What a great month this has been! Started chemo and it is going well, seeing some positives in blood test results. I've had three treatments, 3days every other week, and after the fourth we will take a CT scan and see how much damage we have done to the cancer.
Pam and I have had some visitors this month and it has been great. Treci, Pam's sister came for two weeks from California, and we had a good time. Our friend Tami from South Fla., now living in Greenville, S.C. came over for a day and it was great to see here and catchup. Kathy and Tom have come up twice and worked on our property and it is looking great. Their second trip was last Friday and Kelli came. My son-inlaw Ryan got a log splitter and he and Tom split up the six big oaks that were cut down, into firewood. We had a full crew on Saturday and we got a ton done. Ryan, Tom, Kathy, Kelli, Jackson, Trevor, Pam and me had an assembly line going transporting the split logs and stacking them. It's amazing how much can be accomplished when you have a full team.
John and Beverly came up from South Fla. and have been at the cabin in Ellijay. They got to come over twice to visit and it has been great to see them. Scott has gone up two weekends and has has helped John alot fixing up around the place. John has gotten alot done, he got the trees down that were starting to block that magnificent view.
Our last visitor for the month was our dear friend Teresa, who now live's in Bolivia and comes to Virginnia a couple of times a year to visit her married children and grand kids. It was so good to have her here, we had such a wonderful time. Pam and I hope to go visit her and Dick in February 09, that is summer there.
Pam and I are so blessed by our family and friends and pray everyday for them to be equally blessed. We are basking in God's grace at this time in our lives and know it.
This next week, Saturday, we will find out boy or girl on our 10th grandchild, Sophia's little
brother or sister. Pam still watches Sophia and what a blessing she is.
I pray this update finds all who read it well and full of hope and faith.
Love,
Virgil and Pam
P.S. Mi casa, su casa, our home is your home. We are always ready and look forward to family and friends coming.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
What's Been Happening...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
To our friends, family and visitors to the blog.
First, I want to apologize for going two months without updating. I don’t have a good excuse so I won’t make one, I will make every effort to do better in the future and try to recap the last two months without getting too windy.
We left the clinic last week of July and the plan was to take eight weeks off and take a ct scan at the end of that period. We would then return to the clinic with that info and attack the cancer with the new info. Our last two weeks were really a joy there because Jackson and Trevor flew out to be with us. What a joy they are. In the afternoon after the clinic we would go, some days, to a local spring, swim in the pool at the apartments, go to the movies, or play cards. They are so sweet and so easy to be with, Pam and I know how blessed we are to have them in our lives; Heather and Ryan are doing such a fine job raising them. It worked out great that the same time they needed to get back to get ready for school was when we were going home. We stopped in Houston stayed the night and went to the Johnson space center. Really neat, even though I’ve been on this earth during all the events presented there I admit my attention was obviously elsewhere because I learned so much I did not know about the program and events that took place. I know Pam and the boys enjoyed it too.
Once returning home it was a great reunion with our family, friends and church. There is no place like home. Admittedly once home the prospect of going back in eight weeks was not appealing to me, I was thinking about how great fall is, the weather the colors, the food and the family and friends, I was hoping when we took the ct scan we would see such improvement it would not be necessary.
A couple of weeks after being home I was experiencing some discomfort around my liver area, last time I felt that was in January and a ct scan showed slight bleeding from my liver was causing it. So we took a ct scan 6 weeks earlier than planed. It showed no bleeding but that some lesions on my liver had grown. My oncologist recommended a chemo regimen he felt could help slow it down or reverse it. We notified Dr. Reyes at the clinic by email, and faxed ct scan, of the situation They wanted us to come back then and begin treatment. We prayed, we talked and we didn’t feel led either way. Part of me was considering option three, don’t do either stay home and enjoy the days I have without the potential side effects of chemo. I went about four weeks considering those options, and not really feeling burdened by it, but I know it was hard on Pam. She loves me so much and needed to know our direction, despite those feelings she gave me room and total support while I procrastinated. As I went about enjoying family and life a couple of things started to develop, blood tests were showing my liver function declining and I started gaining back the weight Pam and Heather were so concerned I get back. Unfortunately it was fluids that my liver wasn’t processing. They call it edema, I believe. With these visual signs and feeling as before, that I’m not ready to go quietly, I decided to go with the chemo here. That way if we need to medically treat edema we would be here to do it. Also because the clinic treatments had built up my immune system I was in better shape to do it and we are here for fall, family and friends. I trust my oncologist, even though I may not always go with his plan, but I believe he offers me his best with my well being at heart.
Monday, a week ago, we had our 1st treatment, 5-hour IV drip then I wear a pump for the next 46 hours that pumps a continual flow of another chemo. Return on Wednesday and they remove pump. We will do this every other week for four times, 8weeks, and then take a ct scan. Tomorrow I go for my second round. Of the potential harsh side effects you could get I did not get from the 1st treatment, answered prayer. We are optimistic this is going to reverse this trend in my liver and look forward to me being skinny again. In the meantime we are having so a great time. Kathy and Tom have been up twice cutting down dead trees, clearing out underbrush, what worker bees. It has been so great visiting with them, our good friend from south Florida, Tammy Sickle has moved to Greenville, and has been over to visit twice, her and Pam really enjoy that, me too. Pam’s sister Treci is here right now, it is so great having her here.
If I was to live to 100 and had not had this experience of this last year I would never have known what love there is for us in our friends and family. It is not there because I have cancer, it has always been there, and because of the cancer I have heightened sense of awareness of it.
A few family updates since we have been home, Tish and Mike moved into their new home, very nice, Scott moved into his new town house, very nice, and I am impressed with Scott picking out all his colors, he did good. Ryan is coaching Trevor and Jackson’s football team; it is so much fun watching them play. As Michael Combs sings “I’m drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed”.
Thank you for your prayers. They are being answered everyday. Please pray for the patients healing at the clinic and blessings for the staff.
I will do better at keeping this updated!
Love, Virgil and Pam
To our friends, family and visitors to the blog.
First, I want to apologize for going two months without updating. I don’t have a good excuse so I won’t make one, I will make every effort to do better in the future and try to recap the last two months without getting too windy.
We left the clinic last week of July and the plan was to take eight weeks off and take a ct scan at the end of that period. We would then return to the clinic with that info and attack the cancer with the new info. Our last two weeks were really a joy there because Jackson and Trevor flew out to be with us. What a joy they are. In the afternoon after the clinic we would go, some days, to a local spring, swim in the pool at the apartments, go to the movies, or play cards. They are so sweet and so easy to be with, Pam and I know how blessed we are to have them in our lives; Heather and Ryan are doing such a fine job raising them. It worked out great that the same time they needed to get back to get ready for school was when we were going home. We stopped in Houston stayed the night and went to the Johnson space center. Really neat, even though I’ve been on this earth during all the events presented there I admit my attention was obviously elsewhere because I learned so much I did not know about the program and events that took place. I know Pam and the boys enjoyed it too.
Once returning home it was a great reunion with our family, friends and church. There is no place like home. Admittedly once home the prospect of going back in eight weeks was not appealing to me, I was thinking about how great fall is, the weather the colors, the food and the family and friends, I was hoping when we took the ct scan we would see such improvement it would not be necessary.
A couple of weeks after being home I was experiencing some discomfort around my liver area, last time I felt that was in January and a ct scan showed slight bleeding from my liver was causing it. So we took a ct scan 6 weeks earlier than planed. It showed no bleeding but that some lesions on my liver had grown. My oncologist recommended a chemo regimen he felt could help slow it down or reverse it. We notified Dr. Reyes at the clinic by email, and faxed ct scan, of the situation They wanted us to come back then and begin treatment. We prayed, we talked and we didn’t feel led either way. Part of me was considering option three, don’t do either stay home and enjoy the days I have without the potential side effects of chemo. I went about four weeks considering those options, and not really feeling burdened by it, but I know it was hard on Pam. She loves me so much and needed to know our direction, despite those feelings she gave me room and total support while I procrastinated. As I went about enjoying family and life a couple of things started to develop, blood tests were showing my liver function declining and I started gaining back the weight Pam and Heather were so concerned I get back. Unfortunately it was fluids that my liver wasn’t processing. They call it edema, I believe. With these visual signs and feeling as before, that I’m not ready to go quietly, I decided to go with the chemo here. That way if we need to medically treat edema we would be here to do it. Also because the clinic treatments had built up my immune system I was in better shape to do it and we are here for fall, family and friends. I trust my oncologist, even though I may not always go with his plan, but I believe he offers me his best with my well being at heart.
Monday, a week ago, we had our 1st treatment, 5-hour IV drip then I wear a pump for the next 46 hours that pumps a continual flow of another chemo. Return on Wednesday and they remove pump. We will do this every other week for four times, 8weeks, and then take a ct scan. Tomorrow I go for my second round. Of the potential harsh side effects you could get I did not get from the 1st treatment, answered prayer. We are optimistic this is going to reverse this trend in my liver and look forward to me being skinny again. In the meantime we are having so a great time. Kathy and Tom have been up twice cutting down dead trees, clearing out underbrush, what worker bees. It has been so great visiting with them, our good friend from south Florida, Tammy Sickle has moved to Greenville, and has been over to visit twice, her and Pam really enjoy that, me too. Pam’s sister Treci is here right now, it is so great having her here.
If I was to live to 100 and had not had this experience of this last year I would never have known what love there is for us in our friends and family. It is not there because I have cancer, it has always been there, and because of the cancer I have heightened sense of awareness of it.
A few family updates since we have been home, Tish and Mike moved into their new home, very nice, Scott moved into his new town house, very nice, and I am impressed with Scott picking out all his colors, he did good. Ryan is coaching Trevor and Jackson’s football team; it is so much fun watching them play. As Michael Combs sings “I’m drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed”.
Thank you for your prayers. They are being answered everyday. Please pray for the patients healing at the clinic and blessings for the staff.
I will do better at keeping this updated!
Love, Virgil and Pam
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Update!
Thursday, June 26
Received my 1st vaccine on Tuesday, shot into my liver, I can just visualize those cancer cells running for cover. Had a good week of treatment and looking forward to a good weekend. On Sunday we will meet after church at a restaurant to celebrate the Baptism of Murray and Bev a Canadian couple who received Christ while here at the clinic. Mike and Debbie Lane, Baptist missionaries to the Honduras, are coming this weekend for Mike to do the Baptism. Mike is a fellow cancer warrior and was here and a part of their rebirth and Murray and Bev had asked them if they could come and do their Baptism. Pam and I are looking forward to seeing them, they are a fun couple and we miss seeing them at the clinic. After being blessed with the opportunity to come to know them we know that they have been a real blessing for the last 10 years to the people they minister to in the Honduras. It's always amazes and humbles me what mere humans do, with their lives, out of faith in Jesus Christ.
Pam and I are looking forward to our friends Max and Norma coming Monday from Indiana for two weeks. Max and Norma went home about six weeks ago and were called by the clinic and asked to come back for two weeks for Max to take the vaccine. Max is 78, I
believe, I know this must be a lot for him and Norma, but they are real troopers and willing to do what they feel is necessary for Max's health. They will stay with us and it will be fun to have their fellowship.
Two of our grandkids will be arriving about the time Max and Norma are heading home. Trevor and Jackson are coming around July 11th, it will be their third time to fly, but 1st time without an adult. They are 9 and 7 I'll bet they're excited and a little nervous all at the same time. I know they'll do well and it will be fun to have them with us. There will be a lot of swimming going on to offset the 100 plus temperature every afternoon. There is a nice pool here at the apartments, a great lake, and yesterday Pam and I checked out a spring where the locals like to go we will frequent it I am sure. The boys are easy to entertain, they like outside and physical activity, we will just stay hydrated.
Another cancer warrior friend will also be back Monday for a tuneup, Gary Madden, aka mad-dog, for those who have followed the blog from the beginning you'll remember Gary as the architect of the dancing Virgil's and body builder images. Gary being a high school computer science teacher likes to keep his skills sharp by putting my head and other patients heads on interesting bodies. Gary is high energy and a lot of fun, the new patients don't have a clue what a treat they are in for next week, no extra charge, Gary will brighten their day. Too bad his wife Miriam can't come, they would love her too. She is a real sweetheart and a registered nurse and bilingual, born and raised in Peru. What a great help she was to Pam and I when we 1st came. None of the nurses speak English and Miriam would interpret as well as use her 30 plus years in nursing to instruct them to our benefit. During that time she stayed 6 weeks but had to reluctantly get back to her day job. All the patients at that time hated to see her go she was such an asset to everyone.
Those of you who know Pam will not be surprised at my next comment, Pam is also missed at the clinic when she is not there, she brightens people's day and constantly is looking to do for her new friends, I am truly blessed to be related to her.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayer's, please pray for the work the clinic is doing and for safe travel for the patients, their family and friends as they come and go.
God bless you and your families!
(I apologize for not posting things as quickly as Uncle Virgil sends them to me! I have been working summer camp since the beginning of June and have not had much time to be on the computer. I am leaving on Wed to go on a mission trip to Moldova. I will be gone for 11 days. My team and I would greatly appreciate your prayers as we work with students and adults in Moldova! Thanks! Love, Kelli Beth)
Received my 1st vaccine on Tuesday, shot into my liver, I can just visualize those cancer cells running for cover. Had a good week of treatment and looking forward to a good weekend. On Sunday we will meet after church at a restaurant to celebrate the Baptism of Murray and Bev a Canadian couple who received Christ while here at the clinic. Mike and Debbie Lane, Baptist missionaries to the Honduras, are coming this weekend for Mike to do the Baptism. Mike is a fellow cancer warrior and was here and a part of their rebirth and Murray and Bev had asked them if they could come and do their Baptism. Pam and I are looking forward to seeing them, they are a fun couple and we miss seeing them at the clinic. After being blessed with the opportunity to come to know them we know that they have been a real blessing for the last 10 years to the people they minister to in the Honduras. It's always amazes and humbles me what mere humans do, with their lives, out of faith in Jesus Christ.
Pam and I are looking forward to our friends Max and Norma coming Monday from Indiana for two weeks. Max and Norma went home about six weeks ago and were called by the clinic and asked to come back for two weeks for Max to take the vaccine. Max is 78, I
believe, I know this must be a lot for him and Norma, but they are real troopers and willing to do what they feel is necessary for Max's health. They will stay with us and it will be fun to have their fellowship.
Two of our grandkids will be arriving about the time Max and Norma are heading home. Trevor and Jackson are coming around July 11th, it will be their third time to fly, but 1st time without an adult. They are 9 and 7 I'll bet they're excited and a little nervous all at the same time. I know they'll do well and it will be fun to have them with us. There will be a lot of swimming going on to offset the 100 plus temperature every afternoon. There is a nice pool here at the apartments, a great lake, and yesterday Pam and I checked out a spring where the locals like to go we will frequent it I am sure. The boys are easy to entertain, they like outside and physical activity, we will just stay hydrated.
Another cancer warrior friend will also be back Monday for a tuneup, Gary Madden, aka mad-dog, for those who have followed the blog from the beginning you'll remember Gary as the architect of the dancing Virgil's and body builder images. Gary being a high school computer science teacher likes to keep his skills sharp by putting my head and other patients heads on interesting bodies. Gary is high energy and a lot of fun, the new patients don't have a clue what a treat they are in for next week, no extra charge, Gary will brighten their day. Too bad his wife Miriam can't come, they would love her too. She is a real sweetheart and a registered nurse and bilingual, born and raised in Peru. What a great help she was to Pam and I when we 1st came. None of the nurses speak English and Miriam would interpret as well as use her 30 plus years in nursing to instruct them to our benefit. During that time she stayed 6 weeks but had to reluctantly get back to her day job. All the patients at that time hated to see her go she was such an asset to everyone.
Those of you who know Pam will not be surprised at my next comment, Pam is also missed at the clinic when she is not there, she brightens people's day and constantly is looking to do for her new friends, I am truly blessed to be related to her.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayer's, please pray for the work the clinic is doing and for safe travel for the patients, their family and friends as they come and go.
God bless you and your families!
(I apologize for not posting things as quickly as Uncle Virgil sends them to me! I have been working summer camp since the beginning of June and have not had much time to be on the computer. I am leaving on Wed to go on a mission trip to Moldova. I will be gone for 11 days. My team and I would greatly appreciate your prayers as we work with students and adults in Moldova! Thanks! Love, Kelli Beth)
Friday, June 27, 2008
update!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
I've been slack in updating the blog recently and I do apologize. Pam and I were home for six weeks and we had a great time. It was so good to be with our family, friends, and church. We truly hated to leave. But answered prayers got us safely back to Del Rio, and a great welcome from clinic staff and patients made us feel good to be back attacking cancer.
Dr. Rogers has developed a vaccine he is using on some healthy cancer patients to fight the cancer. I'm told he will be making it from my blood and I'm looking forward to doing it along with the other treatments. I will let you know how it goes.
Once again thank you all for your prayers and support!
Virgil and Pam
I've been slack in updating the blog recently and I do apologize. Pam and I were home for six weeks and we had a great time. It was so good to be with our family, friends, and church. We truly hated to leave. But answered prayers got us safely back to Del Rio, and a great welcome from clinic staff and patients made us feel good to be back attacking cancer.
Dr. Rogers has developed a vaccine he is using on some healthy cancer patients to fight the cancer. I'm told he will be making it from my blood and I'm looking forward to doing it along with the other treatments. I will let you know how it goes.
Once again thank you all for your prayers and support!
Virgil and Pam
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Homeward Bound
Saturday, May 11
"God is good! When? All the the time!" As I am writing Pam is driving and we are just outside of Houston on our way "Home". We should get in Sunday afternoon in time to celebrate Mother's Day with the family. We are very excited!
We have a one month leave. Dr. Rogers wants me to take a CT scan in 14 days and come
back two weeks later and we will continue killing cancer and building up my immune system. Thanks to God's grace I am way ahead of where I was four month's ago when we came here! My energy is 100% better, my immune system is working as evidenced by my returning hair, normal nails, and renewed appetite, just to mention a few.
As glad as we are to get back home to family and friends we hated leaving our new friends at the clinic. We will keep them in prayer and check on their progress. We have met so many great people from so many places and so many different backgrounds what a great journey we are on.
Thanks again for your prayers and support!
Love Pam and Virgil
"God is good! When? All the the time!" As I am writing Pam is driving and we are just outside of Houston on our way "Home". We should get in Sunday afternoon in time to celebrate Mother's Day with the family. We are very excited!
We have a one month leave. Dr. Rogers wants me to take a CT scan in 14 days and come
back two weeks later and we will continue killing cancer and building up my immune system. Thanks to God's grace I am way ahead of where I was four month's ago when we came here! My energy is 100% better, my immune system is working as evidenced by my returning hair, normal nails, and renewed appetite, just to mention a few.
As glad as we are to get back home to family and friends we hated leaving our new friends at the clinic. We will keep them in prayer and check on their progress. We have met so many great people from so many places and so many different backgrounds what a great journey we are on.
Thanks again for your prayers and support!
Love Pam and Virgil
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Week 13
Sunday, April 27
Well it has been three weeks since we have returned from our "spring break", time sure goes quickly. My energy level has been the best I've had since starting chemo. The treatments are going well and we are meeting new people everyday. Like going to camp, you form new friendships and hate to see people leave, but you are happy for their progress and ability to return home, better than when they arrived. Our good new friends Max and Norma are returning to Indianna this Tuesday and we will miss them. They have been fun to be with, they are a very dear couple, Pam and I want to have thier spirit when we are approaching our 80's.
Dr. Reyes gave me a "Cancerend" shot to my liver on Wed. and Fri. and says the plan is to do this every other day for seven shots. I will then go home and take a CT scan one month later. If large tumor on my liver is 5cm (50% of it's biggest size) I'll stay home for three months and then return, if it isn't I will return then. We are cautious about making travel plans because we know how this can change, but Pam and I are hopefull and excited this will workout so we can catch Tish and grandkids program at church on May 18th. Their will also be some ball games left and Scott's move to his new place and the building of Mike and Tish's new home along with just being HOME. We are not complaining though, this has been a home away from home, with visit's from family and friend's and making many new friends.
Pam and I once again thankyou for your prayer's and support they truly are being answered everyday!
Love Pam and Virgil
Well it has been three weeks since we have returned from our "spring break", time sure goes quickly. My energy level has been the best I've had since starting chemo. The treatments are going well and we are meeting new people everyday. Like going to camp, you form new friendships and hate to see people leave, but you are happy for their progress and ability to return home, better than when they arrived. Our good new friends Max and Norma are returning to Indianna this Tuesday and we will miss them. They have been fun to be with, they are a very dear couple, Pam and I want to have thier spirit when we are approaching our 80's.
Dr. Reyes gave me a "Cancerend" shot to my liver on Wed. and Fri. and says the plan is to do this every other day for seven shots. I will then go home and take a CT scan one month later. If large tumor on my liver is 5cm (50% of it's biggest size) I'll stay home for three months and then return, if it isn't I will return then. We are cautious about making travel plans because we know how this can change, but Pam and I are hopefull and excited this will workout so we can catch Tish and grandkids program at church on May 18th. Their will also be some ball games left and Scott's move to his new place and the building of Mike and Tish's new home along with just being HOME. We are not complaining though, this has been a home away from home, with visit's from family and friend's and making many new friends.
Pam and I once again thankyou for your prayer's and support they truly are being answered everyday!
Love Pam and Virgil
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Answered Prayer Report!
We know that you have been praying for Pam and I from the very beginning of this journey back in September and want to let you know that God is answering those prayer's everyday. First with the peace he has given from the beginning to deal with the challenges along the way. Then with the direction on the course to take for the challenges and now with a good progress
report on our cancer fight.
We had asked Dr. Reyes if it would be all right for us to take 11 days and go to the Lowe family reunion and then be home for grand kids Spring Break. After consulting with Dr. Rogers she said it should fine. After 10 weeks of treatment, 58 IV's, 58 hyperthermias and 3 direct injections we were on our way home.
Pam found us good fares out of San Antonio so after treatment on Wednesday we drove there and and stayed the night to fly out Thursday morning. That evening our friends from the clinic Miriam and Gary Madden, the creator of the dancing Virgils, picked us up and took us out to a great mexican place for dinner in downtown San Antonio, we had a great time.
Thursday a.m. we headed home. Heather picked us up at the airport around 5pm and the reunion began. All our kids and grand kids met at Red Lobster in Cartersville for dinner, a place I had been day dreaming about, and I felt like a kid on Christmas morning there were just so many gifts sitting around that table, I was overwhelmed with God's grace. When I see our family around a table like that, interacting, sharing, teasing, and loving I know this family is a blessing from heaven God has given Pam and I and I am so gratefull.That feeling of being a kid at Christmas never stopped for the whole time I was at home!
When we finally returned home Pam and I were overwhelmed by the conditioned of our home after 21/2 months of being gone. Our good friend Linda had worked two long days cleaning the inside of our home, the wood floors did not shine that well when they were new. Our good friend Sandra came after work those two days and helped her. Scott had a lawn crew come out for two days and work on our yard, it looked great. Kathy and Tom came to town, Kathy detailed Pam's car and Tom resurfaced our road, among other things. Ryan and a customer of his tuned the boat up and had it ready if needed. What a wonderfull gift, out of love, we were given.
The reunion was great. It was great to visit with my many cousins and their children, mom, aunt Emily and uncle Donald. The Lowe's are such a good natured bunch and I am so proud of us as a family, and am reminded of it every time we get together and hope we can do it more often. I know we are making our ancestors proud.
With the grand kids being on spring break we were able to spend time together and we needed it, they are such a joy. On Sunday we were all in Church filling the pew again, my heart was twice it's normal size. It was so good to see our friends in our Sunday school class who have been so supportive and to be in church with all our friends and they could see how their prayers were paying off. What a blessing our church family is to us.
Heather, the "daughter" in charge of my medical destiny, had setup for me to take a CT scan while I was home. On Wednesday April 2nd 1st thing we took the scan. Dr. Kim, our radiologist, went over the results imediately afterwards. He started with "whatever they are doing is working". My largest tumor had gone from 10.22 cm to 8.77cm, smaller lesions had shrunk and some were no longer visible, the smallest lesions the same and stomach wall same. This was great news, on
Jan. 13th the CT scan had shown the large tumor had tripled in size in 5 weeks and had to be stopped or I would be. "Prayer Warriors" you are being heard, and our God can make the blind see, the lame walk and fill any of our needs and he does it through his children and things that he has put here on this earth for us, if we ask and listen for the answer.
Thank you again for all your, prayers, love and support, Pam and I are so blessed by our family, friends, and church.
The last eight months has been an incredible journey and as odd as this may sound a blessing. We have seen so much love and support given to us by friends and family that we are truly humbled. Caring effort by our doctors and staff in Cartersville and in Mexico what wonderfull gifts we've been given. Visits to Texas from friends and family, calls and cards from everyone. Talk about an opportunity to stop and "smell the roses" we have truly been given it.
I will close now, please know that Pam and I thank you for your love and support and that "GOD IS GOOD" when? " ALL THE TIME"!
LOVE,
PAM AND VIRGIL
report on our cancer fight.
We had asked Dr. Reyes if it would be all right for us to take 11 days and go to the Lowe family reunion and then be home for grand kids Spring Break. After consulting with Dr. Rogers she said it should fine. After 10 weeks of treatment, 58 IV's, 58 hyperthermias and 3 direct injections we were on our way home.
Pam found us good fares out of San Antonio so after treatment on Wednesday we drove there and and stayed the night to fly out Thursday morning. That evening our friends from the clinic Miriam and Gary Madden, the creator of the dancing Virgils, picked us up and took us out to a great mexican place for dinner in downtown San Antonio, we had a great time.
Thursday a.m. we headed home. Heather picked us up at the airport around 5pm and the reunion began. All our kids and grand kids met at Red Lobster in Cartersville for dinner, a place I had been day dreaming about, and I felt like a kid on Christmas morning there were just so many gifts sitting around that table, I was overwhelmed with God's grace. When I see our family around a table like that, interacting, sharing, teasing, and loving I know this family is a blessing from heaven God has given Pam and I and I am so gratefull.That feeling of being a kid at Christmas never stopped for the whole time I was at home!
When we finally returned home Pam and I were overwhelmed by the conditioned of our home after 21/2 months of being gone. Our good friend Linda had worked two long days cleaning the inside of our home, the wood floors did not shine that well when they were new. Our good friend Sandra came after work those two days and helped her. Scott had a lawn crew come out for two days and work on our yard, it looked great. Kathy and Tom came to town, Kathy detailed Pam's car and Tom resurfaced our road, among other things. Ryan and a customer of his tuned the boat up and had it ready if needed. What a wonderfull gift, out of love, we were given.
The reunion was great. It was great to visit with my many cousins and their children, mom, aunt Emily and uncle Donald. The Lowe's are such a good natured bunch and I am so proud of us as a family, and am reminded of it every time we get together and hope we can do it more often. I know we are making our ancestors proud.
With the grand kids being on spring break we were able to spend time together and we needed it, they are such a joy. On Sunday we were all in Church filling the pew again, my heart was twice it's normal size. It was so good to see our friends in our Sunday school class who have been so supportive and to be in church with all our friends and they could see how their prayers were paying off. What a blessing our church family is to us.
Heather, the "daughter" in charge of my medical destiny, had setup for me to take a CT scan while I was home. On Wednesday April 2nd 1st thing we took the scan. Dr. Kim, our radiologist, went over the results imediately afterwards. He started with "whatever they are doing is working". My largest tumor had gone from 10.22 cm to 8.77cm, smaller lesions had shrunk and some were no longer visible, the smallest lesions the same and stomach wall same. This was great news, on
Jan. 13th the CT scan had shown the large tumor had tripled in size in 5 weeks and had to be stopped or I would be. "Prayer Warriors" you are being heard, and our God can make the blind see, the lame walk and fill any of our needs and he does it through his children and things that he has put here on this earth for us, if we ask and listen for the answer.
Thank you again for all your, prayers, love and support, Pam and I are so blessed by our family, friends, and church.
The last eight months has been an incredible journey and as odd as this may sound a blessing. We have seen so much love and support given to us by friends and family that we are truly humbled. Caring effort by our doctors and staff in Cartersville and in Mexico what wonderfull gifts we've been given. Visits to Texas from friends and family, calls and cards from everyone. Talk about an opportunity to stop and "smell the roses" we have truly been given it.
I will close now, please know that Pam and I thank you for your love and support and that "GOD IS GOOD" when? " ALL THE TIME"!
LOVE,
PAM AND VIRGIL
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
How To...
Many readers of the blog would like to comment on what is going on "over the border." I've been meaning to post on this for a while and apologize for taking so long!
Here it goes...
1. Click on "COMMENT" at the end of the post.
2. Type your comment in the box
3. Next you have to select an identity. Choose "NAME/URL"
4. Type your name in the box
5. Publish your comment
Hope this helps!
Here it goes...
1. Click on "COMMENT" at the end of the post.
2. Type your comment in the box
3. Next you have to select an identity. Choose "NAME/URL"
4. Type your name in the box
5. Publish your comment
Hope this helps!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Things Are Getting In Order...
Sunday, March 16
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE,
WELL, WE STARTED IN OUR 8TH WEEK OF TREATMENT LAST FRIDAY. VIRGIL IS DOING SO GOOD. THIS LAST WEEK HAS BEEN THE BEST SO FAR. HE IS FEELING STRONGER AND IS FEELING BLESSED EACH AND EVERY DAY. AGAIN, GOD IS GOOD AND HE IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.
IT WAS SO GREAT WHILE MIKE,TISH, AND SOPHIA WERE HERE. WE HAD SOPHIA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY. OH MY GOSH IS SHE A DOLL BABY. SHE REMEMBERED US. SHE MELTS MY HEART AND HER PAPA'S HEART ALSO. WE GOT SOME CUTE PICTURES OF HER IN HER BIRTHDAY HAT AND EATING HER CAKE. I BELIEVE SHE ENJOYED IT.
MY SISTER, TRECI IS HERE WITH US UNTIL FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST. IT HAS BEEN SO WONDERFUL HAVING HER HERE. SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SEE WHAT ST.JOSEPH'S CLINIC IS ALL ABOUT. IT IS SO UNBELIEVABLE WHAT THEY DO. I JUST WISH THAT ALL OF YOU COULD SEE IT. THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY GREAT RESULTS HERE WITH THE PEOPLE WE HAVE BEEN WITH THESE PAST EIGHT WEEKS. WE ARE GIVING GOD ALL THE GLORY IN SENDING US HERE AND THE RESULTS.
DR. REYES, TOLD US, THAT NEXT WEEK THEY WILL DO A 3D ULTRA SOUND ON VIRGIL. IT IS A NEW PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THEY ARE GETTING ON WEDNESDAY. IT IS MORE ADVANCED THAN WHAT THEY ARE USING NOW. WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE THE FIRST AT THE CLINIC TO DO THIS. IT SHOULD SHOW MORE THAN THE ONE NOW. KEEP US IN YOU PRAYERS FOR GREAT RESULTS. BUT, WHATEVER THE RESULTS ARE....WE KNOW THAT VIRGIL IS DOING BETTER, AND IS FEELING BETTER AND IS LOOKING SO MUCH HEALTHIER. THANK YOU LORD FOR NEVER LEAVING US.
WE MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH AND CAN'T WAIT TO BE HOME, BUT WE ARE DOING WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSE TO DO FOR NOW AND THAT IS KILLING CANCER!!!!!!
WE HOPE THAT EVERYONE IS DOING GOOD. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT AND PRAYERS. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE ALL OF YOU IN OUR LIVES. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS....WE LOVE YOU ALL.
LOVE,
PAM AND VIRGIL
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE,
WELL, WE STARTED IN OUR 8TH WEEK OF TREATMENT LAST FRIDAY. VIRGIL IS DOING SO GOOD. THIS LAST WEEK HAS BEEN THE BEST SO FAR. HE IS FEELING STRONGER AND IS FEELING BLESSED EACH AND EVERY DAY. AGAIN, GOD IS GOOD AND HE IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.
IT WAS SO GREAT WHILE MIKE,TISH, AND SOPHIA WERE HERE. WE HAD SOPHIA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY. OH MY GOSH IS SHE A DOLL BABY. SHE REMEMBERED US. SHE MELTS MY HEART AND HER PAPA'S HEART ALSO. WE GOT SOME CUTE PICTURES OF HER IN HER BIRTHDAY HAT AND EATING HER CAKE. I BELIEVE SHE ENJOYED IT.
MY SISTER, TRECI IS HERE WITH US UNTIL FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST. IT HAS BEEN SO WONDERFUL HAVING HER HERE. SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SEE WHAT ST.JOSEPH'S CLINIC IS ALL ABOUT. IT IS SO UNBELIEVABLE WHAT THEY DO. I JUST WISH THAT ALL OF YOU COULD SEE IT. THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY GREAT RESULTS HERE WITH THE PEOPLE WE HAVE BEEN WITH THESE PAST EIGHT WEEKS. WE ARE GIVING GOD ALL THE GLORY IN SENDING US HERE AND THE RESULTS.
DR. REYES, TOLD US, THAT NEXT WEEK THEY WILL DO A 3D ULTRA SOUND ON VIRGIL. IT IS A NEW PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THEY ARE GETTING ON WEDNESDAY. IT IS MORE ADVANCED THAN WHAT THEY ARE USING NOW. WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE THE FIRST AT THE CLINIC TO DO THIS. IT SHOULD SHOW MORE THAN THE ONE NOW. KEEP US IN YOU PRAYERS FOR GREAT RESULTS. BUT, WHATEVER THE RESULTS ARE....WE KNOW THAT VIRGIL IS DOING BETTER, AND IS FEELING BETTER AND IS LOOKING SO MUCH HEALTHIER. THANK YOU LORD FOR NEVER LEAVING US.
WE MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH AND CAN'T WAIT TO BE HOME, BUT WE ARE DOING WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSE TO DO FOR NOW AND THAT IS KILLING CANCER!!!!!!
WE HOPE THAT EVERYONE IS DOING GOOD. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT AND PRAYERS. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE ALL OF YOU IN OUR LIVES. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS....WE LOVE YOU ALL.
LOVE,
PAM AND VIRGIL
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What's Going On Over the Border...
Tuesday, March 4
DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,
I HOPE THAT EVERYONE IS DOING GREAT AND HAVING A GREAT WEEK! WE ARE HALF WAY THROUGH OUR 6TH WEEK. TIME HAS FLOWN ON THE ONE HAND AND THEN ON THE OTHER, IT SEEMS LIKE A LIFE TIME AGO SINCE WE WERE HOME. WE MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH.
VIRGIL IS DOING VERY GOOD. YESTERDAY, HE SAID IT WAS THE CLOSEST TO FEELING NORMAL THAT HE HAS FELT IN MONTHS. WHAT A WONDERFUL THING TO HEAR FROM HIS LIPS.
TODAY, THEY GAVE HIM ANOTHER PROCRIT SHOT TO BRING UP HIS RED BLOOD CELLS. AND ALSO ANOTHER VITAMIN K SHOT.
THE ULTRA SOUND STILL LOOKS GOOD. WE ARE VERY ENCOURAGED EACH DAY. WE ARE THINKING OF GOING TO THE ONOCOLOGIST IN DEL RIO JUST TO HAVE HIM MONITERED ON A MORE UP TO DATE ULTRA SOUND AND POSSIBLE CT SCAN. WE'LL SEE AND LET YOU KNOW.
VIRGILS DESIRE FOR FOOD ISNT WHAT IT USE TO BE, BUT HE EATS WHAT HE NEEDS TO. THE DOCTOR HAD TOLD US THAT THE BODY WORKS THAT WAY WHEN THERE IS CANCER PRESENT. I EXPECT THAT IT IS GOING TO GET BETTER EACH WEEK AS HE IS ALSO.
BIG NEWS OF THE WEEK......VIRGIL GOT HIS FIRST HAIRCUT IN 6 MONTHS. NOW DONT GET TO EXCITED,THE FUZZ ON HIS NECK NEEDED TO BE SHAPED UP. AND GUESS WHAT????? THE HAIR ON HIS EARS IS BACK. WOW ...LIFE IS SO GOOD.
ON FRIDAY MORNING, I WILL BE PICKING UP MICHAEL, TISH AND SOPHIA UP AT THE AIRPORT. THEY WILL BE HERE UNTIL MONDAY AFTERNOON. I CANT WAIT TO JUST HOLD SOPHIA AND EAT HER UP. (DONT TELL HER BUT I AM GOING TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR HER 1ST BIRTHDAY SINCE I DONT THINK THAT WE WILL BE HOME BY THE 26TH OF MARCH, WHICH IS HER BIRTHDAY) THIS WAY WE WONT BE MISSING HER FIRST PARTY, EVERYONE ELSE WILL BE.
MY SISTER, TRECI WILL ALSO BE ATTENDING HER PARTY BECAUSE SHE IS ALSO COMING IN ON FRIDAY IN THE EVENING. IT IS GOING TO BE SO GREAT.
IF THE REST OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME, WELL, JUST COME ON.
WELL, THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS AND LOVE. WE ARE SO BLESSED IN EVERY WAY AND EACH AND EVERYDAY BRINGS ANOTHER BLESSING.
PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE DOING GOOD AND CANT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY I WRITE TO TELL YOU WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME.
OUR LOVE TO ALL OF YOU AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU IN EVERY WAY...BECAUSE GOD IS GOOD ! WHEN? ALL OF THE TIME.
LOVE, VIRGIL AND PAM
DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,
I HOPE THAT EVERYONE IS DOING GREAT AND HAVING A GREAT WEEK! WE ARE HALF WAY THROUGH OUR 6TH WEEK. TIME HAS FLOWN ON THE ONE HAND AND THEN ON THE OTHER, IT SEEMS LIKE A LIFE TIME AGO SINCE WE WERE HOME. WE MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH.
VIRGIL IS DOING VERY GOOD. YESTERDAY, HE SAID IT WAS THE CLOSEST TO FEELING NORMAL THAT HE HAS FELT IN MONTHS. WHAT A WONDERFUL THING TO HEAR FROM HIS LIPS.
TODAY, THEY GAVE HIM ANOTHER PROCRIT SHOT TO BRING UP HIS RED BLOOD CELLS. AND ALSO ANOTHER VITAMIN K SHOT.
THE ULTRA SOUND STILL LOOKS GOOD. WE ARE VERY ENCOURAGED EACH DAY. WE ARE THINKING OF GOING TO THE ONOCOLOGIST IN DEL RIO JUST TO HAVE HIM MONITERED ON A MORE UP TO DATE ULTRA SOUND AND POSSIBLE CT SCAN. WE'LL SEE AND LET YOU KNOW.
VIRGILS DESIRE FOR FOOD ISNT WHAT IT USE TO BE, BUT HE EATS WHAT HE NEEDS TO. THE DOCTOR HAD TOLD US THAT THE BODY WORKS THAT WAY WHEN THERE IS CANCER PRESENT. I EXPECT THAT IT IS GOING TO GET BETTER EACH WEEK AS HE IS ALSO.
BIG NEWS OF THE WEEK......VIRGIL GOT HIS FIRST HAIRCUT IN 6 MONTHS. NOW DONT GET TO EXCITED,THE FUZZ ON HIS NECK NEEDED TO BE SHAPED UP. AND GUESS WHAT????? THE HAIR ON HIS EARS IS BACK. WOW ...LIFE IS SO GOOD.
ON FRIDAY MORNING, I WILL BE PICKING UP MICHAEL, TISH AND SOPHIA UP AT THE AIRPORT. THEY WILL BE HERE UNTIL MONDAY AFTERNOON. I CANT WAIT TO JUST HOLD SOPHIA AND EAT HER UP. (DONT TELL HER BUT I AM GOING TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR HER 1ST BIRTHDAY SINCE I DONT THINK THAT WE WILL BE HOME BY THE 26TH OF MARCH, WHICH IS HER BIRTHDAY) THIS WAY WE WONT BE MISSING HER FIRST PARTY, EVERYONE ELSE WILL BE.
MY SISTER, TRECI WILL ALSO BE ATTENDING HER PARTY BECAUSE SHE IS ALSO COMING IN ON FRIDAY IN THE EVENING. IT IS GOING TO BE SO GREAT.
IF THE REST OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME, WELL, JUST COME ON.
WELL, THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS AND LOVE. WE ARE SO BLESSED IN EVERY WAY AND EACH AND EVERYDAY BRINGS ANOTHER BLESSING.
PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE DOING GOOD AND CANT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY I WRITE TO TELL YOU WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME.
OUR LOVE TO ALL OF YOU AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU IN EVERY WAY...BECAUSE GOD IS GOOD ! WHEN? ALL OF THE TIME.
LOVE, VIRGIL AND PAM
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Great News!
Sunday, February 24
DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,
WELL , ON FRIDAY WE STARTED OUR FIFTH WEEK OF TREATMENT. VIRGIL HAS COMPLETED THE HALF WAY MARK. AS OF NOW DR. ROGERS WANTS HIM TO COMPLETE 8 WEEKS OF TREATMENT. THE TREATMENT HAS DONE EVERYTHING AND MORE THAN WHAT THEY EXPECTED.
AS OF LAST WEEK, THE LARGE TUMOR, THAT DR. REYES INJECTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, CANNOT BE SEEN ON THEIR ULTRASOUND. EVERYONE AT THE CLINIC IS ABOUT TO JUMP OUT OF THEIR SKIN. THIS IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THEY EVER EXPECTED IN THE SHORT TIME THAT VIRGIL HAS BEEN HERE. THE CANCER IS SHRINKING. THIS, WE KNOW IS FROM YOUR PRAYERS TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER TO TAKE CARE OF MY VIRGIL. GOD IS SO GOOD...... WHEN? ALL THE TIME!!!! WE KNOW THAT VIRGIL IS GOING TO BE HEALED. WE WILL STAND BY THAT UNTIL THAT DAY AND WHEN THAT DAY ARRIVES, WE WILL SHOUT IT TO ALL. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US IN DOING THAT.
VIRGIL IS GETTING STRONGER EACH WEEK. IT IS A GOOD THING THAT HE IS A PATIENT MAN. BUT BEFORE WE ALL KNOW IT, HIS STRENGTH WILL BE BETTER THAN EVER.
WE HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED WITH COMPANY. STEVE AND KAREN JUST LEFT THIS MORNING. THEY SPENT A WEEK WITH US AND WE SURE DID ENJOY IT. THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE WERE THE CLINIC IS IN MEXICO. WE WOULD TAKE TURNS RIDING THE BUS WITH VIRGIL OR WALKING OVER THE BRIDGE AND CROSSING THE BORDER BY FOOT. TOTAL OF 1 1/2 MILES EACH WAY. THE LAST 3 DAYS, AFTER VIRGILS TREATMENT, WE ALL WALKED BACK OVER THE BORDER. THAT WAS A GREAT THING FOR VIRGIL TO DO.
THIS MORNING, MIKE SAID THAT HE AND SOPHIA MIGHT BE COMING THIS WEEKEND TO VISIT. THAT WILL BE AWESOME. HEATHER AND SCOTT HAVE ALREADY BEEN HERE TO SEE THE CLINIC AND IT WILL BE GREAT FOR MIKE TO SEE TOO. I WOULD LOVE FOR ALL TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE. KATHY WAS ABLE TO COME AND SPEND A WEEK HERE TO. HOW GREAT THAT WAS. ITS JUST SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE WHEN ITS TIME FOR THEM TO LEAVE. MY SISTER,TRECI WILL BE COMING SOMETIME NEXT MONTH. MAYBE TO DRIVE HOME WITH US. WE ARE SO OVERWELMED WITH BLESSINGS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WE MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH, BUT, WE KNOW WE ARE HERE ON A MISSION AND THAT WE NEED TO STAY AS LONG AS THEY SAY. THE CLINIC HERE IS SO DIFFERENT THAN ANY PLACE IN THE USA. THEIR WAY IS VERY DIFFERENT, BUT IT IS WORKING,WITH GOD'S HELP! THERE IS SO MUCH SUCCESS IN OTHER PATIENTS TOO SINCE WE HAVE BEEN HERE. MOST OF THE PATIENTS ARE CHRISTIANS AND WE HAVE BEEN ENJOYING ALL OF THEM. SOME REALLY GREAT PEOPLE.
THE WEATHER HAS BEEN FANTASTIC. IF WE CAN'T BE IN THE KEYS ENJOYING THE SUN, WE ARE GLAD TO BE HERE. TODAY IS SUPPOSE TO REACH 82.
WELL, PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE DOING GOOD AND WE MISS YOU ALL. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL IN OURS TOO. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. OUR LOVE TO ALL.
LOVE,
PAM AND VIRGIL
DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,
WELL , ON FRIDAY WE STARTED OUR FIFTH WEEK OF TREATMENT. VIRGIL HAS COMPLETED THE HALF WAY MARK. AS OF NOW DR. ROGERS WANTS HIM TO COMPLETE 8 WEEKS OF TREATMENT. THE TREATMENT HAS DONE EVERYTHING AND MORE THAN WHAT THEY EXPECTED.
AS OF LAST WEEK, THE LARGE TUMOR, THAT DR. REYES INJECTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, CANNOT BE SEEN ON THEIR ULTRASOUND. EVERYONE AT THE CLINIC IS ABOUT TO JUMP OUT OF THEIR SKIN. THIS IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THEY EVER EXPECTED IN THE SHORT TIME THAT VIRGIL HAS BEEN HERE. THE CANCER IS SHRINKING. THIS, WE KNOW IS FROM YOUR PRAYERS TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER TO TAKE CARE OF MY VIRGIL. GOD IS SO GOOD...... WHEN? ALL THE TIME!!!! WE KNOW THAT VIRGIL IS GOING TO BE HEALED. WE WILL STAND BY THAT UNTIL THAT DAY AND WHEN THAT DAY ARRIVES, WE WILL SHOUT IT TO ALL. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US IN DOING THAT.
VIRGIL IS GETTING STRONGER EACH WEEK. IT IS A GOOD THING THAT HE IS A PATIENT MAN. BUT BEFORE WE ALL KNOW IT, HIS STRENGTH WILL BE BETTER THAN EVER.
WE HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED WITH COMPANY. STEVE AND KAREN JUST LEFT THIS MORNING. THEY SPENT A WEEK WITH US AND WE SURE DID ENJOY IT. THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE WERE THE CLINIC IS IN MEXICO. WE WOULD TAKE TURNS RIDING THE BUS WITH VIRGIL OR WALKING OVER THE BRIDGE AND CROSSING THE BORDER BY FOOT. TOTAL OF 1 1/2 MILES EACH WAY. THE LAST 3 DAYS, AFTER VIRGILS TREATMENT, WE ALL WALKED BACK OVER THE BORDER. THAT WAS A GREAT THING FOR VIRGIL TO DO.
THIS MORNING, MIKE SAID THAT HE AND SOPHIA MIGHT BE COMING THIS WEEKEND TO VISIT. THAT WILL BE AWESOME. HEATHER AND SCOTT HAVE ALREADY BEEN HERE TO SEE THE CLINIC AND IT WILL BE GREAT FOR MIKE TO SEE TOO. I WOULD LOVE FOR ALL TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE. KATHY WAS ABLE TO COME AND SPEND A WEEK HERE TO. HOW GREAT THAT WAS. ITS JUST SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE WHEN ITS TIME FOR THEM TO LEAVE. MY SISTER,TRECI WILL BE COMING SOMETIME NEXT MONTH. MAYBE TO DRIVE HOME WITH US. WE ARE SO OVERWELMED WITH BLESSINGS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WE MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH, BUT, WE KNOW WE ARE HERE ON A MISSION AND THAT WE NEED TO STAY AS LONG AS THEY SAY. THE CLINIC HERE IS SO DIFFERENT THAN ANY PLACE IN THE USA. THEIR WAY IS VERY DIFFERENT, BUT IT IS WORKING,WITH GOD'S HELP! THERE IS SO MUCH SUCCESS IN OTHER PATIENTS TOO SINCE WE HAVE BEEN HERE. MOST OF THE PATIENTS ARE CHRISTIANS AND WE HAVE BEEN ENJOYING ALL OF THEM. SOME REALLY GREAT PEOPLE.
THE WEATHER HAS BEEN FANTASTIC. IF WE CAN'T BE IN THE KEYS ENJOYING THE SUN, WE ARE GLAD TO BE HERE. TODAY IS SUPPOSE TO REACH 82.
WELL, PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE DOING GOOD AND WE MISS YOU ALL. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL IN OURS TOO. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. OUR LOVE TO ALL.
LOVE,
PAM AND VIRGIL
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Treatment Day #21
Thursday, February 14
Hi family & friends,
Well, Trevor, Jackson and I flew here to visit mom & dad this am. We got here about 10:15 am, and went into Mexico so the boys could see where they're papa is receiving his treatments & did a little shopping!! Well, it was awesome we all got to see dad get his ultrasound after he finished his treatment and compared to Tuesday after the injection of medicine from Saturday has worked through the larger tumor on the liver; and seeing that Dr Reyes had a huge smile, because this tumor has shrunk and the tissue around it is dying :) Then she ultrasounded dad's stomach and there is less inflamation on the lining of his stomach. Which is what causes his stomach pain (the inflammation) and he is now having less pain, almost gone! Dad is weak right now due to low red blood cells, but he received a shot on Friday that will help raise the level, and it usually can take up to 14 days to increase. Just wanted to update everyone, I will send another one soon!
Love
Heather
Hi family & friends,
Well, Trevor, Jackson and I flew here to visit mom & dad this am. We got here about 10:15 am, and went into Mexico so the boys could see where they're papa is receiving his treatments & did a little shopping!! Well, it was awesome we all got to see dad get his ultrasound after he finished his treatment and compared to Tuesday after the injection of medicine from Saturday has worked through the larger tumor on the liver; and seeing that Dr Reyes had a huge smile, because this tumor has shrunk and the tissue around it is dying :) Then she ultrasounded dad's stomach and there is less inflamation on the lining of his stomach. Which is what causes his stomach pain (the inflammation) and he is now having less pain, almost gone! Dad is weak right now due to low red blood cells, but he received a shot on Friday that will help raise the level, and it usually can take up to 14 days to increase. Just wanted to update everyone, I will send another one soon!
Love
Heather
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Good News!
Friday, February 8
Well, my dad’s bleeding has stopped in the liver, and the tumors are the same, no growth! They have taken him off of the vitamins that were in his IV bag, and now there are strong cancer fighting medicines in there! The Ultrasound the Dr took after my dad had finished his IV meds showed the cancer fighting meds magnetized on the tumors, which is what we want! This is wonderful! We want the tumors to have that medicine all over them to kill the cells. Dad is feeling good today, blood pressure is good, and they checked the red blood cell level and we will know I believe tomorrow what that is. So, this is such great news, and now that dad is stable w/ blood pressure and levels they will continue the cancer fighting meds!
So, day #13 tomorrow and it just keeps getting better!
The prayers and positive thoughts are what matters most so keep them going.
Love & Thanks,
Heather
Well, my dad’s bleeding has stopped in the liver, and the tumors are the same, no growth! They have taken him off of the vitamins that were in his IV bag, and now there are strong cancer fighting medicines in there! The Ultrasound the Dr took after my dad had finished his IV meds showed the cancer fighting meds magnetized on the tumors, which is what we want! This is wonderful! We want the tumors to have that medicine all over them to kill the cells. Dad is feeling good today, blood pressure is good, and they checked the red blood cell level and we will know I believe tomorrow what that is. So, this is such great news, and now that dad is stable w/ blood pressure and levels they will continue the cancer fighting meds!
So, day #13 tomorrow and it just keeps getting better!
The prayers and positive thoughts are what matters most so keep them going.
Love & Thanks,
Heather
Back From the Border
Dear Amigos and Familia,
I just got back from visiting with Virgil and Pam for 8 days. It was great to get to see firsthand where they’re living and what they’re doing at St. Josephs. Something exciting seemed to happen everyday while I was there, for Virgil and the other patients we got to meet. I enjoyed getting to meet the other patients and hearing their stories. It was awesome to see the alternative approach to fighting cancer and other diseases that the doctor and his staff use. The people in Mexico and Texas were all so friendly. We got to do some sightseeing before I left. We briefly visited the downtown part of Acuna, Mexico, which is just blocks away from where the clinic is located. We went to the dam at Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas. It is also a border between Mexico and the US. On our way to the lake, we saw some wildlife. A roadrunner zoomed past us as we were driving. We also saw 3 deer on the side of the road. Once you got out of town, you were in the desert. There was cactus everywhere! Being with them was a positive and uplifting experience. Keep up the fight, big brother!
Love,
Kathy
PS- Here is a slide show from my trip!
I just got back from visiting with Virgil and Pam for 8 days. It was great to get to see firsthand where they’re living and what they’re doing at St. Josephs. Something exciting seemed to happen everyday while I was there, for Virgil and the other patients we got to meet. I enjoyed getting to meet the other patients and hearing their stories. It was awesome to see the alternative approach to fighting cancer and other diseases that the doctor and his staff use. The people in Mexico and Texas were all so friendly. We got to do some sightseeing before I left. We briefly visited the downtown part of Acuna, Mexico, which is just blocks away from where the clinic is located. We went to the dam at Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas. It is also a border between Mexico and the US. On our way to the lake, we saw some wildlife. A roadrunner zoomed past us as we were driving. We also saw 3 deer on the side of the road. Once you got out of town, you were in the desert. There was cactus everywhere! Being with them was a positive and uplifting experience. Keep up the fight, big brother!
Love,
Kathy
PS- Here is a slide show from my trip!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Day 9...Feelin' Fine!
Tuesday, February 5
Well, dad had his 9th day of treatment yesterday. My dad’s blood pressure has been running low because of some bleeding from one of his larger tumors on the liver, but some good news is, the tumors on the liver have NOT grown any!! So, the clinic has been giving dad vitamin K which will help stop the bleeding. They are going to slow up the treatments and concentrate on getting the bleeding to stop as well as treating the esophagus/stomach tumor.
I spoke with my dad early this morning and he was feeling good, and he had a great night sleep…Thank you Lord! Scott, my oldest brother is going to visit mom & dad this Thurs, and the boys and I are going next Thursday!!! We cannot wait! My mom is doing good, she is so strong and my dad is so lucky to have her!! So are we...I miss her though! I look forward to when they come home and dad is feeling good and cancer FREE!!!!! Thanks for all of your prayers! They are working.
Love,
Heather
Well, dad had his 9th day of treatment yesterday. My dad’s blood pressure has been running low because of some bleeding from one of his larger tumors on the liver, but some good news is, the tumors on the liver have NOT grown any!! So, the clinic has been giving dad vitamin K which will help stop the bleeding. They are going to slow up the treatments and concentrate on getting the bleeding to stop as well as treating the esophagus/stomach tumor.
I spoke with my dad early this morning and he was feeling good, and he had a great night sleep…Thank you Lord! Scott, my oldest brother is going to visit mom & dad this Thurs, and the boys and I are going next Thursday!!! We cannot wait! My mom is doing good, she is so strong and my dad is so lucky to have her!! So are we...I miss her though! I look forward to when they come home and dad is feeling good and cancer FREE!!!!! Thanks for all of your prayers! They are working.
Love,
Heather
Monday, February 4, 2008
Ballerina Head
Who knew Virgil was such a dancer? Click on the picture for a little preview of his moves!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A Glimpse Into the Future...
Here's a look at what is to come for Virgil and his friends from the fabulous treatment received at St. Joseph's...
Day 7
Friday, February 1
Family & friends,
Well, day 7 of treatment and its looking good! Dad’s red blood cells were very low yesterday, which had me very worried, but back up today!! Thank you Lord! He was given a shot of Vitamin K yesterday, which stops bleeding wherever it could be, and I suppose that helped. Dad is receiving 2 kinds of Hyperthermia treatments now, as well as other treatments. Hey, the more the better!! I’m thinking……….Zap those bad cells!!
Anyway, he is feeling good today and we look forward to all of the upcoming good days!
Love,
Heather
Family & friends,
Well, day 7 of treatment and its looking good! Dad’s red blood cells were very low yesterday, which had me very worried, but back up today!! Thank you Lord! He was given a shot of Vitamin K yesterday, which stops bleeding wherever it could be, and I suppose that helped. Dad is receiving 2 kinds of Hyperthermia treatments now, as well as other treatments. Hey, the more the better!! I’m thinking……….Zap those bad cells!!
Anyway, he is feeling good today and we look forward to all of the upcoming good days!
Love,
Heather
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Update!
Thursday, January 31
Well, today will be dad’s 6th day of treatment at St. Joesph’s clinic in Mexico. My dad is doing very good. I left Monday night to come back to Atlanta, and since Monday night there is a big difference in dad as far as appetite and energy level. When I talk to him in the morning he sounds good and in the evening good too! After talking to Cheryl, who works at the clinic, she expressed how this was a great time for my dad to be at the clinic with all the new breakthroughs for his needs. Dr. Rodgers has mixed up dad's concoction of meds that he will be receiving from now on through his IV bag. I feel very good about where dad is (as we all do) and I know this is the right move!
Aunt Kathy flew in yesterday to stay with mom & dad for a week. She will also get to experience and see first hand what kind of treatment dad is receivingJ
I will update again this weekend. Please continue to keep dad and my family in your prayers, they are truly working!
Love,
Heather
Well, today will be dad’s 6th day of treatment at St. Joesph’s clinic in Mexico. My dad is doing very good. I left Monday night to come back to Atlanta, and since Monday night there is a big difference in dad as far as appetite and energy level. When I talk to him in the morning he sounds good and in the evening good too! After talking to Cheryl, who works at the clinic, she expressed how this was a great time for my dad to be at the clinic with all the new breakthroughs for his needs. Dr. Rodgers has mixed up dad's concoction of meds that he will be receiving from now on through his IV bag. I feel very good about where dad is (as we all do) and I know this is the right move!
Aunt Kathy flew in yesterday to stay with mom & dad for a week. She will also get to experience and see first hand what kind of treatment dad is receivingJ
I will update again this weekend. Please continue to keep dad and my family in your prayers, they are truly working!
Love,
Heather
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Beginning
Saturday, January 26
Good morning all!
Well it is Saturday and we are in mom and dad's apartment they have rented. It is very nice, brand new, and very clean. We arrived here in Del Rio on Thursday. We drove to Beaumont, Tx on Wed, and finished the drive on Thurs. We ended up having to find another apartment other than the one they had rented for various reasons. If you can imagine the reasons.....I was laughing uncontrollably when we pulled up to the apartment and my mom was crying! I felt like we were part of a scene off one of the "Cheech and Chong" movies! It just wasn't their home in Canton, GA!
Well, this has been a great trip so far. Dad started his treatments yesterday, he was registered, received a bag of IV fluids which detoxes his body and the hyperthermia treatment, which is radiowaves, very hot heat on the area in which your cancer is. There were about 6 others there with their spouses receiving the same treatments with various cancers. They're all there for the same reason we are, a cure! Everyone here in Del Rio,Tx & Mexico are so very nice. The nurses at the clinic do not speak any English, the Dr does and there is a translator. The shuttle picks us up from wherever we are, which will now be the apartment, at 8:00 am, as well as picking up all the others that go to St Joesph's clinic and then we head "over the border, to get things in order". I say that because that is what my dad has titled his journey! Well, so far we feel very positive about being here. Please continue your prayers and thank you for all of your support. I am very blessed to be here right now with my mom & dad, it will be very hard to leave them when I have to go, but after being here I know my dad is in the right place! I will update you all again very soon.
Love
Heather
Good morning all!
Well it is Saturday and we are in mom and dad's apartment they have rented. It is very nice, brand new, and very clean. We arrived here in Del Rio on Thursday. We drove to Beaumont, Tx on Wed, and finished the drive on Thurs. We ended up having to find another apartment other than the one they had rented for various reasons. If you can imagine the reasons.....I was laughing uncontrollably when we pulled up to the apartment and my mom was crying! I felt like we were part of a scene off one of the "Cheech and Chong" movies! It just wasn't their home in Canton, GA!
Well, this has been a great trip so far. Dad started his treatments yesterday, he was registered, received a bag of IV fluids which detoxes his body and the hyperthermia treatment, which is radiowaves, very hot heat on the area in which your cancer is. There were about 6 others there with their spouses receiving the same treatments with various cancers. They're all there for the same reason we are, a cure! Everyone here in Del Rio,Tx & Mexico are so very nice. The nurses at the clinic do not speak any English, the Dr does and there is a translator. The shuttle picks us up from wherever we are, which will now be the apartment, at 8:00 am, as well as picking up all the others that go to St Joesph's clinic and then we head "over the border, to get things in order". I say that because that is what my dad has titled his journey! Well, so far we feel very positive about being here. Please continue your prayers and thank you for all of your support. I am very blessed to be here right now with my mom & dad, it will be very hard to leave them when I have to go, but after being here I know my dad is in the right place! I will update you all again very soon.
Love
Heather
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