The surgery went well and Chris is here with me in his nice hospital room because he has to stay the night after all. They found some sludge (that word again!) in his bile duct that necessitated a muscle at the end of the bile duct be cut as well as the stent being put in. They cleaned out the sludge for now but needed to make sure there was an exit if more sludge came so that it wouldn't block the stent. What is the sludge? Not sure...may be ooze from a tumor. They will keep him overnight for observation due to some bleeding that occurred when they cut the muscle. They clamped it but need to make sure it doesn't start bleeding again. But the good news is that the stent is in place and Chris is recovering nicely.
Wendy
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Surgery Today
Chris just left with the anesthesiologist to get prepped for surgery for a stent insertion into his bile duct. Due to the cancer, the bile duct is at risk of collapsing and causing issues like jaundice. The surgeon is going to perform the procedure by going down the esophagus again, just like the endoscopic procedure Chris had to check out his gallbladder and biopsy the lymph nodes a month ago. They will put in a plastic stent (a hollow tube that will keep the bile duct open)...this type of stent is removable, which is good and which also means it must be replaced every three months so we are likely to be here doing this again around the end of February. The surgeon should be done in about an hour or so. There is a little risk with this but prayerfully the procedure today will go well and he may not have to stay overnight after all. What a day to have surgery, the day before Thanksgiving. We are nothing but flexible these days. :)
Everyone keeps commenting on how healthy Chris looks and how little he has been affected by his cancer and treatments physically. We praise God for that and thank you again for all of your prayers and good thoughts! Barring complications, we will be with family in time for dinner tomorrow. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Wendy
Everyone keeps commenting on how healthy Chris looks and how little he has been affected by his cancer and treatments physically. We praise God for that and thank you again for all of your prayers and good thoughts! Barring complications, we will be with family in time for dinner tomorrow. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Wendy
Monday, November 25, 2013
Quick Update
Chris has been having so much fun, he's worn out and gone to bed early without updating his blog! Seriously, he had a much better experience this week after chemo. He worked Thursday and Friday and though he felt the fatigue and aches start on Friday night, by Saturday night he was out on a date with me! Thanks so much for all of the prayers, positive thoughts, and caring coming our way. We are so grateful to have so many wonderful friends and family. One good thing that has come out of this is a renewed appreciation for each new day and the beauty of life, love and our relationships. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and spend some time to appreciate all you have.
Wendy
Wendy
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
I never thought that I would be excited for chemo but......
We are a go! My white cells shot way up from 3.0 to 14.1. My disease fighters went from 0.69 to 11.7, which is awesome. Thank you for all your prayers, positivity and my massage from Veronica! They worked.
Cheers,
Chris
Cheers,
Chris
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
No chemo for you!
Round 2 was set. I felt strong and ready. Walked in feeling really good only to be told that my white blood cells took a nose dive and that I could not go through my treatment today. Bummer. They gave me a shot that was to up my production of white cells and told to come back tomorrow to see if my levels are up.
This really bummed me out. I felt that the first round went well. Got sick one day but no nausea. Nice. Now I was feeling like I was losing ground, that things were not going well. Then my awesome wife stopped me and said "this might be a good sign. The chemo is kicking butt on everything, cancer and your white cells"! That brought me back off the ledge. They have a shot to give you so this probably was not the first time this ever happened. Now they know how my body responds and we can be ready for it next time. Still a bit bummed but much better.
This is funny though. My school got these rubber wrist bands for Team Chris. Every teacher is wearing them to show support (which is awesome)! The funny thing is that they are Seahawk/Sounders green. I thought that they ordered this color because.....well you know. It turns out that gall badder cancer is designated this color green! The exact color that I would have wanted.
Well played God, well played!!
This really bummed me out. I felt that the first round went well. Got sick one day but no nausea. Nice. Now I was feeling like I was losing ground, that things were not going well. Then my awesome wife stopped me and said "this might be a good sign. The chemo is kicking butt on everything, cancer and your white cells"! That brought me back off the ledge. They have a shot to give you so this probably was not the first time this ever happened. Now they know how my body responds and we can be ready for it next time. Still a bit bummed but much better.
This is funny though. My school got these rubber wrist bands for Team Chris. Every teacher is wearing them to show support (which is awesome)! The funny thing is that they are Seahawk/Sounders green. I thought that they ordered this color because.....well you know. It turns out that gall badder cancer is designated this color green! The exact color that I would have wanted.
Well played God, well played!!
Monday, November 18, 2013
What black cloud?
So ever since I go the news, I have felt that there has been this black cloud hanging around me. No matter what I was doing, there it was. In the back of my mind, no matter how much fun I was having, my black cloud would be there. Hanging out with my daughter, yea this is fun but I am really sick. Exercising, yea but will this make a difference because I am sick. Thinking about the holidays, wow I hope that I don't bum people out because I am sick.
Well I am happy to day that Sat. and Sun. were black cloud free. I hung out with my daughter and had a great time without any clouds on my horizon. Went to see the Seahawks destroy the Vikings and the only black cloud I saw was over Minnesota's bench.
Now I am not saying that the black clouds are gone and will never return. I pray that this is the case, but I bet I will have some cloudy days. I am just determined to celebrate the days that are clear because they feel really good. I am so thankful for them. Because I know that these will carry me through the cloudy days. I know that the clouds can't last forever and God will bring the Sun.
Cheers!
Chris
Well I am happy to day that Sat. and Sun. were black cloud free. I hung out with my daughter and had a great time without any clouds on my horizon. Went to see the Seahawks destroy the Vikings and the only black cloud I saw was over Minnesota's bench.
Now I am not saying that the black clouds are gone and will never return. I pray that this is the case, but I bet I will have some cloudy days. I am just determined to celebrate the days that are clear because they feel really good. I am so thankful for them. Because I know that these will carry me through the cloudy days. I know that the clouds can't last forever and God will bring the Sun.
Cheers!
Chris
Saturday, November 16, 2013
What a difference a day makes!
Friday was not a good day. It started around 2 am when I woke up in pain, dizzy and feeling generally horrible. I figured I should set up a sub for my class so I stumbled downstairs to my computer. The bad thing was that I had no sub plans and I felt really bad for doing this.
I then took some medication and slept fairly well. I have to say that my K team is amazing. They helped the sub and took care of her! I can not thank them enough for this. I helps so much knowing that I can count on them and that they have my back.
Friday was a jumble of bad thoughts, not feeling well and laying on the couch. I wish that I could say that I attacked the day with strength and courage but that is far from what happened. I don't think that I was prepared emotionally for my "down" day. I kept thinking that this was not my plan and that I somehow let my family down by getting sick. I know that this was wrong but that was where I was. I can say that I have never felt this way. I tried praying but even that was hard. Luckily my awesome wife and daughter came home early and everything started to clear up. Taigen said that she has never seen me cry this much, but she thought that it was good that I did not hold my feelings in. She is great! I really didn't want to do anything that night, but my awesome bible talk came over and we just sat around taking and telling crazy stories. It was just what I needed.
Saturday was a much better day. We took Taigen to swim lessons and Wendy and I lifted weights, which felt really good. We then went to brunch at an organic "hippie" restaurant, which was really good! Wendy then went to get her hair cut while I took my daughter to see movie. It was great just hanging out with her. Well, all being said, I hope that I am better prepared for my next "down" day. I don't think that it will take me so much by surprise. That is at least the hope.
I just wanted to thank everyone who has sent the encouraging posts on my blog. You are awesome and it helps me sooooo much!
Cheers,
Chris
I then took some medication and slept fairly well. I have to say that my K team is amazing. They helped the sub and took care of her! I can not thank them enough for this. I helps so much knowing that I can count on them and that they have my back.
Friday was a jumble of bad thoughts, not feeling well and laying on the couch. I wish that I could say that I attacked the day with strength and courage but that is far from what happened. I don't think that I was prepared emotionally for my "down" day. I kept thinking that this was not my plan and that I somehow let my family down by getting sick. I know that this was wrong but that was where I was. I can say that I have never felt this way. I tried praying but even that was hard. Luckily my awesome wife and daughter came home early and everything started to clear up. Taigen said that she has never seen me cry this much, but she thought that it was good that I did not hold my feelings in. She is great! I really didn't want to do anything that night, but my awesome bible talk came over and we just sat around taking and telling crazy stories. It was just what I needed.
Saturday was a much better day. We took Taigen to swim lessons and Wendy and I lifted weights, which felt really good. We then went to brunch at an organic "hippie" restaurant, which was really good! Wendy then went to get her hair cut while I took my daughter to see movie. It was great just hanging out with her. Well, all being said, I hope that I am better prepared for my next "down" day. I don't think that it will take me so much by surprise. That is at least the hope.
I just wanted to thank everyone who has sent the encouraging posts on my blog. You are awesome and it helps me sooooo much!
Cheers,
Chris
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Back to school.
First day back from chemo and as Ice Cube said "today was a good day". Felt really good and was super encouraged by all the emails and comments I read. Thank you soooo much. It can feel lonely sometimes but all the well wishes really lift my spirits. You are all so important in this whole thing. Keep praying and sending positive energy this way. God loves it and I need it.
You all are the best!
You all are the best!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Today is the day!
I am sitting here hooked up to the machine as I am starting my chemo adventure. But first I have to tell you about the great weekend I had.
I wanted to take a trip with Taigen before all this started. Originally we were going to take a trip to Portland by train but a doctors appointment made this hard. So when asked where she wanted to go she said Leavenworth. So we headed up after church on Sunday to stay the night. IT WAS AWESOME! We ate German food, had giant pretzels, shopped and watched Eureka in bed in our Jacuzzi suite. I loved spending time with my awesome family.
Monday I had my first acupuncture. I told the doctor that I was a skeptic but she said that she welcomed skeptics. I have to say it was pretty cool and relaxing. This, along with nutrition help, will help with my chemo.
This morning I met with my Oncologist and I was told of the first miracle God has performed. My CT scan showed that the cancer was widely spread through my gall bladder and lymph nodes, which is not good. But the doctor said that he is mystified and can not figure out why I am not jaundiced and racked with pain. Miracle 1...check! The nurses were also keeping an watch on me during the chemo treatments to see if I would have any adverse affects. I didn't, which is good.
So another hour or so and I should be good. 1 down, more to go but I am strong and I promised Taigen that I would never give up!
Till next time,
Cheers!
Chris
I wanted to take a trip with Taigen before all this started. Originally we were going to take a trip to Portland by train but a doctors appointment made this hard. So when asked where she wanted to go she said Leavenworth. So we headed up after church on Sunday to stay the night. IT WAS AWESOME! We ate German food, had giant pretzels, shopped and watched Eureka in bed in our Jacuzzi suite. I loved spending time with my awesome family.
Monday I had my first acupuncture. I told the doctor that I was a skeptic but she said that she welcomed skeptics. I have to say it was pretty cool and relaxing. This, along with nutrition help, will help with my chemo.
This morning I met with my Oncologist and I was told of the first miracle God has performed. My CT scan showed that the cancer was widely spread through my gall bladder and lymph nodes, which is not good. But the doctor said that he is mystified and can not figure out why I am not jaundiced and racked with pain. Miracle 1...check! The nurses were also keeping an watch on me during the chemo treatments to see if I would have any adverse affects. I didn't, which is good.
So another hour or so and I should be good. 1 down, more to go but I am strong and I promised Taigen that I would never give up!
Till next time,
Cheers!
Chris
Thursday, November 7, 2013
One small step!
Hey all,
Today I went in to get my portacath and was in and out with no trouble. It was a lot quicker than I thought. This is going to make appointments much better because they won't have to stick me for tests, blood or treatments. Nice! I will take any good news that comes my way.
Many people have asked how I have been doing. Other than the C word hanging over my head, I feel normal. No real pain or troubles. I know that is probably going to change but again...any good news.
I know that God is powerful and can wipe this out of my body! That is my prayer. I think that our church could use another miracle and I would be happy for God to use me in that way!
Thank you for all the prayers and messages! It means a ton!
Cheers,
Chris
Today I went in to get my portacath and was in and out with no trouble. It was a lot quicker than I thought. This is going to make appointments much better because they won't have to stick me for tests, blood or treatments. Nice! I will take any good news that comes my way.
Many people have asked how I have been doing. Other than the C word hanging over my head, I feel normal. No real pain or troubles. I know that is probably going to change but again...any good news.
I know that God is powerful and can wipe this out of my body! That is my prayer. I think that our church could use another miracle and I would be happy for God to use me in that way!
Thank you for all the prayers and messages! It means a ton!
Cheers,
Chris
What has happened so far...
This particular journey started for us apparently a year or so ago but we didn't know about it until last week. Based on some initial stomach pain that referred to back pain in early September, Chris went to see his chiropractor to see if his back needed an adjustment. The chiropractor identified the source of the back pain as nerve pain from the gallbladder or liver and told Chris to see his PCP. Chris went in for that appointment a few weeks ago. The PCP referred Chris for an ultrasound, which seemed to indicate that there was some sludge in the gallbladder. An MRI was ordered to know for sure. The MRI returned results that were disturbingly referred to as 'never seen this before' and an endoscopy was scheduled.
The endoscopy was last Tuesday, just a week ago. During this procedure a camera was put down the esophagus to take a look at the gallbladder and surrounding lymph nodes and organs. Biopsies were taken of the lymph nodes between the gallbladder and the pancreas as they looked irritated. We spoke with the specialist on Wednesday evening and found out the lab results had indicated a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. He set up an appointment for the next day with Dr. Gold, a GI cancer oncologist at Swedish.
The nightmare began that night for us as we were in total shock at hearing 'cancer'. What had begun as a 'normal' gallbladder issue (so many people were telling us they had had their gallbladder out after finding sludge or stones that caused the same initial systems) had all of a sudden taken an unexpected and totally alarming turn for a bad situation. We didn't sleep much that night.
We went in Thursday for our appointment with Dr. Gold. He made the situation more real and alarming in some ways and more hopeful in others. Chris's diagnosis was given as stage 4 gallbladder cancer, metastasized through the lymph nodes over to the pancreas, though we don't know yet if it is in the pancreas. There has been some progress in the research the doctor told us, and that a combination of two chemo treatments was found to be more effective and that some patients did well on this cocktail. The appointments were scheduled for a CT scan on Tuesday (11/5/13), the portacath insertion on Thursday (11/7/13) and the first chemo infusion next Tuesday on (11/12/13). Chris will do chemo the first and eighth day of every 21 day cycle.
We met with our ministers, Jay and Carol Kelly, and our dear friends, Scott and Lisa Lewis, last Sat to pray together. We asked that our entire church congregation be told of the situation, that it is urgent and that we ask for their prayers daily. We did pray with the church on Sunday, with one of our elders, Greg Brumley, laying his hands on Chris as is Biblical. Greg also came to our house last night to anoint Chris with oil and pray over him with our family as it describes in James 5:13-16 (entire section put in for context):
The Prayer of Faith
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
We have a lot of hope and faith based on our personal belief in a loving God that this situation will work out well in the end whatever happens. We ask that you pray if you are a spiritual person or send us positive thoughts as fits your beliefs that Chris can heal from this illness and live a long, happy life with his family. Thank you so much to those that love us, have already helped us, have called, sent email, and texted, and to all those that will help us, encourage us and pray for us during this time. We hope this blog keeps everyone up to date as we want to share the progress with everyone but can not possible keep in touch with everyone individually. Please let Chris know you are visiting the blog by leaving comments, even just to say hi.
Love,
Chris, Wendy and Taigen
The endoscopy was last Tuesday, just a week ago. During this procedure a camera was put down the esophagus to take a look at the gallbladder and surrounding lymph nodes and organs. Biopsies were taken of the lymph nodes between the gallbladder and the pancreas as they looked irritated. We spoke with the specialist on Wednesday evening and found out the lab results had indicated a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. He set up an appointment for the next day with Dr. Gold, a GI cancer oncologist at Swedish.
The nightmare began that night for us as we were in total shock at hearing 'cancer'. What had begun as a 'normal' gallbladder issue (so many people were telling us they had had their gallbladder out after finding sludge or stones that caused the same initial systems) had all of a sudden taken an unexpected and totally alarming turn for a bad situation. We didn't sleep much that night.
We went in Thursday for our appointment with Dr. Gold. He made the situation more real and alarming in some ways and more hopeful in others. Chris's diagnosis was given as stage 4 gallbladder cancer, metastasized through the lymph nodes over to the pancreas, though we don't know yet if it is in the pancreas. There has been some progress in the research the doctor told us, and that a combination of two chemo treatments was found to be more effective and that some patients did well on this cocktail. The appointments were scheduled for a CT scan on Tuesday (11/5/13), the portacath insertion on Thursday (11/7/13) and the first chemo infusion next Tuesday on (11/12/13). Chris will do chemo the first and eighth day of every 21 day cycle.
We met with our ministers, Jay and Carol Kelly, and our dear friends, Scott and Lisa Lewis, last Sat to pray together. We asked that our entire church congregation be told of the situation, that it is urgent and that we ask for their prayers daily. We did pray with the church on Sunday, with one of our elders, Greg Brumley, laying his hands on Chris as is Biblical. Greg also came to our house last night to anoint Chris with oil and pray over him with our family as it describes in James 5:13-16 (entire section put in for context):
The Prayer of Faith
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
We have a lot of hope and faith based on our personal belief in a loving God that this situation will work out well in the end whatever happens. We ask that you pray if you are a spiritual person or send us positive thoughts as fits your beliefs that Chris can heal from this illness and live a long, happy life with his family. Thank you so much to those that love us, have already helped us, have called, sent email, and texted, and to all those that will help us, encourage us and pray for us during this time. We hope this blog keeps everyone up to date as we want to share the progress with everyone but can not possible keep in touch with everyone individually. Please let Chris know you are visiting the blog by leaving comments, even just to say hi.
Love,
Chris, Wendy and Taigen
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