PET SCAN Results Back

I have honestly dreaded this blog post all day, and now as it is bedtime for me here in Sri Lanka... and well, here it is.

My mom called City of Hope on Friday to find out what was going on. The nurse agreed he should get in to check his levels and they scheduled him for within that next few hours. My mom also asked about the results. The girl was hesitant on the phone and said that they were in, but that she didn't think that she should be the one to read the results to them. This made my mom very nervous. They headed down the hill. Dad ended up not needing a transfusion, which is great that his body is naturally responding well after the chemo. My mom went ahead and met with my dad's doctor and could tell that she had been wanting to wait on giving my dad his test results at his scheduled Wednesday appointment. Now that they knew the results were in, they wanted to know.

The results show that the mass is the same size as before and at this point are unsure if the chemo is working. It might be possibly keeping it from growing, but at this point we are unsure. They say that there might be a chance that one small part looks a little smaller.

Needless to say, its been a rough couple days. But what amazes me is that I have never seen such strength from anyone in my life like I see from my parents. I guess it shouldn't amaze me because its been that way my whole life. And I know that strength only comes from God.

I called my mom to check on her and dad last night. She said that she had just tried skyping me and I didn't answer. She wanted to call me to encourage me and to give me some positives to focus on. This is the woman that's not only the best caretaker I have ever met, but loves unconditionally, serves unconditionally: cleaning up vomit, rubbing dad's head and back, giving him foot massages, making him whatever food sounds good, getting him anything he needs, making him cozy, giving him his meds on time, taking him to every doctor appointment, never leaving his side, etc, etc........ this is the woman that calls me to encourage me, while I'm on the other side of the world yet feeling like I wish I could do so much more to help. She wanted to encourage me with some of the positives (so here's to encourage you also): the cancer has not spread and continues to only be the mass and in the bone marrow (they believe), unlike before when it was all over his lymph nodes throughout the body; he is also down to one morphine a day and not in pain; his stomach is not swelling like before; and his levels are normal for the first time in a long time.

If you ever face a trial and want to have the strength that we all can see in my parents, I sure hope that you can have the "peace that passes all understanding" and if you don't know how to receive that, I'm sure my parents would love to share that with you.

Dad's appointment for Wednesday remains; they will proceed with the bone marrow biopsy and then begin surgery to install the hick-man catheter into my dad's chest. They will also decide then if they will finish the last chemo round.

After talking to my mom last night, she handed the phone to my dad. I couldn't help but just cry the entire time I was on with him. But before I could even talk, he just wanted to know how Cody was (because he had an allergic reaction to a mango and his mouth swelled up). At a time in life when you can honestly only be thinking about the misery that you feel, he's thinking of others, not just himself. My dad is such a good man. All I could do was thank him for his continual fight, strength and reliance on God. He just said, "of course... I won't give up. I'll keep fighting." I love him for that. I know its got to be hard to maintain a good attitude when you throw up all day and just don't feel very good, but his smile remains. Dad and Mom even watched "Christmas with the Kranks" last night and just cracked up together. Dad was getting a crack out of the mom in the movie answering the phone in hyper hysterics whenever the daughter called, and saying that my mom gets just as ecstatic when I call. I loved watching him tell me that part and laughing tonight. What a nice ending to my day. My mom told me a story from a movie called "Faith Like A Potato" and it sounds like a great storyline and has a really good message. Check it out if you'd like :) It's definitely encouraged them.

If you want to have some positives to focus on, this video has helped me all day.... to see the joy on my dad's face and to imagine him even blowing out more birthday candles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyTdigGl4qc

Still praying for a miracle...... Please continue to do so also

Chili Dogs, Flowers and Funny Cards

My mom got a beautiful arrangement of flowers today from her friends the Sapps and beautiful words of encouragement. Mom and Dad were all smiles today.

My dad got the funniest card today from his friend, Buzzard. Gotta love this.....

HAHAHA!!!! Made my dad laugh! So good to see him laughing :)

Mom looked so pretty today. I'm so proud of her; she went today to get her hair done. It always helps her feel much better. My grandma (dad's mom), brought dad over his FAVORITE.... Weinerschnitzel chili dogs and they played cards and games together while mom was gone. So glad that dad still has his appetite and could enjoy fun games with his mom. Thanks grandma for bringing dad his chili dogs!

With a long week of no word from City of Hope, my mom will be calling today to find out why my dad has not been scheduled for anything. Because of his low counts in the past, he should be having his levels checked weekly and COH canceled that appointment for today. Hopefully mom will get some answers on the phone today.

Thank you again for all of the love and support, funny cards, sweet letters, beautiful flowers, supportive family and friends and consistent prayers! We love you all!

Beautiful Cards from Beautiful Hearts

My dad and mom have had a couple of nice and pretty quiet days. As I continue anticipating the results from the doctor on the PET SCAN, mom and dad are enjoying being home and actually not hearing anything at this point. They had a nice surprise when my dad's Lieutenant, Lana, came by to give my parents a stack of cards. They were from Mr. Huff's class and Mrs. Cooper's class at Apple Valley Christian School. My parents were so blessed to sit and read through all of them. Thank you to AVCS and wonderful teachers and kiddos! Thanks to Lana for bringing them by. My parents were also blessed by my dad's brother Carl coming by and helping my mom trim the bushes in the front yard. Thanks Uncle Carl for helping them out! The High Desert Newspaper posted an add that a friend had put in regarding giving blood. All of the info was correct other than the name on there. It is called Life Stream, for anyone wondering. The blood lab had a van going out to Apple Valley Police Department, because of so many people wanting to give. What a blessing! We're praying its just as easy to find the donor for the bone marrow transplant.

Dad is doing good and has cut his morphine down to 2 instead of three which is helping him to feel more alert and aware and happy. Mom and Dad are enjoying every moment they have together.

Mom and Dad were blessed this morning by John 14:27... check it out :) Hope it blesses you also.

Thanks for your continual support and prayers!

Dad Lookin' Good Today

As you can see the two baldies together, enjoying their day side by side.

I love that my brother shaved his head the day that I was leaving and flying back to Sri Lanka after our two month stay with my parents. It just made for a sweet good-bye as I watched my brother come along side my dad in a physically supportive way. And yet today, something hit me hard about looking at my brother for the first time next to my dad with that mask and gloves on. It made me start thinking about being there physically in this time with my dad. I can't imagine how hard that is for my brother to have to put on a mask and gloves to be next to my dad. The precious things that I would miss, to feel his face or rub his head.... yet the gloves. Or to even give him a kiss or that he could see my smile when I looked upon him. Something today..... hit me. Or my mom.... and the many ways that their marriage has changed, as now the biggest focus is fighting for life. And my dad, who wakes up every day thanking God for another day of life and ends his days on his knees at the foot of his bed with my mom like they have for many years.... yet those prayers are now for a miracle, although always recognizing the author and finisher and that HIS will be done.

Romans 8:28-

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." HE IS IN CONTROL

Lots of Sleep

Dad got a lot of sleep today. They're not quite sure why he needed to sleep so much, but by the second long nap they decided to skip the evening morphine. The morphine usually knocks him out, so we'll see how he slept tonight and if he had any pain. Curtis and Jill Powell were such a blessing to mom and dad today by bringing them dinner. Thanks Powell family!! We love you!

They still have not received the phone call with results from the PET SCAN, and now assume that they will wait till Monday to call. Keep praying!

If you were interested in giving blood, I got a little more info today. There is a place in Victorville called Life Stream (next to Charter Communications), that is collecting blood for my dad. Supposedly, you have a certain amount of "free" blood that you can receive; after that you get charged for transfusions. This will go towards that. Just tell them its for Randy Gwaltney and it will go into his account there. Thanks for many who have already given :)

PET SCAN Done; Now Awaiting Results

Dad and mom spent a long day today at COH, where dad had his complete body PET SCAN which took around 2 hours. Upon arriving today, they were unsure if dad would be admitted or not for the final round of chemo. As always, the car was packed with their luggage and necessities, but as you can see they were released and came home late tonight. It's been two weeks since my dad's last chemo, which meant that he should begin the last round today. But with his levels low, they needed to do another platelet transfusion. They wanted to also wait to have the results from the PET SCAN. We should hear today what those results are. They have also postponed the bone marrow test, as they will put dad under for this and it will take over a week to order the anesthesia. We're just waiting for a phone call now. They are glad to be back home. Thank you to those continuing to bring meals while they are home. It is so helpful!!!

I also wanted to let you know that if you'd like to post a comment and have tried to in the past, I changed it so that you may be able to. My parents read these posts and will be able to see your comments. Sorry that it hasn't worked in the past. Please let me know if you try and it still doesn't work.

Dad looked so nice in his collared shirt tonight; they make for an easy access for the doctors to get to his port. Hot stuff if you ask me :)

3 Days of No Vomiting!!!! YAY!!!!

Dad has been stoked to enjoy the last three days of meals and keeping them down. Mom and Dad also got to enjoy a date night together to Cheesecake Factory on their way home from the hospital, where they got to enjoy a steak together. Heaven on Earth :)

This morning, Dad's Captain Bart was a huge help by coming over to load up dad's old weight bench and weights to be given as a donation. He also brought over more donations that people have continued to give to the Sheriffs Department on behalf of my dad. What blessings they continue to receive. We are so grateful for the way family and friends have come together to love on my family. This afternoon, my Dad's mom came over to sit with dad today while my mom was able to go get their car tuned up. Tonight they got to enjoy company and a yummy meal with some of our family, Larry and Denise Davis. Dad had a pretty good day today. Thanks to all those that blessed them and helped them today (and every day).

People continue to provide meals; mostly family right now and its been a huge blessing for my mom on the days they are home from the hospital. She just wants to spend every moment possible with my dad, and by not having to cook meals that frees up so much more time. Every moment is so precious together during this time. If you are interested in providing a meal, my grandma Phyllis is organizing them and you can contact her at 760-247-4664.

There has also been an account set up in order to donate blood to replace all of the blood transfusions my dad has had. If you are interested in that, you can email me or facebook message me and I will get you the info.

As they get further along in approaching the time for a bone marrow transplant, recipients will begin being tested to see if they are matches. If you are interested, there is a list of things you must match up to, such as no tattoos, no previous cancer, etc. As time gets closer, I will post that info on here.

Thank you for all that you do and the love and support you continue to give to my family.

Classes and Testing Day at COH

Dad and Mom went early this morning to City of Hope. They tested my dad and decided to do another blood transfusion and platelet transfusion. All of his levels were so low; and because he is not in the proper condition now, they will postpone the surgery for the hickman catheter. They have scheduled to do the PET SCAN on Friday of the entire body. On Monday, they will do a bone marrow test again to see if the chemo affected the bone marrow in any way. The results of both of those tests and with the increase of dad's condition, will then determine when they can do the hickman catheter surgery and bone marrow transplant.

After having the transfusions this morning, mom and dad took classes on how to give injections and the proper care of the hickman catheter. My mom had to take tests on all of that and she passed her tests. I'm so proud of her for taking them and passing. It was such a long day for both of them and by God's grace, they made it home. My grandma gave me the update, so they must've gone straight to bed when they made it home.

Thanks for continuing to pray for my dad and his complete healing. Praying those results come back from the PET SCAN on Friday.

Heart Monitor And Wood

If that title doesn't get you wondering.. I don't know what else would :) So dad spent the morning at the cardiologist. He did a treadmill test and probably pushed himself harder than he should've. We laughed today on skype about dad's head and heart saying "go faster" while his legs were just not quite at the same pace. He did well as he has been walking so much. Anyways, the point of the heart monitoring is due to damage to his heart caused by the chemo and they would like to monitor that. He has had a monitor on his entire chest all day; he will keep it on for 24 hours. He showed my kids today on skype and said he was a robot; they all laughed about it. After they returned home, dad's bosses Bart and Lana came over with their families to help unload wood for my parents (for the wood burning stoves), to prepare for the cold season approaching. Bart and Lana are not just bosses but dear friends of my parents. They have been a tremendous support team along with the entire Sheriff's Department (especially dad's Apple Valley station). Its such a blessing to know that my parents are being taken care of so well, when I cannot be there.

Speaking of which, my brother and his family went to visit my parents yesterday and helped clean up and organize the garage for the wood coming and my brother helped my mom out with getting a new battery in their car, since it died. It makes me feel much better that they got a new battery now with all that driving up and down the hill. My dad got to enjoy his time with his grandkids Sammie and Jaxon; he sat in the garage in a lawn chair and watched them ride scooter cars down the driveway. He had his mask on, but could enjoy the sunlight outside and fresh air. Its a blessing to my parents every time they get to spend quality time with their kids and grandkids; what a good day for dad :)

Tomorrow will be a long day full of tests and classes. It starts early in the morning and will go till late in the evening. After tests and classes on bone marrow transplant and all that goes with that, Cody has mom convinced to get a "Rock Star" energy drink on her way home. Guess I'll know if she gets the Rock Star, then she'll skype me, but if I don't hear from her- its straight to bed for them after a long day. Pray for dad as he's used to taking a nap everyday. Pray for him to have the strength to make it through; also for mom endurance, especially driving home. If you know my mom, she doesn't drive at night or on freeways much; needless to say... she's stepped it up! She can do it all now :)

Recap on today's blessings: great friends.... lots of help and a vomit free day!!!! YAY- PTL! We're also grateful for those providing meals.... such a blessing! Thanks!

Here's dad with his bald-headed grand-babies today. Smiles and bald heads all around :) After my kids got lice this week, I chose the easiest way of de-licing them... and then the boys thought "of course... then we can look like grandpa"

A Day Trip Down To COH

After a few days of staying home, getting some rest, and staying cozy in their own home, my parents drove down to COH to my dad's appointment on Friday. He had a lot of blood drawn but no transfusion. He had some discomfort and swelling in his arm ever since they had used his arm for injections and drawing blood at his last stay in the hospital. They checked it out and decided it was probably a small infection and he could go home and put a heating pad on it. He's already on so many antibiotics that they feel like those should start working to kick that. Dad was thrilled they didn't admit him for that. He didn't even want my mom to point it out to the doctors because he's been so comfy and enjoying his time at home; mom was a little nervous though and felt she needed to- and it all worked out fine :) He goes back down for an appointment on Monday and then this Thursday will go back down to be admitted as they decide to either begin the chemo for round 3 or start on the bone marrow transplant. This all depends though on the CAT SCAN that will be done this week and hopefully another bone marrow test to see if the chemo has helped it at all or if it is Lord-willing gone. The first step Thursday if they do decide to proceed with the transplant, they need to put a hick-man catheter in his chest on the other side opposite of his port.

At home, he has been enjoying some of the meals that others have brought (Thank you very much to those of you who have helped in a tremendous way!!!!). He's been walking daily and having some visits from close family. I actually captured a shot when my grandma was there to visit. She was all decked out with her gloves and mask :)

He's been nauseas and losing his food once or twice a day, but he remains to have an appetite and cravings- PTL! He's a fighter and he has the eye of the tiger!

Thank you for your continual love, support and prayers!

Home Sweet Home

My dad and mom were released and made it home safely last night (Monday night). They are excited to get caught up on rest. They get to enjoy being home until Friday when they will do the platelet transfusion. They will also be scheduling a PET SCAN this week. Because my dad is still high risk with his levels always dropping during and after chemo, they will be remaining at home other than having to get white blood cell injections daily at the oncologists in the high desert. Both my mom and dad will wear gloves and masks when they go to those appointments; they have to be so careful with any germs around.

Thank you for continuing to pray. Dad is doing much better this chemo session than last. We love seeing progress!!! His only battle has been the nausea and vomiting, which is way better than all the battles he was facing last time. Even the fact that he got to go home the same day as chemo ended- yay!! Keep praying!!!

Chemo Almost Finished

Chemo is almost finished today. They will try to have my dad released from the hospital Monday morning, as long as all has gone well with the chemo. His platelet levels are low, but they would like to let him go to the comfort of his own home and then return in a couple of days for a transfusion. He has been doing fairly well; only vomiting a couple of times today. He was able to walk outside yesterday, for the first time in 10 days after all the transfusions were completed. It was so nice for him and my mom to sit by the waterfall and get fresh air and sunshine. They also played some games of dominoes together. With the last few types of chemo he has been knocked out sleeping like before. My mom hasn't been getting much sleep, as she is a little more nervous during these extensive chemo treatments. As long as she was holding my dad's hand she was able to sleep sitting up next to him. We are now praying that they can go home and get caught up on sleep and relaxation. The doctors will be scheduling a CAT SCAN this week to see what the chemo has done. Thanks for all of your prayers. We're praying for that mass of course to be gone!

Levels Are Up And Chemo Begins Again

After a fourth blood transfusion today, my dad was able to begin the next round of chemo. All of the levels are up now and they will continue to monitor them. This will be again a 3 day chemo treatment and then as long as everything is okay this time, he will be allowed to go home for the next 2 weeks. Please pray that my dad responds to this treatment okay and that his levels will remain up. The doctors have said that they will continue doing blood transfusions every two days after chemo if the levels drop again. My mom is getting better at driving the freeways now and is prepared to do that. They do just anticipate heading back to their own home and cozy bed (1 bed). My brother was with my dad yesterday and was such a huge help when my dad got sick. I think it was a nice break for my mom, as my brother helped my dad, cleaning up and all. Travis also stayed with my dad while he slept so my mom could go with her parents to get some clothes. After an hour or so, withdrawals were setting in and mom headed back to the hospital. Before my mom left, my dad also had said, "Now how long do you think you're gonna be gone?" They're too cute; if you don't know my parents well, they are inseparable, genuine best friends. They have an amazing bond; I watch them go through this as a team, and I watch my dad fight and I know that it would be so different if he didn't have the woman he has by his side. Two of a Kind! There were two days this week that my dad was doing okay, other than the blood transfusions and a little nausea; and since he was doing okay, his mom and brothers, my mom's parents and my brother went to see him. It was a good encouraging time, and not too overwhelming. Now that he's back to chemo, its fight time! They are focused and determined to get through this. Mom gets a little nervous with this heavy duty chemo, so please pray that she will get some sleep these next days. They had a great night's rest before this first treatment, which was great!

Eye of the Tiger Dad! Keep it up!!!! Thanks again for all those who have been sending encouragements their way. I can't even tell you how much that has helped. You've inspired and continue to motivate him! Keep it up!

Keep praying!!!!

Staying at City of Hope

After meeting with the doctors today, it was determined that my parents would remain at COH until my dad's levels all balanced out. They did go ahead and do a platelet transfusion. It was successful and the platelets are back to normal. The hemoglobin also returned to normal. They are just awaiting the white blood cells to come back up. My dad will remain at COH until they can get the levels up and be able to do chemo. Next round of chemo was scheduled for Thursday, but they will not be able to give any more chemo until everything else normalizes. We are praying for that.

Thank you to those of you that already sent such encouraging notes to my dad. I think he was so blessed that he might have already responded to some. I can't even tell you how his face was so lit up this morning, with just a little encouragement. Some of the encouraging words and even stories of his past bravery, courage and strength inspired him so much. Thank you, thank you!! He was so looking forward to going home after the fever was gone, and admitted to me that he was just feeling down that it kept seeming like everyday there was something new that was wrong; thus keeping him there. This morning he told me "there's nothing to complain about; they're taking such good care of me here." What a good attitude, I'd say. I can't imagine how I would act if I was in his shoes, hoping my attitude would be just as good; though I have told him many times that I wish I could take his place and take this burden off of him.

Here's what he looked like this morning, feeling much better.

Thank you again for your love, support and prayers

Needing Encouragement!

Please help us get my dad's spirits up!!!!! He was feeling down this morning after hearing the news that his platelet levels are low. The white blood cells moved up from a 0.3 to a 0.8 and the hemoglobin from 7 to 8.9. Thats some progress, but still not enough. They will discuss if they need to do a third blood transfusion and even this morning are still awaiting the doctor coming in to tell them what's next. If you can think of any way to encourage my dad, it would mean the world to him and us all. He needs a reason to fight!!! Please.... cards, letters, texts, phone calls, etc. My mom is doing all that she can to keep him fighting; lets help her out!

When a friend is down, lets lift him up....

Thank you

Another Blood Transfusion

After another blood test today, the doctors realized that my dad's levels were still not moving up. They decided to do another blood transfusion again. Other than that, he had a good day and enjoyed watching a movie with mom and playing Uno together, and going on their daily walk. They will wait until Monday morning when the doctors come in to evaluate the situation and further determine the next steps. Still praying for a miracle!!

Blood Transfusion Complete & Fever Down

This was this morning on skype while talking to my mom (your Friday night). She has to wear a mask now because my dad is "high risk" now.

Dad didn't know I was getting a shot of him- surprise! He was looking better today and it was so good to talk to him. We got to talk about different encouragements that people have given us and different sermons we've been listening to. It was so good talking about how we believe unwavering that God CAN heal my dad. But we also talked about the reality that God's the one that chooses; and all we can do is literally plead for God to save my dad's life. Please make this your prayer. My dad has said that this fight is getting harder and harder. Please pray that God will give him strength to keep fighting. I gave him the "eye of the tiger" talk today; that he can do this and to keep giving it his all. He's still not complaining though and taking every step he needs to in order to get better.

The doctors will determine today if that blood transfusion was enough, or if he needs another one. Because the fever is under control now, they will determine whether they will let him go home for a few days to sleep in his cozy bed and back for chemo Thursday or if they can go ahead and begin chemo while he is there already; possibly Monday.

Thanks for praying!