Patrick Earl Easterling 12-31-57 -11-26-11

Pat Easterling, 53, passed away surrounded by friends and family on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Celebration of life: A celebration of Pat's life will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Burleson, 317 W. Ellison, Burleson. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at Mountain Valley Funeral Home, Joshua. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org, or First Baptist Church Burleson Building Campaign. Pat was born Dec. 31, 1957, in Fort Worth. He was the son of Lewis Easterling and Christine Carnes. He graduated from L.D. Bell High School. In 1981 he met his soulmate, Paige McNatt, and they were married Sept. 8, 1984, and lived out their love story. He was an executive with Kinro Inc. for 30 years as vice president and just recently opened his window replacement business, America's Best Choice DFW. The pride and joy of his life was his wife and three children, Elizabeth, Matthew and Garrett. They loved spending their time at their Double E Ranch in Hico, where they raised cattle and enjoyed his love of the land by hunting and fishing in Lake Pat. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Easterling. Survivors: Those left with loving memories are his wife, Paige; daughter, Elizabeth; sons, Matthew and Garrett; mother, Christine Carnes; brothers, Bobby and wife, Rose, Richard and wife, Rebecca, and Ryan; sisters, Dianne Page and Ashley Karpenko and husband, Joey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life

Thank you for all of your sweet and loving messages. Each word, every prayer and hug mean so much to us.

Celebration of Life: A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 4 PM Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Burleson, 317 West Ellison, Burleson. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at Mountain Valley Funeral Home, Joshua.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or First Baptist Church Burleson Building Campaign.
 

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

Dear Family & Friends,

When I offered to update CB for my precious friend, Paige and she accepted, I was instantly filled with fear. What was I thinking!?  Lord, I can't do this! I know like me many of you look forward to hearing an encouraging word from her daily through CB. I am not as eloquent of a writer as Paige but will do my best! 

Our beloved & brave fighter & hero, Pat Easterling, courageously finished his race last night around 6:39 pm. He was surrounded by his loving and faithful wife, children, extended family and many friends. I was reminded of the scripture in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

While we are all filled with sadness and grief, we are also filled with thanksgiving knowing that Pat is healed. He is cancer free in heaven today! 

As this week began with Pat being admitted on Tuesday & as his health began to decline throughout the week, I questioned the Lord. I was like, "Really Lord, during Thanksgiving week!?" And all week long my devotions have be centered around being Thankful. Again, I was like, "Really, Lord!?" But this morning, I realized in spite of the despair and deep sadness that we are all experiencing today at the passing of our precious Pat that there is much to be thankful for too. Yesterday my devotion stated "How precious are My children who remember to thank me at all times. They can walk through the darkest days with Joy in their hearts because they know that the Light of My Presence is still shining on them. For I am their steadfast Companion."

I thought I would take a few lines to share what I am thankful for as we have journeyed with the Easterling family during these dark days and  together chartered unwanted and unfamiliar territory with them.

First, I am thankful for the man of God Pat was. I have had the privilege of being a part of an incredible group of men & women who pray & study God's word together and challenge each other to live in a way that honors and glorifies the Lord. Pat was a devoted Christ follower. 

He was a faithful husband, best friend and lover to Paige for over 27 years. He was a devoted Dad who was so proud of his 3 greatest accomplishments this side of heaven, Elizabeth, Matt & Garrett. He did not need to have those "last words" with his family because Pat lived in such a way with character, honesty and integrity that his life said enough!

I am thankful for my sweet & precious friend, Paige! There are no words that are sufficient or adequate enough to express first my love for this amazing woman but also to describe the selfless way she has served Pat and her family. I know she would be the first to tell you that only by the grace and mercy & the unfailing love of Jesus Christ was she able to do all that she has done this past year. Paige, you have carried us all with your incredible faith. WE LOVE YOU! And your precious 3! Those Easterling kids come from good stock! Elizabeth, who so selflessly moved back home this past year. I know it was not your plan after graduating from college but your obedience to do the right thing was so "grown up". Matt, knowing how hard you worked with your dad this summer to learn the business was so touching. Your unwavering faith yesterday at hospital forever changed us all. And G, your dad was so proud of you! And for you to have played the final game your dad got to watch last Monday, scoring over 30 points!!! Wow, God is good! Y'all are his legacy.

Friends, I know we didn't get the full healing this side of  heaven for Pat. But don't miss that God sustained Pat for over a year with good enough health to travel & make memories with his family and with each of us. And for that I am truly Thankful. What are you thankful for?

And finally, my devotion this morning turned to rest. Which is what I pray most for the Easterling's right now. "Rest in deep assurance of My unfailing Love. Let your body, mind, and spirit relax in My Presence. Release into My care anything that is troubling you. Be awed by the vast dimension of My Love for you: wider, longer, higher, deeper than anything you know. Rejoice that this marvelous Love is yours forever! 

Thank you Lord, for the gift of Pat, Paige, Elizabeth, Matt & Garrett.I know as Pat entered the gates of heaven last night he heard,"Well, done good and faithful servant."

xoxo!

Brenda Ashlock

A Hard Day

I haven't posted in a day or so, but it has been rough.  We checked into the hospital on Tuesday.  Tuesday was the day we were to check in to have chemo, but that morning I knew that Pat seemed weaker and was using a lot of oxygen.  Monday morning we did blood work, so I wanted to chat with Dr. Fredric's nurse Tuesday morning to get a "go".  When I called the nurse to tell them what I sensed, they said to go ahead and take Pat to the ER.  That really bothered me as I knew Pat would wonder why in the heck are we in the ER.  Thankfully, on the way to the hospital, the doctor's office called and asked if we were headed to the hospital and if we were to go to patient registration.  What a relief.  I had called Angie and Jordan to come that morning so I could have another set of eyes and ears to help me evaluate Pat and make the right decision.  Jordan drove us to the hospital and we got him checked in. 

Pat was a bit confused and was wondering why Angie and Jordan were with me and why Matt met us at the hospital entrance.  I reminded him that he was to have chemo today and they were just hanging with us.  I was so uneasy about taking him to the hospital and even felt like I was betraying somehow because he hates hospitals such much, but I knew in my heart he was getting worse.  I was exhausted with no sleep and was worried about the care or lack of care I could give him at home.  After an ultrasound they found a couple of blood clots in his left leg. 

I really was uneasy when I got here and it stayed with me throughout the next day as I just didn't have a peace.  His body was too weak to for chemo, and I was afraid I was going to have to make a major decision.    I kept praying that the Lord would go before me and make those decisions for me.   The decision was made this morning that Pat will not have any chemo and we will be calling in hospice tomorrow.  Dr. Keller, our internist, was the one who confirmed that the decision for no chemo and I believe the Lord used him to give me this sweet peace I have tonight.

Our goal is to go home tomorrow and tonight will be the test to see if the meds have been tweaked enough for him to be completely comfortable and sleep through the night. 

There is more I want to write, but it is getting late and I going to stop here.

Thank you loving on our family,
Paige
xoxo

The Sale

The Tree of Life in Burleson

NOTE:  Blogger friends, I try to post the same blog here that I post on Caringbridge each night, but fail to remember to stop by here too.  Our Caringbridge website is www.caringbridge.org/visit/pateasterling.  You truly are such precious people in my life and some of my dearest friendships, who I have never met, started here in 2007! 


Hello!  It is about 8:17 PM and I just woke up from a little nap.  Today feels like yesterday really as last night was a repeat of the night before.  The pain medication is working well during the day, but during the night it is not and Pat's anxiety is high.  Since we changed his medication I follow the doctor's prescribed amounts and time closely and keep a journal.  This pain medication accumulates, so as time passes he will get better relief.  We adjusted his anxiety medication, so I hope that will make for a good night's sleep.  I haven't slept through the night now since Saturday and I am thoroughly exhausted. 

Tomorrow is a very bittersweet day and a celebration of answered prayer as we will be closing on the ranch.  Due to Pat's health, the title company in Stephenville has offered to bring the papers to us here in Burleson.  This weekend we will be moving equipment and our personal belongings from Hico.  I am so thankful for Matt who has taken on this responsibility and he has assured me that I have nothing to worry about. Many, many offers have been made from you, our family and friends, to help make this transition smooth.  Our real estate agent, Andrew Buffington, has been so easy to work with and has gone out of his way to make sure the sale of the land and equipment gets finalized without a hitch. 

The 13 years we have spent at the ranch have been such great times. The kids were 4, 8 and 11 when we started this new adventure.  Pat spent a  along with a lot of sweat and tears improving the land by building fence, enlarging our herd, and many hours spent on a tractor.  We have developed such sweet relationships in Hico and our neighbors have become family.  My Aunt Lola and Uncle Bill joined us by relocating to Hico after a few years and have been with us since and adopted us as their children as well.

We were living out a dream we always had of having a place where we could be outdoors, raise cattle, hunt and fish.  These were my dreams too and actually an extension from my childhood as all that hard work and chores I had growing up on our farm taught me how to contribute to our ranch as well as appreciate having such a gift as the Double E. 

I call this move bittersweet because it is an answer to prayer.  Selling all of the ranch was not our plan as we had planned on retiring in Hico.  Pat and I over the years had at least four future building sites for our retirement home at the Double E!  In 2008, after Pat survived stage one esophageal cancer, the boys and their friends surprised Pat at his homecoming from a ten day hospital stay with two "Trees of Life" where one would be planted in the yard of our current home and the future building site in Hico.  That little tree of Life now still stands alone in Hico strong and tall at the place we were going to settle.  That little tree was nurtured and hand-watered so that it would survive in the hot, dry summers of Hico.  Now as we look back to the past we see that the Lord allowed us to have this dream in order to be a provision for us in the future and that future being now.  So, my heart is heavy with sadness but full of gratefulness as He has gone before us. God is so good.

I ask that you continue to pray as we take this journey one day at a time.  I said this last night, but it is truly the only way.  God is all we have to depend on as He gives us His w/d/g (wisdom, discernment, guidance).

Gratefully,
xoxo 

Tired

Pat has had a lot of pain since this weekend and Monday was no exception, so we met with Dr. Fredric Tuesday morning.  Our desire for the appointment was to try to get the pain under control and talk about chemo.  He suggested we make a complete change to his pain medication.  Methadone is a great pain medication for someone in Pat's condition, so we started that. Last night was a very long night as we were up most of the night trying to get his pain under control and having to call the doctor in order to know what to do next.  The doctor wanted to hospitalize Pat yesterday to administer this new pain medication, but we talked him out of it. So, when we called him early this morning he said to meet him at his office and bring a bag because he wanted to admit him.  By the time Pat got into the office, he was feeling much better, so I believe the medicine was finally starting to work.  We will know come morning how it is doing. We are both tired physically and emotionally, so my prayer is that we both get good sleep tonight.  In regard to chemo, we have it scheduled for Tuesday, but Dr. Fredric wants to admit Pat at Plaza to administer the chemo.  Needless to say, Pat is not happy about this, but I am just encouraging him to take one day at a time.

Last night was such a very special night.  At the basketball game it was Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month and many people had on their purple shirts.  There were purple ribbon everywhere, coaches with purple shirts and ties and purple wrist bands for the players.  It was so humbling to see so many people  supporting this needed awareness. 

The game last night was a wild one as it was a close game and Garrett got banged up a bit.  He had someone hit his eye and then he took a tumble and hit his head. But, he recovered and ended up playing a good game.  They beat Joshua.

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.  We continue to take one day at a time and are praying for God's wisdom, guidance and healing.

Hugs!
xoxo

One Day At A TIme

Perfect encouragement. God knows that you can withstand your trial, or else He would not have given it to you. His trust in you explains the trials of your life, no matter how severe they may be. God knows your strength, and He measures it to the last inch. Remember, no trial has ever been given to anyone that was greater than that person's strength, through God, to endure it~Streams in the Desert

Although the days are hard, all I feel he is asking of me is to trust Him. My hope is in Him and Him alone. I am clinging to His encouragement and guidance as I seek to hear from Him each day.

Pat has an appointment with the oncologist In the morning. We have decided to go for one more chemo treatment and we will discuss that with him. We know there are risks with the chemo and we know there is without it. We are at a crossroad and we feel God is leading us in this direction. So, we will go by His leading. We are also seeking a pain management doctor to work with us here in Fort Worth.

One day at a time.

Tomorrow is the first day of basketball season here against Joshua. It is going to be a great game and I can't wait. Go Spartans!

We love you all dearly!
Xoxo

Yay TEAM STP

My Love, My Hero!

Ready for my first 5K

My family!

Garrett & Taelor

Alex, Jessica, Dennis & Wendy

Kelly & Brian

Matt & Missy

Training Buddies

My Purple Loot from being Individual #2 Fundraiser - $10K

LG Girls

Yes!  TEAM STP Did it!  There were approximately 62 people there representing STP and our team raised $10K. Our team placed fifth in fund raising and  I won second place individual fund raiser earning great purple lute!!  A big thank you to Wendy, Alison and Dennis for arriving early, early this morning to set up our tent and the food.  The blue tent had black and white racing flags along with two STP banners.  After the event, all the team members signed the banner for Pat.  Congratulations to my cousin, Riley, who ran the race in 22 minutes and won second and to Campbell Masteller for winning second in his age group! A total of $332,039 was raised today for PurpleStride Dallas 2011!

It was such a grand day.  The weather was beautiful but a  little hot for running.  It was a wonderful feeling to see all of the STP shirts at the event.  This was my first experience with a running event and I am proud to say that I am now able to mark a 5K off my bucket list. I ran it the whole way!  I have to give special thanks to my niece, Brianna and Wendy for running alongside of me.  There was one heck of a hill!  That finished line was a beautiful sight! 

I have tons of pictures and wish I could share them here with you on CaringBridge, but it will only allow one photo per entry.  If you have FaceBook, you can see them on my page.  The picture I have attached is of our group  which makes me so proud.

Pat has had a rough three days with his pain and extreme fatigue.  I just want him to feel good.  He was such a trooper and it took great courage and fight to attend today and Garrett's game yesterday morning.  He is my hero. 

I told my friend, Angie, today that after this wonderful day and a day dedicated to pancreatic cancer, it feels as if things should be all better now and Pat back to normal.  The reminder of this difficult journey is seen every time I look my sweet husband. 

2 Timothy 4:7 says it beautifully: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Lord, we ask that you go before us as we continue this race and we ask that you increase our faith each day. 

Hugs!
  xoxo

Busy Weekend

Pat and I went to Hico this morning to begin the process of moving.  We have a farm house and a barn with lots of stuff that has accumulated.  Hico has been a major part of our life for the past 13 years and it is a difficult parting for all of us.  Awe the memories we have.  One of my favorite memories is all five of us taking our dusk ride around the pastures on one four-wheeler.  The kids were little and we all just piled on and around Pat as he drove us around real slow. 

Matt met us at the ranch this morning as he went last night to do some deer hunting.  He was showing me his new "buck call" and was telling me about his luck with his new toy.  He said he is waiting on the big one before he pulls the trigger and then he can add his trophy to all of the other deer heads we have. 

Pat did not have a good day as he is in extreme pain and he can't get comfortable.  We have all kinds of pain medications, but he wants to function so we are trying to find a balance. Helpless is how I feel.  Please pray that his pain will subside. 

Our busy weekend starts tomorrow.  Garrett has a scrimmage tomorrow morning at 10 at the high school and then time to prepare for PurpleStride, which will be Sunday morning.  I am excited about the event and so thankful for all of you that have donated to TEAM STP.  We only need $325.00 to reach our goal of $10K. 

We covet your prayers and we need them now more than ever. 

Go TEAM STP!
 

Results

I realized I didn't update you on the CT results from yesterday. The good news is the cancer in the liver is stable. That really surprised us due to the fact he hasn't had chemo in such a long time. Now we are dealing with cancer in the lungs and liver. The doctor said it looks like we can do chemo next week if nothing changes.

Today Pat and I are going to Hico to start packing as we have a contract on our ranch. Closing is planned on the 22nd of this month. This will be difficult and my mind can't go there right now.

Thank you friends for buying and now wearing STP shirts. I love the pics you have sent me! Groups of people are wearing purple that we haven't even met. Wow! They are now being worn from as far as New York to California!

Please keep the Aylett family in your thoughts and prayers as his funeral was yesterday. Tom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a short time ago. Lisa and I met a few years ago and Garett goes to school with their kids. My heart hurts for them.

Please realize how devastating this disease is and there is no cure, no early detection, and not enough money for research.

The Lord keeps telling me to trust Him and I am.

Hugs!
Paige
xoxo

Woo Hoo!

As of one hour ago, $9,250.00 has been donated to TEAM STP!  WOW and big thank you!  We are five days away from PurpleStride and we have over 25 team members walk/running. 

Tomorrow morning we meet with the oncologist and get the results of the CT.  We are definitely anxious and pray that there has not been much change since September. He has really struggled since Sunday.  They gave him a huge dose of anxiety medication before they pulled the out the chest tube and evidently the medication stayed in his system longer than expected.  I am told this is probably due to the fact that his liver is not functioning properly because of the cancer in the liver. So, it has taken him the past two days to clear his mind. He doesn't feel good and has extreme fatigue.  He and I got out once yesterday and once today.

What to pray?  We need what I call w/d/g (wisdom, discernment, guidance).  Is his body ready for more chemo? Either way, it could be difficult.  A lot of time has passed since his last treatment. 

I opened my Bible yesterday morning and the Lord met me there with his timely Word. Words that He had just for me that were encouraging and comforting.  His presence is here and God has clearly shown me that he is near my kids. 

In His Grip,
xoxo
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16

New TEAM STP Shirts!

We are still at the Plaza. Pat had a good day. Pain is managed and his color looks good. The draining process is going well and the Dr plans on removing the tube in the morning. A CT is scheduled tomorrow for Pat's abdomen to compare to scans that were done in September to see where we are now. 

This morning Garrett had scrimmages against three other teams. They were about eight minute halves. The first game the score was 16 to 16 and G scored the 16. That was fun! I was able to video the plays so Pat could watch. Today when I left the hospital my heart was so sad because Pat wanted to go. All I could say to myself is "this is not fair". Nobody loves basketball more than Pat.

I got to see the TEAM STP t-shirts today. A big thank you to Alison for taking care of the orders. I have attached a picture of Matt sporting his. I love them! If you have not paid for yours, please send your payment now to Alison. Also, I have heard from a few that still want shirts. If you do, we can place another order. You are going to want one when you see it! One more week until PurpleStride!! 

Enjoy your evening and don't forget to set your clocks back tonight.

Hugs!
Xoxo

Friday Nights With You!

Pat and I are hanging out on the couch and watching some TV at the Plaza this Friday night.  It is the last night for season football so I know that many of you are enjoying the games, BHS and CHS.  I also know of a few senior mom and dads who will be sad after tonight. 

Pat has had a good day.  It definitely got better after they put him on a pain pump so that he could stay on top of his pain.  The tube that was inserted into his chest is the culprit.  He has eaten really good today and has been in good spirits.  He just said that he doesn't like being here this weekend as he has a lot of things on his to-do list.

I am thankful this morning that Matt felt better.  He called me at 10:00 last night and had a headache and the stomach virus.  He will be home tomorrow.  I do not like it when my kids are sick and I can't help. 

Tomorrow morning Garrett has a scrimmage, so I hope to go over to Poly High to watch him.  I will be sure and video what I can so that Pat can see the highlights. 

Enjoy your evening!  Love on your family!

xoxo

Leaning

I finally got Pat to sleep.  It has been a rough day and he is exhausted, irritable, and uncomfortable and his chest is hurting from the tube.  He wanted to get up and come sit on the couch with me, but the doctor put him on bed rest tonight.

Pat had a Pleurodesis, which is often performed to control malignant pleural effusion and is occasionally used to control nonmalignant pleural effusion. Pleurodesis employs a sclerosing agent (talc) that causes inflammation and scarring on the pleural surfaces so the parietal and visceral pleura adhere. This closes the space, so fluid cannot accumulate.went well and it took about an hour.  They drained over 2.3 liters out of the right lung.  They will keep his temporary tube in for a couple of days to continue to the drain and then it will be removed.

Pat was cracking up the nurses in recovery.  We met a sweet nurse Deanna, and she said that Pat whispered to her that he had a date at 12:15 with a Tootsie Roll!  We laughed and laughed.  After he was brought back to the room, she surprised him with several. I guess those where left from Halloween.  Pat wins the hearts of all of his nurses as he is sweet, funny and kind.  The nurses here on the 6th floor were popping in the room and give him a warm welcome back.

This morning I opened up my Bible and devotionals and this is what the Lord gave me:  Our capacity for knowing God is enlarged when we are brought by Him into circumstances that cause us to exercise our faith. So when difficulties block our path, may we thank God that He is taking time to deal with us, and then may we lean heavily on Him.
 

I am leaning heavily right now on God and in fact, He is just carrying me.

Sweet dreams,  

xoxo

Plaza Points

We must have racked up the Plaza points as we earned the suite this stay!  The regular hospital room with a room attached with two couches and two big screens! Wow!  Pat and I have been able to sit in here on the couch and watch our favorite show, Modern Family.  It was funny tonight....love Cam!

We met with Dr. Yurvati tonight.  He will be doing the surgery tomorrow on Pat's lungs.  He will insert a video camera within the right lung and take a good look around as well as put in a temporary drain tube that will be there for a couple of days for drainage.  He said they will probably not start until after lunch and it will last about hour and a half. 
Pat is not happy about being in here again, but he is certainly ready for some relief from the pain that the fluid is causing. 

A couple of friends told me Garrett's picture was in the paper today, so I was able to find it online and I have attached it here.  The team is getting ready to start the season and their first scrimmage is this Saturday.

I will keep you updated tomorrow.  Thank you for all of your sweet messages and prayers.

Hugs!
xoxo