LAB REPORTS GOOD EXCEPT WBC

Well, we made a trip to the hospital this morning for lab work. Everything looks really good except for his white blood count which is .3 today and was 5.4 on Monday am. This is normal and should be going back the next few days.

He walked from the parking garage all the way across the campus for the appointments without getting winded........He is a trooper.......He has just gone to lay down for the first time today. Still no nausea and he had fried chicken and mac and cheese for lunch. Keep praying and thanks for all the cards we get each day.

Love ya loads,
Terri and Michael

Home (away from Home) at Last

Well, Michael and I got out of the MEDICAL CITY area just before
the flood hit. They had about 10 inches of rain starting yesterday
afternoon about 4:30pm. Glad we were at my brother-in-laws house
by then. He had a very good night and it was nice to sleep in a
bed for a change after seven days on a chair bed. Michael ate
very well after being dismissed from the hospital and so far
everything seems to be okay. This morning his white count may
be going down as it lips look as if he has been eating white
frosting. We have blood drawn in the morning before 10:00am
and will find out about how his counts are holding. He is suppose
to drink 2 liters of fluids everyday and that doesn't bother him
at all. He is sleeping and I have been working on work orders for
the city. I can now access my computer at the office so they are
sending me some things to do. Will write more later. I got some
antibiotics and already feel 100% better........we live in a great
town and you don't realize it until you are away......
Thanks everyone for all you have done for us and continue to
pray for us as we get throught the down-time the next couple of weeks.

Love,
Terri and Michael

One disappointed Wolfman

Well, things didn't go as planned this morning. The doctor who is filling in for Dr. Ravi came by and advised that Michael needed to stay in the hospital another night so that they could get his Creatinine Measurement in balance in his kidneys as it had gone up .1. Michael was of course disappointed, but realizes it is for his own good that we stay here another night. I went to the house and took some of our belongings that we did not need tonight so we can leave when we are dismissed.Following is a discussion on the Creatinine Measurement)

(Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Based on Creatinine Measurement
GFR is a calculation of how efficiently the kidneys are filtering wastes from the blood. A traditional GFR calculation requires an injection into the bloodstream of a substance that is later measured in a 24-hour urine collection. Recently, scientists found they could calculate GFR without an injection or urine collection. The new calculation—the eGFR—requires only a measurement of the creatinine in a blood sample.

In a laboratory, a person’s blood is tested to see how many milligrams of creatinine are in one deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Creatinine levels in the blood can vary, and each laboratory has its own normal range, usually 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL. A person whose creatinine level is only slightly above this range will probably not feel sick, but the elevation is a sign that the kidneys are not working at full strength. One formula for estimating kidney function equates a creatinine level of 1.7 mg/dL for most men and 1.4 mg/dL for most women to 50 percent of normal kidney function. But because creatinine values are so variable and can be affected by diet, a GFR calculation is more accurate for determining whether a person has reduced kidney function.

The eGFR calculation uses the patient’s creatinine measurement along with age and values assigned for sex and race. Some medical laboratories may make the eGFR calculation when a creatinine value is measured and include it on the lab report. The National Kidney Foundation has determined different stages of CKD based on the value of the eGFR. Dialysis or transplantation is needed when the eGFR is less than 15 milliliters per minute (mL/min).)



Michael is having gas pains today and we are going to make a trip down the hallway to see if we can get rid of it. I think it is from lying in bed all week......

I also asked the oncologist who saw him today about his leg going down and he said it was what the chemo was doing that had caused the leg to go down. He said he feels he is responding very well to treatment since the leg has already gone down. About the nodules in his lung, he advised they hope to kill them out completely but that he might have some scars from them that show up later. We can live with the scars. God is working a miracle in Wolfman's life as we speak. We told the doctor today that God was on our side and He was using him to help make Michael well. He said that is correct. Keep the prayers coming, we can feel everyone of them. Love to all, Michael and Terri

Just a quick note

Well, I have come to my home away from home for a shower and to type the blog. Things are going well. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights were horrible. Michael didn't sleep therefore momma didn't sleep. I have a terrible sinus infection, but it does seem better. The doctors are amazed at how well he has done on his first round of chemo. This will be the worse so things hopefully aren't going to be too bad. He has had diarrhea, restlessness, sweats, fever over 101 degrees and no appetite. He is living on Italian ices and popsicles. He has lost about 45 pounds since all this started. We are suppose to come to our home away from home tomorrow morning if all goes well tonight. Well, I took my computer back to the house and when I got back to MD Anderson, the internet was back online. Michael's main oncologist has been gone for the past couple of days, so we have had another doctor checking him along with his doctor's Certified Nurse Practioner. We like all of them real well. They just came in and took his vitals and the fever is till normal. He is a little fatigued today. Hasn't had much to say or wanted to do anything other than lay and watch tv. We are looking forward to going to a house tomorrow.......Haven't seen Ronnie and Wanda in a couple of days as Ronnie has been pretty tired too!

Will write more tomorrow. By the way, Michael's leg has just about got back to normal as well as his upper thigh. Don't know if it is from the chemo or the lasic they are giving him..

Keep lifting him up in your thoughts and prayers......God is still on His throne and Michael is in His hands.....

Love,

Terri and Michael

Terri

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Just wanted to let everyone know of last night and todays happenings. We had one of our worse nights that we have had since we have been here. The pain is down to a minimum, but it has been replaced with fever and nausea. Michael was up and down all night last night. Reminded me of when he was younger. We had a total of about 30 minutes sleep during the whole night. He would tell me how restless he was as if I didn't know it. Of course, I didn't feel well myself, so it made for a VERRRRRRRY LONGGGGGGGG NIGHT! His fever has not got to the 101 degree marker yet. If it does, the will start some new medication. He has really been a trooper during all the sticking and prodding they have done to him the past two weeks. They are giving him Lasix to get some of the water off him, so we make trips to the bathroom every 5-10 minutes. I have to help him so he won't pull the catheter out of his heart vein. They will not reinsert it in the vein of his heart, but next time will put it in the arm which should be a little more comfortable. With all the bags he has hooked up to him, I have to pull the IV stand for him to get aways from his bed. Hopefully, we will get to go to my brother-in-laws house sometime this weekend. His leg has gone down quite a bit, so he is convinced that the chemo is doing its job. We won't know until the second round of chemo when we have another CT scan done. The nurse just came by and said after the last temperature check, that his fever has gone up past the 101 marker and they are calling Dr. Ravi to see what they are to do. He doesn't seem like he is any discomfort. This is just a precautionary thing they tell me. I would never make a nurse. I panic too much. I just wish I could put all of you in a bottle and fly you to Houston. We would love to see some familiar faces. Sweet dreams to all.......love, Terri and Michael

Well, things are still going pretty smooth down south. Michael has slept all morning. Looks like sleeping beauty but I am certain she doesn't snore like he is. The pain in his leg has subsided somewhat this morning, but then they are also giving him breakthrough pain medication for the severe pain. We would certainly like to see some familiar faces. The road we are traveling is very bumpy and snakey but Michael is in the GREAT PHYSICIANS care and we are expecting the best. We are anxious to see if his body is reacting to the chemo the way it should, but it will be a while before that will be known. The nurse practitioner was in and said his kidney function is still good, no side effects of concern, and attitude is wonderful (I just wish mine was). We have an appointment with the SS administration office by phone tomorrow at 12:45pm. Hopefully will get some help from them.

The nurse practitioner just came in and told us everything is looking well. Michael is retaining more water than he should but his kidneys are functioning the way they should. Said all of his bloodwork is looking good but will probably start going down beginnning the seventh day through the ninth day. Will have to keep an eye on his temperature and he may possibly have to have a blood transfusion depending on his counts during that time. Pray that God will give us the patience that we need to get through this. Sometimes our patience runs a little thin, so we need to be lifted up regarding this. Thanks to Bro. Andy and all the folks that called and lifted us up on a day that we really needed it. After you called Michael's room, he said, " It was certainly good to hear from my friends and Andy."

Gotta run........

Day one of treatment nearly over

Well, today has been a very good day considering they have had 8 bags of iv fluid going since about 11:00pm last night. He has nearly completed one complete bag of the "red devil" chemo. Until about 30 minutes ago, everything was clear sailing. He had a quick nausea episode but quickly got over it. He has had one of the worse side effects today with the hiccups. They have had to give him about three pills for the hiccups since about 9:00am. The RN just came by and told us so far his blood counts are staying up. They will do blood work again tomorrow morning about 5:30am. Michael's appetite has been good today considering all the iv fluids. Kept his mom jumping directing the iv pumps when he has to go to the bathroom. Looks like the side effects are starting from the chemo. Sharp pains in his right leg. He says hopefully the bones are reacting to the chemo killing the cancer cells. We had a visit from a Chaplain today, and he was very impressed with Michael's faith. Said he had never seen a young man so upbeat as Michael was.

I sure would like to be home working. City Hall has never sounded so good as it does after a day in the hospital. Michael hopes that Harold is keeping his apron ready and starched so he can jump back into it soon........Will write more later........I feel terrible and think it is time to get some shut-eye while I can.

Terri

First day of treatment

Well, we got the catheter put into Michael heart today for them to administer the chemo. It was a surgical procedure that lasted about 45 minutes and then they did a chest x-ray to make certain that a lung was not punctured or that a vein was leaking. Everything was okay. We were to come into the hospital early this morning, but did not have a room available until 6:00pm so we are waiting for the chemo to be started. It is now 9:30pm, so it may be midnight before they start it, but they tell us that it will be started tonight. If you all call us and we don't answer, it may be that we are unable to get cellular service in the room, so leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we get the message. The rooms in the hospital are very nice and roomy. Tomorrow I will bring Michael's computer up to the room so he will have something to do. He is having gaming withdrawals. My laptop is just too slow for him. Will update tomorrow. They just came in the the iv fluid and zantac too administer before he starts the "red Devil" chemo. Pray that his body will react the way it should to the chemo. God is good!!!!!!!

Terri and Michael

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Well, we really enjoyed being at home over the weekend. Sorry we didn't get to see everyone, but did see some. Michael got his don antonio's fix Friday evening and Saturday morning. Had a lot of visitors on Saturday. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and give us an Olney fix. We left for Houston this morning after Cowboy Church and arrived at 5:00pm. Tomorrow begins our chemo treatment. We are anticipating that God will heal Michael from the cancer and get him back to work. God has opened so many doors already, so we are awaiting more to be opened. We serve an awesome God! We are praying that Michael's body will respond to the three chemo's he is going to be given. It's late and we need to get to bed so keep praying for God's miracle healing and we will let you know how our first day of Chemo goes.

Olney is an awesome town to live in. We would like to thank you for all the calls, prayers, and help with expenses while we are away. We have already started counting the days until we will be back home hopefully.

Some have asked about where we are staying and my brother-in-laws address is:

Michael Wipperman
% Forrest Caldwell
510 Bolivar
Bellaire, TX 77401

Love to all,
Terri and Michael

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Well, today was a much better day other than it taking us about 1 1/2 hours to go four miles from the hospital to our house . All tests are completed and our plan of action for the next three or four days is in place. We have a consultation tomorrow at 8:30 am with the oncologist about all the test results and then an appointment for IV therapy at 11:00am and hopefully will be on our way home by 1:00pm. We have decided we need a few more things and it will be the last trip home for a while. Michael enters the hospital on Monday morning to start his chemo so it will be at least 42 days before we can go home again. We need to take the dog back home as I will probably be staying at the hospital day and night while Michael is a patient and don't need a dog while he is susceptible to high temps and low counts and the need to possibly take him to the emergency room at any time. We would like to thank everyone for the calls, emails, and the funds added to the account. Parking is killing us at $15.00 per day, but we have found a little cheaper place, just have to ride a metro bus from the bus stop to the Hospital. Hope to see some of you this weekend......if you have a moment, drop by to see us.

Terri and Michael

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Well, today was a very non-productive day. Had to be at the hospital this morning at 7:30 am for a PETCT. This is a test they do to see if there are any more cancer cells in Michael's body other than what we already know is there. We got there in plenty of time, received the normal paperwork, completed it, and turned it in to the lady at the desk. In about 5 minutes they called me to the desk and advised me that they had a problem. She told me that the insurance company had not okayed the PETCT or the MRV that was scheduled this afternoon and they had a block on them until our doctor called the insurance company and advised them as to why he had requested them. We went to the main lobby and sat until about 11:00 am when they called us back and said everything had been okayed. We had a dental appointment at 12:00noon and the MRV was scheduled for 1;30pm and was to last about three hours. We got to the MRV clinic at 1:25 pm and about 2:15 they had Michael report to the examining room and dressed him in scrubs for the test. We sat in the waiting room until 4:30pm when I decided that I needed to find out why we were still there and everyone else had already gone that had come in after we did. They advised they did not have our paperwork.....Long story short, they had lost our paperwork. They finally took Michael back at 4:35pm and he was gone about 15 minutes when he came out and said he was finished. He was in so much pain, he couldn't lay on the table and so they canceled the scan. At that point we had been at the clinic for some 10 hours without anything to eat. I was nice about it and told them things happen, and then they started promising me the world. Oh well, we will have the PETCT done at 11:30 am tomorrow and then a review with Dr. Ravi on Friday morning regarding all of the scans, MRI's and bloodwork to see if we are going to start chemo on Friday. Sure would like to come home this weekend, but probably won't get to. Take care and say your prayers.......Love in Him,

Terri and Michael

We have free calling after 7:00pm each night if you all would like to call. Cell phone number is 940-564-6220....

Initial appointments

Well, I will try to make today's happenings brief if there is such a word. This morning at 9:00am we went to new patient registration. Then at 10:00am we had an appointment with Dr. Ravi, Michael's oncologist. Then over to the Mays building for a cardiac injection/scan and then for blood and speciment collection. We then went for a chest x-ray on another floor and at 3:00pm we had a ultrasound doppler to see if the problem with Michael's leg was from a bloodclot or what. The doppler diagnosis was inconclusive as to whether or not he had a bloodclot or if it was something else. The previous doctors who were aware of this problem treated it as minor, but Dr. Ravi is very concerned. It was determined that our 5 day stay in Houston this time has turned into a 21 day stay. Michael will be admitted to the hospital every 21 days for 5 days of Chemo. He will then be released for 7 days and then after the first or second 21 day cycle, possibly get to go home for a few days, but it all depends on how his body reacts to the chemo. He will be taking 3 types of chemo at the same time. It will complete deplete his immune system and sometimes takes a while for it to improve. We have to stay in Houston for the three 7 day cycle until we see what the side effects of the chemo and his reaction is going to be. I am mentally exhausted and can't think any more tonight. Michael has a pain patch now and will be easier to control the pain once the first 24 hour period is over. We would appreciate your continued prayers for him. We did see Ronnie and Wanda Stroud today and Ronnie looks great. He and Wanda joined us for a while late this afternoon and plan to visit more tomorrow. We also saw Justin Harvey from Olney outside the clinic as he was with some friends from Lubbock. It's a small world, isn't it? We were glad to see Justin and meet his friends. Thanks Ronnie and Wanda for lifting our spirits and for your words of encouragement as God only knew we could use some after today since the prognosis was not what we really wanted to hear. The 3 spots are not only on one of his lungs, but both lungs. God is still in control and is still in the miracle business. Love you all,

Terri and Michael

ARRIVED IN HOUSTON

We arrived in Houston this evening about 6:00pm. I only took one wrong turn in downtown Houston, so thought this was pretty good for an old country gal. We are looking forward to seeing what the game plan is beginning tomorrow morning at 9:00am. Our visit with the oncologist is at 10:00am so should know more after that. Michael made the trip fine with little pain. The weather was beautiful. We had no problem with the traffic until we hit Houston and we went about 5 miles in about 45 minutes. Thank God for the slow pace of Olney. Talk to you all later.

Love,
Terri and Michael.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Just wanted to update everyone on what is going on with us. We are busy trying to get everything ready so that we can leave Sunday morning for our trip to Houston. The past two nights have been pretty rough, but today has been a great day. Seems like as long as we keep the pain medication in Michael's system, things go pretty smooth. We have been up most of the night the past two nights, but look forward to a good night sleep tonight. I am trying to get things at the office finalized so I can take next week off. Keep up in your prayers as we make our journey. I visited with S. Rollans this afternoon and she was a big encouragement to me regarding the treatments and such. Continue to pray for her and her family as she and her husband have three little ones. Thanks Shay for your words of encouragement and sharing about Shawn with me. Looking forward to writing some good news next week. Keep your fingers crossed. We feel every prayer that is sent on our behalf. God bless you , Terri and Michael

April 7, 2009

Well, another worry has been lifted.....we have an appointment at M.D. Anderson on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 9:00am. Bedrooms are ready and we will be traveling on Sunday. Wish we could make church but probably will be on the road. Pray for traveling grace and a good meeting with Michael's doctor....Dr. Ravi......the admissions lady told us he was one of the best.....so that is good news.. Today has been a pretty good day except when the pain pills have played out. Looking forward to starting our new journey with great anticipation that God is a miracle physician........He is just using Dr. Ravi's person to do the healing and miracles.

Later,

Terri

April 7, 2009 - email address

It is my understanding a lot of you are having trouble accessing the blog to write something.

The traveling email address for us will be

t.wipperman43@gmail.com

Thanks so much for the prayers, calls, and the outpouring of love and support for us.

We are still waiting on an appointment today as of 11:15am.....Pray that we will get that call.

Terri

Just wanted everyone to know that one of our former coaches here in Olney who now lives in the Czech Republic has a son who has Ewing's Sarcoma. Payton was about four years old when he was diagnosed and has been released to go back overseas. Another of our Olney kids is in Parkland Hospital in Dallas recovering from a very bad burn accident. We would love for you all to remember them in your prayers. I am added their blogs if you are interested.

www.claydavidfite.blogspot.com

www.caringbridge.

We had a pretty good weekend. Michael actually has been given a leave of absence by his big boss, Harold Stewart at the grocery store. They want him back when he feels like coming back to work. Sunday, April 5, 2009 was a very hard day. His color was very bad and being the red head he is, he never has a lot of color in his face, but today he resembled more of a halloween ghost than Michael. He had a visit from a former youth director and dear friend, Carter Pirtle of the FBC here in Olney. They talked about their basketball games in the past. Michael really enjoyed getting to visit with Carter. Today, Monday, April 6, 2009 was a better day. Color is back in his face and he has been able to be up more than yesterday. Had a visit from Diane and Perry Kunkel. They worked together at Herb and Sallie's Restaurant a few years ago. I talked with M.D. Anderson today and they say the doctors met and should hear something from the admisssions lady tomorrow sometime. Hopefully we will get the okay to make our way to HOUSTON. Nita Hearne came by with some goodies to munch on when we make our trip. Everyone in Olney has been wonderful and I have always thought it was a good place to live, but it is a WONDERFUL PLACE to live. The outpouring of love and prayers have overwelmed us the past couple of week. I really think Michael has me whipped in knowing more people than I do now. His attitude is really good and he keeps his mom on the positive path most of the time.
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL EVERYONE HAS DONE FOR US AND REMEMBER GOD IS IN CONTROL OF OUR SITUATION AND HOW CAN WE LOSE?

LOVE,
TERRI AND MICHAEL

Friday, April 3, 2009

Well, we thought today we would have some news as to when we had
to be in Houston. Unfortunately, they did not receive the paperwork
from the Doctor in Wichita Falls that they wanted fax to them, so
it will probably be the first of the week before we have a confirmed
appointment. Michael has not been in as much pain today as he was
yesterday for which we are very thankful. Prayers are being felt
for us during this time. We serve an awesome God and He hasn't left his
throne yet. We have had so many wonderful friends and family call and
check on us. We do have a tracking
number for the biopsy slides that they have overnighted to M.D. Anderson
from Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, so they should arrive in Houston tomoorow.
Continue to pray for Michael that God will give him the patience that he
needs to wait on treatment.
We love all of you.
Terri

Diagnosis

Well, not the news we wanted to hear, but at least we know what
we are going to treat now. Dr. Moshtaghi called about 10:00am
today and said that the biopsy came back as a malignant EWING SARCOMA.
I WILL ADD SOME WEBSITES TO LOOK ON IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
He asked me if I wanted to go to an oncologist in Wichita Fals,
Dallas or Houston. I asked him what he would do and he advised
he would go to M.D. Anderson and so he called them and I have
already had two calls from them from 10:00am until 1:00pm today.
Looks like we may be going this weekend, but the confirmation
will be relayed tomorrow morning. They were going to consult with
some doctors down there.

I have set us a blog on the internet so I won't have to remember
who all to email. Don't want to miss anyone. Everyone keep praying.

Michael's blog is

michaelwipperman@blogspot.com


I will update as I can.


Gotta get some clothes washed......

Love ya'll,

Terri and Michael