Thanks to everyone for all your support. As you can tell, it's working!
Showing posts with label support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label support. 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!
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!
Monday, April 27, 2009
We are glad you are here. Leave us a note!
Thank you for visiting our blog...
it has been heart warming to see
how many of you have been
“Keeping up with the Gray’s!”
We invite you to contribute
to our blog by leaving your
comments here. We would
enjoy hearing from you and
it would be a great source of
“good medicine” for us. We
would love to hear how you
are doing too!
Love to All,
Vicki, Joe, Benjamin & SallyAnn
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Long post, much love.
The following are just some of the replies I got from friends regarding Joe's (Dad's) news of pancreatic cancer. This amazing response reminds us all of the love and support that is out there lifting us up...
Aw, man! I'm so sorry! I will keep you and your family in our prayers. If there is anything [D.] or I could do for you, just let us know, we are here for ya. Hang in there! [M.]
Thank you for sharing this with me. I will certainly be lifting your Dad and your entire family up in prayer. Sounds like you have an awesome Dad. Go State! Take care, [A.]
Awh crap! I'm sorry to hear that, Ben. I hate cancer. It's the worse thing ever. I know so many people that have had to fight it ... I know it's not going to be an easy road for your dad or you. If I can help with anything, just ask (even if it is just watching your dog, that's cool with me). [C.]
[R.] and I were so sorry to hear about your dad. You can count on us for tons of prayer. God is mighty to save. We'll be praying that His best will be done in and around this entire situation. While sad to hear, your email was very heart-warming and even hilarious at times. As you know, I think all of us that lived with you in college and got to know Joe a little have always loved him. He's such a great guy! And it's awesome that he has you guys supporting him in this. Thanks so much for letting us know. And if there's ever anything you guys need, then please don't hesitate to let us know as well. I hope you have a great day! [B.]
I am really sorry to hear about your dad. If there is anything you or your family needs let me know. We will for sure be praying for you guys. If you want to ever get together for dinner or drinks let me know. [C.]
This is devastating news. I am truly sorry to hear about it. Please know how much love and respect my family and I have for you and yours. In times like these, it can be helpful to look toward others who have walked this path before you. There is no greater example of strength and fight in the face of pancreatic cancer than the one and only Patrick Swayze. If the guy who starred in such beloved films as "Black Dog" and "Roadhouse" can fight his way through this disease, then I'm certain Joe can as well. Hell, a year into treatment, Mr. Swayze just wrapped filming on a movie. That's what I call living life full time. I'm sure your dad's doctors are doing everything they can for him. [S.] suggested you guys look into any clinical trials for any new pancreatic cancer drugs, if the doc hasn't already suggested it. A list of them can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/d9yatj. She's just a communications flack for a pharmaceutical company, but these treatments are, in her words, "often the most aggressive, promising treatments." Her mother made a full recovery from breast cancer a few years ago in part through a trial like this. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do. All the best, [N.]
That is a bummer, but your attitude is right on and there's no doubt Joe will be fine. Thank you for letting me know so I pass on some positive thinking and prayer from Chicago. Hang in there, friend- [N.]
I know you ask for no pity, but as any such news is going to cause sadness, that's the emotion I feel now writing this. With a roaring applause though, I commend the positive approach you all are taking. I hope to offer any encouragement I can. Let me know how I can support you guys any way...if you want me to bring over a pot roast with a few homebrews, I'm on it. If you want someone to blow a wod of cash at craps table, i'm that dude. If ya just need someone to call, you know my number. I remember from running into you guys (and your dad) once at a KSU football game and ofcourse seeing him again at your wedding. He has a great personality and the demeanor to definitely take charge and fight this head on. You and your fam are in my prayers....Rock on! [R.]
Sorry to hear that your father is sick and of course I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!!!!! [A.]
I am sorry to hear this information. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Let me know if you need anything: drinks, dinner (we could use chopsticks) or just a chat. [K.]
I am sorry to hear about your dad. Hang in there, my family and I will be praying for you. [D.]
I am very sorry to hear about your father. Please know that [A.] and my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family. I know it's hard to believe, but you are not alone in this fight. All of your friends, [A.] and me included, are here to support you and your family in whatever capacity possible. Cancer has impacted [A.]'s and my family greatly; even as we "speak," both my dad and [A.]'s aunt are waging very courageous battles against the disease. We're here for you no matter what you need! Sincerely, [J. & A.]
I hope you had a good Easter, and that all is going well. My dad is doing pretty well, all things considered. Thanks for asking. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2004. He has been through several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries, and while it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, by the grace of God, treatment has been effective. You've got our thoughts and prayer, but please let us know if you need anything. [J.]
We are keeping your Dad in our prayers! We pray that the treatment does its job and that the side effects aren't too severe!! We hope you all have a blessed Easter! [N.]
D1 knows a guy who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer around June, 2008. He had chemo for a while after he was diagnosed. Then, around November, he had surgery at John Hopkins. Apparently, as my dad was describing, he is doing well. This guy was living in China before he was diagnosed. After his surgery, around January of this year, he moved back to China with his wife. My dad said he would be happy to get more specific info on this guy's doctor, and get it to Joe. He was telling me about it tonight when he got home from work. Keep me posted. If you guys are gone and need any help with your house, pets, etc....I'm all over it. hugs and kisses. [R.]
Aw, man! I'm so sorry! I will keep you and your family in our prayers. If there is anything [D.] or I could do for you, just let us know, we are here for ya. Hang in there! [M.]
Thank you for sharing this with me. I will certainly be lifting your Dad and your entire family up in prayer. Sounds like you have an awesome Dad. Go State! Take care, [A.]
Awh crap! I'm sorry to hear that, Ben. I hate cancer. It's the worse thing ever. I know so many people that have had to fight it ... I know it's not going to be an easy road for your dad or you. If I can help with anything, just ask (even if it is just watching your dog, that's cool with me). [C.]
[R.] and I were so sorry to hear about your dad. You can count on us for tons of prayer. God is mighty to save. We'll be praying that His best will be done in and around this entire situation. While sad to hear, your email was very heart-warming and even hilarious at times. As you know, I think all of us that lived with you in college and got to know Joe a little have always loved him. He's such a great guy! And it's awesome that he has you guys supporting him in this. Thanks so much for letting us know. And if there's ever anything you guys need, then please don't hesitate to let us know as well. I hope you have a great day! [B.]
I am really sorry to hear about your dad. If there is anything you or your family needs let me know. We will for sure be praying for you guys. If you want to ever get together for dinner or drinks let me know. [C.]
This is devastating news. I am truly sorry to hear about it. Please know how much love and respect my family and I have for you and yours. In times like these, it can be helpful to look toward others who have walked this path before you. There is no greater example of strength and fight in the face of pancreatic cancer than the one and only Patrick Swayze. If the guy who starred in such beloved films as "Black Dog" and "Roadhouse" can fight his way through this disease, then I'm certain Joe can as well. Hell, a year into treatment, Mr. Swayze just wrapped filming on a movie. That's what I call living life full time. I'm sure your dad's doctors are doing everything they can for him. [S.] suggested you guys look into any clinical trials for any new pancreatic cancer drugs, if the doc hasn't already suggested it. A list of them can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/d9yatj. She's just a communications flack for a pharmaceutical company, but these treatments are, in her words, "often the most aggressive, promising treatments." Her mother made a full recovery from breast cancer a few years ago in part through a trial like this. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do. All the best, [N.]
That is a bummer, but your attitude is right on and there's no doubt Joe will be fine. Thank you for letting me know so I pass on some positive thinking and prayer from Chicago. Hang in there, friend- [N.]
I know you ask for no pity, but as any such news is going to cause sadness, that's the emotion I feel now writing this. With a roaring applause though, I commend the positive approach you all are taking. I hope to offer any encouragement I can. Let me know how I can support you guys any way...if you want me to bring over a pot roast with a few homebrews, I'm on it. If you want someone to blow a wod of cash at craps table, i'm that dude. If ya just need someone to call, you know my number. I remember from running into you guys (and your dad) once at a KSU football game and ofcourse seeing him again at your wedding. He has a great personality and the demeanor to definitely take charge and fight this head on. You and your fam are in my prayers....Rock on! [R.]
Sorry to hear that your father is sick and of course I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!!!!! [A.]
I am sorry to hear this information. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Let me know if you need anything: drinks, dinner (we could use chopsticks) or just a chat. [K.]
I am sorry to hear about your dad. Hang in there, my family and I will be praying for you. [D.]
I am very sorry to hear about your father. Please know that [A.] and my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family. I know it's hard to believe, but you are not alone in this fight. All of your friends, [A.] and me included, are here to support you and your family in whatever capacity possible. Cancer has impacted [A.]'s and my family greatly; even as we "speak," both my dad and [A.]'s aunt are waging very courageous battles against the disease. We're here for you no matter what you need! Sincerely, [J. & A.]
I hope you had a good Easter, and that all is going well. My dad is doing pretty well, all things considered. Thanks for asking. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2004. He has been through several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries, and while it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, by the grace of God, treatment has been effective. You've got our thoughts and prayer, but please let us know if you need anything. [J.]
We are keeping your Dad in our prayers! We pray that the treatment does its job and that the side effects aren't too severe!! We hope you all have a blessed Easter! [N.]
D1 knows a guy who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer around June, 2008. He had chemo for a while after he was diagnosed. Then, around November, he had surgery at John Hopkins. Apparently, as my dad was describing, he is doing well. This guy was living in China before he was diagnosed. After his surgery, around January of this year, he moved back to China with his wife. My dad said he would be happy to get more specific info on this guy's doctor, and get it to Joe. He was telling me about it tonight when he got home from work. Keep me posted. If you guys are gone and need any help with your house, pets, etc....I'm all over it. hugs and kisses. [R.]
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