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
Monday, May 18, 2009
Day 1
Today is Bryan's first day of Chemotherapy and Radiation. I came across this devotion, and it was perfect.
"The God of All Comfort."
God can bring you through situations you think you won't survie, or feel you'll be stuck in forever. He can make you comfortable in the most uncomfortable places, and igve you peace in the mdist of trauma. Before your life over you'll live, love and experience loss. Losing somethings will actually help you appreciate the things you still have. It's the taste of failure that makes success sweet. Yuo'll live each day not knowing what tomorrow holds, but confident that God has your tomorrows all planned out. They're not in the hands of your boss or your banker or your mate or anybody else. Nor are they in y our own hands to manipulate and control. No, all your tomorrows are in God's hands.
Just because you don't recognize the path you're on doesn't mean that God's not leadnig you. He promises, "I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and no forsake them." (Isa 42:16) So get to know God - you'll need Him. And He'll be there for you. He'll be tehre hwen everybody and everything else has failed you. He'll be there for you in the dark places. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Ps 30:5) However long the night, morning always comes and with it His joy. As you look back you'll realize that His grace protected you, provided for you, secured you, calmed you, comforted you and brought you through. Times and seasons change, but not God. He's always "the God of all comfort."
"The God of All Comfort."
God can bring you through situations you think you won't survie, or feel you'll be stuck in forever. He can make you comfortable in the most uncomfortable places, and igve you peace in the mdist of trauma. Before your life over you'll live, love and experience loss. Losing somethings will actually help you appreciate the things you still have. It's the taste of failure that makes success sweet. Yuo'll live each day not knowing what tomorrow holds, but confident that God has your tomorrows all planned out. They're not in the hands of your boss or your banker or your mate or anybody else. Nor are they in y our own hands to manipulate and control. No, all your tomorrows are in God's hands.
Just because you don't recognize the path you're on doesn't mean that God's not leadnig you. He promises, "I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and no forsake them." (Isa 42:16) So get to know God - you'll need Him. And He'll be there for you. He'll be tehre hwen everybody and everything else has failed you. He'll be there for you in the dark places. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Ps 30:5) However long the night, morning always comes and with it His joy. As you look back you'll realize that His grace protected you, provided for you, secured you, calmed you, comforted you and brought you through. Times and seasons change, but not God. He's always "the God of all comfort."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Today is our last weekend of living a "normal" life. In just 48 hours, Bryan will be getting his first round of Chemo & first round of Radiation. In just 48 hours, there will be no turning back. And so this weekend, we will live the life we know now to the fullest. Monday will come, whether we want it to or not, and then a new life will begin.
Bryan is recovering well from having his port placed Thursday. He is sore, but today got to take a shower and feels like a new man, I think! This afternoon we are going out to see my mom and Darrin in McFarland. (I'm hoping I'll get to sew some!)
Tomorrow, Bryan's brother Lee graduates from high school! There is lots of family in town, and we are looking forward to seeing them.
Bryan is recovering well from having his port placed Thursday. He is sore, but today got to take a shower and feels like a new man, I think! This afternoon we are going out to see my mom and Darrin in McFarland. (I'm hoping I'll get to sew some!)
Tomorrow, Bryan's brother Lee graduates from high school! There is lots of family in town, and we are looking forward to seeing them.
Yesterday we received an anonymous gift in the mail, and were blown away by the goodness of people's hearts. Whoever you are ... thank you. You will never know what you did for us yesterday.
"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." ~Christopher Reeve
Friday, May 15, 2009
Bryan's "Blue" Birthday!
Hi Family & Friends!
Yesterday, my darling husband turned 27! Though he spent most of his day either an Operating Room or Recovery, we were still able to celebrate one gigantic, 6'8" tall something: Him! :O)
As a lot of you already know, yesterday family, friends and total strangers dressed in Blue to celebrate Bryan, and to honor Colorectal Cancer Survivors! Pictures are still pouring in!! (And if you participated, please email your picture to me... chelsey.wenger@yahoo.com)
It is incredible to see this collection!
"Colorectal Cancer: Preventable. Treatable. Beatable." :O)
Paula-Beth in TX!
Val in TX!
Melissa and Liam! (wearing Bryan's favorite NFL Team's Jerseys - Go Patriots!)
Jenny in TX!
Heather in MO!
Glenna in MO!
My girls at work... "Kicking Colorectal Cancer's Ass!" hahaha
Ean in Phillipsburg!
Colette in Wichita!
Me with Keith at work. (His blue was just a coincidence - but it counts!)
Clayton & Candice at work!
Brie, Chad and their daughter J. (in Canada!)
Bryan's brother, Joey!
Our neices in FL, Kylie & Mikayla!
Jenn in Florida with our neices Kylie and Mikayla!
Kailey!
Erica!
My Dad, Todd!
Mom, Darrin & Samson!
We had to act silly!
My step-Dad Darrin with my mom Julie and Bry.
My step-dad Darrin with Bryan & Me.
Opening Birthday presents in Recovery!
My hero.
Yesterday, my darling husband turned 27! Though he spent most of his day either an Operating Room or Recovery, we were still able to celebrate one gigantic, 6'8" tall something: Him! :O)
As a lot of you already know, yesterday family, friends and total strangers dressed in Blue to celebrate Bryan, and to honor Colorectal Cancer Survivors! Pictures are still pouring in!! (And if you participated, please email your picture to me... chelsey.wenger@yahoo.com)
It is incredible to see this collection!
"Colorectal Cancer: Preventable. Treatable. Beatable." :O)
Paula-Beth in TX!
Val in TX!
Melissa and Liam! (wearing Bryan's favorite NFL Team's Jerseys - Go Patriots!)
Jenny in TX!
Heather in MO!
Glenna in MO!
My girls at work... "Kicking Colorectal Cancer's Ass!" hahaha
Ean in Phillipsburg!
Colette in Wichita!
Me with Keith at work. (His blue was just a coincidence - but it counts!)
Clayton & Candice at work!
Brie, Chad and their daughter J. (in Canada!)
Bryan's brother, Joey!
Our neices in FL, Kylie & Mikayla!
Jenn in Florida with our neices Kylie and Mikayla!
Kailey!
Erica!
My Dad, Todd!
Mom, Darrin & Samson!
We had to act silly!
My step-Dad Darrin with my mom Julie and Bry.
My step-dad Darrin with Bryan & Me.
Opening Birthday presents in Recovery!
My hero.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Today's Adventure at The Cancer Center
Yet another day, another doctor, another plan down in the books!
- There is a second mass, a nodule, something. Not even picked up by the CT or PET on Monday. It is on the opposite side of his rectum, felt by the surgeon today during an exam. Not sure what it is??
- Yes, surgery will be in September. (The first week.) It has to be 6-8 weeks after the Chemo and Radiation stops.
- Because the tumor is so low down, saving his rectum is going to be very difficult. Bryan is practically promised a colostomy. Whether or not it will be temporary or permanent won't be decided until the surgeons (yes, there will be more than one) are in there.
- So, how can you pray?? Please, I am begging you .... Pray that they are able to rebuild, and he will not need a colostomy. Being only 27, and needing a colostomy for the rest of your life .. it's life changing. It's something we can't even wrap our minds around right now. So, please, please, please pray against it!!
- And lastly, Bryan will be celebrating his birthday in the OR. His port will be placed tomorrow, at 3:00 pm. (CST.)
(I will be working 7:00-12:00, coming home to pick up my hubby and back to work we go, except this time we are patients.)
That's all we know today.... every day is a different day, but God is always near.
Love you all.
PS.. Don't forget to wear blue tomorrow to support Colo-Rectal Cancer Awareness and celebrate Bryan's birthday!!! Tell your friends! And send us pictures! chelsey.wenger@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The World Is Watching Now
Bryan's story has drawn attention from many - family, friends and complete strangers are praying all over the world for him. We simply cannot say "thank you" enough! The love and support we are getting, gives Bryan even more reason to fight, and beat this cancer.
As you are lifting us up to the Father, we are praying for all of you too! There are so many people out there suffering, worried, hurt, betrayed. We pray that at your times of sorrow or despair, you allow Jesus to hold you close.
We don't always have to know why - and we certainly don't have to understand. That's God's job! All we have to do is trust.
Blessings,
Bryan & Chelsey
(PS... Bryan's birthday is Thursday, the 14th! We are all wearing Blue in support of him! Join in if you'd like, and take a picture!)
As you are lifting us up to the Father, we are praying for all of you too! There are so many people out there suffering, worried, hurt, betrayed. We pray that at your times of sorrow or despair, you allow Jesus to hold you close.
We don't always have to know why - and we certainly don't have to understand. That's God's job! All we have to do is trust.
Blessings,
Bryan & Chelsey
(PS... Bryan's birthday is Thursday, the 14th! We are all wearing Blue in support of him! Join in if you'd like, and take a picture!)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Buckle Up!
Bryan's got a long week in store.
Last Friday, we went to KU Med in Kansas City. Remind us to never, ever step foot in that place again. (At least on the days when those people are working.) The ladies at the front desk of where we were, were very rude/inappropriate/mean/snotty. Like we didn't have enough to worry about, anyways! The doctor we saw was actually incredible. He was an infertility specialist, and while we have been trying to get pregnant for almost 3 years now, Cancer throws a.. "bump" in to our plan. Anyway, we won't go in to detail. Let's just say for an already heartbreaking situation, this appointment added salt to the wound.
Since we were in Kansas City, we decided to eat lunch at Cheeseburger In Paradise at Legends. It was a fun lunch date! We came back to Topeka, went to Lee's (Bryan's brother) track meet and went to visit my dad & family.
This weekend, of course, was Mother's Day Weekend! Our hearts and minds tried to stay as far away from Cancer as possible! Saturday we spent with my mom, which included our favorite meal of Taco Salad (with Dorothy Lynch!). Today after church, we went to the movies with Bryan's family.
It was truly a relaxing, enjoyable weekend filled with our loved ones!
This week will be a long, tough week. Monday we will meet with Dr. Greene, the Radiation Oncologist. This is to work on the "planning" for the Radiation. Bryan will have yet another CT/PET scan in the afternoon. Then Wednesday morning we are meeting with Dr. Perdue, the Surgeon. We are assuming sometime in the later part of the week is when Bryan will go in to have his Port placed. (We're praying not Thursday - that is his birthday!!)
For now, the plan is start Chemo & Radiation on Monday, May 18th.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. We'll update with any news.
Love,
Chelsey & Bryan
Last Friday, we went to KU Med in Kansas City. Remind us to never, ever step foot in that place again. (At least on the days when those people are working.) The ladies at the front desk of where we were, were very rude/inappropriate/mean/snotty. Like we didn't have enough to worry about, anyways! The doctor we saw was actually incredible. He was an infertility specialist, and while we have been trying to get pregnant for almost 3 years now, Cancer throws a.. "bump" in to our plan. Anyway, we won't go in to detail. Let's just say for an already heartbreaking situation, this appointment added salt to the wound.
Since we were in Kansas City, we decided to eat lunch at Cheeseburger In Paradise at Legends. It was a fun lunch date! We came back to Topeka, went to Lee's (Bryan's brother) track meet and went to visit my dad & family.
This weekend, of course, was Mother's Day Weekend! Our hearts and minds tried to stay as far away from Cancer as possible! Saturday we spent with my mom, which included our favorite meal of Taco Salad (with Dorothy Lynch!). Today after church, we went to the movies with Bryan's family.
It was truly a relaxing, enjoyable weekend filled with our loved ones!
This week will be a long, tough week. Monday we will meet with Dr. Greene, the Radiation Oncologist. This is to work on the "planning" for the Radiation. Bryan will have yet another CT/PET scan in the afternoon. Then Wednesday morning we are meeting with Dr. Perdue, the Surgeon. We are assuming sometime in the later part of the week is when Bryan will go in to have his Port placed. (We're praying not Thursday - that is his birthday!!)
For now, the plan is start Chemo & Radiation on Monday, May 18th.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. We'll update with any news.
Love,
Chelsey & Bryan
Thursday, May 7, 2009
He Heard Us!
Such a wonderful, yet terrifying day! We had another appointment at The Cancer Center today at 3:45. We didn't leave that building till 6:15!
Are you sitting down for this Praise Report? God has heard our prayers and the cries of our hearts! The cancer has not spread anywhere else in Bryan's body!! It was so wonderful to hear those words! Even in the midst of this nightmare, God is still in control! Thank you Jesus for this miracle in the storm!
We learned that the next several months will be long and hard, even scary. The cancer is being described as "large and ugly" and "aggressive." Bryan will begin Radiation and Chemo Therapy everyday for 6 weeks. This is in hopes to shrink the tumor. Then, we will have a 4-6 week break (during which we are going to Florida to see Bryan's Dad & all the family there!), and when we come back, he will have surgery.
As of right now, the surgery is a very unknown and scary thing. Surgeons just won't know what they are dealing with until they get in there. But we are starting now to pray for God's Guidance in the hands of those surgeons.
Tomorrow we are going to KU Med in KC to do some follow up testing and other miscellaneous stuff. Then, we are going to enjoy the last "stress free" weekend we'll have for a while! We're hoping to get outside, enjoy the weather, maybe take a trip to the zoo, and of course, Bryan wants to golf! :O)
Monday we will be at the Radiation Oncologist's Office most of the day (Dr. Greene) to start the planning for Radiation. Next week we will also meet with our surgeon (Dr. Perdue) and Bryan will more than likely get a portacath placed. (A port is a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which drugs can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a more typical "needle stick".)
Lastly, we are totally overwhelmed by the response already on this blog. People we don't even know are stopping by to let us know they are praying. Simply saying "Thank You" will never be enough.
We will update soon..
Bryan & Chelsey
PS... Anyone want to "makeover" our boring blog? We need to spice it up a bit!
Are you sitting down for this Praise Report? God has heard our prayers and the cries of our hearts! The cancer has not spread anywhere else in Bryan's body!! It was so wonderful to hear those words! Even in the midst of this nightmare, God is still in control! Thank you Jesus for this miracle in the storm!
We learned that the next several months will be long and hard, even scary. The cancer is being described as "large and ugly" and "aggressive." Bryan will begin Radiation and Chemo Therapy everyday for 6 weeks. This is in hopes to shrink the tumor. Then, we will have a 4-6 week break (during which we are going to Florida to see Bryan's Dad & all the family there!), and when we come back, he will have surgery.
As of right now, the surgery is a very unknown and scary thing. Surgeons just won't know what they are dealing with until they get in there. But we are starting now to pray for God's Guidance in the hands of those surgeons.
Tomorrow we are going to KU Med in KC to do some follow up testing and other miscellaneous stuff. Then, we are going to enjoy the last "stress free" weekend we'll have for a while! We're hoping to get outside, enjoy the weather, maybe take a trip to the zoo, and of course, Bryan wants to golf! :O)
Monday we will be at the Radiation Oncologist's Office most of the day (Dr. Greene) to start the planning for Radiation. Next week we will also meet with our surgeon (Dr. Perdue) and Bryan will more than likely get a portacath placed. (A port is a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which drugs can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a more typical "needle stick".)
Lastly, we are totally overwhelmed by the response already on this blog. People we don't even know are stopping by to let us know they are praying. Simply saying "Thank You" will never be enough.
We will update soon..
Bryan & Chelsey
PS... Anyone want to "makeover" our boring blog? We need to spice it up a bit!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Family & Friends,
With all that is changing in our lives, we wanted a way to be able to communicate with you all without spending hours upon hours on the telephone. We thought this would be the easiest way, because most have internet access, and for those who don't, someone could always pass it along.
I guess we should start at the beginning. Bryan has been sick for the last several months. On April 24th, Bryan was seen by a GI doctor for a colonoscopy, where they found a "large, ugly tumor." The doctor took a biopsy, but advised Bryan he should look for an oncologist.
On Monday, April 27th, we found out the biopsy was positive for "Invasive Moderately Differentiated Adenocarcinoma," sheets of malignant cancer cells infiltrating through the rectum's mucosa.
We met with our oncologist, Dr. Petrik, on Wednesday April 29th. We were there for over 3 hours. Bryan had a total exam, lab work, EKG (which came back normal) and then the doctor met with our whole family. He explained what the tumor looked like, the possibilities of the cancer spreading through the tissue wall or to the lymph nodes, treatment options, etc...
On Monday, May 4th, Bryan had a Virtual Colonoscopy (to explore the area of the colon not seen by the original idiot, er... doctor), a CT Scan and a PET scan. We won't know the results of those until Thursday, but they will tell us if the Cancer matasticized, spread to areas such as his lungs, etc..
Today, May 5th, he had a sonogram done. We found out that the cancer is in Stage III. We also learned that the cancer has spread (4 cm in to his muscle) and has likely spread to a nearby lymph node. They were unable to biopsy it, because they would have gone straight through the cancer. However the doctor went ahead and diagnosed it as such, feeling fairly certain that is what had happened.
We will meet with Dr. Petrik again (our oncologist) on Thursday at 3:45, to discuss when Chemo & Radiation will begin, any work through the latest news.
There is a saying I kept close to my heart during our Infertility Journey. "This may not be the journey we had hoped to have, but it is the journey we are on. We will embrace this journey, and pray that God will use us to minister to others." When you are 26 years old, Stage III Cancer is the furthest thing from your mind when you feel sick. Our entire lives have been turned upside down in the last two weeks. The only constant, is that Jesus is near. Though we are scared, frightened, angry, terrified.. God has been here! He is ALWAYS just a step ahead. He isn't leaving us.
And for always, that is all we need.
Thank you for your continued love, support and prayers. We know that God hears every single prayer, all around the world. He is here... He is listening...
Love,
Bryan & Chelsey
With all that is changing in our lives, we wanted a way to be able to communicate with you all without spending hours upon hours on the telephone. We thought this would be the easiest way, because most have internet access, and for those who don't, someone could always pass it along.
I guess we should start at the beginning. Bryan has been sick for the last several months. On April 24th, Bryan was seen by a GI doctor for a colonoscopy, where they found a "large, ugly tumor." The doctor took a biopsy, but advised Bryan he should look for an oncologist.
On Monday, April 27th, we found out the biopsy was positive for "Invasive Moderately Differentiated Adenocarcinoma," sheets of malignant cancer cells infiltrating through the rectum's mucosa.
We met with our oncologist, Dr. Petrik, on Wednesday April 29th. We were there for over 3 hours. Bryan had a total exam, lab work, EKG (which came back normal) and then the doctor met with our whole family. He explained what the tumor looked like, the possibilities of the cancer spreading through the tissue wall or to the lymph nodes, treatment options, etc...
On Monday, May 4th, Bryan had a Virtual Colonoscopy (to explore the area of the colon not seen by the original idiot, er... doctor), a CT Scan and a PET scan. We won't know the results of those until Thursday, but they will tell us if the Cancer matasticized, spread to areas such as his lungs, etc..
Today, May 5th, he had a sonogram done. We found out that the cancer is in Stage III. We also learned that the cancer has spread (4 cm in to his muscle) and has likely spread to a nearby lymph node. They were unable to biopsy it, because they would have gone straight through the cancer. However the doctor went ahead and diagnosed it as such, feeling fairly certain that is what had happened.
We will meet with Dr. Petrik again (our oncologist) on Thursday at 3:45, to discuss when Chemo & Radiation will begin, any work through the latest news.
There is a saying I kept close to my heart during our Infertility Journey. "This may not be the journey we had hoped to have, but it is the journey we are on. We will embrace this journey, and pray that God will use us to minister to others." When you are 26 years old, Stage III Cancer is the furthest thing from your mind when you feel sick. Our entire lives have been turned upside down in the last two weeks. The only constant, is that Jesus is near. Though we are scared, frightened, angry, terrified.. God has been here! He is ALWAYS just a step ahead. He isn't leaving us.
And for always, that is all we need.
Thank you for your continued love, support and prayers. We know that God hears every single prayer, all around the world. He is here... He is listening...
Love,
Bryan & Chelsey
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