In preperation of Bryan's surgery in September, we've made a CaringBridges page for family and friends to follow. We figure, it's a bit easier than a blog, and there shouldn't be any comment complications there.
If you are wanting to check on a miracle straight from God, head on over. Trust me.. it's worth it!
www.caringbridge.org/visit/afuturesurvivor
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
So ... What Happens Now?
Hi Everyone!
Sorry it has been a while since we've updated. Life goes on, I guess! Bryan finished his Chemo Therapy and Radiation June 26th. It was such a wonderful day walking in to the Cancer Center for the "last time" (okay.. for a while) and being done with Round One! Life has been so much more relaxing these last few weeks now that Bryan doesn't have a Chemo Pump holding him back. We've been having a busy summer, and are looking forward to our vacation to Florida next month to see family!
So, what happens now? We sit and wait. Bryan is a much more patient person than I. This sucks! Bryan will see Dr. Greene, his Radiation Oncologist on July 29th to see how Bryan's feeling, etc... Then, on August 14th, Bryan will have new CT and PET Scans done to see if he responded to treatment, and if so, how much! Regardless, Bryan's surgery is on schedule for the first week of September! (Right when we get back from Florida.) We are praying that the scans on the 14th will show a tiny little tumor, if anything at all! The 14th is on a Friday, so of course we will have to wait the entire weekend, before seeing Bryan's Oncologist, Dr. Petrik on Monday, the 17th to learn the results of the scan. I imagine at this appointment we will also discuss surgery, what happens after surgery, etc ...
So that's where we are. Hurry up and wait! Thank you so much for your continued love & support!
Bryan's port site. (The irriation is because Chemo leaked out of the needle the last two weeks and gave him a severe Chemical Burn.)
He's such a trooper letting me take pictures of him. :O) Inside the blue bag is the Chemo Pump, you can see the tubing that connected it to his port site.
Bryan with his pump.
Blessings,
Bryan & Chelsey
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Week Six!
Can you believe that this is the "final" week of Bryan's treatment?? These last six weeks have (thankfully) been the fastest six weeks ever. Bryan's last radiation treatment will be Thursday. They are going in at different angles this week, and at higher "doses". He will have his Chemo Pump taken off Friday, instead of Saturday! And then we are "done" with Step One!
He'll go back to meet with his oncologist on Monday, and they will schedule new scans and ultrasounds, hopefully next week, to see how he responded. When we know when those will be, we'll let you know!
I am so proud of Bryan and how well he's done during this phase of treatment! He's had a bad day here and there, and somedays been miserable, but he's done it! And he'll continue doing it!
Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!
He'll go back to meet with his oncologist on Monday, and they will schedule new scans and ultrasounds, hopefully next week, to see how he responded. When we know when those will be, we'll let you know!
I am so proud of Bryan and how well he's done during this phase of treatment! He's had a bad day here and there, and somedays been miserable, but he's done it! And he'll continue doing it!
Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
8 Days
It is hard to believe that in only 8 [business] days, the 6 weeks of Chemotherapy and Radiation will be over. It seems still like this journey is just beginning, and in a way, it is! We aren't quite sure what the plan is after treatment ends. We know at some point, they will do Repeat-Everythings to see if the cancer shrunk or spread, if Bryan responded or not, etc ... We're not sure when that will happen; That will probably be decided next week.
In the mean time, we just wait! (Which almost sounds harder than Chemo and Radiation.) We have lots to look forward to! Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary is TOMORROW! In July we will focus on the 4th of July and my birthday, on the 15th. Then in August we are flying to Florida to see Bryan's Dad and Family! As soon as we come back from Florida, is when Bryan's surgery will be.
Bryan is still doing great. Last week was rough, when nausea kicked in. Now he feel it every now and then, but his prescriptions seem to be helping. Today he is tired, but in great spirits otherwise, as always!
Well, we just wanted to update ya'll... we will write again soon.
Bryan and Chelsey
In the mean time, we just wait! (Which almost sounds harder than Chemo and Radiation.) We have lots to look forward to! Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary is TOMORROW! In July we will focus on the 4th of July and my birthday, on the 15th. Then in August we are flying to Florida to see Bryan's Dad and Family! As soon as we come back from Florida, is when Bryan's surgery will be.
Bryan is still doing great. Last week was rough, when nausea kicked in. Now he feel it every now and then, but his prescriptions seem to be helping. Today he is tired, but in great spirits otherwise, as always!
Well, we just wanted to update ya'll... we will write again soon.
Bryan and Chelsey
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Week 4
Hi Everyone,
Sorry for the lack of updates! We were so busy over the weekend, and what Blessings we received! My friend Melissa, from Massachussetes, came all the way to Kansas to take our pictures! She is an amazing photographer! (http://www.melissadecastro.com/) Anyway, she has been posting a couple of pictures a day, as she edits and perfects them. Here is a sneak peek... Shhh! Don't tell her I showed you! :O)
(sorry it's so small!)
Bryan started Week 4 of Chemotherapy and Radiation yesterday. Before we started treatment, Dr. Petrik explained to Bryan that he would probably begin to feel worse the longer his treatment lasted. And boy, was he right. This week has been miserable.
So far, Bryan's latest developments include:
Sorry for the lack of updates! We were so busy over the weekend, and what Blessings we received! My friend Melissa, from Massachussetes, came all the way to Kansas to take our pictures! She is an amazing photographer! (http://www.melissadecastro.com/) Anyway, she has been posting a couple of pictures a day, as she edits and perfects them. Here is a sneak peek... Shhh! Don't tell her I showed you! :O)
(sorry it's so small!)
Bryan started Week 4 of Chemotherapy and Radiation yesterday. Before we started treatment, Dr. Petrik explained to Bryan that he would probably begin to feel worse the longer his treatment lasted. And boy, was he right. This week has been miserable.
So far, Bryan's latest developments include:
- Pure exhaustion. He got about 9 hours of sleep last night, and this morning said he felt like he didn't even get 5 minutes last night. It has been said that the fatigue that Chemo causes is unbearable.
- He is complaining lately of "feeling weird." Today his head hurt.. along with the fatigue, it was not a fun day.
- There have been some dips in Bryan's temprature. (This can be caused by his White Blood Cell levels lowering.)
- His Vitamin D level came back way, way, way too low. So he is now taking 51,000 units of Vitamin D a week!
- He is bruising so easily, especially when they take his blood every Monday for his labs.
Every day has been different in this journey. Some days are really good, some days are really bad. But through out it all, we have each other. And really, who could ask for more?
Love,
Bryan & Chelsey
Friday, May 29, 2009
Week Two - Check!
Hi All,
Bryan's second week of Chemotherapy and Radiation is done! What an interesting week this has been. They increased the amount of Chemo that was being infused from 0.4 ml/hour to 1.0 ml/hour. They also gave him Normal Saline mixed in with the Chemo. Not sure if this was because his lytes were low, or just to keep him hydrated? We'll find out Monday.
He experienced some nausea on Tuesday, but that was the only day. Really, the biggest side effect is the fatigue. It knocks him off his feet. One minute, he's wide awake and 5 minutes later, he's passed out on the couch. I am glad he is able to get comfortable enough to sleep though. He needs the rest. He's still my hero - working everyday! Tuesday was the only day he didn't go to work, because of the nausea.
Tonight he pointed out that his nails are starting to turn color. Dr. Petrik said the Chemo could cause this. They are turning a light purple, almost like there is no blood in his fingertips. I told him I'd get out my purple glitter nail polish to make all his fingers and toes match.. hehe
During Week Two, the world lost a wonderful man, and a fellow Cancer Warrior. Carrie, a friend from work, lost her husband to Cancer on Tuesday. He was only 29 years old. Pat has given us even more reason to fight harder, and fight longer in finding the cure for Cancer. These boys are too young to be so sick, and no one should ever have to go through what Carrie is going through. Please keep this family in your prayers!
Many of you have asked how you can help us. Please know that your thoughts and prayers are more than enough, and we are humbled to be a peice of your hearts! But some of you have asked, "What else?" I am very excited that my friend Melissa will be coming to Kansas next weekend all the way from Boston to take our pictures! She is an amazing photographer, and you can check out her website: http://www.melissadecastrophotography.com/
Anyway, Melissa has set up a fund for us. Donations will go to purchasing prints of the awesome pictures she will be taking for ourselves, and family, and also any future medical bills, etc... PLEASE do not feel obligated at all. It is strange for me to even post this. But so many of you have asked, and so with a humble heart, this is the website: http://afuturesurvivor.chipin.com/bryan-and-chelsey-wenger
Thank you all so much for your encouragement, support, prayers and love.
Blessings,
Bryan and Chelsey
Bryan's second week of Chemotherapy and Radiation is done! What an interesting week this has been. They increased the amount of Chemo that was being infused from 0.4 ml/hour to 1.0 ml/hour. They also gave him Normal Saline mixed in with the Chemo. Not sure if this was because his lytes were low, or just to keep him hydrated? We'll find out Monday.
He experienced some nausea on Tuesday, but that was the only day. Really, the biggest side effect is the fatigue. It knocks him off his feet. One minute, he's wide awake and 5 minutes later, he's passed out on the couch. I am glad he is able to get comfortable enough to sleep though. He needs the rest. He's still my hero - working everyday! Tuesday was the only day he didn't go to work, because of the nausea.
Tonight he pointed out that his nails are starting to turn color. Dr. Petrik said the Chemo could cause this. They are turning a light purple, almost like there is no blood in his fingertips. I told him I'd get out my purple glitter nail polish to make all his fingers and toes match.. hehe
During Week Two, the world lost a wonderful man, and a fellow Cancer Warrior. Carrie, a friend from work, lost her husband to Cancer on Tuesday. He was only 29 years old. Pat has given us even more reason to fight harder, and fight longer in finding the cure for Cancer. These boys are too young to be so sick, and no one should ever have to go through what Carrie is going through. Please keep this family in your prayers!
Many of you have asked how you can help us. Please know that your thoughts and prayers are more than enough, and we are humbled to be a peice of your hearts! But some of you have asked, "What else?" I am very excited that my friend Melissa will be coming to Kansas next weekend all the way from Boston to take our pictures! She is an amazing photographer, and you can check out her website: http://www.melissadecastrophotography.com/
Anyway, Melissa has set up a fund for us. Donations will go to purchasing prints of the awesome pictures she will be taking for ourselves, and family, and also any future medical bills, etc... PLEASE do not feel obligated at all. It is strange for me to even post this. But so many of you have asked, and so with a humble heart, this is the website: http://afuturesurvivor.chipin.com/bryan-and-chelsey-wenger
Thank you all so much for your encouragement, support, prayers and love.
Blessings,
Bryan and Chelsey
Friday, May 22, 2009
1 Week Down, 5 Weeks To Go
Hi everybody,
Bryan's first week of Chemotherapy and Radiation is coming to an end. This morning was his last Radiation treatment till Tuesday. (They don't run on the weekends, or Holidays.) He says the Radiation is the easiest part. There isn't a thing to it! He goes in every morning at 8:10, lays there for 10-ish minutes, and is back in Lawrence and on his way to work by 9:00.
The Chemo on the other hand, is not our best friend. Monday he went in, and they set up his pump. I don't think we quite understand the extent of how he would be getting his Chemo. It is infused 24 hours a day, through a not so small pump he has to carry around. There is tubing that runs from the pump to the entrance of his port, and that is how the Chemo is infused. Every Saturday morning he has to go to "The Infusion Center" where they will unhook his pump, till Monday morning.
More than ever before, we long for Saturday's. Saturday = Freedom.
We had hoped we would have some time before the effects of the Chemo really kicked in. Unfortunately, by Monday afternoon, Bryan could feel the fatigue. Monday was bad, Tuesday was the worst. Bryan got home from work shortly after 5:00 that night, went straight to bed and didn't wake up till 7:00 the next morning. Wednesday he started developing the sores on his lips. (These may soon start to develop on the inside of his mouth, "mouth sores.") Yesterday was the first event he had to miss out on (My sister's 8th grade graduation), because he was too tired.
Today, however, he's feeling good. He woke up in a good mood this morning. (I think the extra long weekend coming up is helping with that mood!)
This week seemed like the longest week ever. And, we know each week will only get worse until that cancer is gone. Thank you for your continued love and prayers. The cards, pictures, gifts and prayers mean the world to us.
Blessings,
Bryan & Chelsey
Bryan's first week of Chemotherapy and Radiation is coming to an end. This morning was his last Radiation treatment till Tuesday. (They don't run on the weekends, or Holidays.) He says the Radiation is the easiest part. There isn't a thing to it! He goes in every morning at 8:10, lays there for 10-ish minutes, and is back in Lawrence and on his way to work by 9:00.
The Chemo on the other hand, is not our best friend. Monday he went in, and they set up his pump. I don't think we quite understand the extent of how he would be getting his Chemo. It is infused 24 hours a day, through a not so small pump he has to carry around. There is tubing that runs from the pump to the entrance of his port, and that is how the Chemo is infused. Every Saturday morning he has to go to "The Infusion Center" where they will unhook his pump, till Monday morning.
More than ever before, we long for Saturday's. Saturday = Freedom.
We had hoped we would have some time before the effects of the Chemo really kicked in. Unfortunately, by Monday afternoon, Bryan could feel the fatigue. Monday was bad, Tuesday was the worst. Bryan got home from work shortly after 5:00 that night, went straight to bed and didn't wake up till 7:00 the next morning. Wednesday he started developing the sores on his lips. (These may soon start to develop on the inside of his mouth, "mouth sores.") Yesterday was the first event he had to miss out on (My sister's 8th grade graduation), because he was too tired.
Today, however, he's feeling good. He woke up in a good mood this morning. (I think the extra long weekend coming up is helping with that mood!)
This week seemed like the longest week ever. And, we know each week will only get worse until that cancer is gone. Thank you for your continued love and prayers. The cards, pictures, gifts and prayers mean the world to us.
Blessings,
Bryan & Chelsey
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