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 

Power Outage Again

I don't know about you guys but spring cannot come soon enough for us.  Like most of Louisville, we lost power early Wednesday morning and the temperature in the house dropped quickly.  We tried to tough it out in our sleeping bags in front of the fireplace for one day and night, but when we ran out of firewood we decided to bail.  Luckily, our children still like us so we have taken temporary refuge in northern KY at Amy and Troy's.  Hopefully, the power will be restored before we wear out our welcome.  Fanny especially, is not the most cooperative house guest.  

In the mean time, Bill is still progressing in a positive direction.  He gets stronger daily and continues to go to rehab for both physical and occupational therapy at Frazier Rehab.  He enjoys the workout.  He has a heart test scheduled for next week, a follow up from the testing at the hospital but we don't suspect any bad news from that. Otherwise, for now, all is good with us.  

Stay warm and keep in touch.  Holly 

Wonderful News!

Today has indeed been a wonderful day, both for the country and the Nolans.  Today we learned the results of Bill's latest PET and MRI scans.  Both were very good!!  No cancer in the brain and continued progress in the rest of the body.  We are thrilled!!  We had almost forgotten how it feels to be happy.  We feel so blessed.  

Bill goes back to the oncologist in a month and at that time we will discuss follow up chemo in a pill form that supposedly has very little side effects.  They want him to have a chance to put on some weight and build up his strength before dealing with chemo again.   This is considered a preventative measure.  We have not had much time to discuss this next step yet, but I'm sure Bill will want to at least give it a try.  

Fanny is still keeping us very busy.  She is a cutie, but a real handful, it's like having a baby again.  

As always, thanks so much for keeping our family in your prayers.  It certainly is working.  Hope to see you as we begin to get out and about again.  Holly

Fanny Arrives

Fanny Nolan (our new Westie puppy) arrived on the scene on Monday.  She is a real sweetie and as expected is keeping us hopping.  She is definitely a good distraction for us.  

Bill continues to get stronger each day and we are hopeful that he has indeed turned the corner.  We're taking one day at a time trying to do some of the things we like, making life as normal as we can.  Next week he will go back to the Dr. for a PET scan and another MRI.  Then we have a follow up appointment with the oncologist the following Tuesday to learn the results.  Hopefully, all will continue to go well.  

In the meantime, we're enjoying Fanny and the granddogs, as well as the human members of our family and friends of course.  Thanks for continuing to send us  your positive thoughts and keeping us prayers.   

Happy New Year!

I hope this message finds everyone well and enjoying a peaceful New Year's Day watching football or enjoying a nice fire.  That's what we're doing today, thankfully.  We had a very nice Christmas with family and friends followed by a pretty encouraging Dr. appointment.  Bill's electrolytes have been a little low due to the chemo, which keeps him feeling pretty tired.  That seems to be a fairly easy fix, a few hours of IV magnesium and he feels much stronger.  Based on this factor and the fact that he seems to continue to get better, the Doc thinks that it's a pretty good chance that his "episodes" have been the result of the chemo rather than more cancer.  He will have another MRI in a week or so along with another PET scan to verify this theory.  Of course, we're keeping our fingers crossed that this is the case and there is no cancer in his brain.  

In the meantime, we're enjoying being at home and getting back to doing some of the simple things.  We did manage to get out to the Irish New Year's Eve Celebration at Flannigan's last night and it was great.  Everyone was so nice and made Bill feel so good.  Thanks AOH!!  Hopefully he can begin to get out to more things like that, and live again.  

We're also adding to the family next week, we're getting a puppy.  We've picked out a West Highland Terrier her name will be Fannie.  She will be Bill's dog, he will take care of her and clean up her messes.  (I keep telling myself that)  Actually we are both pretty excited about it, I think she will be just the right medicine for us.  

So for now, things with the Nolans are good.  As always, thanks for your continued prayers and support.  Hopefully 2009 will be a wonderful year for everyone.    Holly

I'll Be Home For Christmas...

After a week of uncertainty and a emotional roller coaster we are home for Christmas! Dad was discharged today at around 2:00 pm, we are so thankful for his quick recovery and that we are able to spend Christmas as a family together at home. The cause of Dad's episode is still undetermined by the doctors, there are several theories, but based on the tests Dad has been through there is not a conclusive diagnosis. However, we are hopeful and optimistic that it is not related to the spread of the cancer and is an adverse reaction related to the toxicity levels in the biochemotheraphy treatment.  Dad will follow up with his doctors after the holidays. Now is time to be thankful for the blessing God has given us and spend much need time with family and friends. Hopefully in coming days Dad will continue to get rest, love, and support for friends and family so he will heal faster. 

Our family can't thank you enough for all your love and support over the last 9 months. God Bless you and Merry Christmas to you and your family. 

Emily