Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Praise Report

We just returned from my checkups at UAB. I had a CT scan, chest X-ray and they scoped my throat. I am still clear and cancer free! I also saw my radiation doctor and surgeon. They both felt I was where I should be and even better. I don't have to go back until December; (when my next checkups are scheduled).

We are so thankful and praise God for His grace. We know many of you are still praying for us and really appreciate it. God has used you and your prayers to richly bless us! May He richly bless you also!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Update

I am sorry to have been so long in updating the blog. But things have been improving, not so much daily, but certainly over the weeks and months I can see how God is still blessing me physically. I still have the minor problems with eating certain foods, dry mouth, energy level and realted issues, but these are overshadowed by the great blessing of being cancer free and returning to a more normal lifestyle. I am back at work and almost get a full day in each day.
I have my next checkup on September 16. It will be a CT scan and visit with one of my Doctors at UAB. Please pray for that if you think of it.
Most importantly, I am sad to report that Debbie's Dad passed away Thursday night. He has fought the good fight and finished the course very well. I cannot tell you how much I love and respect that man. He leaves such a rich legacy and Christ-like example with so many lives that he touched. His funeral and reception afterwards was one of the most worshipful and celebratory funerals I have ever attended. Truly, nothing could be exaggerated about Max Thornhill.
Please pray for Debbie, her sisters and her mother. They dearly loved their father and husband, and will miss him terribly. Only the grace of God can fill the void he leaves.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

DOXOLOGY - Praise God!

We had unexpected great news today. I called my Oncologist to inquire about trying to get to her to see my father-in-law. (He is in ICU in the hospital at Brookhaven, MS being treated for double pneumonia. Pray that God would enable his body to heal up enough to continue his cancer treatments, and if they should move to UAB or not.) But they told me "Congratulations on the good news!" They proceeded to tell that the pathology report was just posted on their system, and it all came back CANCER FREE! The one swollen lymph node was totally necrotic (dead tissue). All the others came back benign with no indication of cancer!

We are so blessed and overwhelmed with thanksgivings and praise. Although it would be true even if I had not received this news, this just magnifies in my spirit and soul in an experiential and very sweet way the truth of Isaiah 30:18-19: Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. [19] O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.

Please join us in praising Him for His grace, compassion and mercy on me and my family! THANK YOU for your faithfulness in praying for us. Rejoice that He has used YOU and your prayers to bless us and accomplish His will!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Great is His Faithfulness!

We are SO thankful and full of praise for God's mercy and grace! Surgery on Wednesday went much better than expected! I had a selective neck dissection on my right side to remove the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues as a precaution against recurring cancer in them; (since the enlarged lymph node on that side never did return to normal). The plan was to remove three of the four layers of lymph nodes and tissue. When Dr. Magnuson got in there, things looked good enough that he deemed it necessary to remove only two of the four! It is normal for one to have multiple drains left in for four or so days afterwards to drain off the bleeding and fluids. I only have one, and my drainage has been much less than expected so far. He also inspected my throat and found no traces of the tumor or cancer visible! My throat was just still quite irritated from the radiation. I have an appointment on Monday to have the drain removed, and then another checkup with him on Thursday. The pathology reports on the tissues removed should be back before the appointment on Thursday, so we expect to receive that report then also. But Dr. Magnuson said that regardless of that, I should be "through" with surgery! (If the report is totally clear, then there was no viable cancer in that area; if if comes back that some was present, then the surgery should have gotten it.)

I am feeling OK, and have not developed any of the morbidity or problems often assoicated with this invasive surgery. My shoulder is still working fine (often damaged in this procedure), and the swelling is very little. I do LOOK quite a sight with a 7" incision on my neck and a drain out of it. Between that and my PEG feeding tube hole in my stomach that resembles a bullet wound, I should be able to get respect in any "biker bar!" I am quite sore, and my throat is more irritated due to the tube inserted in surgery.

So please pray for recovery to continue at the good pace it has been. Pray for my saliva to return to help me eat, and for my throat to heal soon to enable me to eat more normally and gain my weight back. Pray that the swelling in the neck does not increase, and even that it might decrease some. Pray for a good report from pathology, and for the cancer to stay gone! Pray for continued clear scans in the days to come. Pray that God would receive many praises and thanksgivings for His great blessings upon me and my family! And thank each of you for your prayers! I feel so blessed in so many ways - I feel like I have finally passed some key point in recovery and that the rest of it can now be constant improvement, I feel like God has so richly showered me with unusual blessings that I don't deserve, and having the overwhelming love and support of so many is certainly one of my greatest blesings! I love you all!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

What's next

We saw Dr. Magnasun on Thursday and agreed that we would proceed with surgery. This is to remove several layers of lymph nodes on the right side of his neck. Surgery should take about 2 1/2 hours. He will be in the hospital for one night and recovery time is about ten days. It is scheduled for Wednesday. We will be informed of the exact time later today. Also, the feeding tube was removed on Thursday, so Aaron has been eating 100% by mouth. Although it is "work" to swallow, the nausea factor has decreased greatly. We were grateful to be able to spend the Fourth at the beach with family. It was such an encouragement for him as he enjoyed a return to "normalcy" (i.e. life without the limitations of a feeding tube).

We covet your prayers concerning surgery and recovery.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Monday we had the long-awatied CT scan. Praise the Lord for no tumors!!
Everything looks good, according to drs. One thing that did show up on the scan was the infamous necrotic lymph node. Although it measures less than half of what it did, it is still obvious on the scan. However, neither dr. could find it upon external examination. We will see the surgeon on Thursday and get his take...which will undoubtedly be to continue with surgery as planned on next Wed. This seems to be standard procedure for this kind of thing. We think he will also take out the feeding tube during surgery. Although Aaron does not want to go through surgery, we are still very grateful for answered prayer in the success of treatment. Please pray for wisdom for Dr. Magnasun and us as we see him on Thursday.

Also, my Dad is out of the hospital and feeling much stronger!!! He will meet with his oncologist tomorrow and decide about further treatment.

As always, we love and appreciate you and your prayerful concern.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Thankful!!

Since last post, God has been faithful to answer prayer. Aaron began to feel better last Thursday evening and Friday was able to swallow a Nexium caspsule, which has helped tremendously! Apparently, he does have something going on (maybe an ulcer?) in his stomach. Hopefully, we will find out this week after drs. visit on Thursay. We are very grateful for this turn around. He has not thrown up since Thursday and has had much less nausea. He is swallowing more and more little bits of food. Throat pain continues to be about the same, but hopefully that will improve now that he is not vomiting all the time.

Please pray for my Dad. He is not doing very well. He went toTulsa for a chemo treatment, but was unable to because his counts are so low. He is in the hospital and has pnuemonia. Please pray that his body will have strength to fight and also, for my Mother.

I was encouraged by a card we received recently with excerpts from the following devotional.

"In the shadow of His hand He hid me; He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in His quiver." Is 49:2

In the "shadow"___ each of us must go there sometimes. It maybe the shadow of the sickroom, the shadowed house of grief, or the shadowed life where the sunlight has departed.
But fear not! It is the shadow of God's hand. He is leading you, and there are lessons that can be learned only where He leads. The photograph of His face can only be developed in the dark room. But do not assume that He has pushed you aside. You are still "in His quiver." He has not thrown you away as something worthless. He is only keeping you nearby till the moment comes when He can send you quickly and confidently on some mission what will bring Him glory. O shadowed, isolated, one remember how closely the quiver is tied to the warrior. It is always within easy reach of His hand and jealously protected. F.B. Meyer

Thursday, June 19, 2008

New Developement

Aaron continues to struggle with nausea and vomiting. In fact, it has gotten much worse. Today he has had trouble keeping anything, including meds, down. This is having a very adverse affect on his throat which is still raw and healing. After speaking with the medical oncologist, she agreed that further tests need to be done to try to figure out why this is going on. She said this was not where he should be at this point. We have an appointment on next Thursday with her, but hopefully there will be something scheduled before then to try to pinpoint this problem. Please pray that they can find the cause and deal with it. This is a real setback for him and he is very discouraged. We need wisdom and answers! Please pray.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

HOT OF THE PRESS!!!

After a blitzkrieg of fact gathering concerning the recommended surgery, Aaron and his surgeon have decided to put off removal of lymph nodes until after CT scan on June 30th. Surgery has been re-scheduled for July 9th. Hopefully by this time the side effects of treatment will have tapered off a good deal. It is obvious that the radiation is still at work, as he continues to throw up bloody tissue and is still in a lot of pain. Also, the lymph node may continue to shrink in size which "may" remove the need for surgery.

We are grateful to our drs.(Nabell, Meredith, Monagan, Free, and Magnuson) for their time, expertise, and personal care and involvement in helping us make good decisions. We are blessed.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

more good news/bad news

Well, we saw several drs. on Tuesday. They did not scope or do any kind of scan, but by just looking with the naked eye at Aaron's throat Dr. said he SAW no sign of tumor and it APPEARS to be gone. A CT scan is scheduled for June 30 to give a more detailed and complete picture. We are so thankful and are anxious for the CT scan to confirm that the cancer is gone. However, we were surprised and disheartened when Dr. Magnasun recommended surgery for the removal of several lymph nodes! (We have been so excited as the swollen node has continued to disappear.) Although we have scheduled surgery for Friday, we continue to gather info on this recommendation and are speaking with our other drs. to ascertain the most appropriate and prudent course of action. Please pray for wisdom on this front.

Otherwise, Aaron is continuing to swallow more and more FOOD!! He has actually eaten a few bites of pizza, eggs, ice cream, watermelon, and salad. While he is still getting most nutrition through the tube, he is definitely improving. The plan is to remove the feeding tube during surgery on Friday, so he will be transitioning this week to be able to take in more by mouth. He is still dealing with nausea and vomitting although it has improved some.

My Dad is at home and dealing with effects of chemo. He will go back on the 21st for another treatment.

We are thankful for many things, not the least of which is the love and support of so many. To our precious family of Grace Fellowship: we love you and couldn't make it without you!!!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Good Days

We are so very thankful for several things tonight. First, we have been praying specifically for Aaron's lymph node to shrink and it has definitely gone down a lot!! We continue to pray that by the drs. visit on June 3, it will be gone completely. Also, in general, he has felt much better in the last few days. The nausea and vomitting have abated for the most part. He was up and about all day yesterday, and we were most grateful to be able to go to church today! He actually ate a little ice cream this afternoon. Although his taste buds are "waking up" , it is still hurts to swallow much more than clear liquids. He is really looking forward to eating again and anxious to be rid of the feeding tube.
Pray this will happen sooner than later. We look foward to continued improvement this week and praise God for His faithfulness and the blessings of this day.

My Dad has been able to continue chemo treatments. He will have a full strength treatment next week, and will be able to go home for 3 weeks before having the next one.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Waiting

Today we woke up with high hopes of going to church together.( It has been three weeks and 2 days since his last treatment.) However, to our great disappointment he woke up very nauseated again!! The nausea and vomiting have gotten worse since treatments ended. This is NOT what we were expecting at this point! It seems like we are moving backwards. There ARE some positives, however: his voice continues to get stronger, his neck is completely healed, he IS swallowing liquids and an occasional poached egg, and has some good moments when nausea-free. The pain is still strong, but manageable. The feeding tube is working well and is the mainstay for nutrition and calories.
Truthfully, we are all discouraged....and waiting for the big "turn around". In reading Psalm 139 this morning, I was thankful to be reminded that we are "hemmed in" by HIS Presence. It is a day for remembering and clinging to Truth. Please pray for Aaron's complete healing and recovery and that even though we grow weary, we will "worship in the waiting".

News from Tulsa: my Dad had a second chemo treatment last week. He is feeling tired but otherwise doing well. He will receive another treatment on Wed.

Many thanks for your love and prayers.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

A quick update

Our drs. visit on Monday was informative. The lab results showed all counts(except hemoglobin) were up and in normal ranges. The low hemoglobin accounts for the edema. We are walking to try to get swelling down. Dr. Nabell seemed pleased with Aaron's progress. Please continue to pray for pain management and nausea. Our next trip to UAB is June 3, when we will see Dr. Meredith, the radiation oncologist and Dr. Magnuson, surgeon.

My Dad's bone scan showed no cancer in bones! He will begin a low dose of chemo tomorrow for cancerous nodules on lungs. They will be keeping a close eye on his kidney to decide whether or not he can tolerate a higher dosage. Please pray for the cancer to respond to treatment.

Thanks again for your prayers!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

THE WEEK AFTER

A short summary of the week after radiaion:

Burns on neck are much improved. Skin is regenerating and looking good.
Small improvement in the swallowing department.
Feeding tube working great.
Edema in feet and legs getting worse.
Nausea/vomitting has become a problem.
Pain in mouth and throat about the same...spikes sometimes.

We will see chemo dr. tomorrow, do labs, and address some of these issues.
In general, the week has been pretty good. I guess we are all ready to be back to normal and, unfortunately, that is going to be a longer process than we had hoped. We will see radiation dr. first week of June and hopefully know more about success of treatment.

I was able to go to Tulsa to be with my folks last week. We had some good news and some bad. The cancer is limited to nodules on the outside of his lungs and not within. However, he DOES has a bloodclot in his lungs. He will be having a bone scan done on Monday. Treatment cannot begin until he has recovered more from surgery(removal of cancerous kidney), and is complicated by that fact. (Chemo being so harmful to kidneys.) Please pray that he will get his strength back soon and that all scans will be clear of further cancer. Pray for wisdom of those planning his treatment program.

Meanwhile, we are comforted and strengthened by the body of Christ. We walk in the grace and new mercies of each day. We cling to the promises of the Word of God and the God of the Word.


Sunday, April 27, 2008

Crossing the Finish Line

Well, 35 radiation treatments, 2 chemotherapy treatments, 1 PEG surgery, and 6 weeks later, it is OVER!!!! Friday was a day of rejoicing as we went to UAB for radiation one last time. The wonderful staff presented Aaron with the "mask" he wore for daily treatment. It looks like something out of Star Wars!! He is going to hang it on the wall like a trophy, I think.
These last 6 weeks have seen like an eternity, but there have been many blessings along the way. Just a few things we are thankful for:
-safe travel to B'ham every day
-faithful drivers
-caring, compassionate staff, drs, etc.
-uninterrupted treatments
-no complications with PEG tube
-no extraordinary complications associated with treatments
-wonderful support of family and friends
-answered prayers

Here are a few things to continue to pray about:
-that cancer is completely gone
-for Aaron's swallowing ability to improve and get back to 100%
-for healing of skin, as well as tissue inside mouth and throat
-for Aaron's ability to speak again(he is only able to whisper)
-for patience and peace during recovery process

We will be going back for follow-up visits in 2 weeks, then 4 weeks. At some point (6 weeks?)drs. will scope his throat and do CT and PET scans to determine success of treatment. There remains the possibility of surgery to remove lymph node that has not completely gone down. PEG tube will probably remain in for 6-8 weeks.

Meanwhile, we are seeing improvement and healing of the radiated skin on his neck. He has felt good "in general", and the pain in throat is being "managed fairly well until he "practices" swallowing. We have been grateful for a few more restful nights recently. We look forward to NO treatment tomorrow and a full recovery in the weeks and months ahead!

As always, thanks for your interest and love for us. We will keep you posted.

FYI: My Dad is doing much better as he is recovering from surgery. He will have his lungs scoped and biopsied on Wed. to determine course of treatment. Please continue to pray for him.


Thursday, April 24, 2008

"HE CARRIES US"

" It would sometimes appear, indeed, that God puts us into special circumstances of difficulty and trial in order that He may make manifest to us the infinite resources of His consolation; just as we need to go out into the dark night in order to behold the stars." F. B Meyer

We are down to the final 2 treatments! This is both wonderful and terrible....wonderful because the constant intentional burning of the soft tissues of Aaron's mouth, tongue and throat will come to an end; terrible because the pain and discomfort are at new highs. Yesterday was a particularly hard day. Aaron was suffering so much and had had just about all he could handle. I was feeling completely helpless and desperate. With tears of frustration we cried out to our Good Shepherd for mercy. In the intervening hours spent in and out of drs offices at UAB, the "Great Shepherd of the sheep" came and carried us.

"His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone. He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in His power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect".
S. C. Chapman

"He willl tend his flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom and gently lead those that are with young." Is 40:11

Sunday, April 20, 2008

"Well-Done" (The Final Countdown)

"O trembling heart, look away, and look up! Your sorrows have been multiplied indeed, by looking at difficulties and second causes. Cease from all of this. Talk no more about walled cities and giants; about the rugged paths and dark valleys; about lions and robbers. But think of the love, the might, and the wisdom, of the Shepherd. Love that spared not its own blood! Might that made the worlds! Wisdom that named the stars! Your salvation does not depend on what you are, but what He is. For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ. Cease using the first pronoun, and substitute for it the third.

"Tell us no more of your tears, your failures, or your sins; but tell us, oh tell us, of the all-sufficiency of Jesus; and how your needs have been the foil of His deliverances. Sing again the old song of how all wants are swallowed up in the shepherd love of God. And emphasize each "He" as you say again the Psalm of childhood and of age. "

F. B. Meyer taken from the "Shepherd Psalm" on the 23rd Psalm

Well, tomorrow begins our final week of radiation!! Aaron will have a treatment every day, Monday thru Friday, and then he will be done(wellllll done). He is a bit anxious, as every radiation increases the heat and burn on his tongue, throat, mouth and neck. He described this past Friday as the "hardsest and longest" day of his life. He had two radiation treatments (6 hours apart) and at this point, it was brutal! We actually wound up spending a few hours at the hospital late Friday night in an effort to get fever, blood pressure, and dizziness under control. After a liter of fluid, along with some meds, he was able to go home. Thankfully, Saturday he was much improved and was able to get some much needed rest. Today started off a little 'rocky' but improved as the day progressed.

We are eager to get this last week behind us and begin the healing process. (although they say the week after your last treatment is actually the worst...painwise.) Please pray for strength for Aaron to endure these last 5 treatments. As I said, with every one, the pain intensifies. He has felt he has failed to keep the faith sevral times recently, when it gets so dark for so long. But once again, he was encouraged by the small but very sweet mercies of God that do eventually come. We know this week cannot be easy, but please pray that there will many of these new merices every day. Pray for Charlie, a fellow patient at UAB. Pray for my Dad, as he deals with recovery and treatment.

As always, we appreciate the love and support of so many. We know that your prayers are keeping us going! Our faithful "Shepherd" IS supplying all our needs.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

FYI, my Dad's surgery went well yesterday. They are waiting for the path report to know for sure what kind of cancer he has. The drs. will be scoping his lungs in a few days to make a determination about what exactly is going on there. A treatment plan will be forthcoming. Please continue to pray for them.

On the home front, Aaron is down to 8 more treatments!!! The radiation is really taking a toll. He is struggling to swallow at all. The skin on his neck is cooked and has painful blisters. He is dealing with nausea, constipation, and ever increasing pain in his throat and mouth. The PEG tube is truly a life-saver, as he continues to get water, meds, and Ensure down to keep him going. Please pray for physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental strength to make it during these days when the end is in sight, but the climb is so, so steep. We talked(before treatments started) with many people who had gone through this and were told how bad it was. However, we were not prepared for the extent of what we would be up against! Many thanks for your prayers and support.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Praises!!!

We are thankful this Lord's Day for a successful PEG surgery, for the completion of our final chemo, for Aaron's weight holding pretty steady, for the compassionate care and wisdom of our drs, for the faithful men who help drive Aaron back and forth to UAB for treatments, for the constant love and concern of our precious church family, for the food many of you have prepared for us, for the continuous flow of emails, cards, calls, and PRAYER offered up on our behalf, for the beauty of spring, and for the faithfulness of our great God, the intercession of our living High Priest, and the power and encouragement of the Holy Spirit. "Every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow;" James 1:17

Amazingly, Aaron had a good 4th week! 'Amazing' because it included chemo on Monday, fluids on Tuesday, surgery on Wednesday, hospital stay Wed. p.m., and radiation every day, including 2 on Friday!! However, by Friday, the effects of chemo began to catch up with him. He has been struggling with nausea and extreme fatigue for the last few days. Hopefully, some of this will begin to decrease this week.

So far, the feeding tube has been a great help. He is able to maintain his weight and nutritional needs with 6 cans of Ensure and 64 ozs of water(at least) daily. He is still able to swallow water, although painful, and will continue to do so as long as he can to keep the swallowing "funtion" going. Pray that there will be no complication, infection, etc. where the tube is concerned. He will probably have it about 5-6 weeks.

Well, we are down to the final 2 weeks!!! Eleven more radiations and he is DONE!
(LITERALLY) Monday will be the last rad on his lower neck area, so that skin can begin to heal. At this point, his body is pretty beaten up. Pray that he will be strengthened to endure this final stretch. Pray for his blood pressure to be stabilized, that he wouldn't "catch" anything(his white counts are down due to chemo), that he would MAKE himself swallow, pray for no more nausea, pray for complete eradication of cancer cells.

Thanks again to all of you who love us and show it in so many ways. We are humbled and blessed.

Also, in my above litany of thanks, I neglected to mention some very special folks. First, Aaron's co-workers at Acker Electric have been awesome! They have been so supportive and have truly "taken up the slack" in his absence. We are very grateful for the caliber of personnel at work. They are capable, dependable, and have been quick to do everything possible to help him. Thanks, guys. Next, some of you may know that Andrew has come to work for Acker Electric and moved back home.(Sarah will be joining him in a few weeks.) It has been a treat to have him around and he has been a help to us in many ways. Finally, Anna Lee has been spending several days a week with us. She has been able to take care of Abigail in my absence, not to mention, buy groceries, clean house, do laundry, etc. (I definitely could get use to this!) We are so appreciative of their love and service to us.

Finally, thanks for praying for my Dad, Max Thorhill. He is at Cancer Treatment Center in Tulsa, OK. He will be having surgery on Tuesday for the removal of a kidney, and cyst on his bladder. He also has some spots on his lungs. Treatment for that has yet to be decided.

We thank God for you all.

Praises!!!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

successful surgery

Aaron got out of surgery around 3 o'clock. The doctor said that everything went well and that the pain in his stomach should only last two or three days. We spoke to Aaron on the phone and he said he was doing okay, his stomach is just pretty sore. Please pray that there will not be any complications related to the feeding tube and that it will help Aaron to feel better and recover faster. Pray also for wisdom in knowing how to use it correctly. Praise God that the surgery is over and was successful and for the good report. Please also pray for my pap-paw, (this is Anna Lee writing, by-the-way) Max Thornhill. He does have cancer on his kidney and in his lungs, and he just found out today that he has a cancerous cist in his bladder. He will find out on Monday the specific types of cancer that he has and the treatmenst that will be necessary. Although, Tuesday they will go ahead and have surgery to remove his kidney and to take out the cist in his bladder. Thank you so much for your prayers and concerns.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

Bad news first: Aaron is having a surgical procedure done tomorrow p.m. to insert a feeding tube directly into his stomach(called a PEG). Now the good news: Aaron will be able to get the nutrients and calories his body needs to heal and recover from the current onslaught of chemo and radiation.
Bad news: this past weekend was pretty hard going. He was able to get very little down...some water, a small amount of milk, a couple of jars of baby food. By Monday, (and his final chemo)he was just about de-hydrated. Because of this, the drs. ordered more fluids today and tomorrow, as well. Good news: He had a GREAT day yesterday and actually felt better than he has in several days. Today has been good, too. We are SOOOO grateful for this "reprieve"!!!! We know there is much prayer going up.. so thanks.
What we expect:
1. the chemo will intensify the effects of the radiation causing more pain, more burning of skin(blisters, etc)
2. he will be able to have surgery, spend one night, and not miss a radiation treatment
3. headaches and nausea will be lessened due to more food in his stomach
4. tumors have been and will contunue shrinking in size as cancerous cells are destroyed
5. we will be finished with treatments on April 25th, God willing
6.the pain will continue on a pretty high level for a week or 2 after treatments stop

We continue to be blessed by our friends and family. Thank you so much for the meals, cards, calls, emails and prayers. You just don't know how important your kindness has been to us. It has been a source of strength and encouragement when we needed it.

To date, Aaron has had 20 of 35 radiations and 2 of 2 chemotherapies. YEAH!!!! Please continue to pray for him as he has surgery tomorrow, makes adjustments with feeding tube, and continues to fight to swallow even as pain increases more and more in throat and mouth. Also, pray for teeth, hair, and skin as they are taking lots of abuse.

Meanwhile, the good news is: I finally have Aaron right where I want him: SPEECHLESS !!!!
Bad news: he has to wave his arms and use sign language to boss me around. Good news/bad news: I can't always decifer what he wants!!!!(???)

Seriously, we are thankful for how God is working in our lives in this circumstance. He is faithful. His Word is true. He is providing, sustaining, and keeping us. We are blessed.
I Peter 1:3-9

Thursday, April 3, 2008

in the HEAT of battle

Tomorrow marks the end of three weeks of treatment. We will have completed 18 radiation treatments and will have 17 more to go. On Monday, Aaron will have his second (and final) chemo treatment. The purpose of the chemo is to intensify the effectiveness of the radiation. As predicted the side effects of the treatments are severe. Aaron now has great difficulty swallowing. Talking is very painful, as well. At present, he can "get down" a little baby food, Ensure, milk, water, or unsweet tea and this only AFTER he has taken pain medication. We know that next week, the "burn" will be taken to the next level because of the chemo, so it is somewhat overwhelming!! ( I realize this may be 'tmi', but if you are reading this, I figure you must want to know.) It really is daunting and discouraging to think about what he must endure to get to the "other side". All this to say, please keep praying! Pray for ability to get and keep nourishment down. Pray for his spirits to be lifted. Pray for peace and rest. Pray for right medicines to manage pain without causing other(stomach) issues. Pray for doctors to have wisdom in dealing with his particular case. Pray for me to be patient and sensitive to his needs. Pray for our children as they also watch and wait on their Dad. Pray that we would continue to trust God, draw near to Him, and proclaim His goodness and faithfulness. Also, please pray for Max and Bonnie Thornhill, my parents. My Dad was treated for prostate cancer last year. He will undergo biopsies and testing next week for possible cancer in other areas. Needless to say,we covet your prayers for that situation, as well. Thanks.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Praise God for:
*taking us through two full weeks of treatments
*for Aaron not having lost any weight yet
*for Aaron being still being able to eat
*for being faithful
*for supplying our daily needs

Pray for:
*the sores on Aaron's tongue; that they would heal and the pain would subside
*protection in Aaron's mouth; that he wouldn't get any more sores or infections
*strength of spirit, mind, and body
*that Aaron would be able to swallow well enough, so he won't require a feeding tube
*protection of his teeth, gums, and salivary gland
*that the treatments are successful
*that God would be glorified and that we would learn all that He would have us learn in this trial

Thank you for your constant love, support, and prayers.

if you want me to

Friday, March 28, 2008

12 Down!

I just returned from the second "2-a-day" Friday, getting two more treatments down and the total up to 12 of 35! I know I am just starting and, as the movie line says, "You ain't seen bad yet but it's coming!"; but I am thankful to be a third of the way! I am beginning to experience some of the expected symptoms. Some of these are dry mouth, the loss of taste, the constant presence of a hot salty yukky taste, more difficulty with swallowing and talking, increasing inflammation and burn. I also have a little migraine problem that is probably unrelated to the treatments, but difficult to deal with since it affects my rest and I cannot take what seems to do best with it (things with aspirin in it). They told me today that if that continued next week, they would look into other remedies.

But that is just if you wish to know how to pray specifically, not to complain - I am still doing better than could be expected. In spite of eating becoming a longer process, I have not lost a pound yet either! So praise God for limited side effects so far!

I am continuing to be amazed with the genuine love, support and faithfulness in prayer of you! Your words, emails, cards, and other acts seem to be never ending and so kind. Thank you again!

Pray for God's direction and work in the "Cancer Supporters" fund and patient assistance services there at UAB. There are many who are not so blessed and covered with support - they need help. Pray God will use me and others to help them, and that God will bless them richly spiritually and physically through their struggles.

"Experience is the hardest because it gives the test before the lesson." John MacArthur

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Good Friday

We have finished the first week - 6 of 36 treatments down! The completion of each Friday will become great milestones for us as we go. The radiation has not become an impact yet, but the chemo impacts are peaking (as they predicted). Nausea and fatigue, and a very annoying metallic taste in a dry mouth, are frustrating, but I realize very minor really. We are very thankful that I have avoided vomitting and other extremes.
So thank God for this week that is done, and its minor impacts. Most of all, we should thank God for what this week represents - the work of Christ in suffering and passion, to totally conquer sin and death forever. That is the best "Friday" thought ever! And Sunday's hope is even better! We are so thankful for the living hope He has secured and provided for us!
Thank you for your constant prayerful love toward us. Because He lives we can face tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Underway

We've completed the first chemo and 2 of the 35 radiation treatments! So far, so good! Yesterday was long with lab work, then 4.5 hours of chemo IV infusion, then the first radiation treatment, and then Dr. Meredith "scoped" my throat for a visual "baseline" of the appearance of the tumor, (about 7.5 hours total). Today was much simpler and quick - just another radiation treament. The chemo I received is "Cisplatin" and came with about 2.7 liters (91 oz.) of fluid total, so bathroom trips were frequent! The radiation is IMRT type with about 7 different angles and various intensities. I also am on a "concomitant boost" program that adds radiation treatments in, so on Fridays I will receive two treatments, each at least 6 hours apart.
So far, I still feel well. I am thankful that the chemo has not caused me any nausea yet, but the week is young. The fatigue effect is creeping in, but expected. Next week the concern will be the lowering of my immune system, as the blood counts can drop significantly. So I have to be careful and pray to not get sick then.
We continue to be very blessed with the medical ministers we encounter at UAB. They are all so nice, professional and even ministering in their approach. I assume most in the cancer field of treatment must have somewhat of a calling to be there. The doctors, therapists, nurses, everyone is nice and patient to hear and answer all my (very many) questions. They seem to really care about each of their many patients in a personal way.
Although we know we cannot judge the long road ahead by this easy start, we find ourselves so thankful for so many things. If you wish, you can join us in thanking God for His mercy in the stage and type of cancer I have. There is much worse and UAB is a place to see it all. Thank Him for my having access to medical treatment for this, as most of the world today does not have this. Thank Him for my strong and loving family support - I am truly so blessed with the greatest immediate and extended family! Thank Him for our other friends that have been used so much of God to love us and pray for us. I have never felt so loved by the body of Christ. Pray for us to learn and then live out the purposes that God has for us in this. This stewardship is too valuable to be wasted. Pray that I might decrease and that He might increase in my testimony about this experience and His gospel. Pray that we would recognize the Divine opportunities He will place in our path through this to minister to others, as you have ministered to us. Pray for the grace and mercy to receive His provisions in faith, peace, strength, joy and hope. Pray that God will be glorified in all of this!
And you can pray for us in specifics. Pray that God would protect my body from the Chemo effects, especially my kidneys, immune system, fatigue and nausea. Pray that He would protect my body from the radiation, especially my swallowing, tongue, vocal chords, gums & teeth, salivary glands, spinal column, and other things in the radiation patterns. Pray that God would soon heal me from this completely, using the radiation and chemo, or any other means He choses for His greater glory.
"Thank you" is just not adequate to express how we feel toward all of you. Just as we have never felt so loved, we have never loved you more than now. We are deeply touched and moved by all your thoughts, calls, words, notes, acts of service, and the prayers! We are the most overwhelmed by "how great (literally "not from this world) a love has been bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God, and such we are."


"Jesus I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, and Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power, Thou hast made me whole."
Jean Sophia Pigott

Friday, March 7, 2008

Our Plan is in Place

We spent all day at UAB yesterday for more tests and consultations with the doctor and coordinators. It was productive and long (with over 5 tests and two meetings), and a mixed bag of information. I am in the C225 Clinical Study (for the adjunct targetted therapy of an additional drug), but did not get randomly selected to receive the drug. We can only trust that God did not have that in His plans for me, and He may be saving me from unknown negative impacts. The good thing is that being in the study gives us a personal study coordinator to help us through the whole process, and much more monitoring and testing along the way.
Dr. Meredith also told me that she had determined that the tumor is longer down the throat than it appeared before (I am a Stage 3), but that may be another confirmation on Gods' grace in redirecting us from surgery. She also said she thought the cancer cells in the center of the swollen lymph node were dead, and again reconfirmed that she did not see any evidence of cancer in any other lymph nodes. Praise God for that! (I will still get enough radiation to them for any micorscopic cancer present.)
I am also enrolled in the Swallowing Clinic, which is another beneficial service offered for their throat patients.
And they told me that they simply cannot get everything checked and ready for treatments to start next week. But March 17 is a sure start date. I will have my first chemo and first radiation treatment that day, and they will continue for 7 weeks.
I am still learning to totally trust God in all the details, as things change and information is always either an up or down. I simply must learn to stay fixed upon God and trust His providence and control of every detail and turn. It is becoming more and more experientially clear that this is going to be a marathon and not a dash.
I am preaching at my church this Sunday, and intend to cover some of the truths that have been such a strength and comfort in these times. Pray that I will be clear and true to God's Word, as this is always a sacred and serious trust and responsibility. This may a little more challenging than normal with my voice weakened and my emotions sensitive.
Again, we cannot begin to thank you enough for your constant prayers and kindnesses. We are constantly being touched and encouraged by God's love through you!

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it to glory." William Barclay

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Moving Forward in Peace

We did meet with two of UAB's cancer doctors on February 27, and they clearly recommended treatments over surgery. Dr. Meredith is the radiation oncologist, and Dr. Nabell is the medical oncologist, and they specialize in head and neck cancers. If I had surgery, I would still need 6 weeks of radiation. This way, I need 7 weeks of radiation with chemotherapy treatments three weeks apart. Debbie and I have such a peace and comfort about this now, with such concurrance from several doctors.
Most of all, we have been so encouraged and strengthened in our faith to see how God has worked to direct our steps in this direction and every detail. We were taken to such desperation and despair, and yet delivered in such a great way at our lowest point. We have learned not to depend on our own understanding, but to trust Him all the more.
Yesterday, we had the fitting and CT scan for my "mask" (more like a "hood") that holds me exactly in place for the treatments. Monday, we have an appointment with Dr. Nabell to prepare the chemotherapy plan. The details and machine programming usually take 8 to 10 days to set up before treatments can start. But they are pushing, and we hope treatments may commence March 11 or 12. The sooner the better now!
I am so thankful that Dr. Meredith has allowed me to proceed without forcing me to have a feeding tube surgically in place up front. Most do need one about midway through the treatments, but she has allowed me to try to make it without, (agreeing to accept a different type through the nose if needed). Please pray for grace here that I can push through the difficult swallowing and avoid that complication.
Thank you so much for your prayers and overwhelming demonstrations of love. Every contact, call, email and card is so precious to us. We are keeping every one to review later when it gets tough.
Nothing about my cancer or its serious prospects has changed, but we are so encouraged and strengthened by the recent experience. Please praise God for His great grace and mercy in our lives. Continue to pray that we will be found faithful to Him and strive (by receiving His timely and sufficient grace) to be appropriate stewards of this sacred trust.

"The true Christian reaction to suffering and sorrow is not the attitude of self-pity, fatalism or resentment; it is the spirit which takes life's difficulties as a God given opportunity, and regards its troubles as a sacred trust, and wears the thorns as a crown." James Stewart

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

A Change in Direction

The last few days have been hectic and anxious, but full of God's Providence. Last week we became convinced from much input that we had not properly considered the non-surgical options of treatment. So we met with the local Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Trupp, and managed to get a PET Scan scheduled for February 25. This past weekend was again blessed with time with our family and friends. Worship on Sunday was very special and the time of prayer for us with the body was overwhelming in love and encouragment. The prayers of all our friends and family are so precious and it is obvious God is using them.

We had the PET Scan yesterday, and the great folks at RMC went to much trouble to push through the results in the same day. We then met again with Dr. Trupp and reviewed the films. The great news is that the scan did not show any signs of cancer beyond what we knew to exist in my throat and the lymph node. AND, Dr Trupp was amazed that the lymph node did not indicate a high rate of metabolic activity as the cancer in my throat does. In fact, it appears to be "dead" tissue! Although it still needs to be addressed, we are so thankful that the cancer has not spread beyond where we knew and that the cancer has evidently been "stopped" in the lymph node. Please thank God for this!

However the scan does indicate that the cancer in my throat is significantly beyond my tonsil and is in the base of the tongue. Based on what we have read, Dr. Trupp's recommendations, and the very gracious and ongoing consultation of Dr. Free, this does indicate that surgery may not be the best option for treatment. It appears that radiation and chemotherapy is inevitable whether surgery is performed or not, and that the risks of complications and permanent damage to structures in the throat increase in this area.

We have been trying all morning to reach Dr. Magnuson's office to have him review the PET films and concur or consult with Dr. Trupp or the UAB oncologists. Things may change today, but it seems obvious that we cannot proceed with surgery tomorrow. There may be information contrary to the current indications, but the recent findings indicate that radiation and chemo may be the best course for us now. Please pray as we are going for further opinions from UAB oncologists.

We thank God that He has guided our steps and we trust that He will continue to be in every detail. Thank you so much for your obvious concern and prayers. You will never know how much you mean to us, or all the ways God is using you through your prayers.

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." (Ps. 143:8)

Monday, February 11, 2008

An Encouraging Word

We have been overwhelmed by the love and support of so many through phone calls, emails, and cards during the last few days. Thank you so much for your concern and, most of all, for your prayers.

Sunday was a very encouraging day for us. We enjoyed worship and a special time of prayer and Scripture reading with our precious church family at Grace Fellowship. We were so glad that Andrew & Sarah and Anna Lee & Locke were home for the week-end to be a part of that. :)

Aaron has been talking with other men who have had the same or similar situations. We have been very encouraged to hear of their stories and recoveries. We are learning what to expect with this surgery and the radiation that will probably follow. It will be a slow and painful process for sure, but we are thankful that this cancer is cureable.

We praise God for finding this cancer early on; for Dr. Magnuson and the team at UAB and our close proximity to them; for flexibility at the office; for the kindness of friends and family; for our church; for the prayers of the saints; and for the goodness and faithfulness of God!
We're still set for surgery on the 27th...so keep praying!
Psalm 121
In Him,
The Acker Family


Friday, February 8, 2008

What we know

On February 6th 2008, we discovered that Aaron has squamous cell carcinoma. It started in his right tonsil and has spread to his throat and to one lymph node. We have elected to have surgery for removal of these affected areas on February 27th. The surgery will be done at UAB and the cure rate for this type of cancer is 75%. Depending on the pathology report, further treatment may be necessary (radiation). Recovery will be painful, as it will involve removal of throat tissue.
We covet your prayers for Aaron, our family, and Dr. Magnuson as we prepare for surgery.
Although this has taken us by surprise, we know that it hasn't taken God by surprise. We don't know exactly what our future holds, but we do know who holds our future, and we are trusting Him. Please pray for us. We will keep you updated!

In Him,
The Acker Family