steakhouse for dinner tonight. First steak we have had in over 5 months. Was it MMMMMMM Good........!!!!!! He said he had to get his counts up quick........and he is doing all he can to get them where they need to be. He ate 1/2 rack of baby back ribs and macaroni and cheese.....He is one full boy!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Happy Monday to everyone.....we got some much needed R & R yesterday after we had 12 units of platelets. The blood and platelets we are receiving must not be any good as far as our blood work is concerned.....still hasn't brought any counts up. They say this happens once in while with the aggressive chemo we are getting. Just hope they come up some by the weekend. This staying indoors is the pits. Need to go out to eat or do something fun. Maybe I could use a TBone Steak from Saltgrass. MMMMMMMMM! Mom has been pretty sick.....thought she was going to have to go to the hospital instead of me over the weekend. She has had a sinus infection and hasn't been much of a nurse other than trying to keep me from having to go to the emergency room with a fever. I have had a fever the last two nights but so far we have missed the e.r. She has now started playing doctor on the side rather than being my nurse. This is our secret. Stay cool......there aren't many cool, dry (with no humidity) places here....Michael and Terri
Saturday, August 1,2009`
Things are going okay here in Houston. Our counts continue to be a concern with the MD Anderson team of doctors. Even after all the shots, they still continue to get lower, lower, and lower. We had two more units of blood last night and a bag of platelets and bloodwork today which proved the blood and platelets did NOTHING. He had a fainting spell a while ago and nearly scared me to death, but is fine now. This is the second one of these he has had.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Well, we lucked out today...counts are still falling with the exception of his hemoglobin which is up about 1.3 from yesterday. Everything else is rock-bottom, but we are going to increase some medication and hopefully will bring his magnesium and potassium up by tomorrow. Said we have to stay out of crowds......first time they have told us that so they must think he is really low. He feels pretty good, but doesn't have much of an appetite...Just drinks and goes to the bathroom......alot. Weather is unseasonably dry here and hot and humid.. Don't know where all this humidity is going but it isn't making any rain. Hope to see all soon.....Love, Terri and Michael
Wednesday, July 29,2009
We arrived home this morning about 3:00am. Had two units of blood and a 1 1/2 hour delay between them because of a reaction to the first bag which caused a fever. We had parked our car in the Mays garage because that is where we were scheduled to have the catheter taken out after pump disconnection. When we went to get the blood, they sent us to the main building and we thought we would be out by 10:00pm. We had to go to the UT Police Department to retrieve our Jeep. Wow things are never dull around the Medical City. Michael's counts continued to drop today even after the blood. We will have more blood work done tomorrow to see where we stand. He is pretty down due to Ronnie's death and counts being down. Keep him in your prayers. Gonna get some sleep while we can.
Terri
Terri
Proposing to take July and August from the calendar
Today was suppose to be a good day and turned out to be a very heartbreaking day. Where do I begin. Seems like I have know Ronnie Stroud forever. Actually knew him before Marc and I married in 1981. He and his brother, Cotton were contractors for Lone Star Gas Company when I worked for them. Ronnie wanted people to think he was a 'bear" at times but he had the heart of gold. When Michael and I came to MD Anderson, Ronnie and Wanda spent numerous hours encouraging us to fight the fight and all. Much to our surprise, Ronnie's fight has ended.....no more pain and no more suffering. We just never know what God has in store, do we? We have lots of memories and will always cherish the time we had with Ronnie.
Seems like everyone in our family, both biological and work and some of our friends have left us in July and August. Four years ago in August we lost Lee Ann Campbell who was a co worker at the City from cancer, three years ago last week we lost Corky Clifton with Cancer, and two weeks later we lost my husband and Michael's dad to a massive heart attack, a year ago last week we lost my mom and Michael's Mimi to Alzheimer's, and 7 years ago next month we lost Angel Thomas, Michael's first girlfriend and Omar Graham, one of Michael's best friends, and Billie Glazener two years ago. We don't like July and August and now Ronnie.
Wanda and Family: Know we are thinking of you all during this time. So sorry things had to go this way, but you have lots of memories and God will get you through this time.
We are at the hospital at this time waiting for blood. Michael's counts are very low and will get two units tonight before they take the CVC line out. We will continue to fight the fight, Ronnie.
Terri and Michael
Seems like everyone in our family, both biological and work and some of our friends have left us in July and August. Four years ago in August we lost Lee Ann Campbell who was a co worker at the City from cancer, three years ago last week we lost Corky Clifton with Cancer, and two weeks later we lost my husband and Michael's dad to a massive heart attack, a year ago last week we lost my mom and Michael's Mimi to Alzheimer's, and 7 years ago next month we lost Angel Thomas, Michael's first girlfriend and Omar Graham, one of Michael's best friends, and Billie Glazener two years ago. We don't like July and August and now Ronnie.
Wanda and Family: Know we are thinking of you all during this time. So sorry things had to go this way, but you have lots of memories and God will get you through this time.
We are at the hospital at this time waiting for blood. Michael's counts are very low and will get two units tonight before they take the CVC line out. We will continue to fight the fight, Ronnie.
Terri and Michael
Restful day
Well, we have had a good weekend and did get some much needed R & R. Michael played cards yesterday at Bo's Hamburgers....the people there are so good to him. Always wanting to know if they can do anything for him. On our way to play cards, we went by to tell Uncle Forrest where we were going. He was volunteering at the Resale Shop that he and Aunt Baba have volunteered at for many years. I (Terri) ran into Harold and Della Heckman, former pastor and his wife of St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Olney) who were volunteering there yesterday. I knew they volunteered as Forrest had told me, but wasn't expecting to see them there. Their daughter, Lynette and I graduated in 1971 from OHS. We talked for about an hour and then went on our way for Michael to play cards. He did really well at the card tournament and the kids are so kind to him. It does him good to get to play some during all of this ordeal. We have spent most of the day at the house except for getting our bag refilled at the hospital tonight. One more day with the backpack and round five will almost be history. Looking forward to seeing three more rounds behind us. God is good in that this has been a pretty non excitable round. Just hope we can stay out of the emergency room this week.....Hope all is well at home and know that we think of each of you every day. Love, Terri and Michael
Hard day
Well, as far as Michael is concerned, this has really been a good week. He got through the 'red devil' really good and has one more day with his other two chemos...He is doing real good. No nausea, no temperature, and still has a good appetite and good outlook. Today has not been too good for me especially after lunch when it hit me what day it was. Today would have been Marc's and my 28th Anniversary and a year ago tomorrow mother passed away. Michael said he wanted to take me out to dinner....said he couldn't be my husband but would take me out. Hope all is well at home and you all had a great week. Love, Terri and Michael
10:00pm......Well, Michael and I went out to Jax Restaurant here in Bellaire for dinner....he had a hamburger and I had a fish plate....About half way through, he crashed. He was so tired he could hardly hold his head up and so we packed up what was left of our dinner and headed home. He wanted to watch the Astros with his Uncle Forrest, but went straight to bed and has been asleep since. He has such a good heart......wanted me to stop by the flower shop so he could get me some flowers, but told him he didn't need to do that. Hopefully, he will have more energy tomorrow...we will see. It is amazing how fast he can go down .....one minutes full of vigor and the next ready to collapse. Next few days will probably be rough but we will make it. It seems like when we finish the chemo is when the fatigue hits the hardest....I guess that is to be expected. We have to go in tomorrow for a fluid refill of magnesium, potassium, mesna and sodium and injections of nplate to keep his platelet count from bottoming out and neulasta to help the red blood cells in his bone marrow. He will probably have flu like symptoms after the neulasta shot. Thanks for all the prayers and this round will soon be history.
10:00pm......Well, Michael and I went out to Jax Restaurant here in Bellaire for dinner....he had a hamburger and I had a fish plate....About half way through, he crashed. He was so tired he could hardly hold his head up and so we packed up what was left of our dinner and headed home. He wanted to watch the Astros with his Uncle Forrest, but went straight to bed and has been asleep since. He has such a good heart......wanted me to stop by the flower shop so he could get me some flowers, but told him he didn't need to do that. Hopefully, he will have more energy tomorrow...we will see. It is amazing how fast he can go down .....one minutes full of vigor and the next ready to collapse. Next few days will probably be rough but we will make it. It seems like when we finish the chemo is when the fatigue hits the hardest....I guess that is to be expected. We have to go in tomorrow for a fluid refill of magnesium, potassium, mesna and sodium and injections of nplate to keep his platelet count from bottoming out and neulasta to help the red blood cells in his bone marrow. He will probably have flu like symptoms after the neulasta shot. Thanks for all the prayers and this round will soon be history.
Day 2 Round #5
Michael started round 5 yesterday with a few complications. We got him to the hospital about 7:30 and they called him in to insert the CVC catheter where they attach the chemo. We went to get an xray done and found that the line had a hook in the end of it and so they had to power flush it to get the hook straightened out. Went back to xray to make sure it was straight and then to chemo for 4 hours. They finally started the chemo at 12:15 pm and we finished with the inpatient part about 4:30pm. We were pretty hungry and tired. Michael is now toting his backpack.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 -----had a pretty good day today. Went to the hospital and was called for chemo within about 45 minutes of arriving. Surprise! Michael decided he wanted to leave the CVC line in until the end. Contacted Lindsey, Dr. Ravi's nurse and she advised that he could leave it in, but that he could not have blood drawn from it because each time you access it there is a greater chance of an infection. That was the main reason Michael wanted to leave it in so he would not have to have them dig around in his veins each time he had blood drawn. He has always been hard to hit, and really is now since he has had chemo. So, guess we will have a new line inserted for three more times at least, and hopefully that will be all. Michael spirits are great, just tired of all the needles. He is full of pzazzzzz and his appetite is non filling. He has had hiccups today a couple of times, but we are pretty much accustomed to that on days two through six. They are caused by the chemo. We had lasagna at one of the restaurants on the way home today. He was a little upset while getting chemo because we could not access the Internet.....MD Anderson was down......but it did come back up about 30 minutes before we left. Hope you all enjoyed the rain this morning. Understand the roads around town were a little wet and some of the folks had to stay at the coffee shop a little longer than normal waiting for the mud holes to dry up some. Thanks to all for watching things around the house for us. Don't know what we would do without you all. Love, Terri and Michael
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 -----had a pretty good day today. Went to the hospital and was called for chemo within about 45 minutes of arriving. Surprise! Michael decided he wanted to leave the CVC line in until the end. Contacted Lindsey, Dr. Ravi's nurse and she advised that he could leave it in, but that he could not have blood drawn from it because each time you access it there is a greater chance of an infection. That was the main reason Michael wanted to leave it in so he would not have to have them dig around in his veins each time he had blood drawn. He has always been hard to hit, and really is now since he has had chemo. So, guess we will have a new line inserted for three more times at least, and hopefully that will be all. Michael spirits are great, just tired of all the needles. He is full of pzazzzzz and his appetite is non filling. He has had hiccups today a couple of times, but we are pretty much accustomed to that on days two through six. They are caused by the chemo. We had lasagna at one of the restaurants on the way home today. He was a little upset while getting chemo because we could not access the Internet.....MD Anderson was down......but it did come back up about 30 minutes before we left. Hope you all enjoyed the rain this morning. Understand the roads around town were a little wet and some of the folks had to stay at the coffee shop a little longer than normal waiting for the mud holes to dry up some. Thanks to all for watching things around the house for us. Don't know what we would do without you all. Love, Terri and Michael
DOWNHILL FROM HERE
Well, we had a wonderful time at home this weekend. Got some much needed R & R and had a little excitement on Friday night, but other than that we were pretty quiet in the big O. We arrived back in Houston at my brother-in-laws about 7:30pm tonight. Stopped at Cracker Barrell in Conroe and enjoyed a hamburger steak, hashbrown casserole and fried apples.....Boy was it good! Michael said it wasn't as good as mine....wonder what he is wanting? We start round 5 tomorrow morning at 7:30. The IV catheter will be put in then and then Chemo starts at 8:30am. Maybe we will get home this round before 10:00 each evening. We are looking forward to getting this round behind us and then only three more. Did get the scan results from last weeek, and they are clearer than the last. Not as much a change as the last one, but then we didnt' expect it to be that drastic. We are still praying for a completely clear scan one of these days. God is still working miracles.....Hopefully the shot we got last Wednesday morning will keep the counts from bottoming out this round. Will update the blog a little better since we have had some rest.....sorry about that!
Terri
Terri
Homeward Ho!
Well, we have the clinical study shot in the morning about 8:30 and then we are headed north. The doctor gave us the okay to come home even though Michael's platelets are barely above 50. Just can't leave him alone and must be careful that he doesn't fall or anything. Looking forward to some time of normalcy......if there is such these days. We should be arriving home sometime around 5:00pm tomorrow afternoon if all goes as planned......
We hope you will come by and encourage the Michael Scott to continue the good work.....He is an awesome kid and a trooper!
Terri
We hope you will come by and encourage the Michael Scott to continue the good work.....He is an awesome kid and a trooper!
Terri
MONDAY, JULY 13, 2009
HARD TO BELIEVE WE HAVE BEEN IN HOUSTON FOUR MONTHS TODAY. IT CERTAINLY IS NICE TO KNOW WE ARE HALF WAY THROUGH AND ALL THE SCANS SHOW PRETTY MUCH TO BE CLEAR. GOD IS SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD AND WE GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY FOR CLEAR SCANS. WE WERE READY TO COME HOME TODAY FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT HAD ANOTHER CHANGE IN PLANS. HAD WE LEFT TODAY TO COME HOME, WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO COME BACK ON SATURDAY MORNING, SO WE OPTED TO GO HOME LATER IN THE WEEK AND START OUR DOWNHILL JOURNEY WITH CHEMO ON MONDAY OF NEXT WEEK. THE SHOT WILL BE GIVEN ON WEDNESDAY MORNING AND HOPEFULLY BE ABLE TO LEAVE FOR HOME LATER ON. DR. RAVI SAID HE THOUGHT MICHAEL COULD USE AN EXTRA DAY OR TWO AT HOME. I HAVE NEWS FOR HIM, BUT THIS TIRED MOMMA CAN TOO!
IT WILL BE NICE TO JUST RELAX FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND NOT HAVE ANYONE BUT ME IN CONTROL......YEAH!!!!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THIS WEEKEND...
LOVE,
TERRI AND MICHAEL
IT WILL BE NICE TO JUST RELAX FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND NOT HAVE ANYONE BUT ME IN CONTROL......YEAH!!!!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THIS WEEKEND...
LOVE,
TERRI AND MICHAEL
Counts are climbing = Saturday, July 11, 2009
Yeah! Platelet count it up to 37 today....hopefully higher tomorrow.
Terri
Terri
Horrible Week
WOW!!!!!!!What can I say but that. We have never been so exhausted in all of our lives. Round 4 was great as far as nausea and being sick was concerned but otherwise it was definitely the worst. Monday, Michael's counts hit the bottom in white blood counts, hemoglobin, platelets, and electrolytes. You don't know what counts do until you saw the Wolfman this week. He actually looked spooky. White lips, etc. Had no color in his complexion whatsoever. So fatigued he could hardly walk. Thought the 2 units of blood and 6 units of platelets would energize him some on Tuesday night, but we ended up in the Emergency Center. Had a reaction from the first bag of blood. Was there until about 2:30am Wednesday morning and had to be back to the hospital at 6:30 for a CT Scan and PET Scan. Felt like I was in 'Hades' from about 2:00 on that afternoon due to insurance company refusal to certify the PET Scan for which he was injected at 1:00pm. Finally got home to get something to eat and some sleep about 4:30pm. We had blood work done today and platelet counts are still only 12 and we are not allowed to leave Houston until they reach 50. Our car was packed ready to head out, but guess we will stay until they are 50....we might get an extra day at home once they reach 50. We hope to see you all real soon. We will be going back to the hospital today for some more platelets and Michael has been placed in a trial study for platelet count. They will start him on new medication today to keep platelets from dropping so low and also be given an injection for them to monitor in a trial study. We will be making cancer history hopefully.....Dr. Ravi did not have the photos of the scans yet, but said he had been given a good report on how they had been pre-reported. Sounds Good!
Love to all....pray for COUNTS to go UP UP UP UP!
Love to all....pray for COUNTS to go UP UP UP UP!
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MONDAY --JULY 4,5,6, 2009
We had a pretty quiet 4th to have been in the big city. We didn't even see a firecracker, but did hear some. Houston and Bellaire bans fireworks and talked with someone who sells them and said sales were really low this year.We didn't get to the house on Saturday morning until about 2:00am after having two units of blood, so needless to say, we slept most of the morning. Michael was pretty fatigued Saturday afternoon so didn't have much excitement in our lives. Sunday he wanted to go play cards at Bo's Hamburgers and my brother in law was gone out of town, so we ventured out of the house to play cards. He lasted about 1 1/2 hours and forfeited the game and wanted to come home. This morning we had blood work done and received a call from Terry and Glenda Horry saying they would see us tomorrow sometime. We left the hospital and ventured over to my nephew's car shop where he builds race cars and works on them and Michael wanted to get in one. He found out how cramped quarters the drivers have to put up with. He had a little fainting like spell while he was there so we almost had to pick him up and get him to the car. Like to have scared Jeff and I both....didn't know what was happening, but decided it was the heat in the shop. He is pretty sensitive to climates these days. The nurse called and said every one of his counts were bottomed out and probably would have to have blood tomorrow if they were not improved. We will have bloodwork done again tomorrow and Wednesday is the scan day starting at 6:30 that morning.....Can't hardly wait to see what the Chemo is doing.......Michael has slept most of the afternoon and I took a nap too. Boy did it feel good! Hope all is well in your life and remember us this week as we see what God is doing in Michael's body..The photo to the right is one of Michael in the race car today.....
Love to all,
Terri and Michael
Love to all,
Terri and Michael
July 3, 2009
Well, guess I bragged too soon. We received a call this afternoon that Michael's hemoglobin was 6.9. This is .1 under the alarming number of 7.0. So, we had to make a trip to the hospital for 2 units of blood. He felt great until we got there and when he laid down on the bed, he was out. I just get so upset with him pushing himself so hard. He just doesn't realize that his body has nothing in its defense system and he has to have some rest during each day. We got the two units of blood and had the PIK Line removed and left to come home about 1:40am Saturday. He is a free man right now and doesn't have to carry the backpack around. Since the white blood count is down pretty low, we will be spending the day at the house. We don't want to spoil any plans for next week. We will be having another PET Scan and CAT Scan done next Wednesday so should have results by Friday. Michael really wishes he didn't have to drink the Barium for the Cat Scan. It made him sick at his stomach last time he drank it....tried the banana and cherry flavored ones and still made him sick. Hope all have a happy and safe Fourth of July....
Love,
Terri and Michael
Love,
Terri and Michael
Wednesday -Thursday, June 30-July 1, 2009
I always heard, "no news is good news". Yes all is well in Houston. This has really been a very non exciting round of chemo. We did spend about 4 hours in the hospital last night due to miscommunication between the Chemo department and our Dr.
Michael's potassium level was elevated yesterday morning after labs, and they had a normal bag of fluids for him when we arrived at the hospital to have the bag replaced which contains a very large amount of potassium. Of course, it was my fault according to Michael that I mentioned the elevated potassium level and that got everyone excited because of the fluid bag contents. We had to have labs drawn again and then wait and see. About 12:15am this morning, they finally got the replacement bag of fluids from the pharmacy and sent us on our way...without potassium.
I guess God gave mothers mouths so they could get things in a stir!!!!!! This morning his potassium was back to normal but his hemoglobin was a little low, but the doctor's nurse had talked with us in the Sky walk as we were leaving and commented on how well Michael looked. She called after receiving the lab results and said she was not going to order a transfusion today due to how well he looked when she talked with us this morning. He really feels great and has run no fever whatsoever...YEAHHHHHHHHHHH! Maybe we can stay away from the ER this weekend.
Hope everyone has a great fourth of July and remember the troops overseas and at home who are keeping our freedom......Thanks troops!
Love in Him,
Terri and Michael
Michael's potassium level was elevated yesterday morning after labs, and they had a normal bag of fluids for him when we arrived at the hospital to have the bag replaced which contains a very large amount of potassium. Of course, it was my fault according to Michael that I mentioned the elevated potassium level and that got everyone excited because of the fluid bag contents. We had to have labs drawn again and then wait and see. About 12:15am this morning, they finally got the replacement bag of fluids from the pharmacy and sent us on our way...without potassium.
I guess God gave mothers mouths so they could get things in a stir!!!!!! This morning his potassium was back to normal but his hemoglobin was a little low, but the doctor's nurse had talked with us in the Sky walk as we were leaving and commented on how well Michael looked. She called after receiving the lab results and said she was not going to order a transfusion today due to how well he looked when she talked with us this morning. He really feels great and has run no fever whatsoever...YEAHHHHHHHHHHH! Maybe we can stay away from the ER this weekend.
Hope everyone has a great fourth of July and remember the troops overseas and at home who are keeping our freedom......Thanks troops!
Love in Him,
Terri and Michael
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sorry folks, but looks like you are going to get a water bill if you live in Olney. We had some problems with the computers, but did get them printed this afternoon...Didn't want you to feel neglected by not getting one this month. On to more serious information, Michael received his Neulasta Shot this evening and is already having some side effects from it. Aching in his back and shoulders. This started before we got to the parking garage. The nurses in the Chemo department were very much surprised as to how well the Wolfman looked tonight. Maybe it was because he had on clothes that didn't fall off him. Maybe the pain won't be too severe. We did get our appointment with the oncologist changed for next Friday, July 10. Hopefully our counts will be high enough to make a trip North. Scans will be done next Wednesday.......praying for no cancer.
Love,
Terri and Michael
Love,
Terri and Michael
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
We are officially over with the chemo for round #4. . . .nearly to the halfway point in our treatment.....Yeahyeahyeahyeahyeah!!!!!Never thought I would be so excited over a halfway marker, but this momma is. We go to the hospital the next three nights just for a bag change (fluids with magnesium, potassium, etc. only) then home. Hopefully no more than 1 hour of time. All has gone well this round so far. Tonight is the night for the Neulasta shot which sometimes has some flu like side effects. Last round there were no side effects, so hoping for the same this round. The shot is to keep his bone marrow white blood cells from falling too low. My little (big really) Wolfman is a real trooper. I sure would have hated to have been through what he has been through the past 11 months. It is hard to believe we have been at MD for nearly three months. Thank you all for all you have done during our journey here. Thanks for taking care of our dogs, mowing our lawn, praying, the contributions to the medical fund, sending cards to cheer up the Wolfman and calling just to chat. We will never be able to repay all the acts of kindness you have shown. Pray for us that our appointment with the doctor can be rescheduled June 10 so that we may make the trip home. It is scheduled for 3:30pm and we are trying to get it changed to the morning. We really want to see the doctor that day as we have scans done on Wednesday before so we would like to see the new scans to compare with the last. Michael is praying for a complete cure of the cancer.......said it would be nice if the doctor couldn't find any sign. Whatever the results, we are still praising the Lord.
Terri and Michael
Terri and Michael
Saturday, June 27, 2009(written Sunday morning)
Well, today was an eventful day. Michael had found a place "nearby" to play Yu-Gi-Oh cards. I say nearby with my tongue in cheek as it was about 15 miles according to my speedometer on my car. We made our way down Bellaire Blvd which is the main street in Bellaire and the one I travel daily and sometimes twice daily in the opposite direction to the hospital before it runs into Holcombe where the hospital sits. We arrived shortly after 11:00am and found the owner inside. One other young man was sitting at the game tables. We asked if this was the correct place and they advised it was. From the looks of the menu on the internet they served just about everything. It kinda reminded me of the No-D-Lay but a lot smaller. Of course, me being the way I am, I asked a few questions regarding where to sit as I had brought my laptop with me, which during this journey has become my side-kick besides Michael. The owners were busy getting things together to serve the customers. As the minutes went by, several boys arrived and we started the tournament. I started conversing with Kathy, the lady who arrived shortly after we did. She was busy wiping down tables, getting this for her husband who was in the kitchen preparing the standard items they use. You know how much we love mom and pop operations, since Michael works at Stewarts. He tells everyone he works for a "mom and pop" grocery store. Kathy sat down with me and we visited about our faith and cancer(she is a cancer survivor) for the time we were there. We ordered hamburgers and they were just like the ones that they served at Ben and Louise's BBQ when I was 'younger'. Only thing lacking was the peach cobbler. The mom and pops businesses are really nice having been in Houston for three months and there aren't many. This country girl likes small things. Any way, Michael played in the tournament until we had to leave for the 4:00pm appointment at MD Anderson for Chemo. I don't want to make anyone jealous, but I stopped and bought gas at a CITGO for $2.33 per gallon. Then off again to the hospital. We arrived at 4:10am and surprisingly got in to the room about 4:45pm. They are 'johnny on the spot' on the weekends. We left about 9:00pm and went by the store arrived at our home away from home about 9:30PM. Kathy and her son gave Michael some Yu-Gi-Oh cards, binder and a playing mat when he left. He said on the way to the hospital, "They didn't have to give me those things.....I know they have to pay for them and that's how they make their living." I told him it was not because they had to give them to him, but because they wanted to. Thanks Kathy and family for making us feel so welcome in your restaurant and having the tournament was "awesome" in that it gave Michael a sense of normalcy during this journey as we make weekly trips when we were home to Wichita Falls to play cards on Saturday afternoons. It was so nice having a adult woman to talk with and having walked where we are walking these days. God sent her to the restaurant as she said she normally didn't come there on Saturdays, but was needed today. We hope all is well at the "Big" 'O' and you will have some cooler days this week with some much needed rain. Blessings today and much rest after you worship our Lord at your chosen place of worship. Love to all, Terri and Michael
Friday, June 26, 2009
Day 2 of Round 4
My mom always told me not to wish my life away, but I wish it was October.
My mom always told me not to wish my life away, but I wish it was October.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Things are going here. Nothing new to report except we have one tired Michael. Went to the Museum of Natural Science today and spent about 1 hr and 45 minutes...Michael played out, so we came home. Has been down most of the day. Round 4 starts in the morning.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Michael was up about 6:30am. What a good night sleep. We ate breakfast and decided we would go to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and History. Left the house about 10:30 am and decided we would go by the FAITH HOUSE where Ronnie and Wanda Stroud were residing. Found Ronnie on the porch while Wanda was readying their room for James Owen and Shamri to arrive for Ronnie’s surgery tomorrow. Visited with them until about 12:30 and started toward the museum when we decided we would stop at the Blackeyed Pea and eat. While there, Michael decided he just was too tired to go to the museum today and would try to go tomorrow. We will see tomorrow. Went back to the house and took about a 2 hr. nap and feel real good. We have checked our schedule for this round of Chemo and found that it is still on schedule as it should be. Maybe we will get to make another trip home at the completion of Round 4. . . I have written Dr. Ravi to see if our appointment with him can be rescheduled for Friday Morning, July 10, 2009 instead of the scheduled 3:30pm appointment. I think he realizes how important it is that we get Michael home before another round for encouragement from those at home.
Monday, June 22, 2009`
We left home this morning about 5:50am and arrived in Houston at the parking garage at 12:20pm. We did stop at Fairfield and eat a taco. Michael has had his 'gold' shot and we don't have anything to do until Thursday morning when they insert the PIK line that morning and chemo starts about 4:00pm. Means we will be home around 10:00pm. Oh well, round four and half way.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday June 19-20, 2009
Sorry it has been a while since we have updated the blog, but friends and relatives have occupied our time. We left Houston about 12:00 noon and arrived home close to 7:00pm. There wasn't much that slowed us down after we saw the doctor, except or a couple of girls in the Wendy's where we stopped and ate a quick burger at the Woodland in bikini swim suits. Thought I would never get the Wolfman unstuck from his chair. I don't know what this chemo has done to my son, then a plane crash near Midlothian, TX which has tried to land on the highway and slipped off onto the shoulder into the grassy area in our lane. Our chemo has been delayed three days for this round---Michael will be getting a $30,000 shot on Monday to keep the thrush down and the throat from swelling. When we left, our doctor was trying to get it approved through out insurance company and finally did that afternoon as it was on our appointment schedule when we arrived home. It is nice not to have to deal with the insurance company as Dr. Ravi and his staff have done all of it. Chemo will start on Thursday, so we will have to decide when the next time we will get to come home depending on lab results. Michael's platelet count was still below 100 and hopefully has rebounded above 100 since we left Houston. He spend the better part of the morning with his best buddy, our pastor, Bro. Andy making his leases in the oilfield. Michael says he is learning to be a oilfield hand.
We will leave Olney in the morning about 6:00 am and head back to Houston for ROUND 4 of Chemo and the halfway point. Will have scans done after this round to compare to the last one done after ROUND 2. We have had one tired boy, but the love and hugs we receive when we go home are well worth it. We went to don antonio's for breakfast on Saturday morning and had a ovation when we walked in from the customers and prayer warriors who meet on Saturday morning. Michael thought that was neat! Continue to pray for us and pray that our scans show another big improvement and that Round 4 will be a little easier on Michael We love all of you and hope to see you in three weeks.
Love,
Terri and Michael
We will leave Olney in the morning about 6:00 am and head back to Houston for ROUND 4 of Chemo and the halfway point. Will have scans done after this round to compare to the last one done after ROUND 2. We have had one tired boy, but the love and hugs we receive when we go home are well worth it. We went to don antonio's for breakfast on Saturday morning and had a ovation when we walked in from the customers and prayer warriors who meet on Saturday morning. Michael thought that was neat! Continue to pray for us and pray that our scans show another big improvement and that Round 4 will be a little easier on Michael We love all of you and hope to see you in three weeks.
Love,
Terri and Michael
YEAH----HOORAY FOR UPWARD COUNTS
We got the word this afternoon that our counts are improving and there is a big CHANCE we will be north bound tomorrow afternoon. We have blood draw in the morning at 7:45am, chest xray at 9:00am and Consult with Oncologist about round 4 at 11:00am. Then we are going to hit the road before we start FOUR--------then the downward journey.....yeah! After round one, half way seemed as only a dream.....we are nearly there.
We have been plant shopping this afternoon. Michael has wanted a hibiscus for many years and they have them on sale at the Houston Garden Center this month very cheap....So now he has a hibiscus. He is so happy.....Doesn't take much to make him happy these days.....oh well. See ya this weekend.
Love,
Terri and Michael
We have been plant shopping this afternoon. Michael has wanted a hibiscus for many years and they have them on sale at the Houston Garden Center this month very cheap....So now he has a hibiscus. He is so happy.....Doesn't take much to make him happy these days.....oh well. See ya this weekend.
Love,
Terri and Michael
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
This has been an exceptionally good and God given day. Most of our counts are holding their own except for our white blood count which is down 1.0 today for some unknown reason. The cat is out of the bag we hear that a couple of 'homesick Olney folks' might possibly be heading northwest this Friday. If our counts get up before then,no one better get in our way when we leave MD Anderson after our Oncologist appointment or a little khaki colored JEEP might run over them. Just kidding. We are ready and if able will leave Houston as soon as the Dr.'s appointment is finished about noon. Depending on our counts, and we are praying they are ok, we will leave Olney after church on Sunday to head back to begin ROUND FOUR (and also the half way point) of our homestead in Houston. We are looking for a good show of the Red Devil doing its thing after round 4. I am praying that it will not have to be postponed for any low counts or fatigue. We will see what Dr. Ravi has to say on Friday. Although, I would love to be home for more than 2 days, I sure want to get this journey behind us and God willing we will stay on schedule. Pray for us as we travel and that Michael will be able to start round 4 on Monday without any problems. The last trip really played a number on him, so hopefully since we are getting to leave at noon, we will be able to stop and get out for him to stretch and walk some on the trip home and back. God Bless you all and thank you for all thoughts and prayer support while we battle this terrible disease. We are already the winners in this with God's help. Love to all, Terri and Michael
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What a great day! The song, "Because He Lives", has a whole new meaning to us. As the song says, "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone". This could have been a very bad week for us especially when Michael's heart rate was off the monitor for a period of time on Saturday night, but God calmed our fears and gave us the Drs. and Medical Staff we needed to get through this critical time. I have never seen a heart rate that was so fast that it could not be measured on the heart monitor. Prayer by those who knew about it and by a very concerned medical team and the best cancer hospital in the world gave us what we needed to overcome it and a peace that we were where we were suppose to be. I will guarantee you one thing, the next time Michael's temperature gets 101.1 or greater he is going to the emergency room, no stop lights holding us back. We thought the temperature had gone down to where we didn't have to make a trip to the emergency room, but it sure shot up in a few minutes......The throat swelling is gone and Michael is able to eat some mashed potatoes today for the first time for anything except liquids since last Thursday. I am not certain how much more weight he has lost, but I am sure some. He told me today that this was a lesson he has learned and a hard one at that. I betcha he won't have mouth sores any more from slacking on his mouthwash. It was a hard lesson to learn for him. Now he asks me if it isn't time for is meds. I saw the plane that Air Tractor is sending to Paris for the Air show and have showed everyone we know the pictures and told them "this is built in our hometown". Guess I will close, need to make some calls. Talk to you real soon.....Love, Terri and Michael
WE ARE GETTING BETTER
We had a busy morning this morning. Went to have labs drawn, see the doctor on the followup of the emergency room on Saturday night and then home. Got home about 1:00am after I (Michael still can't eat) ate and got to work. Had several things to do, and then finally about 3:30 had to take some zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Finally crashed. I slept until about 7:30 and am up and going again. Michael is mucho better today and can eat a few soft things. We are looking forward to the weekend before the next round (round 4) of chemo starts on Monday........Yeah! When it is finished we will be half way there.......Seems like an eternity, but as long as we are making progress we can live with the time factor. Saw Ronnie and Wanda Stroud coming into the hospital this morning. They had been to Methodist Hospital to see a doctor. Ronnie will probably have a procedure done tomorrow so they can go on with what his oncologist has in mind. Keep praying for him and Wanda. They need an apartment real soon.!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well in Olney and we hope to see everyone really soon.
Terri and Michael
Terri and Michael
Home at Last
Well, we finally got home this morning about 6:30am. Michael is resting somewhat, but has Thrush in his mouth and throat to make one Wolfman pretty miserable. He has four more medicines to take to get rid of this hopefully within the next week. He still can't talk and either hand signs me or writes me notes. He gets very aggravated at his mom at times when she doesn't understand sign language any better than she does Spanish. We did get some sleep this morning and now I am up and ready to meet today's problems.....hopefully few in number.
Sunday night: Well, today has had few problems. We did get some much needed rest this morning after arriving home and Michael's throat swelling has gone down somewhat. He is now able to east Icee's and ice cream. Still cannot eat any solid foods, but hopefully that will come within a couple of days. He has really been good today about taking his medications and washes. I bet he doesn't slack on them anymore, lessons are sometimes learned the hard way and this is one. We appreciate all the calls we received this week. It certainly does make the weed go by faster. Thanks Juda for putting up with me getting the PowerPoint to you so late on Saturday night, but things just happen that way.
Sunday night: Well, today has had few problems. We did get some much needed rest this morning after arriving home and Michael's throat swelling has gone down somewhat. He is now able to east Icee's and ice cream. Still cannot eat any solid foods, but hopefully that will come within a couple of days. He has really been good today about taking his medications and washes. I bet he doesn't slack on them anymore, lessons are sometimes learned the hard way and this is one. We appreciate all the calls we received this week. It certainly does make the weed go by faster. Thanks Juda for putting up with me getting the PowerPoint to you so late on Saturday night, but things just happen that way.
HORRIBLE SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2009
WOW......That is all I can say about today. This has really been a Saturday for trying Mom's patience. First thing this morning, we arrived at the hospital about 9:15 for labs. Was told we would have to see the triage nurse because all our counts were in the critical level. We waited until lab results were in and called in for the review. We were told we would have to have 2 units of blood plus platelets starting at 2:00pm. Of course, we had nothing to occupy the wolfman's time while blood was being given, so we made a dash home to get the laptop computer. Arrived back at the hospital at 1:50pm.,were called into the transfusion unit at 2:20pm and vitals were taken. Heart rate was so fast, the monitor would not even measure it......caused a big commotion in the vitals room...plus temperature has risen to 101.9. They would not start the blood and platelets, so the sent us to the emergency room. Michael's favorite charge nurse was on duty in the transfusion unit, so she took us to the emergency room through the back way and got in to see a doctor in about 20 minutes. They have Wolfman hooked up to four bags of IV Solutions and a heart monitor. His heart rate is down to 145 which is alot better than it was when he came in. We haven't even started the blood and platelets,so it is going to be a long night. I may have to get me a second job here so I can pay the co-pay on his bill and parking fees......y'all have a great evening and we will let you know more tomorrow.
9:10pm The just came in and told us we were getting 3 units of blood and we should plan to spend the better part of the night here in the emergency room. I bet I don't have to be rocked to sleep when I finally get home. Maybe I can get a little sleep in this 'COMFORTABLE DINING CHAIR'. I still have to do powerpoint for tomorrow morning....guess I'll quit griping and get busy.
Love,
Terri
Love, Terri and Michael
9:10pm The just came in and told us we were getting 3 units of blood and we should plan to spend the better part of the night here in the emergency room. I bet I don't have to be rocked to sleep when I finally get home. Maybe I can get a little sleep in this 'COMFORTABLE DINING CHAIR'. I still have to do powerpoint for tomorrow morning....guess I'll quit griping and get busy.
Love,
Terri
Love, Terri and Michael
Hopefully things will be looking up!
Well, the past two days have really been tough. Michael has been almost home bound for two days and he is certainly miserable. Can't hardly open his mouth wide enough for his deaf mother to understand him. He gets so frustrated with me trying to tell me what he is saying. I have bought enough over the counter medicine, I think I will start selling my overstock to get some money back. Each triage nurse suggests something else to try to get him over his sore throat. He can't swallow liquids without his throat just killing him, so he is also dehydrated and they stuck him 3 times this morning before they got blood. One of the phlebotomist girls said it was just not a good color.(How do you like that long medical term I am using? I could have said blood sucker, but living in NORTH TEXAS, you would have thought I was talking about a mosquito). Guess she was right . . . counts as low as they possibly can go. We have to go in tomorrow and Sunday for labs since our counts are low today. Everything Michael puts in his mouth comes right back up in a minute or so, so he is dehydrating all the time. We need to get him back on his feet...all he can do is get from the bed to the bathroom......we need to pray for his strength at this time. This round has been a rough one......hope this is the worst. Love to all,
Terri and Michael
9:30pm. Well, we are feeling just a little better. He can actually get through to me what he is trying to say. Hopefully after a good night sleep, he will be much better tomorrow to go to have some more blood work done. Hopefully a good lab tech will be there. I just can't hardly stand to see them dig in his veins the way they do sometimes. Will let you know more tomorrow. Thanks for all the calls today. . . it certainly is nice to hear from those we love.......You all are the greatest....
My family here in Houston is great too....I don't know how in this world they put up with us being up and down all throughout the night, coming in all hours of the night and taking off at 7:00 am in the morning......some retirement, huh?
Terri and Michael
9:30pm. Well, we are feeling just a little better. He can actually get through to me what he is trying to say. Hopefully after a good night sleep, he will be much better tomorrow to go to have some more blood work done. Hopefully a good lab tech will be there. I just can't hardly stand to see them dig in his veins the way they do sometimes. Will let you know more tomorrow. Thanks for all the calls today. . . it certainly is nice to hear from those we love.......You all are the greatest....
My family here in Houston is great too....I don't know how in this world they put up with us being up and down all throughout the night, coming in all hours of the night and taking off at 7:00 am in the morning......some retirement, huh?
Long, tiring day - June 10, 2009
Well, we started the morning out about 6:30am for lab. Wanted to get there and ‘git it done’ so we could meet Robert and Sharon for breakfast at IHOP. Had a very enjoyable breakfast with them and then went back to the house. Thanks again Robert for fixing my ramp at home. About the time we arrived, we received a call from the hospital that Michael’s hemoglobin was at a critical level and he needed two units of blood asap. Called this an emergency. Had to go back to the lab for typing and screening of his blood to find a match and then to the transfusion unit across the street. At least the shuttle service was running. It won’t be until tonight when we finish getting blood. They called me three times before we got the blood drawn and said our appointment was at 2:00pm for the transfusion. Got to the proper department and Michael slept in a chair in the lobby until they called him in at 4:50 to start the IV. They couldn’t find a vein, so they had to call out a team from the Infusion Therapy dept. We will be here at the hospital until about 10:00 when the transfusions are finished. The veins being so hard to hit today will probably cause him to have a semi permanent PIK line inserted for them to hook him up to in case he needs any type of IV. I will have to go to class for that to learn to change the dressing and clean it and flush out the line. They will give me an honorary nursing degree when all this is over. He is one pale Wolfman today. I should have realized his counts were down today by his color. There’s just too much for me to remember at the age I am. Heheheh. Understand God has sent the folks at home some much needed rain this afternoon. Praise the Lord! Houston is hot and dry too! Keep us in your prayers.
Love to all and keep lifting the Wolfman up to HIM.
Terri and Michael
Love to all and keep lifting the Wolfman up to HIM.
Terri and Michael
Long, tiring day
Well, we started the morning out about 6:30am for lab. Wanted to get there and ‘git it done’ so we could meet Robert and Sharon for breakfast at IHOP. Had a very enjoyable breakfast with them and then went back to the house. Thanks again Robert for fixing my ramp at home. About the time we arrived, we received a call from the hospital that Michael’s hemoglobin was at a critical level and he needed two units of blood asap. Called this an emergency. Had to go back to the lab for typing and screening of his blood to find a match and then to the transfusion unit across the street. At least the shuttle service was running. It won’t be tonight when we finish getting blood. They called me three times before we got the blood drawn and said our appointment was at 2:00pm for the transfusion. Got to the proper department and Michael slept in a chair in the lobby until they called him in at 4:50 to start the IV. They couldn’t find a vein, so they had to call out a team from the Infusion Therapy dept. We will be here at the hospital until about 10:00 when the transfusions are finished. The veins being so hard to hit today will probably cause him to have a semi permanent PIK line inserted for them to hook him up to in case he needs any type of IV. I will have to go to class for that to learn to change the dressing and clean it and flush out the line. They will give me an honorary nursing degree when all this if over. He is one pale Wolfman today. I should have realized his counts were down today by his color. There’s just too much for me to remember at the age I am. Heheheh. Understand God has sent the folks at home some much needed rain this afternoon. Praise the Lord! Houston is hot and dry too! Keep us in your prayers.
Love to all and keep lifting the Wolfman up to HIM.
Terri and Michael
Love to all and keep lifting the Wolfman up to HIM.
Terri and Michael
Monday, June 8, 2009
Things are about the same today in Houston. We had labs drawn this morning and a call this afternoon reports they are about as low as they can get. We did verify that they will be taking the PIK line out tomorrow evening and it made the Wolfman very happy. He is really tired of the bag he has to carry around as any little kink makes it beep. We go back this evening about 8:30 to get the last bag of electrolytes. Hurray.....round 3 nearing completion...Michael was a sick little boy last night... woke me up about 12:30am losing everything. I think it was from the pizza he ate and didn't chew slow enough. He is trying to eat light and small amounts several times a day today and that seems to help. I had a nap this afternoon and feel some better. I am so tired! Love you all, Terri and Michael
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sorry I haven't updated in a couple of days. I am kinda down and out this weekend, thinking about all the things I could be accomplishing at home if I was there. Michael didn't sleep any last night. Can't really put my thumb on what the problem was other than he had slept until about 11:00am yesterday morning. It may have been the Neulasta shot they gave him last night to keep his white count from going down so much. Will have to start taking temperature tonight again to make sure it doesn't go up over 101.1 degrees. If it does, off to the emergency room we will go. He is still on the antibiotics for the pneumonia in his left lung which seems to be improving with time. Just made Michael a banana pudding. We did see Harold and Fay Stewart last night while waiting for our bag to be changed. Michael has to carry it around until Tuesday night when it come off. Harold is carrying one around also....looks like the two of them might be going back to school. I'll try to get a photo of the two of them. Michael introduced Harold and Fay to his new friend Drew last night. Hey Drew, pizza is on for tonight! Glad I don't have to wash mine down with RED DEVIL ......glad it is finished this round. All we have this next week is lab work on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and fluid changes Monday night and catheter out on Tuesday night.......Hurray for the end of Round #3.....only 5 more rounds to go. Not too bad if you say is real fasssssssstttttttttttt! Keep praying and we will be home before you all know it. I am ready to sack some groceries and get my hugs from my favorite customers at Stewarts. And Mom is ready to go back to work and says she will never say "I wish I didn't have to go to work today" again.
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