Dan

We are thankful that today everything has gone well. The Physical Therapist came this morning and put Dan through his paces. Doing these 6 exercises twice a day is improving the way Dan feels.

Being able to stay at the house all day gave us the opportunity to rest quite a bit. We were blessed with phone calls from 2 dear friends who have been friends of ours for many years. Even though they don't live close by, they are planning trips to see us.

Our food for today and tomorrow was provided by special friends we used to worship with at Riverside in Coppell. She is from Japan and he is Hungarian. She drove an hour to bring us delicious Japanese food she prepared, and palacinka with jam (Hungarian pancakes), as well as a chocolate layered Hungarian dessert made by his mother who is visiting from Hungary. What a treat!

Friday morning we meet with the Radiologist. All we know at this time is that the radiation treatment is to be done 5 days a week at HEB Methodist Cancer Center in Bedford. We hope that the doctor will be able to tell us tomorrow when this is to begin. Thank you for helping us through this challenging time with your prayers, and all kinds of help. It is indeed true that we can cast our burdens on the community of Believers that God has sent to us. You will be blessed for being faithful to what Paul said in Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:53 PM | Permalink

Last Friday the oncologist's office honored our request to help us get a 2nd opinion about Dan's case. Just as we were walking out the door today to meet with the surgeon, the phone rang. It was MD Anderson in Houston returning our call. The bottom line is - in order to give a 2nd opinion, before Dan begins radiation, they have to study all of Dan's case records, x-rays, & tissue samples...or begin with them 21 days after Dan finishes the radiation treatment here.

Since we will meet with the radiologist for the first time this Friday, MDA said to call them Friday after we know when radiation therapy is to begin. The timing of the radiation depends upon how well the incision is healing. If radiation is begun too soon, it will interfer with the healing of the incision.

Today Dan's leg was hurting where the drain tube enters his leg. So, I drove us out to HEB Medical Center in Bedford to meet with the surgeon, Dr. Elieson (Dr. E). (Dan really is not up to driving more than very short distances anyway.) Dr. E said, "the color of the fluid draining into the pump is the right color indicating no infection." He went on to explain about the different colors it could be and what problems each color indicates.

Dr. E also said, "the reason Dan has so much drainage (600 - 700 cc. daily) is because of the large section removed from his thigh. When the drainage is below 100 cc a day, the pump and the tube can be removed." Dan has had less trouble with clots blocking the tube today. We are grateful for the help the drain provides in the healing process, but three weeks after surgery, Dan is ready to be rid of the pump.

We're always worn out after the trip to meet with the doctors. What a blessing that they are all 20 minutes from our house. What I'm coming to realize is that not only is the drive tiring, but it also takes a great deal of energy to calmly sit and talk about Dan having cancer and what may be the best way to treat it. But God is so good. He daily sends encouragement through special messages. Shortly after we got back from Dr. E's, an out of state client of mine called to check on us. As she began to say just what I needed to hear, she chuckled and said, "I'm rather like the Student Teacher...using what you told me that helped me so much." We are all students...and God will teach us, help us. We are so blessed. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 06:58 PM | Permalink

Thank you for continuing to pray for us. The swelling in Dan's right calf is almost gone. However, last night, we were up until almost 1 a.m. because of a long thin clot blocking the drain. In an effort to lighten my load, Dan decided a few days ago to take over the job of stripping the drain. For an hour last night he did everything he knew to move the clot.

Because walking helps the fluid to move out of the cavity in his leg, we finally decided walking might help move the clot. Dan walked up and down, all around our 4 room house. Eventually, the pressure created by muscles moving the fluid, moved the clot. After that, Dan stayed up awhile to allow the built up fluid to drain.

This morning, the visiting nurse arrived at 9:15. Before she finished, the physical therapist arrived. The PT guided Dan through 15 minutes of 8 different exercises - walking, leg lifts, thigh squeezes, etc. After a short rest, Dan drove himself one mile to get a very needed hair cut. He was exhausted when he got home.

The rest of the day was quiet. Dan and I both had a good long rest. I was also blessed by a fine Skype visit with my translator in Sfantu Gheorghe. She is a gifted therapist. We are very proud of her. Last Saturday, she passed her Marriage and Family Therapist Boards "with flying colors!" It is very rewarding to see the young therapists that we began working with years ago developing into outstanding therapists. There is always some joy to be found in every day when you walk with the Lord. In Ecclesiastes 11:1, we read "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." Anne's Revised Version says, "Cast your bread upon the waters, and God will return it to you with butter on top!" -- Anne & Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:00 PM | Permalink

Years ago we laughed when we heard about the old man who said, "You know you're old when it takes longer to rest up than it did to get tired!" Now, we're almost too tired to laugh. Even though the drain is working well, Dan's right calf is still swollen. The Home Health nurse checked his vitals, his leg, the drain and declared him within the "safe" zone as long as he rests with his feet higher than his heart off and on throughout the day.

++++We know we'll be in the area until April 25 because Dan has an appointment with the oncologist for a chest x-ray and blood work on that day.++++ If all goes well, we will leave for Romania soon after April 25. We are thankful that we have permission to stay in this house. Since we are going to be here another 3 months, we are slowly making the house look lived in. Each room still looks like we are moving, but it's better than it was. We do have enough furniture. We can't offer you a bed if you come to visit, but I bet we can borrow an air mattress.

Now that Dan is doing well enough to drive short distances, he went to Home Depot to get a 58" long 1" X 2" board to hang my grandmother's Wedding Ring quilt on the bare wall where our hutch used to be. Family photos that I plan to take to Romania are now hanging on the hall walls again. Some favorite mountain scenes hang above the double recliner in the den. We work a little, rest a lot, and then work a little bit more on the days that aren't filled with doctor appointments.

We thank God that Dan continues to slowly grow stronger. We thank you for your prayers, visits, flowers, phone calls, e-mails, food, help of all sorts. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..." Philippians 1:3 - 6 -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:45 PM | Permalink

Last night was a very frightening time for us. Knowing that so many of you were praying for us kept me from "losing it." When I saw Dan's right calf so swollen, heard the doctor say Emergency Room (ER) would look for clots, I felt like I could not manage another minute. We were both exhausted from the heavy week behind us.

I did not know if I could stay awake to drive. But there's the expression, "you do what you have to do." Silently praying the entire time, asking God to get us safely to ER (a full 20 - 30 minute drive on the freeway), we made it without any problems. Our daughter, Dyann, met us there. Knowing that she was with us should a greater emergency arise, I was able to hold it together. It was difficult to talk. I was afraid I would start crying...and that would not help Dan at all.

So, here we are at the end of another day. We have been blessed with many e-mails and Skype messages from friends and family around the world who are praying for us...many of whom have gone through major illness with a loved one, or a traumatic illness of their own. Christian friends dropped by to help, bring things we needed, or just to cheer us. God is providing us with a beautiful Community of Believers, disciples of Jesus. God is so good. God is always good! May you be blessed by walking on the Path filled with Light!

Love, prayers and thanksgiving that God brought you into our lives, -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:41 PM | Permalink

An Ultrasound showed that there are no clots in Dan's leg! We're going back to the house. It was a big help that Dyann, our daughter, came with us.

We're to call the surgeon Monday.

Thank you for your prayers.

Love in Him, Anne

Posted by Anne at 11:16 PM | Permalink

It's Saturday night...no, wait, it's Sunday morning. As we were getting ready for bed a few hours ago, Dan noticed that his right calf was swelling badly. (His right thigh is where the sarcoma was removed. Ten days ago we were here because his thigh was swelling.)

The doctor on call told Dan to go to Emergency, HEB Bedford. The Dr. said he will have Emergency check for a clot in Dan's leg. We've been having to strip the drain tube carefully to work out small clots that get stuck in the drain.

The Ultrasound Technician just came in. He is checking Dan's entire leg for clots. Please, pray that the doctors will discover whatever is wrong, and help Dan be okay.

Please, pray for Dan's safety and full recovery. Even though the PET Scan was good, it looks like there's other things to deal with. More later.- Anne

Posted by Anne at 10:28 PM | Permalink

We celebrate the good news - the oncologist said the PET Scan did not show any cancer cells anywhere else in Dan's body. Dan meets with the radiation specialist next week Friday. Dan will probably have 5 weeks of radiation treatment - go 5 days each week. That treatment is to make sure no microscopic cancer cells remain in his body.

We thank God for this gift on our 55th wedding anniversary today. It's a cold, drizzling winter day, but there is Sonshine in our hearts! Thank you for your continuing prayers.

Love and prayers,

Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 02:10 PM | Permalink

Dan had the P-T Scan this morning. First, he drank some fruit flavored barium liquid, then the Dr. injected him with radio active sugar water. Dan said, "I was "glowing! Lying on my back with my arms up over my head for 24 minutes, I was actually comfortable." Leaving the P-T Scan behind, Dan went for "comfort food" for breakfast - MacDonald's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, with Starbucks coffee!

Today while Dan began working on setting up the filing system for 2008, Anne had a very good counseling session with a client in Sfantu Gheorghe. B. said, "I do not want to take your time and energy. You have so much to do." But Anne responded, "it gives me energy to go on, lifts my mood when I stay connected with my work in SG. I am so thankful for Skype."

This afternoon, Dan had his post op checkup with the surgeon, Dr. Elieson. The doctor explained that he removed the abductor muscles from Dan's right thigh. Fortunatelly those muscles are not used in walking or driving. They are used to press the legs together.

However, the culture done when Dan was in the hospital shows a very low grade staph infection. The antibiotic Dan has been taking is ineffective for this type of staph. The doctor believes this can be taken care of with a different antibiotic. One day at a time, leaning on Jesus, letting Him carry us through the challenges, our spirits are lifted today. The outcome is in His hands. Thank you for your continuing prayers. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 05:59 PM | Permalink

At 8:15 a.m. Wed., Dan, dressed warmly, will begin the PET Scan process. (The temperature in the cavity is 65 F.) The Dr. will inject some radioactive isotopes into his blood stream. This will cause cancer cells to show up (except for those of microscopic size).

On Friday, Dan meets with the oncologist, Dr. Anderson. to learn what the next step is. We will ask the Dr. to assist us in getting a second opinion from MD Anderson.

Dan has a follow up exam with the surgeon Wed. afternoon.

In between seeing Dan's doctors Wednesday, Anne has a counseling appointment in Romania using Skype. It's such a blessing to be able to continue to help the good people God has brought into our lives. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 06:53 PM | Permalink

Today was the third day home after Dan's second stay in the hospital. It was music to my ears to hear Dan say, "I'm beginning to feel better in general." It's good to see him able to take care of most of his needs. After he showered and dressed, he fixed our breakfast, set the trash out, and then sat down...looking a little pale. (Tomorrow, Dan will take things a little slower in the morning.) During the day, Dan takes naps and then gets up again to build up his strength. The activity continues to help the incision drain well.

We have an appointment to see the surgeon Wednesday afternoon. When we called to make an appointment for the P-T Scan, the computer was down. Dan still does not have an appointment for the scan. I'm writing myself a note to phone the office first thing in the morning.

We appreciate the tasty, colorful (and healthy) meals our class members are bringing. I don't have the energy yet to stand in the kitchen for an hour preparing dinner. I cleared off the estate sale items from the small round table we moved from Dan's office to the dining area. Remembering that I had 4 place mats in a box for Romania, I pulled them out and put them on the table. Instead of eating on a card table in the den, we now sit at a real table where our dining table and hutch were. (I sit where I can't see the ordered confusion on the other end of the room - the tables and bookcases full of things for the estate sale.

We're getting used to the 3' tall stack of boxes we hope to take with us to Romania. Covered with a rose colored sheet, they look "interesting" standing near the French doors opening onto the patio. Even though each room clearly looks like we are in the process of moving. it looks better than it did two weeks ago. I still have not placed what prints and photos I have left on the walls in any order. Most are too high, or just obviously in the wrong place. I hear that every cloud has a silver lining. Could it be that the cookies that Kristen made and brought to us today, and the ones that Shelby made and mailed to us are the silver linings?

Life is returning to almost normal. There's just one important bothersome thing...Dan is not well. Please, keep us in your prayers that God will choose to heal Dan, and that we will let Jesus carry this load that often seems so heavy. We thank God that we are not alone.
-- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:41 PM | Permalink

After a good night's rest, we both had more energy today. No longer required to stay in bed, Dan moves about slowly but freely. That helps the incision to drain well. We both arose today, Sunday, with a great desire to be with our Christian family, to hear Curt, our Bible class leader, and then Rick, our preacher, encourage and challenge us to walk closer with God. But Dan can't be in crowds just yet.

We heard later that Rick spoke on simplifying your life...just be a disciple of the Lord...follow His teachings. Being a Christian does not have to be complicated. Dan and I have been heading in that direction for a long time. Tomorrow when Rick's lesson is on the web, rhchurch.org, we are going to listen. We really need that encouragement right now.

It has been a quiet day with time to think. Our beloved Andi (our translator in Romania) wrote today, "I know is hard for you right now, but it is my personal conviction, that every obstacle is a lesson we have to learn, and nothing that happens around us is in vain or accidental.
We just don’t understand higher purposes. I hope you’ll both find courage and strength to pass through these difficult times. Our hearts are with you both." Today is a day we need to hear those wise words.

After this quiet day, we return to the pursuit of finding medical help for Dan. The Home Health Nurse comes Monday to evaluate what help Dan now needs and set up a treatment schedule. We must make an appointment for the PET Scan, an appointment with the oncologist to pursue getting a second opinion from MD Anderson, see the surgeon for a checkup on Wednesday. In all the "busyness," we will still make time to talk with God. That's the only way we can survive...simplify...walk in His Light...leaving the outcome to God.
-- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:00 PM | Permalink

Thank you for for the many prayers on our behalf, the encouraging e-mails and cards...and caring enough to read our blog. We are back home after some pretty frightening experiences. A liter (a quart +) of fluid drained out of Dan's thigh yesterday! Today, the drain clogged up. Dan did exactly what he had seen the surgeon do...and it fixed the drain! Dan is off the IV drip - taking oral antibiotics. His leg is beginning to look much better. And me, I'm becoming a regular Florence Nightengale!

Dan is allowed to be up, and rest when he gets tired. Very short walks help the fluid drain. Friends from church are supplying meals for us, staying with Dan when I need to be away, looking after us in general.

The many visits made to pray over Dan in the hospital gave us strength and courage. This congregation is very loving and supportive in our hours of need. Knowing that we are safe in the hands of a loving God, and that Jesus is by our side, we can continue through this dark night of illness with peace in our heart most of the time.

Last night, alone, exhausted, fearful, I picked up my Bible. As I was trying to decide what would be the most encouraging to read, my Bible fell open to Philippians 1:30 - 4:18. Reading about how Paul had struggled, how Jesus sacrificed so much for us, and how Christians had helped Paul in his struggles, I found new courage to go on.

But the crowning moment came when I read the last sentence, "...I am amply supplied..." God has generously supplied our needs and will continue to send those to love us and help as we have need!

Love, Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:54 PM | Permalink

Dan is improving in HEB Methodist in Hurst. The surgeon
came about 11 a.m. He did what I thought needed to be
done - he stripped the tube leading to the drain, and unclogged the drain! It began working
again. Praise God the swelling in Dan's thigh is going down! (The other
medical personnel would not attempt to unclog the drain.)

The doctor has Dan on an IV saline drip with
antibiotic. He plans to keep Dan in the hospital one
more night. Then, he may put him in a skilled nursing
facility until the wound is healed. God continues to
guide us through this new adventure.

Thank you for your prayers.

Some good news - We celebrate that EEM has located some more Children's Hungarian Bibles to give us! We hope to have them delivered to Sfantu Gheorghe in March or April.

Love, Anne

Posted by Anne at 11:53 AM | Permalink

Dan has been readmitted to HEB, Bedford, Room 410. He
has a lot of swelling in the area where the sarcoma
and muscles were remoed. He has no fever, a slightly
elevated white count indicating some kind of
infection.

He is on a saline drip with an antibiotic. It is 3:15
a.m. I am too tired to remember what the meds are.
He has been seen by an ER doc, blood tests run. His
personal Dr. will see him in a few hours.

Please keep us in your prayers. Healing, and peace
are greatly desired. May God's will be done, and His
name glorified.

Love,

Anne

Posted by Anne at 01:39 AM | Permalink

First, let me say that if you wish to make a comment, please, write us at our regular e-mail address. Spammers often put spam in the comment section of blogs thus we don't have a place on this page for comments.

We deeply appreciate the messages you have been sending us. Cancer is such an unknown quantity...it is easy to get lost in the struggle. Your prayers & kind words help keep us thinking clearly.

When we got back from Eastern Europe the end of October, we began preparing to vacate the house, literally "break up housekeeping" to move to Romania. We invited the children to choose what things of ours they'd like to have. Making a stack of a few things to ship to Romania, we put the rest out for the estate sale lady to see.

The house was a mess...it looked like someone was moving..Blank spaces on the walls where favorite paintings had been, things for the estate sale on tables and floors...then this mass appeared on Dan's right thigh.

The Dr. told us to go on and spend Christmas with our California kids, but cut our trip short to come back for Dan's surgery. We kept focussed on the positive - hoping, praying all the while that the mass was benign. Sometimes God answers, "No," or "Not now." This is one of those times.

God helped Dan make it through the surgery, the stay in the hospital...and now we are living in this messy house. : > ) Friends from church are helping a lot by bringing food so I don't have to cook. Today while Dan slept, I began to straighten up the living room, and arranged a couple of pictures on the walls. As each area becomes less cluttered, I begin to feel better.

Our life is completely different now than it was a few months ago. We do not understand God's ways. A wise friend said, "who knows but what this event may be protecting you from something." Tonight as Dan was pondering how to deal with doing nothing, I told him, "This is a time for you to rest and heal. This is our time, a time to be together, to cherish each moment God gives us."

We pray that you will choose to cherish each moment you have with your loved ones. Our beloved brother, Stefan, in Sfantu Gheorghe, wrote today that his mother had just died. Today we also learned that one of Dan's beloved cousins, Kathryn, has Stage IV cancer. A friend gave Dan a plaque with this saying on it, "Only one life, Will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." That message helps keep us foccused too.

We love and pray for you. -- Anne

Posted by Anne at 06:40 PM | Permalink

We celebrate that Dan can walk without a walker, without a cane! It took many phone calls to get Home Health Care going. (Nothing was set up like we had been told.) But a very kind, well trained nurse came mid afternoon to help us. After she explained what to do with the drain inserted in the incision, Dan successfully took a shower on his own! I have a stronger stomach than I thought - it doesn't phase me when I empty the drain/pump 3 times a day.

Tuesday, Dan will be assessed as to what kind of physical therapy he needs. If it is determined that he needs p.t, a physical therapist will come to the house for Dan's sessions.

Via Skype, Dan received a phone call from David in Eastern Europe, and from our "grandson," Adolf in Romania. People from around the world are praying for us, and e-mailing well wishes. It is very heartwarming to receive encouragement and love from so many.

I want to share with you a part of what was sent to us today by Arlene Kasselman, one of our "children," in Amarillo. --
"What can anyone say when he speaks to You?
But woe to them that keep silent.
Unless Your ears attend us even in the depths, where should we go?
To whom should we cry?
O Lord, deliver us who now call upon You, so that our hearts may rest.
O Lord, seek also those who have not called upon You, so that You also deliver them.
Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you."
- from The Prayer for Divine Comfort, by Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430)

God gives us rest in the midst of all of life's challenges! -- Anne

Posted by Anne at 05:10 PM | Permalink

We praise God that Dan is able to be home from the hospital! Walking through the dark valley of his own serious illness is a new experience for Dan. Facing the unknown is an almost unsurmountable challenge unless we choose to remember that God knows the future and is here with us now.

An example of that is the beautiful dinner Ron and Vicky Dowdy from RHCC brought us this afternoon. (They were our teammates on two different mission trips.) They are going to come Monday and help me begin to get the house in better order. It looks like a house that is about to be vacated. We pray God will still let us move to Romania, but first, we have to take time for the medical care Dan needs. We still have a roof over our heads - the house has not yet been put on the market.

The Dr. ordered Home Health Care for Dan, but no one told us what type of care was ordered, or when it will begin. Conflicting information has been given us, such as - a nurse will come one time and show me how to change the dressing on Dan's incision, and then I have to do it myself after that...but Dan's sister, Bonny, and my sister, Barbara, who are quite informed on what the law instructs about Medicare says differently. IF the Dr. will order it, a nurse will come each day to change the dressing, and do other nursing duties. I had to smile when Bonny said, "If the Home Health down there tells you differently, I'll call them and ask them to explain it to me!" (Bonny is Office Manager for a Home Health Care company in Oklahoma. Bonny won't stand for anyone abusing her big brother!)

We are learning a lot...more patience, how to live one day at a time, more trust. God is still God, and we are still safe in His hands. -- Anne

Posted by Anne at 03:02 PM | Permalink

"If you need or want us to come to see you, maybe we can see how to do that. CvZ" - Spain

"So thankful to hear of the good report, even as we understand more now the seriousness of the operation and of the condition. May you enjoy a full recovery and the wisdom to know how best to use it...You are dear to all of us and truly one in the Spirit. T, R & M" - E. Europe

"I am Glad to hear the good news. We will pray continuously for recovering, and to have the power enough to take care of him. God Bless You all. I M" - Switzerland

"Just heard about Dan's surgery - I pray everything goes well. You can get in touch with me via email or skype. Take care. P Kr" - Dan's Eastern European Dr.

"I was so sad to hear this very bad news. I know that you must be very nervous at the moment, and praying and waiting for good. I want you to know I will pray with all my soul for Dan! Too many need you here on Earth, too many want your precious friendship, and want your recovering and heeling thoughts. God will hear us!
With love for both of you, E B" - Romania

"Sorry to hear about the health of Dan. I have been away on mission work. Praying for him and you for stregnth to enable you to accept what has happened. I know Our Lord is the "Greatest" physician and He will take care of him and to give you the strentgh to cope with what has happened. We love you. S & C" - Ghana

"Thank you for sharing Dan's health issue as I was unaware he was ill. Add me to those praying for both of you. You have both been a source of encouragement to me and I thank you. Keep up the Lord's work. Love you. P L" Dallas, TX

"We received your message about the upcoming surgery. Our regular Wed. evening prayer group will be speaking with the Lord tonight and you will certainly be mentioned, as well as in Neil Lightfoot's Sunday morning Bible class. We are so sorry that this has put a crimp in your plans, but we will be asking the Lord to work mightily in your procedure that all will go
well and His Will will be accomplished. Our personal prayers are already w/ Him.F&P " - Abilene, TX

"You are special people. God bless you and know I am praying overtime right now. I wish I were there to hug and hold you. I am doing that in my thoughts. May God strengthen you for each day. Please email me daily. D S" - Brazil

Because of Jesus, we have "family" all around the world. How precious to have so many sweet prayers going up for us during this challenging time. -- Anne

Posted by Anne at 02:37 PM | Permalink

We want to thank you for continuing to pray for Dan and for keeping in touch with us through phone calls and our regular e-mail address. Right now, every word of encouragement helps.

Before I got here this morning, Dan did his walking - all 200' of it. His 8" incision no longer had the lidocaine pump numbing the pain. The incision became very painful. So they gave him a shot of phenergine in his leg, sat him up in a chair, and left him. He fell asleep, only to awake as he was leaning far over the side of the chair! Oops!

After that, Dan slept solid for 3 hours. The doctor decided to keep Dan one more day. He ordered "sleep priviledges" which means the nurses will check Dan at 11 p.m., and not disturb him again until 5 a.m. Maybe he can get some rest. God is helping us take one day at a time. I don't know what I'd do if we did not have Jesus to help us stay calm. The joy of the Lord will be our strength. There is nothing that God and we together cannot handle. Blessed by the name of the Lord. -- Anne

Posted by Anne at 01:46 PM | Permalink

Great news! Dan is doing well enough that he can go home Saturday, that's tomorrow, January 12, '08! He walked 200' today using a walker. Thank you for your continuing prayers on Dan's behalf.

If you are interested in the more technical information, read further. The pathology report is in - it was a leiomyo sarcoma (meaning "sarcoma in the muscle"), Grade II/III, size:
11 X 7 X 6.8 centimeters. The pathology report said that the cancer cells go up to the perimeter of the posterior of the mass. This type responds very well to radiation treatment.

Here is the more specific information given to us today: The assumption is that there are microscopic cancer cells in the thigh area that was next to the edge of the back area of the cancer. The PET Scan will only show larger cells. The microscopic will escape notice
by the PET Scan. Therefore, THE ONCOLOGIST ASSUMES Dan will have radiation treatment daily 5 days a week for 4 - 5 weeks as an outpaitient at this hospital.

The incision has to be partially healed before the PET Scan is taken so that it will not show up as an area with cancer cells. The Pet Scan will be done week after next. BEAR IN MIND, HOWEVER, THAT THE RADIOLOGIST WILL DETERMINE IF RADIATION IS INDICATED. HE HAS THE FINAL WORD AFTER HE READS THE PET SCAN.

The Social Worker is arranging Dan's Home Health Care. A nurse will come one time and teach me how to change the bandage daily, and how to empty the drain pump that is inserted into the wound. Are we having fun yet???

We thank God that there is effective treatment for this type of cancer. May God bless you and be merciful to you.

Love, Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 05:42 PM | Permalink

It is not what we wanted, but we are thankful to know what we are dealing with. Dr. Anderson, the oncologist, told us today that some of the tests have verified that Dan has a few cancer cells in his right thigh. He praised the surgeon's decision in removing what he did - and making it possible for Dan to be able to walk again.

The surgeon removed 30% of Dan's muscle mass in the upper right thigh. Using a walker, Dan walked 100' today. It took him a few steps to figure out how to place his foot, but he walks well! He also can stand on his own.

Dan will go home this Saturday, January 12. He will have Home Health Care. The staples will come out in about 10 days. The incision has to heal some before radiation can begin. Dan will have daily radiation treatments as an outpatient at HEB Methodist Hospital in Hurst for 4 or 5 weeks -a 20 minute drive from our house when the traffic on 183 is good.

If you wish, you can write us at the e-mail address which you have. Thank you for your prayers. Our Shephard has enough grass in His pasture for us for today. God is good. God is always good.

Posted by Anne at 10:05 PM | Permalink

Wednesday, 9 January, '08, 9 p.m. -- We have been blessed by visits from friends we have known for many years from as far away as Fayetteville, Arkansas, and newer friends who live as close as 1 mile to the hospital. Post mail, E-mail, Skype, and telephone messages continue to pour in to cheer and comfort our hearts.

This morning, the physical therapist got Dan out of bed to help him sit in the wheel chair to go for the CAT Scan. For "exercise," he sat in a comfortable chair beside his bed for 20 minutes. Dan was very tired after that. He slept off and on most of the afternoon and evening. He has very good nursing care at the HEB Methodist Hospital in Hurst.

It was a big help to have our son, Scott, here to be the "man of the family" the last two days. Since Dan was doing well, he left late this afternoon to go back to Montara, California. Dyann, our daughter, brought me home from the hospital and invited me to eat dinner with them. Kristen, 8, Dyann and Jere's daughter, drew happy pictures for Dan's hospital room. Shelby, 14, in Montara, made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and mailed them to Dan. It has been a good day. Now I am going to bed.

Posted by Anne at 06:38 PM | Permalink

Dan had surgery Tuesday, and came through it well. He was eating and talking with family and friends not long afterwards.

The surgeon removed an avocado-sized lump that had grown in the muscle of his upper thigh. The removal was clean, and the surgeon was able to leave enough muscle so Dan will be able to walk with some physical therapy (probably with a cane).

The mass is a sarcoma. The best approach for such things is surgical removal, according to the oncologist. And that's been done.

They pathologist is looking at it carefully to see whether it may have spread anywhere else. The radiologist will be looking very carefully at that and we'll know more soon.

They're removed the mass. That was the most important initial step. Now they're taking good subsequent steps, taking nothing for granted. He had more CAT scans this morning, and the oncologist told us just now that he'll get a PET scan soon.

Someone shared with us yesterday that the shepherd has provided pasture and grass enough for today, and he'll do so tomorrow, too.

Posted by Anne at 12:29 PM | Permalink