Rough Day

Hi all!  Enjoyed the sun shining today, but it is cold. Springtime sounds better and better each day.  

Pat's morning was rough with fatigue and body aches, but he was much better by lunch.  After seeing him feel so good for a couple of weeks, it is hard to see him this way.  He describes it as "hitting a wall" and he is so tired he can hardly do anything but sleep.  I am reminded that although the chemo is working, it does take a toll on him.   Frustration also comes because his mind is ready to move, but his body won't cooperate.  These are the days that we have to lean into Jesus.  As I type this, I am reminded of the devotional I read out loud to Pat on Monday morning. Jesus wanted me to hear it again. Remember, we didn't have a radio so I thought it would be good idea that morning to read it aloud.

"Come to Me for rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you and you are bone weary.  Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion.  Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.   Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time  and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be. You will get through today one step, one moment at a time.  Your main responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me guide you through the many choices along your pathway.    This sounds like an easy assignment, but it is not.  Your desire to live in my Presence goes against the grain of "the world, the flesh and the devil".  Much of your weariness results from your constant battle against these opponents. However, you are on the path of my choosing, so do not give up. "  Ephesians 2:6; Matthew 14:28-32.

Reading this again today spoke volumes to me.  We are where we intends for us to be.  Today, I don't like it and that is okay.  I have prayed today "I need your strength, Lord.  I need your presence and your touch. I am leaning into you".

Maybe that devotional spoke to you.  God has a way of giving us a word that is for someone else rather than ourselves.  Well, that word was for Pat on Monday and for me today, but I will share it if you need it too!

Until tomorrow!
Hugs!
Paige
xoxo
 

In My PJ's All Day Long

Hello!  I just typed up a very uneventful blog entry, but if I don't save it as I am creating it, I can lose it and I did!  Darn!

To tell you the truth, I am still in my pj's and loving it!  I have worked most of the day in front of Pat's beautiful fire that he has been poking all day!  He told me I looked beautiful a while ago.  He is looking sharp in his sweats too!

Pat is feeling good today, but he is having some bone ache. He has found that Epson salt baths help with that.

A busy weekend ahead and it is hard to believe that tomorrow is Thursday. Garrett only has two more games, Saturday and Monday.  Saturday afternoon we plan to go to Hico and work calves and get ready for the sale next week.  I hear the cattle market is really good right now!

I hope you have enjoyed a lazy and warm day and perhaps you are still in your pj's too!   

Sending all of our love
Paige
xoxo

We Made It Home

I am blogging early tonight because I am pooped and plan to go to bed early.  Pat and I arrived safely at home this morning at 2:30.  We left the center at 8:15 last night right after finished his chemo treatment.  My friends are so funny. Many texted me while I was driving and said that I could give them a call if I was sleepy, so I had a few on standby.  I did chat with my sister three times as she had to make sure I was okay.  Pat slept a lot of the way home, but I know he was nervous, so he probably had one eye open.  I will tell you one thing and that is I don't want to make that drive many times.  Plane or train, but no automobiles, please!

My friend, Kathy, visited our blog today and this is what she said about CTCA (Cancer Center) She along with her husband, Jerry, are of the very couples we met last October.  Kathy is a patient also. "I know this sounds silly, but life does slows down when cancer enters the picture. We learn just what is important in our lives. Our priorities shift and God shows us new things each day. I always say I am wrapped in prayer and God's love and that's the best place I could be."  Yes, I agree.  The center also can be the best place we could be.   I am always searching for words to describe to you just how special CTCA is.   One of the nurses to Dr. Yoeder, Cyndi, is retiring Friday from the center and will be moving to Houston where her husband has been living and working.  We hugged when we said goodbye and she wanted our contact information and wants to follow us on Caringbridge.  We have only known her since October, but she cared and loved on us.  Our lives are now entwined with such special people whether be staff or patients and these people placed in our lives have changed us. Do you know what is so obvious to Pat and I now?  Cancer does not discriminate. 

Thank you for your sweet comments, texts and messages in regards to our great results.  We feel your enthusiasm, joy and pure thankfulness.  Many, many times I find myself saying "Wow"!

In closing, I am reminded of my life verse.  John 13:7.  Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."  I may not ever understand any of these trials we all go through, but if Jesus continues to reveal himself, his love and his faithfulness to me as He has, then this journey is worth it. 

Sweet dreams!

Paige

xoxo

Fantastic News Today

Hey guys!  I know you are waiting anxiously for the results as we were.  We were able to get into see the oncologist at 1:00 today vs 3:00.  Results are:

Tumor markers are now down to 61. There were multiple lesions on the liver before and now gone down significantly.  There is less activity in the stent area.  Cannot see any activity now in the neck of the pancreas.  Bone cancer is better, some minimal activity.   Both doctors, oncology and gastroenterology, are very pleased.  Dr. Yoeder, gastro doc, said that Pat has done a remarkable job considering what he has been through since 2008.  He was so encouraging and Dr. Stresthda, oncologist, was too!  Chemo treatment will still be every two weeks.

Pat has lost only two pounds, so we are even excited about that.  We met with Jason, nutritionist, and he was pleased with our progress and gave us more ideas to increase the calories with the protein. 

We are now at the center waiting on our chemo appointment which is at 5:30, but we are hoping they can get us in earlier.  We are planning on driving home tonight in order to avoid the snow that they are expecting here in Tulsa tomorrow, which will put us home after midnight.  I will have to do all of the driving, so please pray that I will be wide awake!  Since I don't have a radio, I may have to do all of the singing!  Ha!

Pat and I are elated with this news.  We both know that this news could be the opposite and we give God all of the glory.  Also, Pat and I know that prayer is key and you are part of this victory and you, our friends and family, are part of this winding journey.

All of our love,
xoxo 

Hanging With My Sis

Hello! Sitting here with a full stomach and enjoying my sis and her family.  Pat and I made mention to Brian that we hadn't eat a steak in such a long time and he fixed that right away.  We ate at the Cattleman's steak house in the stockyards area of Oklahoma City.  Pat and I are so thankful that they live close as it is nice to get away from the center.

As soon as I finished updating Caringbridge early this afternoon, Pat finished his scan.  He said that all went well.  Earlier this morning he had his first introduction to acupuncture.  He said it was enjoyable and not painful at all.  When I think of acupuncture all I think of are needles.  It is offered to all patients at the center and it helps with pain and fatigue.

We are going to hang out here with Kelly and Brian tomorrow and watch the game.  Our plan is to go back to the center tomorrow night.  They are calling for more snow, but not significant.

Kelton, my nephew, just asked me if this was my blog I was typing on and he wanted me to share with you how awesome is dog, Drover, is.  He says "Drover is the best dog, and he is the retired, fastest dog in Oklahoma.  He was also valedictorian of his obedience class."  Thank you, Kelton! 

Good night!  All our love!
Paige
xoxo