An Answer

Dear Friends, The prayers worked! I had no reaction to the new chemo drugs! Praise the Lord. Even the nurses were shocked (they expected it because of all the nasty side effects I have exhibited). They told me I could expect this chemo round (12 weekly treatments) to be about an 8 on the scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst) and that I have just endured the 10 on the last set of treatments. So, this round should be a bit easier. I still was nauseous (which they said was unusual) and feeling a bit puny. But, I am thrilled to not have had the reactions they had anticipated. Continue to pray that God will be glorified in this journey, for my family and for the chemo to work perfectly with minimal side effects. Thanks you for all your prayers, love and concern. It means a lot. Love, Carol

At Her Request

My next chemo is this Friday, March 28th. They will be giving me two different drugs that I have not had yet. They said there are many people who have “reactions” to this drug therapy. Since I am having pretty bad reactions (i.e. horrible rash) to the first set of chemo drugs (which is unusual) I am a bit concerned that I might react to this therapy as well. And, since I have already endured one anaphylactic shock in my lifetime, I would rather pass on that opportunity as well!! My mother will be with me this Friday, and I am also worried about how she will handle all this. So, if you could pray that the medicines will do their job, not have reactions, and that my side effects will be minimal.

I so appreciate all the prayers, love and concern you all have had for me and my family during this time. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends who show the love of Christ.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

With love, - Carol

Eggtra Special Weekend

We had a very nice weekend with family after a week of healing from the last chemo treatment. To re-cap the week, the entire last week was hard on Carol up through Tuesday and then she re-emerged into the family life.

We had a wonderfull St. Patrick's Day dinner thanks to Barb B.!!! I just love Corned Beef and Cabbage! The Soda Bread added an extra special touch for both of us. Carol is Irish, and it's obvious if you know me... that Celtic blood is in me as well.

From Wednesday till now she's been growing stronger each day. I had a business trip Wednesday night and thanks to her Mom, who stayed with her I was able to make it ~ Thanks Mom!

Carol's sister and her family made it into town for a wonderful celebration with all her family, and most of mine. We're still stoked up on sugar from all the Easter candy and it's bed-time now :-)

Next treatment is this coming Friday with the new course of drugs on the menu. Until then, we're just focusing on her gaining strength, and helping her get back into the fold of things.

Thanks everyone for the grocery shopping, meals, cards, and nice comments. Thanks Mrs. Easter Bunny (Kim) for the wonderful baskets of treats... the girls were just in awe! Thanks Tom and Betsy for the nice Easter dresses the girls were sporting today... they were mighty proud and grateful for such wonderful outfits.

Blessings to all, be well, and good night - Eric

Fore!

What a word...fore! I use it more than most when golfing. I've been known to target the best players on the links. I don't intend too, but for some reason my golf ball heads for the best.

In Carol's case... when spelled differently as in four; it means she just finished her forth chemotherapy treatment. Do the two words have anything in common? I believe they do... one is to warn someone they are about to get hit, so in Carol's case.. trust me she's been hit! For her when we think of four, that is about how many days it takes her to really come back to life after treatment.

Whether fore, or four... both words mean a lot to her. The "Red Devil" is now gone! That is what the nurses call Adriamycin which comes in a red syrup like consistency, and is the meanest of all chemo drugs. She was required to have four doses and be done with that devil.

Her next trip on the 'Chemo Roller Coaster' will be a new serious of drugs to be administered two weeks from this past Friday. She's promised they are far less taxing on her body and we're truly praying for that affect. Until that dose comes it's time for her to rest, build strength, and put up with a family that loves her, but also boo-boo's from time-to-time as we try to embrace the affects of chemo in our daily lives.

This morning she came down and had a bowl of oatmeal... that is a very good sign. Noises bother her now, and she's very weak after a short walk... but much stronger than when we first began the "ride."

Tomorrow is her toughest day, I'll silence the phones and help her escape to her sanctum within our bedroom for the day. Until then, we'll make do with the gloomy weather outside, a lot of love inside, and experience the affects of the prayers each of you have blessed us with.

Thanks Sue for stopping over and help clean the house this week... you are an angel! Thanks to all the dog walkers for keeping "Chester da Pester" busy. Thank Dave, Susan and family for continuing to stop by for a Chester walk, and to check on us. Lastly, thanks Tamara for taking Carol to her treatment Friday. She said she had a great time, and enjoyed the chat immensely. If I missed recognizing you, it certainly wasn't intentional... I just haven't had my coffee yet :-/

I pray this morning in true thanksgiving for the many blessings, well wishes and heart felt concern that surrounds us. I pray also that God will truly bless each of you in many ways so that you personaly know He is a real God, an active God and a loving God that cares for each of you. Be well, and many blessings in return - Eric

Just Itching To Know...

Carol is really wanting to know what will solve her itch! She has little red bumps are many areas of her body. The bumps itch, and we all feel bad for her. At about 7 PM this evening, she gave in... and a call was dispatched to her on-call Oncologist. He prescribed a steroid to provide some relief.

Steroids are very effective in relieving many irritations of the skin. Unfortunately for a diabetic, it means high and unstable blood sugars.

Please pray for Carol in that her rash will go away, or at least the itch will cease. Also pray that her blood sugars will remain within an acceptable range.

Thank you in advance for your prayers. We know they are working, and that God is very much involved in her healing process. We are greatful for the hundreds who are praying without ceasing. God Bless each of you! - Eric

Papa Bear...

Just a quick update to say Carol is doing very well as she approaches her next treatment this Friday March 14, 12008. We're just trying to be as normal as normal can be for a typical mid-west family. The house has held up, our spirits have held up and our food has been wonderful. So...the porage is warm, but... I need to tell a story first.

When our first daughter was born, my father observed my protective behavior as something you would see in a "Papa Bear" he said. I guess I've always been a little protective of Carol, Mary and Anna. It's just something that's inside of me, and has been since I vowed to marry Carol.

Being a Papa Bear has its advantages, and disadvantages unfortunately. Carol knows I'm always looking out for her best interests, and so do our girls. Disadvantages can be... that others think I might not want them around, or to call, or anything of the sorts.

So... don't worry too much about this ol' bear cause Carol loves talking, and loves visits. I posted some cautions because I truly can be a very protective Papa Bear... plain and simple (see I said it... whew) but I don't bite! I've never not wanted her to be able to chat, have visitors and such, nor has she (well the first weekend she wasn't real keen on seeing anyone).

In closing now that you know my nature, it may help you understand me and my intent when I post a "caution" for Carol. Just keep on calling, writing her emails, and if she's up to it (and you're not sick... dang there I go again) stop on by! So thanks for putting up with this ol' bear, and just know that your love, help, prayers, and genuine concern are truly appreciated! Be well, and good night - Eric (da' bear)

The Bells Have Gone Silent

Happy Sunday! Today is always Carol's toughest day after a chemo treatment. She's in bed right now with the lights out resting. Noises, lights, and any sensory input really troubles her. We would like to ask all of you wonderful, concerning, and loving friends & family to keep that in mind before calling on the house phone, or ringing the doorbell. Here are some possible alternatives to contact us on her "Super Sunday's":

- If you would like to call, please call Eric's cell phone (753-6005).

- If you would like to come over, may we suggest calling Eric's cell first and he'll meet you at the door.

- If you want to check her health status, Eric will do his best to provide timely updates on her roller coaster weekends.

- Lastly, bless you, thank you, and just remember we love all of you so there is no intent to shun, or hurt anyone. Our goal, is to heal and to do that Carol needs rest.

All other days, call away, and of course read our "Germ-A-Phobic" guidelines before a visit. We hope you have a blessed celebration with our Lord this morning, and can and will enjoy the wonderfully warm day outside. Be well, - Eric