Good News!

We got some awesome news yesterday. The tumors had shrunk 25% on our previous trip back in July. She confirmed that they are still there, but continue to shrink. The chemo and radiation will take some time to completely eradicate from his body. Therefore, they are continuing (at this time) to work. We are taking a wait and see approach. We are now scheduled again in 8 weeks. If all appears to be going well, then she will stretch it to 12 weeks, etc. There is still no more talk of surgery and probably won't be a consideration.
She told him to continue to work when he felt like it. He does have some radiation side effects that we will have to keep an eye on, but he looks and sounds more like himself everyday.
Thank you Lord for your mercy and for your loving, devoted prayer warriors who have lifted us up in prayer.
Have a blessed afternoon and evening,
Love and kisses,
Cathy

Tomorrow's the Day

Tomorrow we go back to Vanderbilt for a CT scan and consultation with the oncologist, Dr. Keedy. Pray that she has really good news for us.
It is on our minds today and will be even with good news - or so we have been told.
This has been Monday all day!!! So many things to do, and so many mixups to fix.
"Yes, Scarlett, tomorrow is another day!" Thank goodness.
I have another meeting tonight, tomorrow night, and Thursday night.
Enjoy your evening!

Cathy

Week 2 - TGIF

Well, his energy levels crashed on him yesterday. He struggled to get up, get dressed, but went to work anyway. However, when he got there, he asked if they could cover him. They said, "Yes!" and he added, "I am out of here!" He then spent yesterday and today just hanging out, being lazy, and resting.
He spent 3 months doing very little except living with chemo, radiation, and drugs. I don't know why he felt that he could go back to a normal routine so soon. But, with this hard-headed German, proving is often "believing". He tried, but it might take a little longer to get his legs back under him.
I am finally returning to the land of the healthy after being sick with flu/bronchitis/asthmatic bronchitis/crud/etc. for over 4 1/2 weeks.
Kate, Beth, and I are hosting a bridal shower tomorrow (poolside-of course). Mr. G. will be travelling to Memphis for UPS to pick up some trailers. There will be no loading or unloading, just hooking up and rolling.
Enjoy this glorious, hot summer weekend.
Cathy

Wonderful Wednesday

It is Wednesday, isn't it?!?!?!?! The past two weeks seem like such a blur. His days are flying by as he works, comes home, showers, eats, goes to sleep on the couch, gets up to go to bed, and gets back up the next morning to the grind.
School is whipping by. When you cover two schools, you don't have a set routine. It is just a constant rush or constant state of decision making. I am constantly trying to decide what to do since I left what I needed at the other school. I will get the "hang of it" eventually.
Beffie is working part time as an intern for a marketing firm in Jackson. Bless her! She was getting rather down applying, filling out applications, and waiting for news back on job prospects. This is a tough time for an ambitious young lady!
Next week and a trip back to Nashville loom in the distance. I wish we could live without dreading it.
Whew!!!! I just opened the door to pour out my left over coffee from this morning. Who turned on the heater?
Enjoy your evening. This is "Hump Day".

Cathy

Sultry Sunday

What a hot, muggy day. The family has been at the lake, but I stayed behind. I just was not up to the trip. I am still nursing ill health for the 5th week. I went to Convenient Care in Jackson yesterday and am on more meds for the newest diagnosis of asthmatic bronchitis. The breathing treatment and shot sure made a difference today. Maybe, finally this will be the ticket to good health.
Mr. G. completed a full week of work, a weekend at the lake fishing and playing golf, and is now resting and preparing for week two at work. He said that his golf game was a bit weak (pretty awful, actually), but he made it even in the heat.
We are anticipating next week's return to Vandy for the CT and results of the treatments.
Have a blessed week,
Cathy

Yesterday was Hump Day!!!!!

It sure seems strange to be back in the grind, but yesterday was Hump Day. So there you have it! We both are back in the saddle and praying that Friday comes quickly. He has done really well, but as he said, "Night doesn't come soon enough right now!" Most of the people that he delivers to have been awesome about helping him. This has helped make his transition much better. However, he is still very, very tired (and hungry) when he gets home. Shower, food, rest, and sleep are the order in which he winds down in his day.
Strange thing - His moustache is beginning to come back. Nothing else is visible. ODD!!!!
It's really foggy out there, so please be careful this morning.

Have a blessed day,
Cathy

Time flies!

Time flies when you are having fun or want to postpone the inevitable. School begins for the students this Tuesday, August 4. James G. starts back to work Monday, August 3.
It just seems like yesterday that we got out of school.
When you say your prayers this week, please pray that normalcy will be his routine this week. He is excited in a way to be returning to work, but he is apprehensive whether he will be able to hold out all day.
We made a quick trip to the lake Friday afternoon and returned Saturday night. He and Beth went fishing, but Trent and I hung at the cabin. This bronchitis is wicked and continues to hang on.
Have a great week, one and all!!!!!

Love to all,
Cathy

Finally Friday

I just finished my last week of summer school and just had my first day of inservice today. Ughhhhh! It is hard to believe that summer for school people is over - since school starts Monday, August 3. It seems the summer days are shorter and shorter with vacation days being the shortest.
He fished Monday, Tuesday, and got rained out Wednesday. He played 18 holes of golf with Beth, Scott, and Colin yesterday. It was so much fun that he went back with Josh, Scott, and Colin and played 18 more holes today. He said that he was a little tired. From the sounds coming from him sleeping, he was a "lot tired". He clear cut the forest with his snoring.
He is more like himself everyday. He still does not look like himself, but maybe that too will change soon.
The Westbrooks have been in Florida camping and are returning tonight (late). We can't wait to hear a 4 years old and 9 years old version of a Florida camping vacation. It should be exciting.
God's blessings to all,
Cathy

Wet Wednesday

I am about to finish my second week of Jump Start (summer school), and "Chemo Man" is on his way home from the lake. He and Josh (the son-in-law) went to the lake on Monday so that they could fish. Silly boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They didn't catch any fish and even ran out of gas----a long, long, long way from the dock. Luckily the trolling motor batteries were good. It only took them about 3 hours to get back to the dock. Kate and Beth joined them on Monday night. They fished between rain showers yesterday. Still, there were no fish. They decided that it was time to return to the "real world" and to "heck with vacation". The funny thing is that it is clearing off as I type.
He is so much improved this week. It is hard to believe that he was still so weak and frail this time last week. He just might feel like going back to work on August 3 after all.

Love to all,
Cathy

Saturday

Thank heavens! A week of Jump Start (summer school) is complete and I am exhausted. It is quite different sitting around a hospital, clinic, or the Hope Lodge watching television compared to actually working again. Mr. G. has been trying to do at least one or two little projects each day since Wednesday in a effort to regain some of his strength. His goal is to return to UPS August 3. Hopefully, he will fulfill this goal. He enjoys being off and piddling, but he has really missed the normalcy of work, too. He has not worked full time since mid-March.
It is hard to believe the journey that this has been. I know that it is still not over, but it sure is more normal-me working-- James piddling. LOL
Have a great day! God is providing one that should be much cooler, prettier, and more enjoyable than the early days of July.
Love to all,
Cathy

5 Days after Neulasta

We are now on 5 days past Neulasta. It sure is making him tired, but he is hoping that by tomorrow, he will be feeling like himself again. His radiation burns continue to improve and he no longer has throat issues. From what I understand, these are common side effects and it takes a little while for them to disappear.
Thank you to all who kept us lifted up in prayer. We still have the battle, but it is easier to live with-thanks to all the prayers and concerns.

Enjoy this hot day,
Cathy

TGIF

We had a very, very, very good night's sleep in our own bed last night. As I said before, the Hope Lodge is very nice and the staff is very accommodating-but it is not HOME!
I am working this morning and he is (alone) driving himself to Trenton to re-register the fishing boat. Do you think that he may have some plans for his "free" days next week?
He is really not looking forward to Amy giving him his shot of Neulasta this afternoon. It helps him to restore his white blood cells, but it sure "whips" him in the process. He will only feel like being in the sack (for 2 or 3 days). Then he should be feeling much better.
We have 6 weeks to recuperate before we return to Nashville. Yahooooooooooooo!
Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and cool, comfortable clothes on this glorious, hot summer day.

Love to all,
Cathy

"No Mo Chemo"

Halleujah! Praise the Lord! Amen!!!!!!!!
Mr. G. has completed radiation forever and hopefully chemo, forever. We just got home and officially unpacked our Nashville bags. (That was such a nice treat on this hot, West Tennessee afternoon.) We have had Nashville bags since the middle of April, but finally got to empty them out.
Our plans at this time are to return to Nashville to have a CT scan and see the oncologist August 18. At this time she should be able to discuss the results/success/prognosis of the past treatments and discuss future plans. We will return to the radiologist in September as a follow up, but no more radiation will be done. (As he said, "I have microwaved enough for this lifetime!")
Enjoy a warm, July evening.
You will catch me just relaxing by the pool.
Love, Cathy

Hump Day

Mid week at last.............We had another 7 1/2 hours day at Vandy. Today was only for chemo, fluids, and he had to have 2 units of blood. We were told that he should have sudden bursts of energy in the next few hours. I hope so, because the last 2 days have done in both of us. Long days at the hospital, sitting and doing nothing except reading and watching tv, and waiting on the drips are hard on people who normally are quite active.
He apparently needed this since he has not been himself the past few days. He has had zero energy and little appetite. He really is looking forward to going home tomorrow and this hopefully being his last chemo treatment.
Have a pleasant evening,
Cathy

Tuesday-Chemo #10

We just finished an 8 hour lab, dr. appointment, and chemo treatment day. It would have been longer, but they decided to delay part of it until tomorrow. It seems his overall blood count should be 40, but his is only 26. Tomorrow, they will transfuse him in an effort to elevate/restore his counts.
The plan still is to finish this round Thursday (July 9), and then wait until August 19 to do another CAT scan. At this point Dr. Keedy is cautious in her comments on his prognosis. She said that she would like to comment after she has seen his scan in August. The 25% shrinkage is a very good thing, but we will wait and see "how good" that is.
It sure seems odd to be here again at the Hope Lodge. We are not in the same room, nor on the same floor, nor do we have the same view that we had for 7 1/2 weeks prior. There are also so many new faces, many new stories, and so many more victims of this dreaded disease.
Enjoy this lovely afternoon and night that God has provided.

Love,
Cathy

Monday

We are "home" away from home at the Hope Lodge. We have an early appointment (7:00a.m.) with the chemo lab, then Dr. Keedy, and then to infusion for chemo. Thought that it would be easier to stay here for old time sake and for convenience.
It seems like the day that we came for the first time. We were so nervous and uncertain about the whole ordeal and here we are again facing nervousness and uncertainty.
Pray for a good week for all. Sweet dreams.
Love,
Cathy

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July on the 5th................We have really enjoyed being at home, doing normal stuff for the past two weeks. He has gained some weight, gone fishing, eaten a lot, gone fishing, caught up on his sleep, worked on the boat, exercised a "little", gone to the lake, etc. We did have a great time at the lake on Thursday, Friday, and part of Saturday. Most of the family strolled in by Friday night and we celebrated his birthday that night. We came back early Saturday (July4) so that Mr. G. could stay up all night at church with the Methodist men cooking "hog" for a barbque add-a-dish on Sunday.MMMMMM... GOOD FOOD.......
He had to take a nap when we got home this afternoon and as of now is still asleep.
Well, we go back to Nashville and more chemo Tuesday through Thursday this week. Unless something changes we will be through and will wait 3 months before they do any more scans.
Thank you to all the dedicated prayer warriors who have prayed us through this
"speed bump" in life.
More daily blogs beginning tomorrow........................
Love,
Cathy

We are HOME!!!!!!!!

We were able to come home yesterday, but were not internet connected so we could not update the blog until today.
Last Monday lightning played havoc with our phone and some of our electrical lines. Consequently, our internet was affected as well.
I had to locate a computer in order to finish this - the last of the daily blog for 3 weeks. We are home for 3 weeks now. He has finished all radiation (He said that he is "done" from the inside out). He has completed 9 chemo treatments and only has 3 more to go. However, we don't go back to Nashville until July 6 and then will not be able to come home until July 9. Hopefully, that will be our last treament (prayerfully EVER!).
What a great feeling. We have spent the day buying a freezer - since our 30 years model is on its "frosted over" way out. We have had to replace our phones, answering machine, and are on our way to Jackson to price computers and printers. The lightning took "no prisoners" last Monday. I hesistate to try anything electrical since I might find yet more casualties to the lightning.
He improves each day, has gained back about 10 pounds, and is looking forward to working on my "honey do's" list. Well, not really the last one, but he will be when we get started doing something constructive and manly!

Thank God for all of yours and ours many blessings.
Cathy

Yahoo!!!!!!!!

Just one more chemo treatment tomorrow and we are through for 3 weeks.
He has to take an amino acid shot on Friday that will allow his bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, which will in turn keep his blood count up. Consequently, he will not end up in the hospital again with his counts in the basement. He couldn't take it before because he was still having radiation treatments. The radiation would have destroyed the shot's effect.
We were going to have to stay until Friday since the shot has to be administered at least 24 hours after the last chemo treatment in a round. However, Dr. Keedy is going to let one of our 5 nurses (in our family) give him the shot. That means we are going to come home tomorrow after our treatment at 8:30. Yippeeeeee!
We are back at the lodge and trying to find some place to eat. Imagine having that kind of problem in Nashville, TN. However, he still does not want to waste money on really good food at this point. He has a problem with not having good taste buds and not knowing what will or will not stay with him. He would rather spend a little money on food at this point.
Thank you Lord for your many blessings and all those wonderful folks who have lifted us up to you in prayer.

Have a glorious day,
Cathy

NEWS

We had a CT and lab results today before we met with Dr. Keedy, the oncologist. His counts were good and he could continue with chemo this week. The tumors have shrunk 25% - Wow!!!!!! We are so excited. However, we won't probably have the true picture until several months from the last treatment.
We have chemo tomorrow and Thursday. Then we should be homeward bound for three weeks. We will then return to Nashville July 6 for 3 more chemo sessions.
James, told Dr. Keedy that the only reason that she wanted him to have more chemo is "to keep him bald all summer and to keep him from being more tan than she will be".
Dr. Keedy also brought a student in with her today. She announced that he was a Ph/D to which JG replied "post hole digger"? Dr. Keedy knows Mr. G for the prankster that he is, but she had neglected to warn the student about "this" patient- to which she apologized profusely.
"God love him!!!"

Hugs and bunches of kisses from Nashville (almost blown away today),
Cathy

Stormy Monday

We are back in Nashville. We had many things to take care of in Milan so decided to come back up here late afternoon Monday. However, the weather also hindered us from leaving any sooner. We tried to wait the storms out, but finally decided to leave between them. Wow, what a messy, scary day. The lightning came in on our electrical and we know that we have lost phone service, answering machine, computer, and printer - thus far. We may find more as we use more appliances.
We go tomorrow morning for a CT scan at 7:00, and then on to Dr. Keedy (the oncologist) for a followup. We start round 3 chemo at 11:00 (I think).
He continues to improve now that radiation is completed. He does have some nasty burns on his back - since they "cooked him from the inside out" as he said. Thank goodness for aloe...
We arrived in Nashville to a pretty sunset. Hope all has settled down for the night in Gibson County. Stay safe!

Love,
Cathy

Saturday in Milan

It sure is a pleasure to be at home today. We began the day with James G. getting to go back to Methodist Men for breakfast-nothing like a little male bonding to improve the day. I on the other hand got to stay in my pjs and drink coffee at leisure.
Today was spent watching Kendall play softball in a tournment at City Park; watching the grandchildren and some friends' children swim in the pool; eat lunch with the girls, grandchildren, and Amy's mother-in-law at Dean's; visit with family and many friends who dropped by to check on us; and rest. Our Adult Sunday School class even chose to cater our supper to us today. We felt like "King and Queen for a Day".
He was so excited to talk and see everyone who called or came by. He ate from early this morning to the current. These are such improvements over this time last week.
Enjoy God's Day of Rest,
Cathy

Last Radiation

Friday, June 12 was our last radiation treatment. Yeah!!!! They were even nice enough since it was the last treatment to let us come in this morning at 7:15 (not 1:30). There are some wonderful folks in radiation from the nurses, techs, and doctors down to the office staff. It was a bittersweet farewell, but it sure was a great feeling for them to say, "God bless and be with you!".
Hence, this day on the blog is being sent from my very own home computer at 11:07a.m.
We will be here all weekend and will not have to return to Nashville, Vandy, and Hope Lodge until Monday night. We have a 7:00 appointment at Vandy on Tuesday, June 16 for a CT, doctor's visit, and start round 3 of chemo.
Life is sure good!!!!!!

Have a great blessed day,
Cathy

Counting Down to One

Only one more radiation treatment left and then home for the weekend. We met with Doctor Josh. (Dr. Lu is still in China on vacation.) All looks well. Just one more day and then sign off on radiation. We will return in one month, then three, then one year. With the three month check up we will do a CT scan to make sure of the tumors' status.
JG continues to improve and has gained a pound back after losing 27 (16 in the last 2 weeks).
After the horrible storms that we had this morning, it has turned into a beautiful, but blustery day.

Hugs,
Cathy

Hump Day

Just 2 more radiation treatments to do. We just finished radiation and back to the Lodge for a little nap. We had lunch at the Elliston Place Restaurant which just happens to be the oldest run restaurant in Nashville. They still make all foods from scratch (including all pies, cakes, and cobblers) and have since 1939. We had lots of great tasting vegetables and still warm, banana pudding (probably would be off the point charts for Weight Watchers).
He continues to improve each day and is able to eat a little more each time he tries. He's beginning to gain a lot of his strength back. We meet with Dr. Lu tomorrow and get a "sign off" on radiation. We will return for a followup visit in one month.
It rained this morning, but now it is partly cloudy and extremely muggy. It is a good thing that we don't have outdoor plans.

Hugs and kisses,
Cathy

Tuesday Testing

He went for labs this morning and then met with Dr. Keedy. JG is so much better and it really shows. He is able to eat and not get sick. His counts are back to normal. Yahoooooo!!!!!
We made the decision today with Dr. Keedy to continue chemo for 2 more rounds . He will still have the CT scan on Tuesday. Unless it shows something different, we will begin round 3 on Tuesday, June 16 through Thursday, June 18. That will leave us one more 3-day round the week of July 6. Then we should be through with chemo.
We've just gotten back from a late lunch and are in need of a siesta. We continue to knock the days in the head - one by one.
Thanks be to God for helping him recover from his ordeal last week.

Love to all,
Cathy

Monday - Week 6

We had a very restful weekend in Milan. However, he really did not start feeling better until today. That dreaded sore throat with not feeling like eating or drinking and all of the treatments have really taken their toll on his health this past week. We had a pile of cards and letters awaiting our homecoming, some encouraging phone calls, and wonderful visitors to stop by - Phillip, Josh, Don Farmer, the Webbs, and Brother Dan. It sure was nice to be able to go back to church on Sunday and see all of our wonderful church family, Maybe next week he will feel like going and seeing everyone himself.
We had 1 of the last 5 radiation treatments. Hoorah!!!!! After that he wanted to eat spaghetti. (Go figure??????) We couldn't find exactly what he was looking for so he settled on Cracker Barrell and had hamburger steak, turnip greens, corn, rolls, and sweet tea. We had a leisurely 1 1/2 hour late afternoon meal, but he was able to eat most of his meal and keep it down. This is such an improvement from the last two and a half weeks.
What a beautiful day this has been!

Enjoy God's pleasures,
Cathy

TGIF Week 6

Thank goodness! In several hours we will have finished week 6 of radiation. This has been an interesting, challenging, but enlightening week "living with cancer". The folks at Vanderbilt are top notch from the nurses, doctors, and down to the cleaning staff. They all have a very caring, loving, and uplifting spirit and are so willing to help their patients return to their lives outside of Vanderbilt Hospital/Clinic.
At 2:00 p.m. today, if God is willing, we are on our way home to Milan. Hoorah!!!!!!!!!!

Prayers for a safe trip-------------

Love to all,
Cathy

We are home!!!!!!

We made it. I sprung him from Vandy Hospital at 1:00, took him to radiation at 1:10, saw the radiologist and had xrays, and we were ready to go back to the Lodge by 1:45. We did make one small detour to Sonic for a chocolate shake. He still has issues swallowing, but many of the meds that they now have him on are helping. He has to eat a lot of small snacks instead of meals. He has to take his meds before and take his time eating. Other than being extremely weak and tired, he is doing great! -----Another scary crisis is over.
He is upstairs sitting in his recliner in his pajamas and watching tv with his eyes closed. Life is good!!!!
We have one more day of radiation this week, then a weekend break. There are only 6 more treatments to go.
We hope to be able to come to Milan over the weekend. He may not be able to be around many folks just yet, but he is anxious to sleep in his own bed, talk on his own phone, watch his own tv, and eat whenever he wants.

God's blessings to all,
Cathy

Good News

The doctors are impressed with his recovery and think that he should be able to come back to the Lodge (equivalent to "going home") tomorrow afternoon. His blood counts continue to rise and he feels so much better each day. He still has that terrible sore throat and the "yeast" buildup which prevents him from eating and drinking like he would like. Hopefully, it will be better tomorrow as well.
Jerry Collier lives in Hendersonville, a suburb of Nashville, and had had an email from Brooks. Brooks had told Jerry about us. So, after he got off work today he came for a visit at the hospital. It was so nice to see a familiar face.
It is storming on Charlotte Avenue at the Lodge, but Mr. G. is high and dry at Vanderbilt Hospital.
Continue to pray for his recovery. Thank God for our many, many blessings which he showers us with each day.

Love,
Cathy

Baby Steps

His blood counts are coming up. If they continue he will get to leave the hospital tomorrow or Thursday. Today, he got showered and got dressed by himself, went for radiation, and we stopped in the cafeteria for me to get a bite of late lunch/early supper. Later he felt like strolling to the waiting area on eighth floor and we sat there for about 30 minutes.
To let you know how well he feels, he wanted to go to McDonalds for French fries and a fish sandwich. Guess what? We went; he got; he tried to eat; but he couldn't. Oh well! He's getting better.
Just left him at the hospital and I returned to the Lodge for the night. He was tired and ready to go to sleep. (Me, too!!!!!!)

Love,
Cathy

Monday

What a glorious, yet hot Monday. The temp here (according to Beth and the news was 85. )
James G. is much improved today. He was more able to eat today, no fever, had some stomach issues of another kind, most of his IVs now are for anitbiotics only, and he finally asked the doctor when he would be getting out of the hospital. I consider this good news. (He had not mentioned leaving the hospital until today. He knew that he did not feel well enough to go before. )
He had another radiation treatment today. They have changed the direction of the treatment since they are sure that the tumors have shrunk. This fact should help relieve the sore throat.
The doctor said that by Thursday we should be able to go back to Hope Lodge. Keep your prayers going that we get to go home from the hospital and come home (to Milan) over the weekend. It seems like ages since we were there.
We had some nice surprise visitors today. Jane Fields came by while Jack was having a CT scan. Kay and Alan Rainey came by after Kay had had some testing done. Nashville folks are sure nice, but those Milan faces were such a treat.

Hugs and Kisses to all,
Cathy

Glorious Sunday

Mr. G is much better today. He still has the horrid sore throat which still makes it difficult to eat. However, they are no longer talking about a transfusion since his counts are coming back up. Dr. Keedy says that if he continues to improve, he should be able to get out of the hospital by Tuesday. He no longer has to be hooked up to so many machines and IVs now which he is thrilled about.
We spent a quiet day in Nashville watching the NCIS marathon. We could work for the military investigation teams after today.
Thanks be to God and all of those wonderful folks who have prayed on his behalf for his many improvements in the last 2 days,

Cathy

Super Saturday

This is our first weekend in Nashville since this journey began. Today, he spent his time in the hospital. His fever is up and down, but thank God, it is more down than up now. His throat is still extremely sore. As he states it, on a scale of a 1 - 10 with 10 being extreme pain, his throat is a 50. His counts are very low and a transfusion may be in the works.
Doctor Keedy, his oncologist, was on call this weekend, so we have had access to her advice and expertise all weekend (beginning yesterday).
Hopefully, that which has really depleted his body is also depleting the cancer as well.
I spent some of my day at the Lodge, some at the hospital, talking to Ruthie and Brooks on the phone, and eating lunch and hanging out with my sweet sisters (Kay, Carolyn, and Diane) who came up for the day. Ruthie was coming, but is still recuperating from her recent heart attack. She thought that she might have a problem being wheeled around (huge)Vanderbilt Hospital in a wheelchair.(We missed her!)
Even though he is not a "hospital person", apparently he is not ready to come home- since he has not really been complaining.
Pray that his counts start coming up soon. He is really "beaten down" physically, but continues to have that "let's get this over with" spirit.

Enjoy one of God's beautiful days tomorrow,
Cathy

TGIF Week 5

Week 5 is now completed. We only have 2 more scheduled for radiation, and then reevaluate whether more chemo is needed.
James G. is a patient of Vanderbilt Hospital since early this morning. They continue to give him IV fluids, antibiotics, and meds for low blood pressure and trying to build up his white cells. He will probably be there through Sunday or Monday.
He is so much improved since yesterday afternoon when everything turned sour.
Our girls (Amy, Kate, and Beth) surprised us with a visit today. It was nice for them to be able to visit with their dad, and I was able to get a little extra rest. He continues to run a fever tonight and still has the horrible sore throat, but he is eating and keeping it down. I just left the hospital, and he was preparing to bed down for the night. He was trying to keep me company instead of resting, so I chose to leave and go back to the Lodge. Maybe he will get some quality sleep.
Have a great weekend.

Love to all,
Cathy

Thursday/Friday Early Morning

Mr. G. had a terrible day with vomiting and a sore throat being such a problem as to prevent him from eating and drinking since Wednesday a.m. He did try to choke down some Carnation Instant Breakfast, but this too did not stay with him.
He went on to the radiation treatment, but he developed the chills - no fever. They sent him to the infusion lab for iv fluids and nausea meds at which time he developed a fever. White cell counts were very low, fever was 102, and not being able to retain liquids or food, caused them to send him to the ER since a bed was not available in the hospital. We spent from 6:00 until 2:00 in the ER at which time we were transferred to the hospital. Mr. G. (Grouchy) is now a Vanderbilt Hospital patient in room 8215. He probably will be there most of the weekend. The stipulations are that he cannot have fever and must be able to keep food down.
Since we left our car in valet parking at the Cancer Clinic, I had to leave this morning and retrieve it. When I left him at 6:00a.m., he was sawing the "heavy lumber"--which he so desperately needed.
He would be the one that waits until radiation treatment #22 and finished with chemo to develop some nasty side effects.
Looks like another soggy day in the city.

God bless,
Cathy

Wet Wednesday

What started out as a beautiful spring day, has now turned into a very loud, electrically charged wet day. We have had several storms here in the last few hours-with lots of heavy rain that doesn't last very long.
Mr. G is not a "happy camper" today. His throat is extremely sore and makes eating hazardous and very unpleasant. He is still hungry even though there are other nasty side effects that have surfaced last night and today.
They have xrayed him and have marked him again for his radiation. They know that the tumors have shrunk, and want to be sure and allow for the shrinkage. Yeah!
He really is looking forward to going home on Friday, uncovering the pool, and resting, resting, resting in his own house.
God continues to comfort and keep JG through his misery.
Jamey continues to handle whatever this dreaded disease hands him.
We try to keep in mind that blessings are found in all situations.
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!

Blessings to all,
Cathy

Post Memorial Day

We had a very nice, wet weekend at the lake. I attended the Camp wedding, and then Papa, Andy, Kendall, Shelby, and Mimi headed to the lake. Josh and the boys were already there cleaning and getting the cabin opened up for the summer. Kate and Josh joined us Sunday morning. The crowd was small, but nice.
Mr. G. got to do some fishing with Josh Smith on Sunday and Kate/Josh on Monday. He swears they caught all the fish and didn't leave any for him. He was properly covered up from head to toe and looked rather goofy, but he got to fish after all he's been through.
We are now back in Nashville. He has finished his treatment, and is now down for a "long" nap (as he informed me). His throat is really worrisome this afternoon and he doesn't feel like eating. He weighed at home, and I hope the scales are wrong. He is 10 lbs lighter. He doesn't need to lose right now.
We are going to an ice cream social at the Lodge tonight. This might help on the poundage. He is not looking forward to the event, but is rather excited about the ice cream. --Ice cream seems to be his favorite food now.
Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend-even though it was wet, wet, wet.

Love to Milan from the folks in Nashville,
Cathy

Finally Friday

Thank heaven for the last day of school. Thank heaven that Beth and James made it home safely from Nashville.
Week four is now complete. There have been 6 chemos and 19 radiations thus far. The plans now are to finish radiation June 12, and then check on more radiation and chemo the week of June 15.
This week has really drained his hair, his energy, and his sense of humor. We are going to a wedding this weekend and then on to the lake. Hopefully the weekend away and change of scenery will improve his spirits. However, he wants to go fishing. Doctor Keedy said that he could, provided he wore a long sleeved shirt, long pants, socks/shoes, a hat, and sunscreen of #50. She also told me to take a picture of him for proof. - That should be an interesting sight!
Have a great long, weekend!
Remember those that are no longer with us who represented us in the world arena. Happy Memorial Day.
God bless and keep you safe as you celebrate our first warm weather holiday,
Cathy

Last Chemo Maybe

Today, May 21 could have been JG's last chemo treatment. Dr. Keedy (oncologist) will do a CT scan on June 16 (after last radiation on June 12) and determine if she is satisfied with 6 treatments or if 6 more are needed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if 6 "nasty old chemos" were all that are required?
This week has been very draining on Mr. G. Between the chemo and radiation, his eating, sleeping, resting, and everything in between are in disarray.
TGIF is only one day away! Yeah. Tomorrow is also my last day of school. Yeah!

Thank you Lord for helping him through it!
Thank you Lord for the beautiful spring days, too.
We love them.

Hugs and Kisses and Love to all,
Cathy

"Hump Day"

Finally, Wednesday is here. Day 2 out of 3 chemo days is completed. Today the treatment was only 3 1/2 hours. The folks in radiation are angels and took us earlier than our one thirty appointment. It is a good thing. JG is exhausted and in need of a good nap.
We got results on his blood work. Dr. Keedy said that his blood work was excellent. She and the chemo nurses have said that it is hard to believe that he is taking chemo. He is doing so well.
He has one more day of chemo and 2 more days of radiation. Then we have a nice, long holiday weekend. We won't have to be back here until Tuesday at 1:30p.m. Yeah!!!!!!!!
Kate is now bathing suit shopping. Beth and Trent are golfing. Papa and Mimi are napping. Well at least Papa is. Mimi will join him in just a minute. (It is very nice to have visitors from home.)
Enjoy God's beautiful day!
Love to all,
Cathy

Whew!!! What a Day!

Today began at 6:00a.m.- we were anxiously anticipating beginning chemo for round 2. After arriving at the hospital at 9:30a.m., he had a full day of labs, a doctor's appointment, treatment of radiation, and 5 1/2 hours of chemotherapy. We finally got back to Hope Lodge at 8:30p.m. He's still such a trouper. He's doing great with God's help guiding the doctors. Kate, Beth, and Trent are all here with us the next day or two.
Time to eat a quick bite, watch "Dances with the Stars" finale, and go to bed.

Have a great week,
Cathy

Monday

We are back in Nashville for a rather long week. This is week 4 for radiation and chemo begins again tomorrow for 3 days. Chemo and radiation really take it out of James G., but he handles it like a trouper.
We will begin the day tomorrow with labs, oncology doctor's visit, chemo, and finally radiation. Please keep us in your prayers this week.
Enjoy the cool, sunny spring weather.

God bless,
Cathy

Week 3

Wow! What a week this has been. We came home on Wednesday to check on Ruthie and her "heart". Mr. G. had to travel Thursday and Friday back to NashVegas for his treatments, and I got to be at work 2 days this week. We both were really glad to see Friday "dark" get here. (You can officially go to bed at dark!)
Hoorah! Week 3 of treatments is completed. JG had a week of radiation which left him pretty drained in the energy department. He continues to have mild side effects. His major complaint is a bad sore throat, which might interfere with his eating. He held his own in the weight department this week. Thanks be to God.
He continues to have that "upbeat Gravy" attitude, and we, both, are learning to finally take life one day at a time.
We are looking forward to a restful weekend with family and friends. Next week begins another week of chemo and radiation. Ugh!!!!!!!!!

Cathy

Tuesday

Haven't slept much what with all the worry over Ruthie and her health issues. Thank you God for having her in the right place at the right time.
The radiation has now produced a "radiation throat" which leaves his throat very sore. We just left the pharmacy with yet another prescription that should relieve the symptoms. The nurse assured us that he would have it the remainder of the treatments.
He continues to do well, just very fatigued.
Coming home on Wednesday, yeah. He will still need to come back on Thurs. and Friday, but wants to check first hand on Ruthie. He also wants to check first hand on all the other family members too.


Love
Cathy

Sunny Monday

God provides the sun to chase away the blues! The rain is so needed, but we were so glad to see the beautiful blue skies-even though we had to come to NashVegas to see it.
Mr. G. is now sporting a new haircut. His hair has now gone the way of the mustache.
We have finished radiation treatment number 10- Yeah! We won't worry about how many are still are left at this point. We have a full week of radation ahead, but next week we start back with the chemo too.
Enjoy the day!
Love from Nashville,
Cathy

Week 2

Yeah! A full week of radiation is under our belts. Week 2 is finally over.
We have just completed a bumper to bumper trip home on I-40. There apparently was a wreck early this morning and had traffic stopped until 1:30. Spoke with Jane Fields at this time. They were on their way home as well, but had tried to avoid traffic by cutting off at Exit 196 to drive Highway 70. They apparently were in bumper to bumper traffic as well.
This was just another of those speed bumps of life. At least we are both at home this weekend.
Praise the Lord.
JG is still doing great - a loss of 8 pounds and lots of energy, but still great!!!!!!!!

Cathy

Surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carolyn and JG went back to NashVegas (as he fondly calls it) on Tuesday, but he assured me that he was coming home that night. He pulled that on me on Monday, and I thought "what the heck!" - It is just radiation. That's not bad. However, Monday night proved to be very, very tiring on him.
I insisted that he stay at Hope Lodge on Tuesday.
Now I can share the secret. Aunt Liz and Uncle John (from Minnesota) are in Nashville with him. They drove in to check on him, hold his hand during treatents, and to visit with him for a day or two.
Hoorah! I was able to keep this secret from him and make it a big SURPRISE. He was most touched as you can imagine.
I'll head back to NVille later this afternoon and stay with him so that we can come home Friday. Week 2 is almost over. Yeah!
Love to all,

Cathy

Rainy Days, and Monday

Even though it rained, rained, rained, and continued to rain this weekend, it was so nice to be at home. Week two begins today with radiation every day this week. JG will travel to Nashville with Brian Thompson today, but will come back home tonight. He wanted just one more night in his own bed.
Tomorrow, he will travel back to Nashville with Carolyn for another treatment. He will stay in Nashville, and I will join him tomorrow.
He is still doing well, eating mostly anything that he wants, but mostly eating lots of french fries. (I don't understand this, but this is what he wants and will eat.)
God continues to bless and protect us. Thanks be to God!

Cathy

TGIF

Thanks goodness, it is finally Friday. He had radiation at 8:30 this morning and then we blew Nashville.
After a rather long, very rainy ride we have made it back to Gibson County. Yeah!!!!!!!
Thank the Lord for all of our blessings this week. Week one is over. Hopefully a restful weekend filled with Home, Family, Church, Fish Fry at the Church on Sunday, and Friends.
God bless us all.

Cathy