Surgery #4

The surgery yesterday went well with very little drama thankfully.  The docs were able to remove one tumor about 2-3 inches in diameter and 10 smaller ones.  They saw no signs of cancer in any other organs in his abdominal area which is very good news.  He had a good night and is in no pain this morning.  He is expected to get out of bed and sit in a chair for a while today, they want him moving around as soon as possible.  So, that will be our goal for today.  

He is in good spirits, no pain and talking about eating.  Of course he cannot have anything to eat yet, maybe not  for the next two or three days,  but having an appetite is a good thing for Bill these days.  Hopefully he will get the okay for food soon.  

At this point we don't know how long our stay in the hospital will be, we're thinking about a week if all goes as planned.  We're trying to stay positive, the staff at University are top notch so we know we're in good hands.  As always, thanks for keeping us in your prayers.  Holly 

Update

We went in to the hospital today for the pre-op work in preparation for surgery.  So far everything is still on as planned, surgery next Monday, May 4 at University Hospital.  If all goes the way we hope, Bill's stay in the hospital should be about a week and then he can continue his recovery at home.  

As soon as he is strong enough, he will have another PET scan and from that the oncologist Docs will determine which clinical trial (chemo again) will be the best fit.  Bill is feeling okay.  He is strong physically and hanging in there emotionally too.  He is determined to fight.  

We plan to spend the rest of this week doing whatever he wants to do and enjoying it.  Hopefully, this surgery will take a much smoother path than our experiences last spring and summer.  Thanks for your continued prayers, kind thoughts and words of encouragement.  I'll keep you posted.  Holly

The latest trial

The results of Bill' PET scan taken on Wednesday showed at least two small tumors in his lower bowel.  Obviously, this is not the kind of news we were hoping for and it has taken us a few days to digest it.  We have already been to see his surgeon, Dr. Polk to review the films and the radiologist's report.  Dr. Polk has also consulted with the oncologist and surgery is scheduled for Monday, May 4 to remove the tumors along with the surrounding sections of the bowel.  We are hopeful that things will go according to the plan without too much drama.  We know from previous experience that a bowel obstruction can be extremely painful so we are holding our breath that nothing changes before May 4.  

Right now, Bill feels good physically.  We're trying to continue doing the things he likes to do and live each day with a positive attitude.  The emotional stress is overwhelming sometimes, but we are giving it our best fight.  As of now we hope to spend the next two weeks enjoying the spring weather and Derby activities.  

I will do my best to keep the blog updated.  I know you will continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Thanks, Holly

Checking In

I know it has been a while since our last post and I apologize.  In this case, no news is good news.  Bill seems to be tolerating the new chemo treatment pretty well.  He is a little more fatigued during the 14 days that he is on the treatment, but not significantly.  Definitely not enough to discontinue the treatment so far.  We are happy about that and will find out if this treatment is effective soon.  He is scheduled for a PET scan on April 15 and will see the oncologist the following week.  We know you will keep your positive thoughts and prayers focused on good results.  

As Bill gets stronger, we are venturing out into the world again, and seeing many of you.  Thanks so much for your welcoming and supportive words.  It has been so reassuring to see friends again and get back to the normalcy of our lives.  Everyone has been so kind.  You wouldn't think it but it's difficult to get back out there in some respects.   

Our daughters, Amy and Emily, and their husbands, Troy and Eric are sponsoring a Relay for Life Team in honor of Bill and several other family members called "Bill's Lifeguards".  The walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society is scheduled for June 20 and the kids are sponsoring  a "corn hole" tournament on June 13 to raise funds for the team.  We are so touched and extremely proud of them all for doing this.   Amy is in charge and there is a team website.  You can go to the American Cancer Society website and look for supportive events or send her an email afedders10@yahoo.com to find out the details.   Also click here to donate to the cause.

We have big plans for this spring.  Hopefully, we will be able to see them through.  As always, thanks so much for your continued support, prayers and positive thoughts.  Hope to see you out and about soon.  

Updates

We are so very thankful that things are still moving along in a positive direction for Bill.  He began taking temodar, an oral chemo treatment, a little over a week ago, and so far so good.  He has not noticed any side effects up to this point, so we are very hopeful that this chemo routine will be much less invasive.  He will take the temodar in 14 day cycles, on 14 and off 14 for as long as he tolerates it, if it seems to be working.  He is scheduled for his next PET scan and Dr. appointment in April.  So, until then, we are trying to get back into a "normal" routine.  

He has been officially released from rehab and is trying to get back into a regular exercise routine at Lakeside again.  It has been so nice to see the friendly faces of our  "exercise buddies" and everyone has been so welcoming.  We are looking forward to spending time there this summer.  

Currently, we are gearing up for the St. Patrick's Day festivities, as all good Hibernians should be.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate a little more this year (not that standing in the cold rain for hours isn't fun) but a sunny warm day would be nice.  So, if you're looking for an afternoon of fun, keep the St. Patrick's Day parade in mind.  March 14 at 3:00 at Baxter and Bardstown Rd, everyone is Irish on parade day.  We would love to see you!

As always, thanks so much for your continued support and positive thoughts.  Keep in touch, Holly

Updates

Things continue to be good for us.  Bill is continuing to gain strength, in fact he will probably "graduate" from rehab in a few weeks.  So, in preparation for that, he has begun to get back to Lakeside for workouts.  He has really enjoyed seeing folks and catching up (as well as getting back into the exercise routine of course!)  The goal is to return to a regular exercise routine and begin to build up those muscles.  

We have an appointment with the oncologist next week.  We will discuss starting this next proposed chemo routine.  Bill is willing to give it a try, who knows what drama that may bring.  But, we have to trust the Docs and at least try it.  

Fanny continues to both give us joy and drive us crazy.  We're thinking obedience classes, WE need the training.  When it comes to cute little puppies I guess we're push overs.  

We continue to take things one day at a time, grateful for all the acts of kindness and support. 

Thanks,  and keep in touch.  

Home Sweet Home

We returned home on Monday from our vacation in Northern KY and hoorah! we had power.  Other than some fairly minor cleanup both inside and out, we were lucky.  I guess over time we take certain technological advances for granted, like heat and hot water.   Believe me, Bill and I have a renewed appreciation for LG & E and all the workers, what a major cleanup job.  I hope everyone effected by the storm faired well.  

We apologize to anyone who might have tried to contact us last week during the power outage. We left town in a hurry and may have missed you.  

Bill is continuing to do well.  He seems to be getting stronger and able to do more around the house everyday.  He is continuing to go to rehab twice a week, which is a huge plus for him.  We have an appointment with the cardiologist next week to let us know what the echo cardiogram shows.  Since he seems to feel fine, we're not expecting any problems with his heart.  We'll see. 

In the meantime, we are working hard to get our lives back.  We hope to be able to continue in this direction for a long time.  

Fanny is keeping us busy and happy.  She already rules the roost, not spoiled at all of course.  If we ever get it together, I will take some updated pix of her and post them, I'm sure everyone is interested in watching her progress.  

As always, thanks so much for thinking of us and your continued support.  We love hearing from everyone and keeping up with things.  Happy Valentine's Day!  Holly