Free at Last

Julia was released from the hospital today with her new accessory (bile duct bag). Thankfully she will not have to keep it for long. Once they get her bilirubin down they are hoping they can insert the stent so that she will not have to mess with that very long. She talked with the radiology oncologist this morning and was supposed to have her radiation simulation tomorrow but it has been changed to Monday. After the simulation, it will take 3 - 5 days for them to put a plan together. All of the markers have to be just right so that the radiation will hit the intended target. We are going to be at the Il Beach Resort til Friday for sure and then we will either move or stay there. Hopefully, whatever happens it will be the last move til around 5/13 or 5/14 when she will move to the Guest Quarters which is similar to a Ronald McDonald House or like the Hospitality House at Ft Sanders. It is designed to accomodate long term outpatients. Julie will be here for 5 - 6 weeks. Linda, Julia's sister will be coming up Saturday to stay a couple of weeks and I will be going home Sunday. I know everyone is wanting to send cards etc. but it would be better to wait until she is settled at the Guest Quarters. I'm making copies of the comments on the blog and taking to her. Jules just doesn't feel good enough to even sit a computer for a few mins.

Home Alone

Julia is in the hospital for the night following her procedure today and I'm here alone at the hotel. They were late getting her in for the procedure this morning but she finally got in, it was a success and she was feeling better. She was even hungry afterwards which was a shock (she ate half of a small salad and about half of a small plate of fruit. I'm not sure if the narcotics had just started to wear off 45 mins ago or what, but she went from a 1 pain level to a 7 in about 1 hr. She will be seeing the radiology oncologist in the morning and hopefully we will have a better feel for our game plan. I will update ASAP. Thanks for following our journey.

A Little Bump in the Road

Julia's procedure was unsuccessful this morning. The bile duct is blocked so bad that the Dr could not get a fine wire in it let alone a stent. He said he could not remember when this has happened...that 99% were sucessful. So the alternative is to put a tube in her side to drain the bile and then once it opens up some they will go back in and put in the stent. Her tumor has grown and is pushing on her back causing severe pain, hopefully we will talk with the radiologist about that after tomorrow's procedure. She really feels bad but stated she was so glad she was here rather than at home so that it could be dealt with ASAP. She is still in good spirits, she is a fighter but the pain is wearing on her nerves. I would have updated the blog earlier but the computer hogs were here, I think I have some kind of signal that lets everyone know I am going to the computer. Julia's procedure is at 10:00 tomorrow..I'll update ASAP.

Back In Illinois

We arrived back in Zion this afternoon. Because of an error in our reservations we moved to Illinois Beach Resort today. We could have stayed another day at Country Inn but with Julia having the procedure in the morning, we decided it would be better to move today. This place is really nice....Jan, tell Leroy that we told him we were going to the beach and we meant it. I'll post some photos when I get home. The lake here looks like the ocean and you see the water as far as you can see. Julia is resting now and hopefully after tomorrow's procedure, she will start to feel better. She drank a whole milkshake today...a small one but I was thrilled. Remember her in your prayers tomorrow morning. The procedure should take between 20 mins to 2 hrs. The dr has scheduled a hour for hers. As soon as I can update the blog tomorrow, I will.

Thank God for Friday

Yesterday was a really long and trying day. We were so tired the blog wasn't touched...sorry! We are currently at Julie's nephew Rich's house in Wisconsin. It's nice getting out of the hotel room and being around family. Rich has two dogs and we (especially me) are really enjoying them...I miss my Chloe. Yesterday the drs told us that the tumor had grown and is blocking the bile duct so Julie will be having a stint put in Monday morning to open it up and hopefully get her bilirubin down so that she can start chemo. The proposed treatment which Julie has agreed to is simultaneous chemo and radiation for 5-6 weeks. We will know more on Monday about when the radiation will start since it can be administered before the bilirubin is lowered and then they can start the chemo along with it once it goes down.

We met with the nutrionist, naturopathy dr, and mind and body person yesterday. They have already started Julie on a drug that will help with her digestion. There are so many options here. They have a chiropracter, which I'm sure she will see soon since her back is still giving her fits, accupuncture expert, massage therapist, cosmotologist, nail technicians, and just about anything else you can imagine. They stress treating the whole person and not letting the disease define who you are. Julie really feels comfortable here and seems to be excited about taking advantage of all of these resources.

We are not sure if we will be back on Wednesday or the weekend. The oncologist said she might need a few days to get clothes together etc. but I don't think she wants to waste too much time so depending on what the drs recommend she may take some treatment next week before we come home. She is in good spirit and I think this little weekend vacation will help her a lot.

2nd Day at CTCA

Julie has had a long day today and is very tired. She had numerous test from 9:00 to 2:30 today. She is finally getting some relief from the pain and is trying to catch up on lost sleep. I've left her in the room to relax. We will be seeing the nutrionist, mind and body specialist, and naturopath tomorrow and then meeting with her doctors to discuss treatment options tomorrow at 4:30 ET. Please keep her in your prayers and ask that she will have the strength to make wise decisions.

Arrived at CTCA

We were picked up by a white stretch limo at the airport last night which was great because airplane seats can become quite uncomfortable. Another pancreatic cancer patient was also picked up at the same time and he shared his story with us. He had been to three major hospitals in the New York/New Jersey area before coming here. His story is very long and complicated but he said the atmosphere, respect and treatment options offered here surpassed any previous experiences he had. He should be on a commercial because he certainly would do a good sales job. It's 11:00 and so far we agree with his evaluation. Julia is currently doing lab work and an EKG. We have already met with one oncologist who has ordered a complete CAT scan, they are prescribing a stronger pain medication today (she did not sleep at all last night) and have scheduled her for pain management in the morning. She will be meeting with a nutrionist and naturopath to get her body ready for chemo if that is the option she chooses. She will be reviewed by another oncologist and if both oncologist agree, treatment options will be presented to her on Friday. We will keep you updated when possible.

Chicago Bound

As most of you know I'm leaving Tuesday for Cancer Center Treatment of America in Zion, Il which is just outside of Chicago. Peggy Bowman has been my friend since 3rd grade and she will be accompanying me. Peggy had this bright idea of creating a blog so that we could keep everyone updated. The only problem is that she has never created a blog before and knows very little. So, if Peggy is successful, we will be able to keep you informed on a daily basis of what is going on. Sometimes, I'll post on the blog and sometimes Peggy will. Please keep me in your prayers as you know this is in God's hands.