First Day in Heaven + Details

Celebration of Deb's Life

Saturday, Dec 8, 2012

11am EST

Grace Evangelical Church

164 Flat Creek Trail

Fayetteville, GA

30214

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A few of the cupcakes

Deb's Final Chore List: Deb loved and appreciated all the staff here at UAMS so much. In fact, she was trying to get me to host a luncheon for them, but I explained how there was no way to get everyone together and still care for the other patients. So, Deb settled on cupcakes! 

Amanda and I have just returned from delivering beaucoup cupcakes to the infusion center, the pharmacy, and to the myeloma wing of the hospital.  Along the way we encountered staff who knew about Deb's passing and gave us hugs, shocked faces from those who not yet learned of it, and a number of classmates who encouraged us. It was hard to go back to the places where Deb and I spent so much time over the last 3 years. I had many tears and a huge lump in my throat. Yet, those faces of the dear staff members who gave max effort to help Deb extend life are in the 'friends forever ' category as much as a foxhole buddy who saved a fellow soldier in a battle would be.

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Amanda and I have been checking off items on our to-do list since last night. We have gone through all Deb's clothing and distributed it. We have packed up boxes to be shipped home, tried to hire a trucker to haul the furniture home, and contacted insurance, realtors, etc. Trucker was too expensive so I'll u Haul it in a few weeks.

Tomorrow I plan on listing the condo, so if you know any classmates who need a nest in Little Rock, it would be a good time to call or email.

Friends are flying Gracie out to Little Rock on Sunday to pick me up. Another friend will fly Redbird home. Amanda is waiting to hear about a possible buddy pass. Her dear husband Jon is driving a 2.5 year old and a 6 month old almost 600 miles home as I write. I'd like to get her home today. So would Jon! Thanks Jon!

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In an hour or so Amanda and I will pick up Deb's remains. Cremation is uncommon in my family, but Deb wanted it. It is becoming more popular so we'd better get used to it. I was in a Japanese family home a few years back and the man said he'd like me to meet his parents. Rounding the corner, he pointed to two urns on the mantle and introduced me to them as if his parents were sitting there.

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This blog will continue for at least a while longer. I would welcome your suggestions on what to do with the blog.

After all, death and all it entails is a part of our lives and we should all face it well prepared because it will come for all of us! Are you ready?

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Finally, this morning Amanda and I hugged and prayed  at the 7:45 am time of Deb's passing +24 hours. We talked a lot about a special lady. At the Celebration Service we hope you will share your stories about Deb. We want it to be a joyful celebration, not a dreary funeral! Wear your smiles because Deb is no longer suffering and is in the presence of the Most High!

I have been pondering what these 24 hours have been like for Deb. Many people speculate what Heaven must be like. Even non-religious folk like to talk and imagine heaven. What Deb and I know comes from the Bible, and there are not too many details there. Knowledge is somewhat obscured like looking through an opaque window.

An old gospel song writer gave it his best shot and I recommend it to stimulate your thinking. It may not be sound theologically but it's a starting place and I've always enjoyed it.

The song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKIt1YXDvpk

Deb Passed Away this Morning +UPDATE

Deb Passed Away at 7:45 am today. She was surrounded by husband Vern, children Trey, Amanda, and Stephen.

Yesterday was a watershed day. Deb had been doing well outwardly and was fully mentally alert and aware of what was going on. Deb was talking to nurses and the doc and as the day wore on, she became less aware. Last evening when Stephen arrived it was as if she felt she could finally say goodbye. The evening was hard breathing and this morning she passed away peacefully except for the ever increasing hard breathing.

Plans are underway and will be announced on this blog. We appreciate your prayers and acts of love.

Vern and family
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The following was written last night for publication this morning. Trey was spending the night with Deb and very early this morning should took a big turn for the worse

Son Stephen arrived in Little Rock last night to join his brother Trey and sister Amanda in surrounding Deb with love.

Prior to Stephen's arrival, we all met with Dr van Rhee and discussed reality. He lost his own mother back in Holland last month. He is so compassionate and wise! He understands exactly where we are as a family.

Deb will not be with us much longer. In the past few days the lesion on her breastbone has begun to grow inward pushing on her lungs and making her very short of breath. One of her kidneys is very infected. She has a serious virus in her bloodstream. She has a strong cough.

If the stem cells were to take and restore her immune system, she would still have the rapidly growing cancer to deal with. Radiation and chemo have both been ruled out because of her condition.

Deb had made Dr van Rhee promise he would send her home to die if she were not being healed. It has become too late to get Deb home safely. Her care would be severely interrupted by the travel. She could no longer fly because her low platelets could cause uncontrollable bleeding in the air. An ambulance trip would be a severe trial for a healthy person plus require trained nurses and supplies. So, Deb 'forgave' the promise and the kids and I agree that staying here is best for Deb and us.

Trey and Amanda have had time with a fully-conscious Deb. Stephen is spending tomorrow and tomorrow  night (Thursday) with Deb. On Friday, the strong antibiotics will be halted, and a Pallative Dr will help keep Deb comfy until she passes. She may last a few days, or perhaps since she is so young, the doc said, she may last longer.  Deb will have momentary periods of awareness, then sleep until the pain killers keep her asleep all the time. She has a catheter and will get a painkiller pump tomorrow. Communications is already very challenging.

We have all shed tears and hugs. We love Deb so much.  Soon she will experience her first day in heaven and tremendous gain! But, we will remain for a while to miss her and mourn our loss. Before we left the hospital tonight, Stephen and I rubbed her legs and feet with her favorite lotion. I knelt at her side, stroking her tiny hand and prayed for her: peace and calmness for her last days. Hot tears blinded me and I'm sure many more will follow.

Tonight I got an email with a wedding picture from a classmate whose wife died last year. It would have been Bubba and Iva Jo's 38th anniversary. The next email I opened was from a friend, Cheryl, whose Sheriff husband was shot to death last year. She said it would have been their 38th anniversary also.

Vern, Trey, Amanda, and Stephen all plan on staying here until Deb passes. Deb has asked for cremation. We will be having a Celebration of Life at our church in Fayette County, Ga after that. Details will be posted here.

Blessings!

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It's not the best day ever, but the family is making progress. We are planning a celebration of Deb's life Saturday Dec 8th at 11:00am at Grace Evangelical Church in Fayetteville, Ga.
Directions @ http://gracechurchfayette.org/aboutus/timesanddirections/

Making arrangements to get everyone back to Georgia. Thanks Angels!
 
More to come . . . . 
Vern

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Trey and Stephen apparently made in onboard the flight to Atlanta. Amanda and I have been taking care of Deb's personal affects. Pharmacist Angel Carla met us and took care of a huge bag of strong meds. Thanks Carla!

Day + 55 - Stem Cells +UPDATE

Trey using his height  to Deb's advantage

Deb is being given her last stem cells as I write this. Doc and our nurse are giving her 8 million cells in 2 bags. When the bag is almost empty it must be elevated and squeezed so that the very last stem cell is transferred. There is a strong smell in the air as the DMSO preservative will be present for about 3 days.

Lot's of prep work went into making sure Deb was as strong as possible so these cells have the best shot as possible. 

Deb is getting weaker and losing weight. She has very little appetite except for potato soup which she had for breakfast.

There was a kidney procedure scheduled that was cancelled. Deb's throat is closing some so pills have become even harder to swallow. Deb has a hacking cough and chest noise as well as a rising CRP which may indicate developing pneumonia. 

Amanda spent last night with Deb. Trey is spending tonight. Son Stephen is making arrangements to head out later today.

Amanda, Trey, and I are having a confab with Dr van Rhee at 3 pm today to get a better view of the coming days.

Check back later for pix and details 

Deb and Vern chatting

Blessings! 


Platelets -(Normal range 150-500) a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -(Normal range = 0.0-10) An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1
11       2.50               15            196.0
12       2.54               28            186.0
13       1.98               18            181.0
14       1.22               28            199.9
15       0.95               20            138.6
Stem Cells on Day 15
16       0.83               32            129.4
17       0.86               22            121.4
18       0.70               12            110.3
19       0.55                9             159.2
20       0.75              14             162.9
Admitted to hospital Day 20
21       0.36              26             127.9
22       0.53              13              86.2
23       0.34              28              59.6
24       0.29              14              95.8
25       0.38              28            114.5
26       0.40              17            129.1
27       0.37              29              87.0
28       0.41              24              72.6
29       0.35              12              73.3
30       0.59              30              95.4
31       0.37              17              84.5
32       0.19              35              80.5
33       0.25              25              94.3
34       0.05              24            117.0
Stem Cells on Day 34
35       0.17              20            109.5
36       0.16              10            102.9
37       0.18              28            111.5
38       0.11              10            140.5
39       0.10              21            117.0
40      0.13               11             111.2
41      0.19               25             100.4
42      0.10               14               97.1
43      0.13               24             108.5
44      0.12               18             119.4
45      0.07               31             103.6
46      0.06               19               81.7
47      0.04               23               85.8
48      0.01               12               84.3
49      0.38               25               73.8
50      0.11               17               40.9
51      0.16               23               19.7
52      0.27               17               65.3 
53      0.20               24               98.5
54      0.09               20               112
55      0.06               20               137.2

Day +54 - UPDATE-Last Stem Cells to be Infused -Amanda and Trey are in Arkansas

Amanda flew in this morning. Trey was here when doc made his rounds. We are fast running out of options. As you can see from the numbers below, the white blood count is simply not recovering. Therefore, Deb's immune system is not coming back without action. There is one unit of stem cells left in the nitrogen freezer and preparations are underway to infuse those soon along with boosts of other blood products and supportive drugs. It will take up to 2 weeks for those to engraft or fail.

The insurance coordinator just left. I had to sign a waiver that  acknowledged that the stem cell procedure may not be covered and I'd be responsible for that.

We are waiting to hear from the staff as to when action begins today. Check back for updates.
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Half hour ago the kidney doc left and said that it appears the kidney is taking care of itself and recommended no further kidney action at this point.

Deb's food intake lately would starve a sparrow. While ago she asked me for some watery tomato soup. I about flipped because I've offered her tomato soup from the snack bars many times. She has never eaten a bite of tomato soup in my memory. Normally the shelves are overflowing with tomato soup. I went to both snack bars:zip! Goose eggs! So, I asked the chief nurse and she special ordered some. When it came, Deb turned up her nose and said 'No, when I said tomato soup, I meant potato soup!'

So, I went to the grocery and bought my ingredients and made her a pot of POTATO soup. I filled a thermos jug and took it to her. She was so pleased! Even Amanda thought it was good!

The nurse was still hanging IVs when I left. Deb was to get 2 units of red blood, 1 white blood, 2 units of platelets, some pre-meds, a then her last bag of stem cells. The two belly shots per day of growth factor shots to help get them established.

Amanda is spending the night with Deb tonight.

Blessings

Platelets -(Normal range 150-500) a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -(Normal range = 0.0-10) An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1
11       2.50               15            196.0
12       2.54               28            186.0
13       1.98               18            181.0
14       1.22               28            199.9
15       0.95               20            138.6
Stem Cells on Day 15
16       0.83               32            129.4
17       0.86               22            121.4
18       0.70               12            110.3
19       0.55                9             159.2
20       0.75              14             162.9
Admitted to hospital Day 20
21       0.36              26             127.9
22       0.53              13              86.2
23       0.34              28              59.6
24       0.29              14              95.8
25       0.38              28            114.5
26       0.40              17            129.1
27       0.37              29              87.0
28       0.41              24              72.6
29       0.35              12              73.3
30       0.59              30              95.4
31       0.37              17              84.5
32       0.19              35              80.5
33       0.25              25              94.3
34       0.05              24            117.0
Stem Cells on Day 34
35       0.17              20            109.5
36       0.16              10            102.9
37       0.18              28            111.5
38       0.11              10            140.5
39       0.10              21            117.0
40      0.13               11             111.2
41      0.19               25             100.4
42      0.10               14               97.1
43      0.13               24             108.5
44      0.12               18             119.4
45      0.07               31             103.6
46      0.06               19               81.7
47      0.04               23               85.8
48      0.01               12               84.3
49      0.38               25               73.8
50      0.11               17               40.9
51      0.16               23               19.7
52      0.27               17               65.3 
53      0.20               24               98.5
54      0.09               20               112

Day + 53 - More Kidney Issues

Deb was up at least once per hour all night. She continues to have blood in her urine and intense pain requiring very strong pain killers. In the wee hours on the morn, a kidney doc called on us and did an examine. She prohibited any food or drink until some tests were completed. Deb did not believe that drink was prohibited so we had some minor engagements trying to enforce that ruling. Deb hallucinated during the night and also explained to me my error in not purchasing the TV on the wall from the nurse who was selling it, and why did that huge biscuit fly out of my stomach, etc.

Needless to say, it was probably the toughest night for me in this grand adventure!

The plan as we know it? Two CT scans: one with contrast; one without. Then a decision on whether to wait on self-healing, have a stint put into the kidney, or as a last resort, have a bypass on the kidney in her back. So, we've opened a new battle-front in our overall war against this cancer.

Expect updates later.

If you did not read Friday's special edition, please go back a  few days and take it in.

Blessings!





Platelets -(Normal range 150-500) a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -(Normal range = 0.0-10) An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1
11       2.50               15            196.0
12       2.54               28            186.0
13       1.98               18            181.0
14       1.22               28            199.9
15       0.95               20            138.6
Stem Cells on Day 15
16       0.83               32            129.4
17       0.86               22            121.4
18       0.70               12            110.3
19       0.55                9             159.2
20       0.75              14             162.9
Admitted to hospital Day 20
21       0.36              26             127.9
22       0.53              13              86.2
23       0.34              28              59.6
24       0.29              14              95.8
25       0.38              28            114.5
26       0.40              17            129.1
27       0.37              29              87.0
28       0.41              24              72.6
29       0.35              12              73.3
30       0.59              30              95.4
31       0.37              17              84.5
32       0.19              35              80.5
33       0.25              25              94.3
34       0.05              24            117.0
Stem Cells on Day 34
35       0.17              20            109.5
36       0.16              10            102.9
37       0.18              28            111.5
38       0.11              10            140.5
39       0.10              21            117.0
40      0.13               11             111.2
41      0.19               25             100.4
42      0.10               14               97.1
43      0.13               24             108.5
44      0.12               18             119.4
45      0.07               31             103.6
46      0.06               19               81.7
47      0.04               23               85.8
48      0.01               12               84.3
49      0.38               25               73.8
50      0.11               17               40.9
51      0.16               23               19.7
52      0.27               17               65.3 
53      0.20               24               98.5

Day + 52 - Kidney Problems

Just met with the doc and he reported that the xray yesterday showed no back fractures. Her kidney chemistry shows a possible infection / or bleeding in the kidneys. Her urine is being captured and is red. Doc is scheduling a CT for kidney analysis. 

Kidney problems are common with multiple myeloma. There are many myeloma patients who must do dialysis. This is the first real problem Deb has had with kidneys. 

Yesterday Deb's back hurt so much that she was checked for a broken bone in her back. Myeloma patients have a lot of bone breakage due to the lesions they have on bones. One classmate rolled over on his side while in bed. His collarbone snapped. A few days later, his other one broke.

Doc is frustrated that the bone marrow interpretation will not occur until tomorrow and then we will know which way to handle the low white counts. We were so happy they bounced up a little today.

If you haven't seen it, go back to our Friday special edition to see our anniversary pix.

Blessings!
 


Platelets -(Normal range 150-500) a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -(Normal range = 0.0-10) An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1
11       2.50               15            196.0
12       2.54               28            186.0
13       1.98               18            181.0
14       1.22               28            199.9
15       0.95               20            138.6
Stem Cells on Day 15
16       0.83               32            129.4
17       0.86               22            121.4
18       0.70               12            110.3
19       0.55                9             159.2
20       0.75              14             162.9
Admitted to hospital Day 20
21       0.36              26             127.9
22       0.53              13              86.2
23       0.34              28              59.6
24       0.29              14              95.8
25       0.38              28            114.5
26       0.40              17            129.1
27       0.37              29              87.0
28       0.41              24              72.6
29       0.35              12              73.3
30       0.59              30              95.4
31       0.37              17              84.5
32       0.19              35              80.5
33       0.25              25              94.3
34       0.05              24            117.0
Stem Cells on Day 34
35       0.17              20            109.5
36       0.16              10            102.9
37       0.18              28            111.5
38       0.11              10            140.5
39       0.10              21            117.0
40      0.13               11             111.2
41      0.19               25             100.4
42      0.10               14               97.1
43      0.13               24             108.5
44      0.12               18             119.4
45      0.07               31             103.6
46      0.06               19               81.7
47      0.04               23               85.8
48      0.01               12               84.3
49      0.38               25               73.8
50      0.11               17               40.9
51      0.16               23               19.7
52      0.27               17               65.3

Day + 51 - Back Pain, Nausea, Pneumonia + Trey arrives

Deb is suffering today. Trey is comforting her

Trey meets Dr Bauckus

Oldest son  Trey flew in from Brussels and is Deb for a few days.

It's a down day for Deb. Yesterday was the first time Deb's pain has required Oxycodone in a long time. Her lower back is really hurting and her gut is in turmoil. She had seven fractured vertabrae of which six were repaired by Kyroplasty  two years + ago. Today she is having a lower back pain and will be getting an xray soon and some pain control patches over the site. The lesion on her breastbone continues to grow and is now causing some pain.

Doc says that the results of reading the bone marrow will be in Monday due to the holidays and the results will help understand why the last stem cells have not restored her immune system. Deb is also having an infection that is affecting her and we are awaiting cultures to ID it.

Check back in as posts will be made as we learn more.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Deb had a very rough day. An xray was ordered and Trey and I helped position Deb on the table. She was so weak it took a while to even get her into a wheel chair. Doc was looking for a reason for the pain she feeling. No report on the xray yet. Doc prescribed some very powerful drugs to help her get thru the day. Sleep soon overcame Deb.

Who are those masked folks? Steve and Carla

In the early evening Carla and Steve came for a short visit and brought Deb a chocolate pie. We shared it with the nurses. Thanks friends!

Blessings!



Platelets -(Normal range 150-500) a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -(Normal range = 0.0-10) An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1
11       2.50               15            196.0
12       2.54               28            186.0
13       1.98               18            181.0
14       1.22               28            199.9
15       0.95               20            138.6
Stem Cells on Day 15
16       0.83               32            129.4
17       0.86               22            121.4
18       0.70               12            110.3
19       0.55                9             159.2
20       0.75              14             162.9
Admitted to hospital Day 20
21       0.36              26             127.9
22       0.53              13              86.2
23       0.34              28              59.6
24       0.29              14              95.8
25       0.38              28            114.5
26       0.40              17            129.1
27       0.37              29              87.0
28       0.41              24              72.6
29       0.35              12              73.3
30       0.59              30              95.4
31       0.37              17              84.5
32       0.19              35              80.5
33       0.25              25              94.3
34       0.05              24            117.0
Stem Cells on Day 34
35       0.17              20            109.5
36       0.16              10            102.9
37       0.18              28            111.5
38       0.11              10            140.5
39       0.10              21            117.0
40      0.13               11             111.2
41      0.19               25             100.4
42      0.10               14               97.1
43      0.13               24             108.5
44      0.12               18             119.4
45      0.07               31             103.6
46      0.06               19               81.7
47      0.04               23               85.8
48      0.01               12               84.3
49      0.38               25               73.8
50      0.11               17               40.9
51      0.16               23               19.7

Day +50 - 38th Anniversary Special Edition

Feb 1977

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

How Deb & Vern Met and Married

Deb was teaching in Valdosta, GA while enrolled in grad school back in late 
summer 1974. 

She shared an apartment with another teacher and lived next door to two
more teacher friends in an apartment complex a block away from Dr and
Mrs Bennet Owens. Dr and Mrs Owens had hosted Christian youth meetings 
in their homes for many decades. While in undergrad school at VSC, Deb 
had participated at the Owens home and was a part of the 'Owen's gang'.

Vern was an AIr Force Pilot and was based at the nearby Moody AFB. 
He lived in Valdosta in a house shared with other AF Pilots. Room
mate Doug and Vern had begun a regular prayer time for themselves
 to grow into good husbands and for their future wives to grow spiritually
so that when marriage time came, both would be suitable for one another.

Vern borrowed an LP music album from Deb's roommate before Deb moved in. 
Then he wentoff for weeks of AF training. When he returned from the training,
he returned the album to Barb's apartment. When he knocked on the door, 
Deb answered the door and said 'Hi! You're Vern!' Vern said 'who are you?' 
They had never met before and although both were active at
the Owen's, they had never been there the same time.

At the instant Vern's eyes fell on Deb, a powerful burning hit him in the chest 
and an inner voicesaid 'this is your wife.' Deb did not have the same feeling. 
After returning the album, Deb invited Vern in for some dill weed dip and veggies. 
Although he did not like the dip, Vern liked the company. 

Vern's roommate Doug had come down with the mumps, so Barb and Deb 
sent some food home for Doug. So, for several days Vern was invited over
for supper and food sent home to Doug.When Vern first went back 
home to Doug Vern exclaimed, 'I met her!' Doug said 'Who? Who did
you meet? Vern said 'my wife! I met my wife!' Doug asked 'who is she?'
 'Debbie McIntyre' Vern told Doug. 'Debbie McIntyre?'  Doug exclaimed? 
He knew her although Vern did not.

The relationship grew finding Vern going over for dill weed dip and short 
walks and talks to the nearby park. Barb kept telling Deb that Vern was 
sweet on her. Deb kept insisting Vern was only interested in the food.

Deb's folks lived several hours away and Deb suggested they come down 
because there was someone they should meet. So, they came down from
Albany that weekend. That same weekend Vern invited Deb to go out to an 
AF recreation lake called Grassy Pond where they canoed among
alligators and talked. This was the first real date. Vern asked Deb to marry 
him. Deb's response-'when?'

Perplexed, Vern was concerned about how to answer that question 
so he said 'soon.' So, a November date was agreed on and the happy 
couple was engaged!

So, on Nov 23, 38 years later, 'Here we are' as Deb is fond of saying!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

38 years ago Deb and I were married in Albany, Ga at her family church. We lived in Valdosta, Ga where she taught school and worked on her Masters in pure math at Valdosta State. Then we moved to Colorado Springs where Vern taught at the USAF Academy. Then off to Montgomery, Al, Austin, Tx, Various spots in Florida, then Spring,Tx and finally to Peachtree City, Ga.

Here are some random shots of us. I am limited by what is on my computer here in Arkansas.

We will be enjoying another quiet day in the hospital. Although Deb's numbers stumbled some, she is actually doing very well. She has a big appetite. She had to have a 3:30 am snack after eating a great Thanksgiving meal provide by our kind friends. When she awoke this am, she asked me to make her a cheese Pita and a coke...the breakfast of champions!

Trey is enroute from Brussels and we hope to have him with us tonight. We are so blessed and Deb and I enjoyed many memories as we picked out these pix last night. One tends to forget many happy moments until a visual memory prods it.

Stay tuned for more as the day unfolds!

Blessings!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Platelets -(Normal range 150-500) a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -(Normal range = 0.0-10) An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1
11       2.50               15            196.0
12       2.54               28            186.0
13       1.98               18            181.0
14       1.22               28            199.9
15       0.95               20            138.6
Stem Cells on Day 15
16       0.83               32            129.4
17       0.86               22            121.4
18       0.70               12            110.3
19       0.55                9             159.2
20       0.75              14             162.9
Admitted to hospital Day 20
21       0.36              26             127.9
22       0.53              13              86.2
23       0.34              28              59.6
24       0.29              14              95.8
25       0.38              28            114.5
26       0.40              17            129.1
27       0.37              29              87.0
28       0.41              24              72.6
29       0.35              12              73.3
30       0.59              30              95.4
31       0.37              17              84.5
32       0.19              35              80.5
33       0.25              25              94.3
34       0.05              24            117.0
Stem Cells on Day 34
35       0.17              20            109.5
36       0.16              10            102.9
37       0.18              28            111.5
38       0.11              10            140.5
39       0.10              21            117.0
40      0.13               11             111.2
41      0.19               25             100.4
42      0.10               14               97.1
43      0.13               24             108.5
44      0.12               18             119.4
45      0.07               31             103.6
46      0.06               19               81.7
47      0.04               23               85.8
48      0.01               12               84.3
49      0.38               25               73.8
50      0.11               17               40.9

Day + 49 -Thanksgiving Gift : Whites up to .38 !!! UPDATE

Doc could hardly wait to share the good news. He said that they had learned from Deb a better way to use steroids.

Don't know about your Thanksgiving Day, but our's is Tip Top! Deb's white count started upward! Praise God!  

People often ask what they can do for us. Today we have a request. When you sit down to your Thanksgiving Feast,with your friends and family, when you bow your heads for your blessing, will you thank God for this white count starting up! 

You see, this means Deb's immune system can start to rebuild and she will be pushed back from the brink. Then we can start battling the cancer again!

Yesterday 0.01  - - -Today 0.38

No blood products needed today! CRP went down!  Deb feels better!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

BE SURE TO CHECK IN ON FRIDAY FOR A SPECIAL EDITION

Check back later : a Multi-post day

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THANKSGIVING FEAST PROVIDED: The Jenkins family brought us a Thanksgiving feast from their family table! Deb ate more today than in the past 2 weeks. We had turkey, carrots, rice & brocoli casserole, sweet 'taters, rolls, 'angeled' eggs, cranberry relish, and chocolate pie!

The whole family was in the 'meals-on -wheelsmobile' and pulled up to the front of the hospital. I ran downstairs and met them. 

We really appreciate them doing this for us. Thanks! 

Carla and Kids

Steve and Carla

 




 

Platelets -(Normal range 150-500) a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -(Normal range = 0.0-10) An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2
6         2.32               26            214.0
7         2.29               11            209.3
8         2.84               25            230.2
9         2.32               12            234.1
10       2.66               24            220.1
11       2.50               15            196.0
12       2.54               28            186.0
13       1.98               18            181.0
14       1.22               28            199.9
15       0.95               20            138.6
Stem Cells on Day 15
16       0.83               32            129.4
17       0.86               22            121.4
18       0.70               12            110.3
19       0.55                9             159.2
20       0.75              14             162.9
Admitted to hospital Day 20
21       0.36              26             127.9
22       0.53              13              86.2
23       0.34              28              59.6
24       0.29              14              95.8
25       0.38              28            114.5
26       0.40              17            129.1
27       0.37              29              87.0
28       0.41              24              72.6
29       0.35              12              73.3
30       0.59              30              95.4
31       0.37              17              84.5
32       0.19              35              80.5
33       0.25              25              94.3
34       0.05              24            117.0
Stem Cells on Day 34
35       0.17              20            109.5
36       0.16              10            102.9
37       0.18              28            111.5
38       0.11              10            140.5
39       0.10              21            117.0
40      0.13               11             111.2
41      0.19               25             100.4
42      0.10               14               97.1
43      0.13               24             108.5
44      0.12               18             119.4
45      0.07               31             103.6
46      0.06               19               81.7
47      0.04               23               85.8
48      0.01               12               84.3
49      0.38               25               73.8