Christmas Gathering with Family - 2009

Ed and his family gathered for a happy Christmas Celebration the Saturday evening before Christmas. My youngest brother hosted our holiday party again this year, and it was a grand time for us all!

Upon Ed's arrival at B2's house, my brothers got our dad out of the car, into his wheelchair, and then hoisted him, chair and all, up the (rather steep) steps that lead up to the porch and into the front door. I know Ed must have been nervous about his 'flight' up the stairs, perhaps worrying he may be dumped out on the ground, but the boys did a good job and not a even a hair was lost going up those stairs!

(Picture 1: Ed enjoying Christmas Dinner.)

The house was full of brothers, sister-in-laws, an aunt, an uncle, moms and dads, kids and grandkids, and of course, Ed and Mama. There was even two cats and a pup in the midst at one time or another.

(Pic 2. Ed and Momma)

The aroma of both deep fried and roast turkey met us in the kitchen/dining area, along with dressing, greenbeans, potato salad, squash casserole, mashed potatos, sweet potato souffle, creamed corn, and apple-cheese bake. We all dug in after Courage's husband (SOL) blessed the food. After the meal, there was 9-layer chocolate iced caked and pecan pie for dessert. Everything was delicious and there were few left overs to be saved and taken home.

(Pic 3. With the grandkids.)

After partaking of the meal we all gathered in a circle with a pile of gifts in the center. The game of 'Dirty Santa' commenced and the gift most often stolen was an IPOD station thingy that you place your IPOD in and have the music play over speakers...and a bag of assorted whiskeys. Hmmm. The assortment of Dirty Santa gifts ranged from dishes to bath and body products to clocks and giftcards, and the aforementioned music machines and spirits.

Ed ended up with a $20.00 gift card to Walmart and Mama a set of colorful, vintage glass cooking bowls. I think both were satisfied with the results.

After all this excitement, Ed looked tired and both he and Mama seemed ready to go home. After a round of pictures were taken of different groups and then a whole group, Ed was bundled back up into his chair and carried back down the steps and tucked into the car.

(Pic 4. Me, Hubby and Ed.)

Back home, they both got ready for bed and waited for us to leave so they could lock up the house and crawl in bed. Me, I am driving home and thanking God above for another Christmas with them. Who knows when it will be the last?

(Pic 5. Dirty Santa Gift Pile)


(Pic 6. Ed, Mama and Children)

Chemo Treatment No. 15 - I'll be happy for you. Tomorrow.

Ed had chemo treatment number 15 on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. First, we saw Dr. Splichal for the regular 'check-in'. The hi lights of this visit are as follows:

* Ed weighed 185 lbs. He has lost 5 lbs. over the past few months. (Not a bad thing. He is 'overweight' compared to his normal weight before all this brain tumor stuff started over a year ago).

* His blood pressure was slightly higher than it has been being, with the bottom number being 90. But the nurse said he is still in the 'good' range.

* Dr. S said Ed still doing well for a brain tumor/cancer patient. He does see that the chemo has weakened him.

* The doctor examined Ed's feet, as I told him that his feet had been turning a dark purple-y color. He explained that Ed's feet were getting oxygen (he has hair on his toes...if no oxygen were getting to the toes there would be no hair growing on them), but the veins in his legs were compromised and therefore the blood is slow to return back up the leg. He did not think this was of grave concern. However, if the blood/oxygen was not getting to the feet it would be a concern.

* Dr. S also examined Ed's abdomen, in an area where we have noticed a bulging out, or swelling. Dr. S said the same thing the Physician's Assistant, Meredith, said last week. He did not feel a mass and it was too low to be a broken rib. He said perhaps Ed has a hernia in the area. He did not express that this was a major concern right now either.

* Dr. S. went over the same thing he has told us the last couple of times we saw him, that he wants Ed to take chemo treatments as usual through January 2010, and then take a break from chemo to let him regain his strength. He said he will have an MRI done in February to determine the progress of treatment. He mentioned once again that we may want to consider hospice.

I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around 'hospice'. I have believed that hospice is called in when you are ready to stop all treatment and prepare yourself for your end on this earth. However, I have been following a young man who has a fast growing cancer of the lungs ( I believe), and the person who writes the blog says that this young man goes to hospice to get support and get 'built back up' in a sense.

When Ed's doctors mention hospice, he withdraws, and I cringe. But maybe I need to do more research. Maybe it doesn't mean only that they come in to make you comfortable so you can die in peace and with dignity. Note to self: Research Hospice.

Dr. S seemed especially loving and gentle with Ed today. He hugged him, held his hand, held his face and head between his two hands. He told us how amazing it has been that Ed has come this far. Dr. S seems genuinely to care about him. But sometimes I feel he wants to give up, but don't feel like Ed is.

On to the treatment center where we scope out treatment rooms for the best seat. We chose room #4 again, as it only seats two patients and affords more privacy. Even though the room does not have a tv, sink, and only one visitor chair, it is still more attractive to us then the big communal areas. Ed's IV is started without incident.

Soon we are joined by Glenda. At first, Glenda doesn't seem to want to be put into the room with us, but the nurse urges her take this spot as chairs are running out quickly and she may end up sitting in the crowded waiting room until another chair opens up.

I sit and doze in my chair, and Glenda grows bored and introduces herself and from that point on she pretty much talked non-stop. She was in her late 50's, early 60's. She had found a lump in her breast earlier this year and in quick succession she had a mastectomy and chemo. She went on to tell us how devastating it was to her and how much terrible physical pain she had suffered and how her port was sore, and how her life had changed.

Also, today was her last chemo treatment. She was so happy of that fact. She had tears in her eyes telling me and Ed today was her last treatment, and when any nurse came into the room she told them.

I wanted to be happy for her. And I knew deep inside I was VERY happy for her, but when she told us this I looked at Ed and I saw his face and knew he was thinking, I don't have a date for my last chemo treatment. Actually, Chemo No. 18 could be his last treatment; because who knows if Dr. S will approve him for another round after his 'break'. I wanted to be happy for Glenda because she had traveled a hard road; she suffered the loss of her breast, she had a port in her chest to receive treatments through, she had lost her ability to drive - be it temporarily, she had been in terrible pain and suffered panic attacks, even having one during her treatment that day. But I couldn't feel the happiness for her like I should, because the sadness for my dad overwhelmed me and took over my emotions.

I sat and smiled at her, wished her much luck, and said all the right things, the whole time struggling not to let the tears start flowing. If they ever start, they are hard to contain and get under control. I try really hard not to cry in front of Ed in public. It would make him cry and we would be two soggy messes!

When we left, we bid Glenda goodbye. We heard her story of pain and triumph, she heard Ed's story of struggle to remain as normal as possible...what little bit I could tell between her happy outbursts. She was too happy to feel much empathy for him, and I was too sad to feel much happiness for her.

But I vowed to feel happy for her 'tomorrow', after I got past this day. It's not that it was a particularly sad day, no terrible news or anything. It's just hearing someone say 'I am finished with treatment', or 'I am cancer free', may not be something we will ever hear for him, so it's hard to celebrate at that moment because of that realization.

But I promise, I will be happy for you. Tomorrow.

Chemo Treatment No. 14

Ed had chemo treatment number 14 on December 2, 2009. Some highlights of this visit with the Physician's Assistant, Meredith, and chemo treatment are as follows:

*Ed weighed in at 187 lbs. He lost 3 pounds since his last visit two weeks ago.
*His blood pressure was a little lower than the last visit, still in the 'excellent' range.
*His blood work was all normal and good, except for the levels controlled by the
medication coumidin. Meredith said his blood was a little thick, so she increased his
coumidin from 1 and half caplets alternated every other day with 1 caplet, to 1 and
half caplets each day. Meredith said that increasing the coumidin dosage would reduce some of the swelling in his legs.
*We told Meredith that Ed had a 'tender spot' on his right side, that could be a
bruised rib from a fall he took a couple of weeks ago. She checked it out and said
the spot was too low for a bruised rib, but felt he had bruised the area. She said
she didn't feel any abnormalities in the area.
*Meredith noted once again that exercise might help Ed gain strength and mobility.
*Meredith informed us that Dr. Splichal had made notes in his chart that he wants Ed to receive
four more chemo treatments, after the one he would get this date, and have another MRI,
and then perhaps take a break from chemo. She said Ed needs a break in order to let his body
build up some strength. She did not say how long the break was. I have to remember to ask this
next visit.

The chemo treatment itself was uneventful. The nurse was able to get the IV started with the first stick, though she did put it in the crook of his wrist (on top) and he had to hold his wrist just right to keep the drip going at a nice steady flow. The biggest obstacle Ed and I run into during the day at chemo is not getting him into/out of the car, not the long waits to see doctors or get chemo started, but the trips to the bathroom. It involves getting out of the chemo chair into a wheelchair, remembering to unplug the IV pump, and Ed holding onto the IV pole and pulling it along while I am pulling/pushing him in the wheelchair, and trying to hold the restroom doors open while pushing him and the IV pole into the restroom without pulling his IV needle out, or tipping over the pole, or running into anyone, and without the door slamming on him or me, and then making his wheelchair and the IV pole all fit into the bathroom in such a way he can get to the toilet. You would think the cancer center would design the bathroom doors to stay open by themselves, or at least provide door stops. If you are lucky, a mobile patient or an extra kind nurse or aid will notice your struggle and will come to your aid by holding the door while you wrestle with the wheelchair and IV pole.

But if the worst that happens is one of us gets a door closed on us, I guess we are doing okay. And, I can certainly use the workout it gives me.

On this visit, we met a lady who had had colon cancer. Her doctor discovered a mass on her colon after several unsuccessful attempts to clear up a kidney infection. She said they removed a foot of her colon and she was taking chemo as a precaution. She said the chemo treatment had made her so sick, that she had thrown up the first time in over twenty years and that she'd had diarrhea for a week or more. She actually wasn't in for chemo this day, but to get a bag of fluids because of dehydration.

Ed is very blessed that he has had very little nausea and/or diarrhea.

We had a nice visit from Sarah, Ed's former patient rep (she has a new job there now...something to do with insurance claims, I think). It is always nice when any of the employees at the cancer treatment center takes time out of their busy days to just sit and talk about 'normal' life and stuff. She is a very sweet girl and we enjoyed our time with her.

We will be going back for Chemo Treatment No. 15 on December 16. Counting down to that next MRI. He really needs extra special prayers during this time, for the slowing or stopping of the growth of the tumor. If he is going to take a break from Chemo, we need for that tumor to stop growing and even reduce some. Please say an extra one for him today!

Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Thanksgiving, and my apologies for not updating you sooner on Ed's MRI results!

My brother, B2, went with Ed to get his MRI results and following chemo treatment on Wednesday, November 18. It was not bad news...but we wished for better.

(Pic #1: Back - Courage, Mama, Ed. Front: SIL (son-in-law) and Arthur)

Ed's brain tumor has grown slightly. However, what little I can understand from the MRI report, the growth is very slight, there is a bit more swelling and fluid in the cavity left from the decreased tumor, but the cortex groove (the groove you see in pictures of the brain) is still grooved and is not effacing...or erasing...becoming 'ungrooved' if you will. In other words, yes, the tumor has grown ever so slightly, but he is still a miracle patient and Dr. Splichal approves of continued use of Irenotecan and Avastin. Of course, next chemo visit on December 2, I will be asking for clarification of this.

We thought maybe Ed had a kidney infection, but his urine test was clean. We thought this because when he had a seizure a day or two before his last doctor visit, he grabbed at his stomach and he's been weaker. Now, we are thinking he may have bruised a rib when he missed the bed and took a fall. B2 asked Dr. S to check him out, but he did so very briefly, therefore it is highly possible he did bruise a rib. B2 will see if Ed can see a general practitioner at the clinic where he gets his bi-weekly blood work done.

(Pic #2: Mama and Ed smooching.)

Ed is having another 'cycle' of debilitating weakness. I have discussed this with his neurologist who feels like the Lyrica does have side effects, but side effects that should lessen with time. Now I am inclined to believe the weakness is a result of on-going chemotherapy treatments. According to stuff I have read, long term chemotherapy can result in 'chemo-brain', a condition in which the patient feels like they are in a 'fog', are unable to concentrate or think straight, and has difficulty speaking or remembering a thought long enough to form the words. From what I have read from blogs and websites, these side effects will probably not subside until chemotherapy has been stopped and usually quite a long time after it has been stopped. So it looks like Ed will have to live with 'chemo-brain' until either, a) the tumor is gone or b) he decides he doesn't want to do this anymore. Right now, he chooses to continue chemo.

My Mom says they will purchase a lift chair soon. Ed is too weak to get himself out of his recliner alone anymore, and it is becoming more difficult for him to walk, even with the aid of his walker. The wheelchair came back out this week.

(Pic #3: B2 tries to get Ed to try a meatball...a half meatball to be precise!)

Me and my girls and son-in-law took Mama and Ed a Thanksgiving meal Thursday, and I am happy to report Ed ate heartily of most of the food I took. Most...but he pushed the mac-n-cheese and meatballs around on the plate. He's never been a fan of pasta, and not really crazy about meatballs or meatloaf. My brother attempted to get him taste a meatball, and he would have nothing to do with it! However, today he said he did finally try them later and thought they tasted pretty good.

Ed and his family have so many things to be thankful for this year. Even in the face of a terrible disease, there have been so many blessings. Ed came through brain surgery with flying colors, he did wonderful throughout radiation and two chemotherapy regimens, he was approved for several different low-income/non-health care covered programs, the life-long silence between he and his first son has been broken, he has kept a positive and winning attitude through-out, and his salvation has been assured and our family has gotten closer. We can either sit and cry and wring our hands in despair over the terrible thing that has happened to him, or we can celebrate his life and continue to help him live a purposeful life and go on with all our lives, though we be changed. Thankfully, we all choose the latter!

(Last pic...B2 with Mama and Ed...Happy Thanksgiving!)

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, Ed had the first seizure, which would change his life forever. Here are the highlights of the past year:

11/11/2008: First seizure which was misdiagnosed in the ER as heart attack. Was given several heart related tests, and sent home after four days in the hospital, with a heart monitor.

11/26/2008: Second seizure. Upon arrival at ER was given CAT scan of the head. Mass on brain discovered. Spent Thanksgiving in the hospital.

(In the photo, Ed rests while receiving Chemo, November 4, 2009.)


12/3/2008: Ed has brain surgery remove brain mass. Dr. Walpert, nuerosurgeon, confirmed her fears of Glioblastoma Multiforme, a deadly form of brain cancer. Predicts Ed will survive 4 to 6 months.

12/22/2008: Celebrated family Christmas at my brother's house, From all appearances Ed looks healthy and normal.

12/31/2008: New Year's Eve. Ed has 3rd and 4th seizures. His seizure medication is adjusted.

01/12/2009: Ed has first radiation session which will last for six weeks. Also begins chemotherapy with Temodar.

01/14/2009: Seizures #5, #6 and #7 come on this day. The following day he sees Dr. Mitchell, nuerologist for seizures. Dr. Mitchell adds Lyrica to accompany Dilantin in the battle to get seizures under control.

01/18/2009 through most of summer: Ed continues to have seizures, at first about a week apart, then two weeks, and finally after gradually increasing Lyrica dosages get them under control.

03/13/2009: Ed develops a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) . . . a blood clot in his leg. Starts daily injections of blood thinners to dissolve the clot and prevent more from developing.

03/2009: We begin to see big changes in Ed's physical appearance and abilities. He loses his hair. His face is slack and he becomes unable to walk and difficulty using his hands. There are periods of time when he is completely bedridden and wheelchair bound. His speech has become garbled and it becomes increasing difficult to understand him. Dr. Walpert urges us to bring in hospice. We talk with hospice and Ed and Mama agree it is not time for hospice at this point.

04/2009: MRI shows brain tumor has grown back and perhaps larger than orginal tumor. Dr. Splichal stops Temodar treatments, but approves Ed to begin treatment with Irinotecan and Avastin. Our family hosts a gospel singing with friends, Ed enjoys this very much, but he is very weak and suffers a seizure in front of friends and family.

05/2009: Ed regains some of his strength, starts getting himself in and out of bed again. Is able to help take care of himself again. This improves over the next month or so, to the point he is able to walk again, with the aid of his walker.

06/03/2009: Intravaneous chemo treatment with Irinotecan and Avastin begin. This treatment continues as this is written, received every other week at North Georgia Cancer Center in Athens, Georgia.

08/2009: MRI of the brain shows that Ed's brain tumor has reduced in size by half! Dr. Splichal approved continuing use of Irinotecan and Avastin.

08/30/2009: The seizures are back after four months of freedom from them. Ed sees his Mother at her nursing home when his family got together for a reunion; he had not seen her in about a year. After a long day visiting, Ed had a seizure. Sadly, on September 9th, upon returning home from chemo, Ed learned his mother had died.

09/30/2009: Another seizure and another medication adjustment. At this time, Ed is having a lot of the side effects associated with taking higher dosages of Lyrica; muscle weakness, headaches, confusion, blurry vision, sleepiness.

10/15/2009: Ed sees Dr. Mitchell, neurologist, today. Dr. Mitchell says Ed is a walking miracle. He says that he has never seen a GBM patient with a brain tumor that has gotten smaller. He urges Ed to keep taking the higher doses of Lyrica even with the side effects listed above, as he feels those side effects will lessen over time.

11/10/2009: Ed has a seizure after being seizure free for two months.

11/11/2009: Ed gets an MRI to check the progress of his chemo treatments on reducing the brain tumor. He will get the results one week from today, when he goes for his next chemo treatment.

Ed has come a long way. His family was told at the time of surgery to remove the initial brain tumor, he may live six months - he may live over a year. In March of this year, we were urged to bring in hospice, that the time was near. Ed and Mama refused hospice care, and Ed has fought to overcome his disease.

Ed has never complained about his illness, his treatments, his side effects or his lot in life. He has never asked 'Why me?' In fact, when asked, he has answered, 'Why not me'. I have seen him cry, he is human after all, but he has always pulled it together and regained his composure. When he cried, it seemed he cried for his kids and wife, not for himself. He has lost almost all of his speech abilities, but he uses hand gestures and answers questions with yes and no to communicate. Anyone who sees him sitting in a chair, would not guess he is battling a fatal disease. His hair has grown back, he weighs in at 191 pounds, he has intelligence in his eyes. He looks 'normal'.

Next Wednesday Ed finds out if his brain tumor continues to shrink, stayed the same size, or has grown. If it stayed the same or has shrunk, he will continue IV chemo treatments with Irinotekan and Avastin. These drugs inhibit the growth of cancer cells and cuts off the blood supply to existing tumors. We are praying that the miracle continues. He has made it exactly one year from the date of his first seizure. He probably had the tumor in his brain for one year prior to the first seizure. He had quit smoking one year, to the month, of the first seizure.

This illness has brought our family closer, and has brought Ed closer to God. He has had several people talk to him about his beliefs and I am happy to know he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior as a teenager and continues to beleive today. He reads a passage from the Bible daily and beleives if it is God's will he will be saved from this disease.

We are all happy that he has made it thus far. No, his quality of life is not excellent, but it is bearable. He is able to get himself in and out of bed, in and out of his wheelchair when it is needed, and is able to walk with the help of a walker. He feeds and bathes himself. He helps my mom with breakfast by getting the ingredients out of the fridge and flipping sausage in the pan. He smiles alot and laughs, and participates in conversations the best he can. He is still very opinionated. Even though he cannot talk very well and will often fall asleep while visiting with you, he is still Edward inside that brain! He still gives me driving directions when we go someplace and tries to tell me and my brother how to put plastic on the back porch.

We wait for the MRI results...it will be a long week!

Chemo Treatment No. 12

Last Wednesday, November 4, Ed received chemo treatment no. 12.

First, he saw Dr. Splichal briefly. Dr. Splichal confirmed that Ed is still doing very well on chemo with Irinotecan and Avastin. He maintained his weight; 191.6 pounds. His blood work was all very, very good. His blood was a little thin, so he changed the coumidin dosage to (1) 2.5 mg tablet one day, alternating the next day with (1-1/2) 2.5 mg tablets of coumidin. His blood pressure looked great.

Chemo went smoothly and mostly uneventful. It did take, for the first time since this journey began, two sticks to get the IV started. Other than that, everything was fine.

Dr. Splichal ordered a MRI of the brain for Ed on Wednesday, November 11. It is time to check the progress of the chemo treatments.

Chemo Treatment No. 11

We arrived early at Northeast Georgia Cancer Center this past Wednesday morning. We were seen almost immediately by Meredith, the Physician's Assistant. Ed's visit was very quick and routine. The hi-lites are as follows:

* Ed gained two pounds since last visit. He is at 191 now.
* His blood pressure had dropped to 120-something over 70-something. (don't have notes with me at this time).
* His blood work was great, but his blood was a bit thick, so his coumidin dosage was adjusted again. One day he takes one 2.5 milligram caplet, and the next day take one and half 2.5 mg caplet, and the next day back to one caplet, back and forth.
* Meredith said Ed is doing good.

On over in the treatment center, Ed settled into a recliner and soon a nurse had his I.V. started and his toxic cocktail began dripping into his vein. This week, Ed chose to have his I.V. in his right arm. He usually gets it in his left arm. He never complains, but I wondered if maybe the left arm is beginning to get tired of getting all the needle action.

This visit we got to know an older couple who were there for chemo for the husband's lung cancer. After talking for a few minutes, we learned that they lived just a few miles from where Ed and Mama live in Winder, and that they also lived in Lilburn, near where we lived, way back in the 70's and 80's. They were both retired school teachers and very nice. The wife was so attentive to her husband, holding his hand while his I.V. was being inserted, and making sure he got snacks and drinks. There was also an older gentleman seated on the other side of Ed, but we didn't get much out of him, except when I said I was going to the snack machine, he gave me change and asked me to get him some peanut butter cookies.

When Ed's chemo treatment was finished, we said our good bye's and headed home. It is interesting the different types of people you meet in the chemo treatment rooms, and what types of cancers they have. So far we have not met another GBM (Glioblastoma Multiforme) patient. We may not, as I believe Dr. Splichal said he treated 8 patients with the disease last year. Compared to other types of cancers, I don't think it very common. But no matter what type of cancer, I guess everyone in the chemo treatment rooms feels a 'kinship' in a way, that everyone is there for the same reason, fighting to live.

In two weeks we will be back for Chemo #12 and should learn when Ed will get his new MRI. Both Meredith and Dr. Splichal have said it should come about in November.

One Doctor's Opinion...It's a Miracle

Ed had an appointment with his neurologist, Dr. Mitchell, today. This was a regular office visit to check up on his progress and Dr. Mitchell had not seen Ed in probably four or five months as we had to cancel his last appointment due to not feeling well and not needing to be out in the pouring rain.

(Picture: What a Glioblastoma Multiforme tumor looks like. Lots of 'branches' come off of the main 'body' of the tumor and grow outwards into surrounding brain tissue. When the tumor is is cut out, the little strand like projections are so small they cannot all be removed. Therefore, a new tumor can start from a tiny strand left behind. The drug Avastin cuts off the blood supply to the tumor (and hopefully the strands) and the drug Irenotrecan stops, or at least inhibits, cell division...preventing cancer from growing at all or not as fast.)


Dr. Mitchell had not seen the results of Ed's last MRI, done August 3rd of this year. I loved the look on his face as he read it. He looked puzzled, then shocked, then just amazed. He read part of it aloud, then starting reading to himself, his mouth moving. He finally looked up and said, this is amazing. I've never seen a GBM patient have a reduction in tumor size before. It is unheard of. I have never seen this happen with a patient.l It is what you would call, a miracle. During our conversation, he said the word 'Miracle' two or three times. Me and Ed were smiling. You rarely get this type of reaction from a doctor.

Next, down to business. I told Dr. M of my concerns that the dosage of Lyrica Ed was taking was making him weaker, more confused, less able to speak. Dr. M reassured me that Ed has not 'topped out' on the dosage tolerable for Lyrica. He said yes, the symptoms do sound like common side effects resulting from taking Lyrica. However, he feels that Ed needs to stay on this drug and on this dosage. He said that with time, the side effects will lessen and the good effects (no pain, no seizures) out weigh the bad effects. He said there are other drugs used to control seizures, but they would have the same side effects as Lyrica. Also, Ed is approved to receive patient assistance with the drug Lyrica. Applying for patient assistance for other drugs could be time consuming and perhaps frustrating. He strongly urged we go with his recommendation to stay with Lyrica and wait for the side effects to lessen and/or subside. We agreed.

Other highlights of the visit; Ed's blood pressure was good, his blood work good, and Dr. M put him through several little 'tests' (raising his arms shoulder level, holding his arms up with his eyes closed, I noticed Ed's right arm would lower while doing this test...wish I had asked what that meant), touching his nose with his index finger and then touching Dr. M's finger. Some type of neurological assessments, maybe to determine presence of stroke? I am not sure. I should have asked.

Dr. M is a good man. In the past, he has told us he prays for Ed and also his statement. . .' this is a miracle', shows he is a good Christian man. I trust his judgement and treatment decisions. He shook our hands and told Ed to come back in six months. That tickled Ed. So me and the 'Miracle Man' took off...cruising down Hwy 316 towards home, happy once again to have received a 'good report'.


P.S. It is a miracle that Ed's brain tumor has been reduced. We can say it is because of the chemo drugs Avastin and Irinotecan and the care he receives from his doctors, family and friends. I know though, that this miracle is a result of God's grace. He has listened to Ed's prayers and everyone who has prayed for him. God is the only person who can bring about a miracle. All the glory goes to God!

Chemo Treatment No. 10

My brother, B2, took Ed for his chemo treatment this past Wednesday, October 7, 2009. This was a Dr. Splichal appointment, and fortunately, another 'uneventful' visit.

Ed had gained one pound since his last visit two weeks ago, and is now back up to 189 pounds. His blood pressure was good...130/80. His blood work numbers were good, but his blood was a little thin so they dropped his Coumidin dosage from one and a half a day to one a day. My mom had wanted to know if Ed could take a magnesium supplement for leg weakness and pain and Dr. S said yes. Very routine.

Chemo went well and uneventful as well.

Because of the return of the seizures, Ed is taking a higher dosage of the drug Lyrica now. His dosage went from 300 mg to 375 mg about four weeks ago, and then two weeks ago went to 450 mg. Lyrica is a drug used to treat fibromyalgia and seizures. There is quite a list of possible side effects from this drug, and feel that Ed being on the high end of the maximum daily dosage allowed, he is beginning to get some of the more serious side effects; mainly muscle weakness and the loss of cognitive ability. His speech has worsened notably and he really has to struggle to maintain a single train of thought and get out anything he is trying to say.

Next week I will be going with Ed to see the neurologist, Dr. Mitchell, and I have a lot of questions to ask him about this drug, Lyrica, and the dosage Ed is taking. He had mentioned earlier in Ed's illness that there is a third drug he can prescribed to try to get Ed's seizures under control. I want to know what that drug is and if it could possibly be an alternative to Lyrica, or if a lower dose of Lyrica could be taken in conjunction with that drug. I feel that a lot of the symptoms Ed has...difficulty speaking, thinking, walking, bruising, muscle weakness and fatique could all be side effects of Lyrica. I want answers and he needs help. I put faith in Dr. M that he will work to get Ed to a better place. I have to believe this, for I feel Ed may now feel the worse he has in a very long time.

November will bring about a new MRI. We pray for God to show the doctors, us, and Ed, that the chemo cocktail he gets every other Wednesday continues to work and that the brain tumor will be even smaller than a few months ago. Maybe it will even be gone.

One can believe and have hope.

Chemo Treatment No. 9

Ed's doctor visit and chemo treatment no. 9 was mostly uneventful. Every other visit Ed sees Meredith, the P.A. (Physician's Assistant), instead of the oncologist, and this visit was with Meredith. Here are the hi-lites of the visit: * His weight remained the same - 188 lbs. * His blood pressure was good. * All his blood work came back with normal/good levels. * All medications levels remain the same.

Meredith noted in her portable computer that Ed got a flu shot since his last visit and that headaches continue, he'd had a seizure since the last visit, his appetite is still at a loss and he still has the strange sensation of water trickling down his forearms. All in all, Meredith, like Dr. Splichal, feels Ed is doing quite well to be a brain tumor/cancer patient. Ed's seizures had been under control for four months, but now he has had three seizures in the past month. One on August 30, the next one approximately two weeks later, and then the most recent one was yesterday. About the same severity and endurance; no loss of consciousness, eyes rolling, mouth moving and saliva from the mouth, head and body jerking. Luckily, Ed has never fell or injured himself or anyone during one of these seizures that last just a few minutes. As always, he is left weak and briefly disoriented, but recovers relatively quickly.

At the time of the second seizure during this new round of seizures Dr. Mitchell (neurologist) decided to up Ed's Lyrica dosage from (4) 75mg capsules to (5) 75mg capsules. After I reported the latest seizure, he upped it one more capsule starting tonight. Ed now takes a total of 450mg of Lyrica and 500mg of Dilantin and 1 mg of steroids (Decadron). Dr. Mitchell doesn't seem sure why his seizures have returned. He said perhaps since Dr. S is slowly weaning Ed off Decadron (over past few months has gone from 12mg a day to 1 mg a day), that his brain could be swelling again. Or perhaps he is just having 'break-through' seizures. We are hoping the increase of Lyrica will have the desired effect.

Ed continues to get about with his walker, unassisted. Dr. S stated in at Chemo Treatment no. 8 that he wanted Ed to wean himself off the walker. Ed is scared he will fall and has not attempted to give it up yet. He is still assisting mama with making breakfast. He gets everything out that is needed to make breakfast, flips sausage as it cooks in the frying pan, and other things that Mama says are a big help to her.

He still has a non-complaining attitude and is still very pleasant and never seems to question his lot in life. He does seem to be more 'down' lately than he has been all summer. His speech is still hard to understand. I have helped him apply for assistance to help pay for speech therapy, but it's a lot of paperwork and really gets into your business. I don't know if we will ever get anywhere with it.

The strangest thing that has come about late summer and early fall, is the cat Mama and Ed have has begun having seizures. The first one happened approximately a month and half ago. This past Sunday he was sitting on the rail by the front porch and he dove off into the bushes. Mama thought he was after a lizard; I thought he fell off with a seizure because when I looked in the bushes for him he was laying still on the ground, then slowly got up. Today, Mama reported that the cat had a seizure right in front of them. Like the first one, he was laying in a chair on the front porch when he began seizing. He then fell off the chair on the floor and then lay stretched and taught, like he was paralyzed, with eyes wide open. Afterwards, he slowly came back to himself and acted normally. Mama and I have speculated as to why the cat could be having seizures. Mama did put TWO Frontline capsules on his fur a week before the first seizure. She thought it would keep him more 'flea-free' and not hurt him. Could he have gotten into some other type of poison? We just don't know. My Aunt Judy wonders if he picks up on Ed's seizure activity and responds to it. We just don't know. Ed still needs your prayers. Please pray that his seizures will get under control once again, and that his body will continue to tolerate chemo.

Please pray for Mama's health and her ability to take care of both herself and Ed. Please pray for his doctors that they will know how to treat him.

Chemo Treatment No. 8 and Sad News

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 brought another trip to the Northeast Georgia Cancer Center for a visit with Dr. Splichal and chemo treatment number 8 for Ed.

The visit with Dr. Splichal came and went quickly. Dr. S was not running late for a change. We barely waited 5 minutes before he bounded in with a smile and a handshake for Ed. He told us that Ed's weight, blood pressure, and blood work were all good and encouraging. He commented again on how pleased he was that Ed's MRI last month showed a 50% reduction of his brain tumor. Hi-lights of this check-up are as follows:

* Ed weighed in at 188 lbs. That is about the same as the last visit, give or take a pound. We are especially pleased with that news, as his appetite has been less than good the past two or three weeks!

* His blood pressure was slightly higher than week before last, but still in the 'great' range.

* The blood work was all in the 'ideal' range; his coumadin (blood thinner) levels included. Therefore his coumadin dosage will stay the same.

* As per his plan, Dr. S reduced Ed's steroid dosage by half once again. He now only takes 1mg of the Decadron per day, in the morning. He said probably the next visit will bring about taking the steroid completely off his medication list.

* Dr. S said it is time for Ed to start working on walking more and getting out of the wheelchair and being less dependent on the walker. He said the only way for Ed to regain his strength is to practice walking and get more exercise. I think this is going to be his biggest challenge in the upcoming weeks and months.

Dr. Splichal closed the visit with reiterating that he feels Ed has come such a long way and is doing wonderfully. He told Ed he was proud of him and was really encouraged by his progress.

After that we went right over to the Treatment Center (located in the same building) and got settled in for chemo. It takes a few minutes for them to get his meds together...he still takes a concoction of 5 different drugs, and only the first one does he get as an injection into his IV line. The rest must drip slowly into the vein. But even at that, the chemo part usually only takes between two and two and half hours! Not bad!

The nurse, Lynn, came in to start the IV and she began with wrapping Ed's forearm in a warm towel to make the veins 'pop up'. This was a first for Ed and I think he was puzzled by it. The first stick attempt wasn't so good...the vein she used 'exploded' and she had to go in a second time, but that one was good and the rest was routine. This time one of the nursing assistants remembered to bring Ed a urinal bottle and we didn't have to play 'Wrestle the IV Pole to the Restroom' game. I just left his private treatment room and let him pee in his bottle and then he would yell when he was finished. That is the advantage of getting to the center early, getting in and out of the doctor visit quickly, so that you can get back to treatment and get a private room before they are all snatched up! Of course me, I don't mind getting a communal room, I love to talk to people. But it's not about me.

On the way home, Ed and I stopped at KFC to get lunch and I got a call from my brother. He asked me to wait at Ed and Mama's house for him to get there; to not leave before he got there. I passed this on to Ed and we pondered why he'd want me to stay and why he was coming over. He has been in CDL License school for a few weeks and we wondered aloud if maybe he had bought a big truck or something.

Once home, we sat to eat lunch, but my brother beckoned me out to the porch where he and his girlfriend were sitting and whispered something in my ear. I could barely eat after that, but sat down with Mama and Ed to pick at my plate and encourage Ed to finish his lunch. Ed asked me 'Why is Bo and Terry here?'. I replied, just to visit I think.

After he had eaten what he could, we all went to the front porch to sit and rest, and that is when Mama told Ed that she had gotten a call with bad news while we were gone. She then told him that his mother, whom we had just gone to see at the nursing home the last weekend of August, had passed away just an hour or so ago.

At first, Ed seemed in shock, and his reactions were slow. But when I asked him if he was okay, he closed his eyes and begin to cry. I hugged him, Bo hugged him, and Mama hugged him. We all cried with him. We talked with him and let him cry and then would try to make him smile. Mama had called my stepbrother, Tony, and he arrived in just a while and he too tried to make Ed smile.

We are so glad Ed got to see his Mama one last time just a week and a few days ago. We are glad he got to spend a few minutes with her. She was in pain at the time, and we smiled and laughed at how 'grouchy' she was, but looking back, we realize she was probably in more pain than anyone knew.

So, this Sunday we will take Ed and go to his mother's funeral. Please pray for him and his family.

Reunion

A week ago today me, my brother Bo (yeah, that's B2) , and step-brother Tony, took Ed to see his Mama at the nursing home she lives in, in Cumming, Georgia. It was a family reunion for Ed, his Mama, two of his sisters, a cousin, and quite a few nieces and nephews.

(Picture 1. Ed, Sisters Shirley and Janie, and Mama)

It was bittersweet...as Ed had not seen his Mom in a year or more - not since before he fell ill last year...and his Mother didn't appear to recognize him. Maybe for a few seconds she did. But it was nice to see Ed's sisters and their kids all gather around to share a meal and visit. Also, to see Tony connect with a family lost to him many years ago. Bo had never really been around any of them except Shirley, so this was new family to him also.

(Picture #2. Tony, Ed and Bo.)

That night, Ed had the first seizure he had suffered in almost three months. I know it was because he had too much excitement and too much emotion. Mama called me around 8:30pm and said that Bo was on his way to help. We kicked around theories of why the seizure had come on...about his steroid dosage being reduced, about the long day he had had. After calls to the oncologist and neurologist the next morning, we blamed it on the long, exciting day, not the steroids. He has not had any more since.

Tony dropped by again today. I think Ed is getting more comfortable having him come to visit and enjoys his company. That fence...it is still on the mend!

(Picture #3. Ed, niece Bonnie and Mama)




(Picture #4. Ed's Mama, Dixie Trusty...finally got a smile on that face!)







(Picture #5. Tony...trying to hide a BIG piece of cake!)

Chemo Treatment No. 7

I have been bad! I have not written about Ed's Journey in two weeks! Yesterday I went with Ed for check-up and chemo treatment. Here are some high lights of his appointment with Meredith, the Physician's Assistant:

* Ed lost two pounds since his last visit two weeks ago.

* His blood pressure was 120/70.

* All his blood counts came back good.

* His coumidin level is good. No adjustments needed on that medication.

* Dr. Splichal noted for Meredith to cut Ed's steroids in half once again. Now he is taking 2 mg
per day.

* Meredith said there is no problem with Ed taking coumidin and eating all the green vegetables he wants. His blood is checked every other week, so they will know if something has gone awry and will adjust his coumidin if needed.

I explained to Meredith that Ed has begun to experience some nausea and loss of appetite since his last visit. Also, he has weakness and shortness of breath. Meredith explained that as Ed gets more and more of the chemo drugs in his body, his weakness will increase and his appetite will continue to lessen. He has got to try very hard to continue eating well and drinking fluids. This has become a struggle, especially the taking in fluids part. My mama is getting quite frustrated with this, as she always tries to coax him to eat and drink. In the past, that really hasn't been a very big problem, now each day she reports it is getting harder and harder to convince him to eat and drink enough.

Meredith said cutting back on the steroids is not what is making him weak, in fact, taking large doses of steroids over a long period of time is harmful and will make you weak. We are hoping as he weans off steroids that some of his strength will return. Steroids do increase the appetite. Therefore; she does feel like coming off the steroids do play some part in his loss of appetite, or at least diminishing of his appetite.

There were a couple of days near the end of last week that Ed was dragging his right leg and having trouble getting out of bed even with assistance, and had to go back to using his wheel chair a couple of days. But then his strength came back in a small surge and he is now using his walker again.

Dr. S and Meredith have stressed the importance of good nutrition, plenty of fluid intake, some exercise, and sufficient sleep to keep his strength up.

Ed seems to have headaches more frequently...the tumor has decreased in size, so what is causing the headaches??? According to drug info, his Lyrica and/or Dilantin may be causing the headaches...not to mention the chemicals he receives every other week in chemo. He does take Tylenol, Lortab or Morphine, depending on how severe the headache is at any given time.

This Sunday, me and my brother and step-brother are supposed to take Ed to his family reunion in Cumming...we are hoping and praying that he feels well enough to go. Ed's mama is in a nursing home there, and he has not seen her since he fell ill last year. We all feel like he needs to see her...and she him. He will have several sisters there, and their families. I am not sure his younger brother will be there, he lives in Florida and it is difficult, financially, for him and his wife to drive here sometimes.

Senator Ted Kennedy died from his glioma (brain cancer) this week. He had the same kind of cancer Ed has...but Mr. Kennedy was much older than Ed was when his tumor was detected and Mr. Kennedy's tumor was inoperable for whatever reason...perhaps his age and the location of his tumor.

Please pray for Ed to have strength and appetite in the upcoming days, weeks, months and that he is doing the right thing by choosing chemo. Ask God to be gentle with him and help him physically and emotionally. Pray that we, as his family and friends, will know how to help him. Pray for my Mama as she continues to be the main caregiver. Thanks everyone who follows Ed's Journey.

"Half"

Half is a good word.

Today Ed got the results of the MRI done of his brain last week. Dr. Splichal waltzed in assuming we had already received news from Dr. Walpert (the neurosurgeon). We had not. So he started out with..."Well, the tumor is now HALF the size it was at the time of the last MRI (May, 2009)".

I started clapping. B2 looked relieved. Ed was smiling so big it nearly cut his face in HALF!

He stated that back in May, the MRI showed that the tumor was so big that it had shoved portions of the brain that belonged on the left side of the skull over in the right side of the skull. Also, at that time, there was alot of edema (swelling). Now, with the reduction of the tumor, the left HALF of the brain was in the left HALF of the skull, where it belonged. The mid-line of the brain was centered in the skull again. Also, there is very little edema.

Because the edema (swelling) is reduced so much, Dr. S said he is reducing his steroid dosage to HALF what he is currently taking.

His blood work came back showing his blood is a little thin...the warfarin (generic for Coumadin) is working quite well, a little too well. So he wants Ed to take the normal dosage on even days, and HALF the dosage on odd days. (or vice-a-verse).

Ed had lost one pound. This is a good thing.

His blood pressure was good.

Ed did give me a look when I told Dr. S about a 'sore spot' in his groin area. I had to leave the room while Dr. S took a look...and I got 'that look' from Ed again when I came back in the room. He told me later that Dr. S had put a rubber glove on one hand to have a look-see. Hmmm...alot of looking going on. Ed said he would pay me back for that one. (He doesn't like anyone looking at his private area I take it!)

Ed's chemo took about HALF the time it took the first treatment he received. We believe because he now gets the nausea drug as an injection into the line instead of having it drip into the line.

Everyone is so glad to hear Ed's good news. I called Mama, who laughed and cried. She called several people and I called and texted others. What do we contribute this wonderful news to? First of all, to God. God listens to prayers. Ed reads a 'healing' scripture from the Bible everyday. I know God likes that. Also, he eats asparagus everyday. My husband not only believes in prayer, he believes in using the brain God gave you and he tells Ed eating asparagus helps heal cancer. Also, Ed has a 'not giving up' spirit. You have to count Mama taking good care of him into the equation too. And of course, the miracle drugs he is taking. Avastin is really making the news these days for helping reduce cancer tumors and giving people more time on this earth. Ed has a lot of people who love him and help him day to day. All these things I think are helping him fight this cancer.

I went back to work after our trip to the doctor. I have already made up HALF my time from going in to work an hour early the past few days. Even if I didn't, I wouldn't have missed this doctor visit. It was a good one.

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for Ed's healing! I hope your week is going at least HALF as well as mine!

Hoping and Praying for Good News!

B2 offered to take our Dad to his appointment Wednesday, and I thought how good this was. (Because I would not lose any time at work) But the more I think about it, the more I want to be there when the news of the MRI results are delivered. My boss will let me go in early and take short lunches to make up my time.

If it is good news, if the tumor has gotten smaller, or at the least, not grown, we will celebrate and praise God!

If it is bad news, if the tumor has grown, we will be sad, but we won't be mad at God.

If the news is good, Ed will get his regularly scheduled chemo treatment with Avastin.

If the news is bad, I believe Dr. Splichal will say no more chemo. But if Ed wants to continue, we may have to wrestle Dr. S to the ground and hold him down until he says 'uncle'.

Whatever the outcome, I know Ed will be okay. It will be the rest of us who will take it the hardest. Especially Mama.

I went with Ed to a chemo appointment a few weeks ago and watched the medication clipboard to see exactly what his chemo-cocktail consists of, and this is what I learned:

He received the following drugs, one bag at a time, in this order;

1) Sodium Chloride 100ml = This medication is an intravenous (IV) solution used to supply water and electrolytes (e.g., sodium, chloride) to the body. Basically, it is salt water. It is also used as a mixing solution (diluent) for other IV medications. (MedicineNet.com)

2) Aloxi .25mg = Aloxi is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation). (Drugs.com)

3) Decadron 8.0mg = As an anti-inflammatory medication. (a steroid) Decadron relieves inflammation in various parts of the body. It is used specifically to decrease swelling (edema), associated with tumors of the spine and brain, and to treat eye inflammation. (Chemocare.com)

4) Avastin 833.0mg = Avastin is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth of cancer cells by blocking the formation and growth of new blood vessels in the tumor which slows their growth. (Drugs.com)

5) Irinotecan HCI 245.0mg (generic for Camptosar) = Camptosar is the trade name for irinotecan. Camptothecin-11 and CPT-11 are other names for irinotecan. It is to stop or slow cell division in regards to treating cancer. (condensed information gathered from Chemocare.com)

Chemotherapy is treatment with drugs to try and stop growth and also kill cancer cells. In the meantime, you try to not destroy or compromise healthy cells. It is a crazy combination of stuff that kills, and stuff that protects.

Hopefully, Ed will be getting this cocktail again Wednesday.

MRI follow up

We are disappointed, but we will not get any news on Ed's MRI done on Monday until his regularly scheduled appointment next Wednesday (August 12). If he gets positive news, he will go ahead with chemo that day. If bad news, chemo will be canceled. Please pray for good news.

Chemo Treatment No. 5

Ed's chemo treatment no. 5 went very well today. B2 reported back today that Ed kept his weight at 190 lbs for the past two weeks. (It has been a norm for him to gain five pounds or so every two weeks), his blood pressure was good, his blood work good. Chemo infusion itself went smooth.

Dr. S had told me he would do an MRI of the brain after treatment no. 6, but I guess he has decided to do it earlier because Ed is scheduled for one next Monday. If the MRI shows the tumor is reducing in size, he will continue to receive the drug Avastin. If it shows it is still increasing in size, Dr S will stop the Avastin treatment. Oh please, please, please...ask God to have mercy and let the tumor be smaller!

A bit of encouragement received...My friend Nancy at work has a girlfriend who lives near Helen, who's husband has been fighting a battle against lung cancer. This man has tumors in his lungs, but after using the same drug Ed is on, (Avastin), his tumors have greatly reduced in size. I am really hoping and praying Ed gets the same good news.

That being said, I must say, Ed seems to be at peace with his illness. He doesn't complain, never starts a sentence with 'I wish...', or 'Why...'. He is so calm and peaceful. His concerns seem to be for everyone else around him; my Mom, his kids, his friends. He doesn't want her or any one else to worry about him or be sad. I hope if I ever have cancer or another devastating illness that I can be like him.

Prep for Chemo #5

Ed is up and chemo bound this morning. Today he receives treatment #5 with Avastin and other drugs to battle his brain cancer. Please pray for him and my brother and Mom today. For Ed to receive good care, my brother to have patience, and my Mom fell in the bathtub night before last.

There will be an update later on Ed's chemo and doctor visit.

Chemo Treatment No. 4

Ed came through chemo treatment no. 4 very well. Here are a few hi-lights:

*Ed gained five more pounds. He is now 190+ pounds.

*The blood work done yesterday revealed his blood is too thick. They upped his coumadin levels from 5mg to 7.5 mg per day.

*Chemo itself was relatively uneventful.

*Ed's State Cancer Aid expired 6/30/2009. It is time to re-apply for 7/1/2009 - 6/30/2010, but the renewal forms are proving to be elusive. Must call the State Aid office tomorrow to see if they mail out forms.

Only two more chemo treatments to go and then an MRI of the brain will be done to check the progress.




Other friends/acquaintances who need prayers from Prayer Angels (that's you reader!) for their cancer:

- Linda (sister of my friend Nancy, Linda has been fighting bone cancer for 10 years, faces the decision whether or not to start new, highly aggressive chemo that can harm her heart)

- Mrs. Hutchins (mother of my friend Dianne, 'Mama' has recurring breast cancer and is suffering from side effects of recent radiation - lymphodema)

- Name unknown - (daughter of Ed's friend John Henry, unknown type of recurring cancer)

What a sweet little prayer this is!

No. 4 . . .coming up!

Ed went today for his pre-chemo blood work-up. He is very much holding his own as he enters chemo treatment no. 4 tomorrow. He still has not had many ill effects from the drugs. He has had ankle swelling, but there is no heat, redness, or pain associated with it.

My younger brother is taking him for treatment no. 4, as I already missed one day of work this week getting my 'trigger thumb' repaired. Thank God for little brothers. Both my brothers helped Mama and Ed around the house today. I know they are thankful also.

Please send up a prayer for Ed, that all goes well tomorrow (Wednesday). Please pray that these chemo drugs are attacking and killing, or at least reducing the cancer tumor. Please keep praying for my Mom, his primary caregiver. Also, prayers for all those who send cards, drop by to visit, and bring or send food. It is all such a big help to them emotionally!

Chemo Treatment No. 3 (continued)

After we left Dr. Splichal, Ed and I headed over to the treatment center part of the building and got to pick (from a limited selection) his treatment station. If you get there early enough, you can get a room which accommodates only the patient and a family member or friend. Your next choice might be a room which holds two patients, and your next choice might be the one which holds

(Ed hooked up to receive chemo treatment No. 3)

three...and finally, there is a big communal area where people are all seated in a large oblong circle and it is quite open and quite noisy compared to the other areas.

We arrived at the Cancer Center at 8:20 that morning, but since it took so long for us to see Dr. S, we were not so early getting into the treatment center. But we were able to get a room that seated only three patients and only one other patient occupied it when we arrived. At 9:40 Ed was hooked up to bag #1 of 5 bags of different drugs he would receive intravenously over the next several hours.




The gentlemen seated in the next treatment station was Homer, age 76, former board of education member, former resident of Ellijay, Georgia. Homer was of a quite and gentle nature. He lay in his recliner with his left arm propped on a pillow and his feet raised. He said hello and Ed and I said hello...I asked 'how are you', and he replied, 'I am fine now'. He explained that the nurse had a hard time finding a vein. Luckily for Ed, his veins are quite visible and plump and the nurse got it the first stick and without fanfare.

Homer's wife sat on a stool near her husband's feet and quietly and haltingly told their story. They were retired and moved to Athens from Ellijay five years ago at their daughter's urging, so that Homer could receive better care for his emphysema. Homer had begun to have stomach problems earlier this year.They had a cruise planned for spring but the wife didn't feel they should go with all the stomach problems her husband had been having, but he insisted they go. She stated that he barely a bit the entire trip. Upon their return she insisted he see a doctor. Tests revealed he had pancreatic cancer. She said Homer had just had surgery to remove the cancer about three weeks ago and this was his second round of chemo. She said Homer had lost 40 lbs since the onset of his illness.

We didn't know Homer before today, and to just look at him, you would never guess he had any type of cancer. He would dose off during his treatment, but otherwise seemed fine. He was a gentle speaking, humble man. Homer's treatment lasted only about two hours, and soon he and his wife were packing up their stuff and leaving.

Ed lay on his recliner and patiently took his bags of liquid Hope. After Homer left, Ed inherited the gizmo that attached to the IV line that alerted the nursing staff when a bag was empty. At 11:00 he was on bag #4 which was the Avastin, the drug we are putting all our hopes and prayers into.. I left to get us some lunch and was back in twenty minutes with a sack full of Krystal's and french fries. We ate 'picnic' style at the treatment station...Ed sitting up in his recliner, me in my straight back chair, balancing burgers, fries and drink on my lap. As we ate, a nurse (or technician?) came and changed Ed's IV to the last bag of drugs. We were on the last leg of this treatment.

Twice while receiving his drugs, Ed had to use the restroom. Now, that is an experience! He cannot walk unassisted and here he was attached to needles and tubes, which were in turn hanging on an IV tower, which looks like a pole on wheels. A very sweet nurse showed us how to work as a team to get Ed to the bathroom and not interrupt treatment. I helped Ed move from his recliner to a wheelchair, unplug the IV monitor gizmo, (it works on battery backup long enough to provide restroom breaks), position the IV tower in front of Ed in such a manner that the can grasp the handle that juts out from one side...then as I pull the wheel chair backwards out of the room, Ed has both hands on the IV tower and pulls it along with him. At the bathroom it is difficult to hold the hinged door open with one arm or foot and maneuver the wheelchair in such a way that you can push wheelchair with IV tower in front and get them into the bathroom without smashing the IV tower, the patient or yourself. But it is do-able, and it was easier the second time around. Thank God, Ed can stand and urinate with the aid of bars and locked wheels on the chair. Then he yells ok or rams the door with the wheelchair to let me know he is finished. Whew!

I went up to the front of the building to use my cell phone (as there is very limited access in the treatment center of the building) and when I returned I sat down to wait out the last of the drugs when Ed looked at me and said, 'Are you ready to go?'. I looked at him puzzled and noticed he had his 'check out' papers in his lap. I looked and saw that the IV tower was empty of tubes and bags and clip-board, and the IV was gone from his arm. I hadn't even noticed!

Homer's wife remarked that when you left the house to go for chemo, you packed just like you did when your kids were babies. She is right. We brought a big carry all with Ed's treatment notebook, my reading material, snacks, drinks, wipes, and any other items we felt like we might need. In the trunk of the car is another bag. It contains wipes, towels, spare shorts, spare adult pull-ups. Just in case Ed has a 'bathroom accident'.

This was Ed's third chemo treatment, it was my very first experience with it. Ed has brain cancer, and he is gravely ill, but when I look at some of the other patients receiving chemo, I cannot help but think how well Ed looks compared to some of them. Some are bald, some are so painfully thin, some have skin as gray as clouds on a stormy afternoon. I praise God for Ed looking and feeling and doing as well as he is.

Next week...Chemo treatment No. 4.

This is what a 'communal' chemo treatment room looks like.