Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Day 11


Good Morning,

Okay, this radiation stuff is really taking a toll on my "Iron Man" husband. It's like Cryptonite for Superman. Weakening him more every day. He has 17 more days to go and his voice is already effected. The process is so very interesting. As the weeks go by, we can tell how the gamma rays, (O.k. they don't call it that anymore, but I can't spell the real name.)are penetrating the layers of his tissues. First it was the topical, the skin, we found great lotions for that problem. Then, it was the swelling and inflammation of the throat. (Painful swallowing) Not too much we can do for that. He is drinking gallons of water.  Now, it seems to be hitting the actual voice box or cords. He has a raspy, airy voice if he has a voice at all.(Charades and marker boards come in handy.)

Thank you for your continued prayers for Tom and our family. For those of you who have very lovingly asked how they might specifically pray for me,  I have a request.
Please pray for me that I TRUST my LORD in the details and situations that arise today and everyday. In all my interactions with Tom and others,I want to be an example of grace and mercy and thankfulness in all things. Basically, I want to be humble and focused on CHRIST. Everything else will fall into it's perfect ordained place. (I don't want anyone stumbling over my fleshly humanness.)
In return I will diligently pray for you, who have made your request known to me.  I take them very seriously and love you from the bottom of my heart. I love what Psalm 111:7-10 says about God's hands.. that The works of His hands are verity and justice, All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever... verity and justice. Isn't that cool?

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Weekend


Tom gets Sat. & Sun.'s off of Radiation Tx's, but not off of work.  I am so proud of my husband.  He endures these days with joy and never complains. He laughs more than I remember, smiles more than ever and looks for every opportunity to tell his family that he loves us. 
Life is good. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Oops!



I think I need to make a correction.... Yesterday, I posted Day 23.  It is Day 23 when I count backwards.  (28,27,26) It was really Day 6 of Radiation Treatments.  Does that clear things up or completely confuse our readers??? I will in the future, continue chronologically. Today being Day 7 of 28.

Today is a good day. We got this amazing ointment called "Emu Oil." (From Emu's) When Tom applies a little Aloe Vera and drops of that Emu on the area that is being radiated, he can put a shirt on.  Last week, before the oil,  he couldn't tolerate a simple cotton t-shirt.  We are so thankful.  Emu oil it sounds a little Dr. Suessical

My love to you all.  It is a gorgeous day that the Lord has allowed us. Hope you can get outside and enjoy!!! It reminds me of a saying that my friend Karen always sings to me,  Remember,
" A day without Radiation is a day without Sunshine."  I think that is one of those inside Cancer jokes... and my beloved friend Karen would know that world very well.  God Bless you.

We are very excited for our friends that are going to Cal City this weekend.  Lord willing, we will join you on the next trip.  Boys, don't do anything Tom wouldn't do.  Mostly because he doesn't want to miss out on anything.

Hugs and sincere devotion to you. May Christ shine through you like a beacon today!



Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Day 23



Good Morning you beautiful people.

Well, if you haven't already heard... this "Radiation" stuff went full strength last Friday and Tom is feeling it!!!
Yesterday, we went as a family and drove him to his treatment.  We sat in the waiting room and got to know the other patients.  Tom has affectionately nicknamed them, his "fellow-tubers."  What wonderful people, some of them have been thru such physical and emotional pain and for a lack of vocabulary - torture. 

His treatments usually last 15-20 minutes. Yesterday, the newer RT couldn't get it right and it took 45 min.  He had to get locked down into that mask and bolted down to the bed, 3 times instead of 1.  Tom was bathing in God's grace and mercy.  Each time he goes into the tube he picks one person to pray for.... apparently this person needed more prayer then the others. 

We went to lunch and the three of us sat in the sun.  We positioned the umbrella for Tom to sit in the shade.  He is not allowed to have sun.

Knowing the character of God ... I am not taking this out of context
My prayer and meditation for my man today is :

Isaiah 41:13
    For I, the LORD your GOD, will hold your right hand, saying to you, FEAR NOT, I will help you.

 Thank you friends and family for your cards your meals and your phone calls.
We love you!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Radiation: Day 1

Hey Everyone,
Just thought I would let you all know that my dad starts radiation today at 12pm! Let's just say it's not exactly a fun process... please keep him in your prayers. My mom had to work last night and probably won't be able to sleep until they return from radiation. She's a trooper and has been at my dad's side throughout this whole process. I have such amazing parents, THANK YOU LORD!!


This is my favorite picture of my dad...



One of my dad's faves... He was getting so much air off of this little jump. The picture doesn't even do it justice.


Jenna's the one in the helmet =)

Monday, March 16, 2009

Just Waiting

      I think the "simulation" from Friday could have gone a little better, we will be notified if the doctor needs to make some alterations. We will know Wed. of 3/18 if he can start his treatments.  Tom did great.  He had two fantastic technicians and one not so fantastic ??? The center is new and everyone is nice.  They allowed the whole family to come in for the fitting of his mask.  They could have warned us, pictures to follow.

      The waiting isn't bothering him too much... He took Robert up to Gorman today... That's how my husband relaxes!

Here is a ' Shout Out' to Auntie Pam... We love you!!!!

<<<< Singing His Praises All Day Long >>>> 
       
  

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Happy Anniversary





We celebrated our 17th year wedding anniversary today!!!! Sounds sappy but the old saying is true... I do love him more everyday & every year!   
As I think about all the changes in the last 17 years...  I think about the one constant that has never changed and will never change.    No matter what happens in my life, no matter what happens in the life of  my husband  or in the life of my children, no matter what happens across the world or who is in the presidential seat, no matter what the stock market is doing, I know that my God remains eternally the same.  His promises are unshakable.  The One who created us never changes.  That has been the constant foundation in our marriage. 
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" Hebrews 13:8.  

    Tom, you are my true soul mate.  I love you!  

Friday, March 13, 2009

Friday 13th

Friends & Family,

Today is a big day. For starters Tom decided on radiation therapy.  He has an appointment today at 1:10 to be fitted for a mask that he will where at each radiation visit.  It is specifically molded to his face & neck.  Then, at 4:00 he will have an additional C-Tscan to insure that the mask and his throat and the tumors and the lasers and the dosages of radiation ALL match up.  They call this the "simulation" phase, kind of a pre-run for what is going to happen for the next 6 weeks.
Thank you for your concern and prayers.  

Isaiah 26:9 & 12 have been on my heart,

    With my soul I have desired YOU in the night, 
Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek YOU early,
For when your judgements are on the earth,  
The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
    Lord, YOU will establish peace for us,
For You have also done all our works in us.

Praises and Blessings





 

Monday, March 9, 2009

More Fun...

Our house use to be so dull, we would laugh at how uneventful our life was... WAS.
  
Today was another visit to the ER.  After a good antibiotic cleansing, an x-ray and seven stitches I am happy to report Tom still has his finger.  While changing a tire on our son's motorcycle something went ari and snapped and kaching, whamo, he came very close to loosing his finger from the knuckle down.  Yes, he finished changing the tire before he left for the ER.  I must admit the tire does look very cool and Robert will be able to climb even bigger hills than before. (Does anyone foresee more ER visits?)

I really miss that boring dull life.  


Thursday, March 5, 2009

Little update

Tomorrow is a big day.  We have a 1pm appointment with a new Radiologist Oncologist.  This center will be very close to Tom's work and not far from home.  

Today was one of the tougher days for him.  His new schedule allows him three days off, but forces a double on one of his regular work days.  Example, Wed. he goes in at 12 noon-doesn't come home until Thurs. the next day 0600am.  Sleeps a few hours and goes back to work at 12:00 noon, same day.  Add a little radiation treatment.... ah huh, i don't think so!

I am comforted by Isaiah 26:3, because here my God says the He will keep Tom in perfect peace, because Tom's mind is stayed on HIM, because Tom trusts in HIM.  
Tom has a fixed disposition of trust in the Lord who brings a peace that the wicked can never know. I am thankful that my husband loves Jesus.



Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Sing for Joy


Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for JOY and be glad all our days.

This verse popped out to me as I read this amazing chapter, teaching us to number our days so that we may present to THEE a heart of wisdom.

Monday, March 2, 2009

PHEW!!!


We are back from the Oncologists... we received the best news... NO secondary cancer!!!  We thank Him for this merciful answer to prayer.

They did find a broken rib that had been healing that "Hercules" thought he heard pop, last month when he was pushing a car. (HaHa, good story ask him later.)

We will meet with a new Radiologist Oncologist in our town, this Friday 1pm.  This was another answer to prayer.  The other RO was toooo far away and 6 weeks of M-F treatments was not reasonable with trying to work his regular work week. 

Tom is still considering surgery instead of radiation therapy.  I am thinking he should make up his mind this week, and then move forward in whichever direction.  I just support and pray.  The REAL choice is his.  So I guess what I am asking for is prayer for direction.
 
Things to pray for:
1. Tom's discussion with the surgeon this week.
2. Meeting with Dr. Zimmerman the new RO on Friday.
3. Make a decision by Friday 3/7.
4. That Tom's work will continue to be supportive and allow him time for all these upcoming appointments.

We are overwhelmed with God's love, His care and provision.  We giggle at His Sovereignty in every area of our lives.  And we cherish everyone of your prayers.

This week our attention turns to the many men (thousands) who will be serving and attending our church's "Shepherds Conference."  This is the most remarkable week of teaching and refreshment for Pastors, literally all over the world.  We pray for their week while they are here and for their families that they left at home. We pray for our pastors, staff and volunteers that so faithfully and energetically serve.  We will see you next year.    

Enough for now.
All my love,
Sabrina 

Me again...

Please keep both my parents in your prayers - they will be visiting the Oncologist later today to get the results of the PET scan to see if there is cancer somewhere other than the vocal cord. The Lord has been so great to us these past few days/weeks/months/YEARS and I am so thankful for the strong relationship my dad & I have. I wanted to throw a quick thank you out to everyone that has offered to help us. We love each and every one of you and thank the Lord daily for your kindness to us. In the words of a dear saint and family friend, Jody Frankfurt, "Keep worshiping 'till we get there!"

God bless,
Robert


Dad with my big sister & brother during a recent visit. (Sandy & Kyle)

(Anyone want to go riding with us tomorrow???)