WOW! That sums up what it was like to be at the Super Bowl. It was crazy. Everywhere we went in Manhattan there were Hawk fans yelling "Go Hawks" and "Seahawks"! I am not kidding when I say there was 10 to 1 Hawk fans to Bronco fans. And we were not disappointed with the play on the field. I heard some say that it was a boring game, well I disagree. The game was awesome. We needed a win like that to get the national respect that this team deserves. The day after the game we woke up to find 8 inches of snow on the ground. That was cool because I always wanted to see NYC in the snow. Funny thing is that we got out of JFK fine but it wasn't until San Fran that our flight was cancelled. Probably just lingering hard feelings from the NFC championship game. Thank you again to Mack, Zoe and Lisa for making this whole trip possible!
Some sobering news is that the cancer markers in my blood have been on the rise. So please keep praying and sending good thoughts. I know that I need them and they help so much!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Silver Linings!
All throughout this experience, Taigen has been pointing out all the good things or silver linings that have come our way. She pointed out that she is getting lots of play dates with all of her friends, that amazing meals are being brought to us to help fight the cancer and keep me healthy, and that so many prayers are going up to God for me! These have all been incredible and the love that has been shown to me and my family has been humbling and inspiring.
The latest silver lining came to me on Thursday when I found out that my friends Mack and Zoe Strong were able to get me and Wendy Super Bowl tickets to buy. WOW! I can not even believe that I just typed that. The Super Bowl! With the Seahawks! Mack works for the NFL in addition to doing Seahawk broadcasts and he worked his magic to make this kid's Make-a-Wish come true! Thank you so much Mack and Zoe! I know that you were swarmed by people asking you about tickets, and it means so much to me that you thought about me and wanted to encourage me in this way. I will never forget this!
Chemo has been going good. The doctor is still very pleased with how I am responding to the treatments. I was hit kind of hard on Thursday and Friday when I started feeling that I was coming down with the flu, but no, it was just chemo. Thankfully I am coming out of that and this is my break week. This is the week to have off! God worked it out!
Cheers,
Chris
The latest silver lining came to me on Thursday when I found out that my friends Mack and Zoe Strong were able to get me and Wendy Super Bowl tickets to buy. WOW! I can not even believe that I just typed that. The Super Bowl! With the Seahawks! Mack works for the NFL in addition to doing Seahawk broadcasts and he worked his magic to make this kid's Make-a-Wish come true! Thank you so much Mack and Zoe! I know that you were swarmed by people asking you about tickets, and it means so much to me that you thought about me and wanted to encourage me in this way. I will never forget this!
Chemo has been going good. The doctor is still very pleased with how I am responding to the treatments. I was hit kind of hard on Thursday and Friday when I started feeling that I was coming down with the flu, but no, it was just chemo. Thankfully I am coming out of that and this is my break week. This is the week to have off! God worked it out!
Cheers,
Chris
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Top half of the class!
Hi everyone,
I know I've been silent for the past couple of weeks so I'll fill you in a bit on what's happened. After New Years Eve, which was an amazing evening with my wife and friends on a Lake Union cruise, we went to get a second set of eyes on my case at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). The doctor and staff were great but after that meeting we were a bit bummed out because mentally it put us back to the beginning of this whole process. We just weren't prepared for that. We did learn about some trials that I could possibly get into but I would have to get off my treatments that seem to have been working so far. Also the doctor said that surgery is not a great option because I would go off chemo to get the surgery and he has seen, in most cases, that the cancer spread to other parts of the body during this time. Not really encouraging.
But on to some good news. I had my first follow-up CT scan at Swedish on Monday since my diagnosis and original scan. Just got done talking to my doctor and he told me that most of the time he is telling patients with this type of cancer that their cancer is growing, which is not good. He told me that everything is stable with no growth and in fact, one tumor actually shrunk by a 1/4. Feeling good with that. So same chemo, same plan for the next 9 weeks and then another scan.
Everything else is going great. Still no pain, no nausea, no massive hair loss and the Hawks are in the championship game. Go Hawks! Just about to get hooked up so more later (and sooner :) )
Cheers, Chris
I know I've been silent for the past couple of weeks so I'll fill you in a bit on what's happened. After New Years Eve, which was an amazing evening with my wife and friends on a Lake Union cruise, we went to get a second set of eyes on my case at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). The doctor and staff were great but after that meeting we were a bit bummed out because mentally it put us back to the beginning of this whole process. We just weren't prepared for that. We did learn about some trials that I could possibly get into but I would have to get off my treatments that seem to have been working so far. Also the doctor said that surgery is not a great option because I would go off chemo to get the surgery and he has seen, in most cases, that the cancer spread to other parts of the body during this time. Not really encouraging.
But on to some good news. I had my first follow-up CT scan at Swedish on Monday since my diagnosis and original scan. Just got done talking to my doctor and he told me that most of the time he is telling patients with this type of cancer that their cancer is growing, which is not good. He told me that everything is stable with no growth and in fact, one tumor actually shrunk by a 1/4. Feeling good with that. So same chemo, same plan for the next 9 weeks and then another scan.
Everything else is going great. Still no pain, no nausea, no massive hair loss and the Hawks are in the championship game. Go Hawks! Just about to get hooked up so more later (and sooner :) )
Cheers, Chris
Monday, December 30, 2013
What a Christmas!
Tis' the season to be traveling!
I had a great time visiting all our families this Christmas! We started Christmas day at our very own house, believe it or not. We slept in (until 7:45am!) and when Taigen got up, we opened presents. The highlight for her was a note that she got saying that we are going to let her pick out a new cat this week. After that, we spent the day putting together a Barbie Dream House and watching Taigen's favorite show, Eureka. We ended the night with an amazing Christmas dinner that Wendy made.
The next day we headed out to visit my mom in Eugene. We decided not to rush out of town but just take our time. The drive went well and we got to her house around 7:30pm. We had dinner and opened presents. I got one of the most amazing presents from Brianna and her husband Sam. They wrote to the Seattle Sounders, explained that I am a die-hard fan and asked if they could get something from the team for me. This is what they got back:
The Sounders are a class-act organization. This just makes me love them more!
After this we were off to Roseburg to visit Ann (Wendy's Mom) and Ron (Wendy's Step-dad). After a bit, Wendy's sister Juli and her husband Bill came over from Bend to join us for dinner and presents. It was a great time! The next day was just spent relaxing. I love going to Roseburg because I get to visit a world-renown artist, Kevin Clark. He does Japanese woodblock printing, which I love, and the crazy thing is that he is known around the world but not in Roseburg. I find this humorous and sad every time I visit him.
On our way back through Eugene, we stopped to visit Wendy's aunt Ellie. It was good for Wendy and Taigen to get to see her and visit for a while. Unfortunately, I had to stay in the car as we didn't want to leave it parked on the street with all of our stuff in it.
Next up, Portland and Wendy's Dad's and his wife Laisha's house. We had a huge family brunch with that side of the family: Dad, Laisha, dog Sadie, Wendy's step-bother Jim, his wife Jenn and daughter Jillian, step-brother Jeff, step-sister Janine and her boyfriend Adam. After brunch we opened presents and had a great time talking and laughing together. After this, I got another amazing present from the Seahawks - home field advantage throughout the playoffs. How thoughtful!
Now we are back in Seattle and I must have been on the very nice list or Santa felt bad for me because the Ducks just beat Texas in the Alamo Bowl! Merry Christmas to me again!!! They say that positive thoughts, energy and prayers are good for my health so right now I am kicking cancer's butt!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone!
Chris
I had a great time visiting all our families this Christmas! We started Christmas day at our very own house, believe it or not. We slept in (until 7:45am!) and when Taigen got up, we opened presents. The highlight for her was a note that she got saying that we are going to let her pick out a new cat this week. After that, we spent the day putting together a Barbie Dream House and watching Taigen's favorite show, Eureka. We ended the night with an amazing Christmas dinner that Wendy made.
The next day we headed out to visit my mom in Eugene. We decided not to rush out of town but just take our time. The drive went well and we got to her house around 7:30pm. We had dinner and opened presents. I got one of the most amazing presents from Brianna and her husband Sam. They wrote to the Seattle Sounders, explained that I am a die-hard fan and asked if they could get something from the team for me. This is what they got back:
After this we were off to Roseburg to visit Ann (Wendy's Mom) and Ron (Wendy's Step-dad). After a bit, Wendy's sister Juli and her husband Bill came over from Bend to join us for dinner and presents. It was a great time! The next day was just spent relaxing. I love going to Roseburg because I get to visit a world-renown artist, Kevin Clark. He does Japanese woodblock printing, which I love, and the crazy thing is that he is known around the world but not in Roseburg. I find this humorous and sad every time I visit him.
On our way back through Eugene, we stopped to visit Wendy's aunt Ellie. It was good for Wendy and Taigen to get to see her and visit for a while. Unfortunately, I had to stay in the car as we didn't want to leave it parked on the street with all of our stuff in it.
Next up, Portland and Wendy's Dad's and his wife Laisha's house. We had a huge family brunch with that side of the family: Dad, Laisha, dog Sadie, Wendy's step-bother Jim, his wife Jenn and daughter Jillian, step-brother Jeff, step-sister Janine and her boyfriend Adam. After brunch we opened presents and had a great time talking and laughing together. After this, I got another amazing present from the Seahawks - home field advantage throughout the playoffs. How thoughtful!
Now we are back in Seattle and I must have been on the very nice list or Santa felt bad for me because the Ducks just beat Texas in the Alamo Bowl! Merry Christmas to me again!!! They say that positive thoughts, energy and prayers are good for my health so right now I am kicking cancer's butt!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone!
Chris
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the chemo center.........
Hello all, my new year's resolution is to write more on this blog. I never thought that so many people would care that I would get "yelled" at when I don't do updates. So I repent and will do a better job.
A Christmas miracle occurred! My garage is almost done. Yes you read that right. Justin Ferguson, Brad Bliven, Pang Sisavath, Scott Holloway and Eric Parmalee came over and took a big load to the dump, an even bigger load to Goodwill and helped organize my mess. Thank you so much for helping the Soethes slay the burden of our garage. Also, big shout out to the Lewis' for setting everything up. You all rock.
I also wanted to thank everyone for all the meals and childcare you have given us. It has blown us away how much love and help everyone has given us. We could not have done this without all of your help. We are blessed to have such good friends and family. We love you all very much!
My follow-up CT scan is set for Jan 13th and I will most likely get the results on my chemo appt on Jan 15th. Please keep praying for me!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.
'Til next time, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Chris
Hello all, my new year's resolution is to write more on this blog. I never thought that so many people would care that I would get "yelled" at when I don't do updates. So I repent and will do a better job.
A Christmas miracle occurred! My garage is almost done. Yes you read that right. Justin Ferguson, Brad Bliven, Pang Sisavath, Scott Holloway and Eric Parmalee came over and took a big load to the dump, an even bigger load to Goodwill and helped organize my mess. Thank you so much for helping the Soethes slay the burden of our garage. Also, big shout out to the Lewis' for setting everything up. You all rock.
I also wanted to thank everyone for all the meals and childcare you have given us. It has blown us away how much love and help everyone has given us. We could not have done this without all of your help. We are blessed to have such good friends and family. We love you all very much!
My follow-up CT scan is set for Jan 13th and I will most likely get the results on my chemo appt on Jan 15th. Please keep praying for me!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.
'Til next time, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Chris
Sunday, December 15, 2013
What a weird week.
As I said before, this has been a weird week. For the past 3 chemos, my bad day has been on the 3rd day. The first chemo, I was hit hard on Friday. The next time, Friday was a bit better but still not fun. Last Friday was not bad at all. Didn't feel good but did't feel bad. So I was thinking that I was in a rhythm now. Wrong! My last chemo was on Tuesday and I was ready for Friday. I was set, but on Thursday felt really bad and on Friday I had really bad fatigue. So bad that I came home on Friday and basically passed out at 8. Saturday was tired but felt better. And today, feel "normal". I was laughing that I wished that I could get a system down to know how I would feel on what day, but what fun would that be!
I did find out that I was in a play this weekend. The Tacoma sector of our church had the kids Christmas play today where they talked about Barnabus and they used me as an example in the play. I had my 15 minutes of fame and missed it!
I did find out that I was in a play this weekend. The Tacoma sector of our church had the kids Christmas play today where they talked about Barnabus and they used me as an example in the play. I had my 15 minutes of fame and missed it!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Just by the hair of my chinny chin chin
Yesterday was close. I mean very close. We now know that my white blood cell count takes a hit when I get my chemo. After my break, my count was fine. But this time it was a bit closer. I needed 3.5 on my count to do chemo and I scored a 3.6 to squeak by. I told you it was close! My doctor did say that everything was going great and he has been very pleased with my results. The cancer markers in my blood labs were down. He said that it could be due to the chemo or the fact that they had to drain some sludge out when they put the stent in my bile duct. Either way, good news. Dr. Gold gave me several fist bumps!
I did have a very weird weekend. Normally when I have chemo on Tuesday, my down day will be on Friday. I decided to see if I could work on Friday so I would not have to take another day off. I worked it and felt a little down. So I figured that on Saturday I would feel better. But on Sat. I felt the same. Not good, but not bad. Then on Sunday I was feeling better. Weird. I have to say that 2 days feeling 60% is much better then one day at 10%. I would say that this is a good trade.
Cheers,
Chris
I did have a very weird weekend. Normally when I have chemo on Tuesday, my down day will be on Friday. I decided to see if I could work on Friday so I would not have to take another day off. I worked it and felt a little down. So I figured that on Saturday I would feel better. But on Sat. I felt the same. Not good, but not bad. Then on Sunday I was feeling better. Weird. I have to say that 2 days feeling 60% is much better then one day at 10%. I would say that this is a good trade.
Cheers,
Chris
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