Thanks to everyone for all your support. As you can tell, it's working!
Showing posts with label MD Anderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MD Anderson. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Quick update - good news!
Hello again! It's almost midnight and the crew (Joe, Vicki, Willow, Ben, SallyAnn and Milo) are back in Coffeyville and ready for bed. We had a good (long) day. Today we saw Dr. Abbruzzese to review Joe's tests. As it is late, I will give you the Readers Digest Abridged version: good news! There is no new cancer. The cancer spots in Joe's liver are greatly reduced and the cancer mass (tumor) on the head of his pancreas is smaller also. Even the doctor said he was impressed with how the cancer has reacted to the chemo treatments! We will give you more details soon, but for now we need to recoup! We made the 9ish hour drive immediately following the doctor appointment. We scaled 3 states today!
Monday, June 22, 2009
checking in
Today Joe underwent a CAT scan, blood tests and x-rays. Everything went really smoothly and we were actually ahead of schedule! Today was spend at the Mays Clinic, a building within the M.D. Anderson network. It was really nice - which is not surprising....everything and everyone we have met associated with M.D. Anderson has been great.
Tomorrow we will meet with Dr. Abbruzzese to go over the results of today's test and begin our journey home. We appreciate all of your prayers, thoughts and wishes. Keep 'em coming!
Tomorrow we will meet with Dr. Abbruzzese to go over the results of today's test and begin our journey home. We appreciate all of your prayers, thoughts and wishes. Keep 'em coming!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Hello from Houston
Hello from Houston! The Grays (Joe, Vicki, Willow, Ben, SallyAnn and Milo) are here! We arrived on Saturday night around 7:30. The drive was really pleasant - Texas is truly beautiful country. We stopped at a roadside stand and got some fresh peaches and blackberries. When we got to town, we checked in, let the doggies stretch their legs and headed to dinner at Pappadeaux'. Thanks for the recommendation, Kasey!
Today, Sunday, was our shopping day - the big reason why we came down to Texas early! We spent five hours at IKEA! Keep in mind that we drove one car....we are going to have to do some fancy packing to get everyone and everything home!
We had lunch at the IKEA cafeteria. Everyone enjoyed Swedish meatballs and yummy desserts. We need that break to refuel for the rest of our shopping excursion.
It is just after 6:00 now and we are resting our weary bodies before dinner. We have picked Pappasito's for Mexican food tonight. Mmmmmm!
Tomorrow, Joe has many tests at M.D. Anderson. Please pray for comfort and patience as it can be a long, arduous day. Tuesday we will meet with Joe's oncologist, Dr. Abbruzzese.
Thanks for checking in! We will be back with more updates and, of course, pictures - including a special Wildcat shout-out! Stay tuned...
Today, Sunday, was our shopping day - the big reason why we came down to Texas early! We spent five hours at IKEA! Keep in mind that we drove one car....we are going to have to do some fancy packing to get everyone and everything home!
We had lunch at the IKEA cafeteria. Everyone enjoyed Swedish meatballs and yummy desserts. We need that break to refuel for the rest of our shopping excursion.
It is just after 6:00 now and we are resting our weary bodies before dinner. We have picked Pappasito's for Mexican food tonight. Mmmmmm!
Tomorrow, Joe has many tests at M.D. Anderson. Please pray for comfort and patience as it can be a long, arduous day. Tuesday we will meet with Joe's oncologist, Dr. Abbruzzese.
Thanks for checking in! We will be back with more updates and, of course, pictures - including a special Wildcat shout-out! Stay tuned...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Three treatments down!
Last Thursday, May 14th, was Joe's third chemo treatment. Prior to this treatment, Joe discussed his chemo side-effects (headache, nausea and lethargy) with his doctor. The doctor added an anti-nausea medication to Joe's regiment to aid in combating this side effect. Joe was also given a few more tips to prepare his body for treatment, such as hypo-hydrating 24 hours before chemo. The new prescription and helpful tips seem to have help alot, as Joe tolerated this chemo treatment so much better! Treatment started at 10 am and Joe ate a meal of roast beef, mashed (masked?) potatoes and green beans while undergoing treatment. When he and Vicki returned home from the hospital, they were even able to enjoy a short walk together. What an improvement!
Joe has one more chemo treatment in Coffeyville on May 28th. On June 22nd and 23rd, he will return to M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston to evalute his progress. As always, we will keep you updated all along the way!
Memorial Day weekend will be here in just a couple short days and the Grays will be hitting the road, Jack! Ben, Sally and Milo will be traveling with Joe, Vicki and Willow to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the long weekend. We will be staying in the camper-trailer. This will be the first trip of the year for the trailer and we are ready to roll! The weather should be beautiful and Eureka Springs is sure to be an experience!
We hope you have a super, spectacular weekend! Stay safe and have fun!
Joe has one more chemo treatment in Coffeyville on May 28th. On June 22nd and 23rd, he will return to M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston to evalute his progress. As always, we will keep you updated all along the way!
Memorial Day weekend will be here in just a couple short days and the Grays will be hitting the road, Jack! Ben, Sally and Milo will be traveling with Joe, Vicki and Willow to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the long weekend. We will be staying in the camper-trailer. This will be the first trip of the year for the trailer and we are ready to roll! The weather should be beautiful and Eureka Springs is sure to be an experience!
We hope you have a super, spectacular weekend! Stay safe and have fun!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Weekend wrap-up
Ben and SallyAnn (and Milo) traveled down to Coffeyville this past weekend to spend time with Joe & Vicki (and Willow). Willow was so relieved Milo was able to make this trip!
Since Joe's chemo treatment was on Thursday (April 30), Joe wasn't feeling the best throughout the weekend. He didn't get a headache like the last time, but was suffering from nausea. Even though Joe wasn't feeling super, we still made the most of our time together by chatting, watching tv and movies and laughing at the silly dogs! SallyAnn filled the house with the delicious smell of homemade apple pie on Saturday. Due to the nausea, Joe wasn't able to enjoy the pie on Saturday, but has made up for it since!
Joe wasn't feeling well on Sunday morning, so Vicki, Ben and SallyAnn went to church and let Joe rest at home. Thankfully, they were given communition to take home for Joe. Everyone at church has been so kind and helpful. Vicki was able to chat with Kasey who battled breast cancer and has been an inspiration. Kasey has had some of the same experiences Joe has: visiting M.D. Anderson, chemo treatments and simply fighting the cancer with everything you've got. Kasey and her husband have been so great and we are blessed to have them in our court.
Thanks for checking in with us! Don't miss the slideshow below! (If you get email updates, you must visit the site to see these pictures.)
Since Joe's chemo treatment was on Thursday (April 30), Joe wasn't feeling the best throughout the weekend. He didn't get a headache like the last time, but was suffering from nausea. Even though Joe wasn't feeling super, we still made the most of our time together by chatting, watching tv and movies and laughing at the silly dogs! SallyAnn filled the house with the delicious smell of homemade apple pie on Saturday. Due to the nausea, Joe wasn't able to enjoy the pie on Saturday, but has made up for it since!
Joe wasn't feeling well on Sunday morning, so Vicki, Ben and SallyAnn went to church and let Joe rest at home. Thankfully, they were given communition to take home for Joe. Everyone at church has been so kind and helpful. Vicki was able to chat with Kasey who battled breast cancer and has been an inspiration. Kasey has had some of the same experiences Joe has: visiting M.D. Anderson, chemo treatments and simply fighting the cancer with everything you've got. Kasey and her husband have been so great and we are blessed to have them in our court.
Thanks for checking in with us! Don't miss the slideshow below! (If you get email updates, you must visit the site to see these pictures.)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Chemo - take two
Joe had his second chemotherapy treatment on Thursday, April 30, in Coffeyville, Kansas. This time, they were in at 10:00 am and out by 1:30 and Joe & Vicki had a room all to themselves! Another smooth appointment.
This was the second treatment of the four scheduled in Coffeyville. We have an appointment back at M.D. Anderson in Houston on June 22 to reevaluate. The same battery of tests will be performed to assess how the chemo treatments have effected the cancer. Keep those prayers coming!
This was the second treatment of the four scheduled in Coffeyville. We have an appointment back at M.D. Anderson in Houston on June 22 to reevaluate. The same battery of tests will be performed to assess how the chemo treatments have effected the cancer. Keep those prayers coming!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hello Houston
Joe & Vicki were in Houston, Texas from April 6th to April 10th, spending long days at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. SallyAnn, their daughter-in-law, joined them on April 8th.
Joe met with many doctors, including Dr. James Abbruzzese for tests, diagnosis and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The tests revealed a large tumor on the head of the pancreas and a spot of cancer on the liver. The tumor in the pancreas is pushing against an artery and vein. The pressure of the tumor is causing pain and discomfort for Joe in his stomach and back. This pain is how the cancer was initially discovered.
The course of treatment chosen by Joe and his doctors is a three-drug cocktail of chemotherapy. The goal of the chemo is to stop the cancer from spreading and reduce the size of the tumor. The first round of chemo will take place in Coffeyville with a follow-up at M.D. Anderson to see how the cancer is responding and to reevaluate the condition and treatment plans. The chemo sessions are expected to begin next week (around April 20th) and will last 8 - 10 weeks. We will keep you updated as appointments are scheduled and treatment begins.
An unexpected bump in the road was a troublesome PowerPort. This port was implanted in Coffeyville, Kansas on April 3rd, just below the skin near Joe's right shoulder in anticipation of chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, this port had to be removed at the M.D. Anderson Clinic on April 10th due to clotting. At this time, it is unclear if a pic line (peripherally inserted central catheter) will be installed in his left arm. We have been assured that chemo can be performed without a port or a pic.
Due to the blockage caused by the port, Joe is using blood thinning medication to help blood pass through his right arm and get the area back to normal. The blood thinner will also help with the squeezed artery and vein in his pancreas. Here's the kicker: this medication is administered by needle twice a day. By Vicki to Joe. I am so proud of Vicki for tackling this less-than-fun duty with ease!
Now, let's talk about some good stuff! The trip to Houston was not doom and gloom. We still laughed and managed to have some fun! The people at M.D. Anderson were great, the facility was beautiful, Houston was a nice town and we met some other patients along the way. Check out pictures from our trip here!
On Friday, our last day in Houston, Vicki and SallyAnn went to speak with Joe's nurse with a few questions. While on the 7th floor, we ran into a sweet girl we had met previously. We ha
d chatted with her briefly just the day before about her cool rosary bracelet. When we saw her on Friday, she approached us and gave us each a bracelet with a beautiful angel hanging delicately on it. She had made these bracelets and intended them for us. We were so moved! The chances of even seeing this girl again, after our first meeting, were so small. The hospital is huge and so many people are being treated there everyday. This was definitely a sign from God that angels were with us.
Joe met with many doctors, including Dr. James Abbruzzese for tests, diagnosis and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The tests revealed a large tumor on the head of the pancreas and a spot of cancer on the liver. The tumor in the pancreas is pushing against an artery and vein. The pressure of the tumor is causing pain and discomfort for Joe in his stomach and back. This pain is how the cancer was initially discovered.
The course of treatment chosen by Joe and his doctors is a three-drug cocktail of chemotherapy. The goal of the chemo is to stop the cancer from spreading and reduce the size of the tumor. The first round of chemo will take place in Coffeyville with a follow-up at M.D. Anderson to see how the cancer is responding and to reevaluate the condition and treatment plans. The chemo sessions are expected to begin next week (around April 20th) and will last 8 - 10 weeks. We will keep you updated as appointments are scheduled and treatment begins.
An unexpected bump in the road was a troublesome PowerPort. This port was implanted in Coffeyville, Kansas on April 3rd, just below the skin near Joe's right shoulder in anticipation of chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, this port had to be removed at the M.D. Anderson Clinic on April 10th due to clotting. At this time, it is unclear if a pic line (peripherally inserted central catheter) will be installed in his left arm. We have been assured that chemo can be performed without a port or a pic.
Due to the blockage caused by the port, Joe is using blood thinning medication to help blood pass through his right arm and get the area back to normal. The blood thinner will also help with the squeezed artery and vein in his pancreas. Here's the kicker: this medication is administered by needle twice a day. By Vicki to Joe. I am so proud of Vicki for tackling this less-than-fun duty with ease!
Now, let's talk about some good stuff! The trip to Houston was not doom and gloom. We still laughed and managed to have some fun! The people at M.D. Anderson were great, the facility was beautiful, Houston was a nice town and we met some other patients along the way. Check out pictures from our trip here!
On Friday, our last day in Houston, Vicki and SallyAnn went to speak with Joe's nurse with a few questions. While on the 7th floor, we ran into a sweet girl we had met previously. We ha
d chatted with her briefly just the day before about her cool rosary bracelet. When we saw her on Friday, she approached us and gave us each a bracelet with a beautiful angel hanging delicately on it. She had made these bracelets and intended them for us. We were so moved! The chances of even seeing this girl again, after our first meeting, were so small. The hospital is huge and so many people are being treated there everyday. This was definitely a sign from God that angels were with us.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Dr. James Abbruzzese
This is the guy you want in your court! Joe's oncologist at M.D. Anderson is the world renowned Dr. James Abbruzzese, who specializes in pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Abbruzzese is the Chairman of the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Abbruzzese is one of the world's foremost leaders in the clinical study and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Abbruzzese research is focused on the development of novel therapeutic agents for pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers. He is principal investigator of a phase I drug development grant from the National Cancer Institute and another grant to develop techniques to assess the impact of novel targeted therapeutic agents in cancer patients.
Dr. Abbruzzese has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and is the author of over 150 articles and book chapters and is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Pancreatology. He serves on the editorial board of a number of prestigious journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Clinical Cancer Research, and also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
He has also been named a National Thought Leader in the area of pancreatic cancer by BioMedical Insights, Inc. Dr. Abbruzzese is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Abbruzzese is the Chairman of the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Abbruzzese is one of the world's foremost leaders in the clinical study and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Abbruzzese research is focused on the development of novel therapeutic agents for pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers. He is principal investigator of a phase I drug development grant from the National Cancer Institute and another grant to develop techniques to assess the impact of novel targeted therapeutic agents in cancer patients.
Dr. Abbruzzese has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and is the author of over 150 articles and book chapters and is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Pancreatology. He serves on the editorial board of a number of prestigious journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Clinical Cancer Research, and also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
He has also been named a National Thought Leader in the area of pancreatic cancer by BioMedical Insights, Inc. Dr. Abbruzzese is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
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