I realize I haven't blogged very much since I've been home. Part of this is a lack of a desire to really type anything that has been running through my head and part is that I've kept decently busy. I do think though that it is only likely to get busier from here on out. I've been keeping a darling 14 month old girl named Emma for the last couple of months and this coming week she goes to Montessori school. Later in February I will begin working full time for a new family. It will be the first time I consistently work 40 hours a week and I'm a bit anxious about that transition. I don't do nearly well enough keeping up with my responsibilities at home as it is and I'm about to have even less time. I did join a local singing group and I'm excited about that. It will definitely be a stretching experience musically and I know there is a LOT I have to learn, but I'm thrilled to be able to do it.

There is a rather big decision looming before me though that I'd really covet your prayers on. It's definitely something I never dreamed being a possibility and probably an opportunity that won't come up again. At the same time it's a huge step and would be insanely hard for me to do even with God's grace enabling me. If you think about me please pray for God's absolute crystal clear direction. Preferably in a handwritten note from God. ;) Just kidding. I am praying about this until February 14 and want to have absolute peace on whether or not I'm supposed to proceed. If it should become apparent this is God's will for me I will certainly be letting you know. :) (Mamma if you're reading this I promise to tell you about it next time I see you) God is good and He is always more than enough but sometimes it seems like He asks us awfully big things. Isn't this crazy thing we call life an adventure???

prayer request

Well as sibling number seven has fallen prey to the icky stomach virus that's been going around I am asking if you will please pray for me that I will stay well and healthy this week!! I'm doing lots of hand washing, lots of water, and hoping my immune system is as well as it can be with regular visits to the chiropractor and the other supplements and things I've been taking. Unfortunately sleep is not something I'm probably getting "enough" of so I'm hoping that doesn't become the chink in my armor. :( I should probably have picked up some colloidal silver today while I was at the health foods store but hindsight is 20/20 right??

Speaking of, I was there getting some pycnogenol which has been tested to see if it would be helpful with jet lag. I shall let you know how it turns out. :D I'm supposed to take it beginning two days before I leave up through five days afterwards, drink plenty of water, and it is supposed to somehow help the transition be easier on my body. We shall see! I'm personally counting on the fact I will be so absolutely exhausted by the time I climb on that plane that I'll have no trouble sleeping.

I'm so very sleepy today. Not really tired although I was definitely exhausted on Saturday night, but I've just wanted to sleep all day today and the brain doesn't want to focus. I'm sure the rain helped with that. Well instead of sitting here talking about the sleep I need I'm going to try to go through verses a time or two and then get some. I knew I would be tempted to sleep in tomorrow since I didn't have work and no appointments until the afternoon so I scheduled my haircut for 9:30. Now I HAVE to be up and dressed and out the door by then. :P

Pappaw & Granny

Donard’s pain was mostly under control shortly after Thanksgiving for a couple weeks but now appears to be stepping up another notch. While sleep has consumed about 18+ hours daily, he has been able to wake up for short periods during the day and for about 4 hours every evening to have supper and visit with us. This pattern will be interrupted for a week or so while his body adjusts to additional medication to meet the new pain level. Specific answers to prayer have been encouraging: Breathing treatments have proven to be helpful, and swallowing difficulties have lessened some, at least temporarily. God’s intervention in these areas definitely lowered our stress levels, for which we are especially grateful.

Please forgive an additional update here, but for those who know my mom, here is a bit of news about her. She had three seizures on December 12 and 13, but thankfully she was not alone and did not fall. Even though I was with her when the third seizure happened, she suffered a hairline fracture of her left arm (apparently because of her osteoporosis). A definite sign that she is on the mend is that she is beginning to want to get up and walk around again, keeping the caregivers on their toes. For anyone that wants to drop by The Hampton with a treat, she loves McDonald’s chocolate chip cookies. :)

Thank you for your many expressions of love and especially for your continued prayers for Donard and the family. Our prayer is that you will have a very blessed Christmas and New Year and that each of us will know and trust Jesus more every day. He alone is the reason for the season.

Rose Ann for the family

"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;

Great is Thy faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:21-23

Prayer update

Increasing pain has necessitated stronger meds and, as a result, increased sleep. Breathing problems and difficulty swallowing have recently compounded significantly. Please continue to pray for God's presence to be evident, for strength to finish the course, and for His perfect peace.

Rose Ann for the family

"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23

Please continue to pray

Pain control and other basic needs for Donard is now being managed at home. He is extremely weak, unable to walk, and on continuous oxygen supply. We are grateful for your continued prayers and are trusting God for wisdom, direction, strength, and peace for each day for Donard and for each family member.

Rose Ann for the family

"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23

October 9th update

It's a little late because we've been at Family Camp all week but here was the latest report.

On Tuesday, October 6, Donard was admitted to Conroe Regional Hospital because of fever and shortness of breath. After being diagnosed and treated for pneumonia, he was released on Thursday night and is home again with oxygen available 24/7. The coronary angiogram that was scheduled for today (Friday) had to be postponed. Progressing cancer in multiple areas remains the primary issue, and the resulting need for increasing pain control is a continual challenge. The decision this week to end his recent employment and focus on his health was difficult for Donard but non-optional.
Until we can relay our gratefulness personally, please know that your faithful prayers and many expressions of love and concern mean more than words can express.
　"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23

Donard continues to experience shortness of breath periodically and is scheduled for a coronary angiogram on Friday, October 9th, at 12:30 p.m. This will proceed if he is free of fever for 48 hours prior. Tylenol for pain and fever relief was eliminated early last week because of skyrocketing liver enzyme levels. He is now using the nighttime prescription pain med 24/7. This prescription will compound other problems, but our primary care physician is attempting to address those as well as the continuing anemia. Even with no Tylenol he seemed to be free of fever for several days but had a low-grade again tonight (Sunday). Donard has missed at least one day for each week on the new job but is determined to endure as long as possible and as long as the employer will tolerate his unpredictable health issues.

Prayers for my mother have been answered! She has recovered from her fall and is able to walk comfortably again.

We continue to be so grateful for your many expressions of love and for your faithful prayers.

Rose Ann for the family

latest Pappaw report

In spite of continuing health problems and resulting weaknesses, Donard began a new job on August 31 after being off work since February 6th. It didn’t seem possible that he even had the strength to make the long drive every day, but he did so and worked for 8 to 10 hours, then drove back home. He was both determined and successful, coming home early only one day the first week. The second week brought increased challenges in several areas of his health, but we saw God bring about miraculous answers to the prayers of those of you who have been so faithful to lift Him to our heavenly Father. On Friday evening (Sept. 11) Donard made the decision to go to the emergency room to get help, since his shortness of breath had reached a critical level. God spared us from hours of waiting, we saw a doctor within the first hour, he received the needed oxygen, and a diagnosis was made within a short time: shortness of breath was due to fluid in the lungs caused by failure of the heart to function efficiently. Donard was admitted at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands for treatment, and we are hoping he will be released on Sunday or at the latest Monday, September 14. We do not know what lies ahead, but nothing surprises God, and He is our refuge and strength.
　
For those who may be interested in other family members, here is a brief update:
My mother (Ruth Baker) had a fall about ten days ago that left her limping and very limited in movement. Surgery would be extremely difficult at her stage. Please pray for healing so she can continue to walk as she loves to do.
Misti and Wesley have a beautiful new baby daughter, Allison Rose Danson, born August 14, weighing 7 lbs. 14 oz. Misti had to return to the hospital a week later with high blood pressure problems, but we are grateful for each day’s progress toward recovery. Allison is a ray of sunshine for our whole family, and we are looking forward to showing her off.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
　
We are so grateful for your love and continued prayers.
Rose Ann for the family

July 17 update

On July 3rd we saw the oncologist for the report on Donard’s latest tests. All previous areas of cancer had grown since the former tests in November, and there is additional new growth in the lungs. Most discouraging was that cancer has reappeared where it had been removed in February (along with 2 vertebrae and part of a rib) during surgery to protect the spinal cord from disease in that area.

We were told that the recent cough is likely caused by increased disease, as well as the discomfort and pain in his back that we had blamed on slow recovery from surgery. The slight improvement in stamina was short-lived. After being up a couple hours, his back has reached its limit, and he goes back to bed to rest and sleep. The past year has been a long, discouraging exercise in futility to control pain and slow and/or conquer growth and spread of cancer. Donard has decided against further chemotherapy and plans to once again try non-traditional, natural therapies to continue his battle. Eleven years ago the surgeon gave a grim report after his first cancer surgery, but God had another plan. The future has always been and remains in the hands of the Master, and we know He will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf.

Rose Ann for the family.

June 10, 2009, 4 months post surgery

In spite of concerns that testing was beyond his limitations, Donard was able to complete follow-up tests on May 28th, and the surgeon reported that everything looked good from the surgery perspective. This gave him a green light with the insurance company to go back to work – if there is any available. He has not been strong enough to work before now but will give it a try beginning June 15. On June 3rd we learned that long-term disability was denied due to a glitch in timing of the surgery. It was a big disappointment but obviously not God’s plan. He has already been warned that he will likely be laid of after working two weeks.

In the medical arena, the doctors are now ready for him to resume chemo, but Donard is currently processing information and deciding if he is going to break away from mainstream treatments at MD Anderson and opt for an alternative. The last two chemo regimens left him very weak and with ongoing side effects that raise questions as to whether benefits of continuing such treatments outweigh the consequences. Surgery removed the immediate threat to his spinal cord, but there is still cancer in what remains of the rib that was partially removed, and there are also tumors in both lungs. Unless God chooses to heal miraculously, the battle is not over.

Getting the needed exercise to rebuild strength and stamina has been complicated by foot problems, back discomfort, and general, severe weakness. While Donard was specially blessed to be cough and sneeze-free for 3 months after surgery, that reprieve ended about a month ago with a relentless cough like Mendi and Misti and many others have had. After several nights with little or no sleep and a visit to the doctor, we discovered a combination of meds that helped him finally get some rest. A more recent complication is periodic extreme coughing spells laced with hard sneezes that give him no time to catch his breath and leave him exhausted. At four months post surgery, he has come a long way but is anxious to have more than one or two “good” days each week. Thankfully, today was one of those rare good days.

We are grateful for every expression of love and concern and for your continued prayers for wisdom, clear direction, and for the ability to see everything from God’s perspective. Needless to say, a miraculous healing would also be gladly welcomed.

"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23

Good news & bad news -- Pappaw update

Donard had tests on Monday and saw the oncologist for a report on Tuesday. We never give up hope for a good report, but the doctor was not surprised that there were more new spots in both lungs, and the original ones had grown larger in the period without chemo since last November. Also, the tissue around what remains of the rib that was removed has grown. His CEA (cancer indicator from blood work) was around 7 in November and is now 18.2, the highest ever.

It has been six weeks since surgery, and there is one drain tube remaining. The oncologist wants Donard to call when the last tube is removed and he is feeling better in order to schedule a new round of chemo, probably a repeat of a formula he had last fall. While the oncology report was not good, Donard's ability to be awake during the day is improving, and he is feeling better overall. We are grateful there are still absolutely no symptoms from the lung tumors, and as unbelievable as it sounds, pain from surgery has never been a major issue. Weaning off all the pain medication he has been on since December, however, is a very slow process. Physical therapy is planned to begin next week. When Donard is strong enough to return to work, the surgeon wanted him to begin with half-days at first, but Mustang does not want him to return until he can work full time. That may be another couple weeks.

Your prayers, cards, calls, visits, and e-mails have been a continual source of encouragement to all of us. Thank you so much for being an important part of the recovery process, and we are very grateful for your continued prayers.

Gratefully,
Rose Ann

Almost four weeks after surgery, Donard has done well according to the doctors, but some areas are yet to improve. He is not gaining strength, sleeps most of the time, and his back and legs tire in just minutes. Blood pressure extremes continue to be an issue, as well. Little to no pain is the good news, and he was able to eliminate the morphine about two weeks after surgery. Since slowly reducing and eliminating the steroid, we are hoping the swelling in his face and neck will subside. One drain tube was removed last Tuesday, leaving only two in place, and the collection bottles were reduced in size, which has made everything simpler. We are grateful for many demonstrations of love that have encouraged us through recent weeks and for prayers that continue to strengthen and sustain us.

Official update

Donard came home from the hospital Friday (Feb. 20) around 5:30 p.m. Micah (oldest grandson) spent the night here in case we needed him in the absence of an adjustable hospital bed or for any reason at all, but everything went well. Donard is very weak, and sleep consumes more time than being awake. Everything requires great effort, but we continue to be grateful for good pain control. For now we will concentrate on being content with baby steps of progress and attempting to discover a workable routine that keeps up with med schedules, drain tubes, wound care, bandage changes, and meals fitted somewhere among periods of rest, rest, and more rest. Thank you for every investment of time, expressions of concern, and especially for your faithful prayers. Being home four days ahead of schedule is just one of many evidences of God’s blessings.

With a grateful heart,

Rose Ann



"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Thy faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:21- 23

Pappaw is home!

I realized that I haven't yet updated now that my Pappaw has come home from the hospital! He is still doing very well considering the major 12 hour surgery and was able to come home in less than time than they thought he might. He is getting around the house a little bit with the help of a cane. Thank you so much for your prayers and please continue them as he still has 6-8 weeks of recovery at home.

Latest on Pappaw

From my Mamma today:

"The doctors seem to be surprised at how well Donard has done in only 4 days post surgery, and we give God all the glory! It is possible that he won't have to be in the hospital for the expected two weeks. Being in a significantly weakened condition for some time before surgery has made getting out of bed, sitting, and standing require even more effort than would have resulted from surgery alone. The smallest tasks are exhausting, resulting in extra sleep during the day as well as at night. We have to keep reassuring him that family members are there to assist when he needs help and not to visit. It is okay to sleep, and visiting can come when he is well again.
MD Anderson is strong on pain control, and for that we are very grateful. Donard has experienced no nausea and is in good spirits. Thank you so much for all your prayers and expressions of love!"

Pappaw's surgery

Pappaw's surgery begins around 7 AM tomorrow morning. Your prayers are greatly appreciated! I will try to keep updates posted on my facebook/twitter status as they are available.

surgery scheduled for my Pappaw

Here is the latest update from my grandmother about Pappaw.

February 1, 2009


Numerous complications have delayed updates, a downed computer being just one. Thanks to Micah’s efforts (our oldest grandson), we are back online again.

Donard is scheduled for surgery on February 10, 2009. The projected 8-hour surgery will involve removal of the 10th rib (right side) and one to three vertebrae.

A titanium cage with rods on each side held in place with screws will replace the vertebrae. The hospital stay is expected to be two weeks with additional rehab possible. A variety of neurological symptoms led doctors to the conclusion that this area must be addressed through surgery, since chemo had no positive results there and all other options are exhausted. Delaying surgery could ultimately result in paralysis. Disease in the lungs will continue to need treatment after surgery recovery.

Needless to say, we may be out-of-touch for a lengthy period of time. There may be opportunities to read e-mail, so please continue to send us your news. We may have little or no time to reply, but we will welcome any connection with the outside world. We are grateful for your notes of encouragement and for your prayers on our behalf.



“This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Thy faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:21-23

Pappaw

I don't probably ask for prayer often enough for my Pappaw. As some of you know things have been very rough for awhile now and it seems to be getting worse. This is the last update my grandmother wrote. Today was the appointment date and they were gone to the Dr most of the day I think. We really covet your prayers right now.

The tumor marker was down a little, but it appears from the CT scan that some areas in the lung are possibly slightly increased.

More importantly, the MRI revealed that the tumor surrounding the vertebrae has definitely progressed and is beginning to put pressure on the spinal cord. Some of what we have blamed on chemo side effects are likely symptoms of that pressure, and he is again experiencing some pain. The neurosurgeon ordered a steroid to hopefully reduce inflammation and reduce pain until after the holidays.

New tests are scheduled for January 9th to see what has happened since chemo was discontinued on Dec.19th. We have an appointment on Jan.12th to discuss pros and cons of surgery and other treatment options, though chemo options may be exhausted. We already know the surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord is very severe and life-altering and would leave the other areas of disease unaddressed. We are so grateful for continued prayers as we face decisions in the days ahead. In our weaknesses, He is our strength and the provider of every need:

• good counsel
• wisdom
• clear direction
• confirmation
• peace of mind
• that we would glorify the King of Kings in all things