Deb spent most of the day in the sun room resting. In fact, she spent most of the week there. In reality, most of the past year since it was completed! We are so grateful for those who helped us complete it last year! How different Deb's comfort has been having it as a personal retreat.
Deb's blood platelets dropped significantly this week which means her strength ebbed as well. We are anticipating blood transfusions perhaps next week.
Although church attendance has been our lifelong practice, we have seldom been able to attend services for some time. Today our friends Dave and Cathy Hicks came by after church and brought lunch. We had a wonderful time hearing about their three month trip to India. Before they left, we had a prayer time and communion together.
We are blessed!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday- a much needed day of rest : Bad news from a classmate
So glad our maker prescribed a day of rest because we needed it! Today included a grocery trip, restocking the frig, fixing some food, unpacking, a few loads of laundry, a visit from Vern's dad, getting organized for the new week, and a nice nap. Then a little football for dessert!
We got some bad news today. Harold Horton was found dead in his recliner yesterday morning. Back in 2010 Deb and Gwen lived a parallel time in the hospital with very similar issues. They were also our next door neighbors at the Markham House. Deb survived but Gwen did not. Since then, Harold and I texted and called periodically.
Harold had a large farm in West Tennessee near Deb's ancestral home and raised his own meat, raised catfish, and gardened. Harold was probably the most self-sufficient man I ever knew. He was also a humble kind hearted man who missed his Gwen terribly. I think he grieved himself to death.
We are better off for having known Harold and Gwen. They will be missed.
We got some bad news today. Harold Horton was found dead in his recliner yesterday morning. Back in 2010 Deb and Gwen lived a parallel time in the hospital with very similar issues. They were also our next door neighbors at the Markham House. Deb survived but Gwen did not. Since then, Harold and I texted and called periodically.
Harold had a large farm in West Tennessee near Deb's ancestral home and raised his own meat, raised catfish, and gardened. Harold was probably the most self-sufficient man I ever knew. He was also a humble kind hearted man who missed his Gwen terribly. I think he grieved himself to death.
We are better off for having known Harold and Gwen. They will be missed.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Getting Home on Saturday Afternoon : NOW AT HOME
My Pappie always said "it's a lot better to be down here wishing you were up there than up there wishing you were down here." We agree!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5:30 pm
We arrived home safely and were greeted by about a dozen of our airplane friends who made short order of unloading and getting us refueled and in the hangar. We have unloaded the car and are laying around the sun room. Praise the Lord! No place like home!
Deb woke up starving so we went to a tiny local eatery called Leos. It probably only seats 10-15 folks and has had no improvements in appearance since the forties or so. The food and service are good though!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Results of Arkansas Tests
Bottom line:
Both Deb and I are encouraged. It certainly could have been worse! We are staying in Little Rock tonight because the weather is awful for flying home today.
Details:
We arrived early for our appointment with Dr Van Rhee and were soon seen for the typical labs before seeing the Doc. While waiting on Deb's blood pressure to give a reading (always a problem), Vern saw Dr Nair in the hall and waved. He came to greet us and we asked if he was still our Dr, or had we been swapped to Dr Van Rhee. He said he was still our Dr. and would swap that appointment with Van Rhee.
The nurse took us to our examining room and soon Dr Nair came in and began getting an update from Deb and Deb's tests.
For the technically interested, Deb's IGA and Lamda Light Chains are going up but are still within the normal range. Her PET looked worse but her multiple MRIs looked better. Dr Nair said "I'm a bit worried about those climbing markers. The disease is trying to come back."
So, the plan is to increase dosages of chemo upward. Thalomid (Thalidomide)is being replaced with much higher doses of Revlamid. Velcade will now be twice a week. Labs will be sent to Arkansas more often. We are to return in a month and have all the tests we normally have plus another bone marrow and a gene array.
In other words, Deb is about to get her butt kicked by these increased chemos!
The weather made coming home today out of the question. We will look at it in the morning and make a decision. The front causing very low ceilings and visibilities in both Arkansas and the Atlanta areas stretches all the way from Colorado to the Carolinas.
Before he left us, Dr Nair told us that he will be leaving UAMS in March for private oncology practice. His nurse Gina (Holy Spirit tatto on her wrist) told us she would be retiring when Dr Nair leaves. We will miss them both and wish them well. Nurse Tina who encouraged Deb at her lowest point too another job a while back.
Both Deb and I are encouraged. It certainly could have been worse! We are staying in Little Rock tonight because the weather is awful for flying home today.
Details:
We arrived early for our appointment with Dr Van Rhee and were soon seen for the typical labs before seeing the Doc. While waiting on Deb's blood pressure to give a reading (always a problem), Vern saw Dr Nair in the hall and waved. He came to greet us and we asked if he was still our Dr, or had we been swapped to Dr Van Rhee. He said he was still our Dr. and would swap that appointment with Van Rhee.
The nurse took us to our examining room and soon Dr Nair came in and began getting an update from Deb and Deb's tests.
For the technically interested, Deb's IGA and Lamda Light Chains are going up but are still within the normal range. Her PET looked worse but her multiple MRIs looked better. Dr Nair said "I'm a bit worried about those climbing markers. The disease is trying to come back."
So, the plan is to increase dosages of chemo upward. Thalomid (Thalidomide)is being replaced with much higher doses of Revlamid. Velcade will now be twice a week. Labs will be sent to Arkansas more often. We are to return in a month and have all the tests we normally have plus another bone marrow and a gene array.
In other words, Deb is about to get her butt kicked by these increased chemos!
The weather made coming home today out of the question. We will look at it in the morning and make a decision. The front causing very low ceilings and visibilities in both Arkansas and the Atlanta areas stretches all the way from Colorado to the Carolinas.
Before he left us, Dr Nair told us that he will be leaving UAMS in March for private oncology practice. His nurse Gina (Holy Spirit tatto on her wrist) told us she would be retiring when Dr Nair leaves. We will miss them both and wish them well. Nurse Tina who encouraged Deb at her lowest point too another job a while back.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday am
Today is the test analysis and processing day. Those results will be presented to us tomorrow morning. That's when we find out if there is a change in our treatment plan and schedule. Of course, our desire is to stay on the original 3 months at home / 1 week in Arkansas routine.
Yesterday we got a phone call for a long-time friend who was brokenhearted in telling us that his wife had been diagnosed with cancer. I identified so much with his pain as he grappled with the news. It is a helpless feeling. I prayed with him and tried to encourage him as a fellow caregiver.
A fellow classmate has published a small hardback book on his battle with Multiple Myeloma called Rebirth in Little Rock by Victor R. McLean of Montgomery, Alabama. Deb and I read it and it pretty much describes our lives the last few years. If you are a seeking information about Multiple Myeloma or treatment here in Little Rock, his book is a very concise narrative on what lies ahead. His 87 pages summarize our parallel experience without you have to read our huge (over 6" thick when printed out) blog with its rambling style and intermingled family stories.
The special MRI yesterday, which we found out is a new procedure to determine the bone's marrow-making ability and health, did not take so long and allowed us time to take a ride in the country.
Northwest of Little Rock along the Arkansas River is somewhat mountainous with trout streams and beautiful scenery. South of Little Rock is where we headed yesterday. In only a few moments we entered typical Georgia-looking piney woods. Deb felt right at home since she grew up in South Georgia where pines abound. Afterwards we had a rare event for our time in Arkansas...we went to a movie!
This time out of the hospital/Markham House environment has a purpose..stress reduction! Nothing like a little fresh air and new scenery to help one 'cool their jets!'
Yesterday we got a phone call for a long-time friend who was brokenhearted in telling us that his wife had been diagnosed with cancer. I identified so much with his pain as he grappled with the news. It is a helpless feeling. I prayed with him and tried to encourage him as a fellow caregiver.
A fellow classmate has published a small hardback book on his battle with Multiple Myeloma called Rebirth in Little Rock by Victor R. McLean of Montgomery, Alabama. Deb and I read it and it pretty much describes our lives the last few years. If you are a seeking information about Multiple Myeloma or treatment here in Little Rock, his book is a very concise narrative on what lies ahead. His 87 pages summarize our parallel experience without you have to read our huge (over 6" thick when printed out) blog with its rambling style and intermingled family stories.
The special MRI yesterday, which we found out is a new procedure to determine the bone's marrow-making ability and health, did not take so long and allowed us time to take a ride in the country.
Northwest of Little Rock along the Arkansas River is somewhat mountainous with trout streams and beautiful scenery. South of Little Rock is where we headed yesterday. In only a few moments we entered typical Georgia-looking piney woods. Deb felt right at home since she grew up in South Georgia where pines abound. Afterwards we had a rare event for our time in Arkansas...we went to a movie!
This time out of the hospital/Markham House environment has a purpose..stress reduction! Nothing like a little fresh air and new scenery to help one 'cool their jets!'
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Tuesday evening... Overview
Tuesday tests are now over. Between tests we went to Deb's favorite Brazilian restaurant for lunch after a long fast. Deb is now in her PJ's on the couch watching the news and relaxing after a long hard day. Amanda and Ellie just called to say good night to Mimi (grandmother).
We had a nice visit in the Markham House office with Cynthia, the manager, Latoya, and Gino. We may be clients but are treated like family.
Today we got the news that our classmate from Thailand passed away. Mrs P was 82. You can see her pix on posts from last year. Reports are that her husband returned to Thailand to be with her elderly mother(age 102) and aunt (age 106), who still go to market each day with their caregivers. Wow!
We met a new classmate named Kim and her son Brody from Louisiana. Brody is fifteen and immediately wanted us to know they live in northern La. and do not catch alligators! Guess he's a little sensitive about several popular TV programs.
Kim's case is almost a mirror image of Deb's and at several waiting rooms Deb and Kim got to compare notes. Kim has had myeloma longer and also has had a similar setback while on remission. They exchanged contact info and plan on becoming regular communicators.
Deb on the hotel van reading
Tuesday-Tests begin today
Deb's been fasting, so I slipped off for a cup of coffee while she was still sleeping. She's dressing now as we begin 2 days of tests. So, first out of the gate is a registration process, then blood and urine tests. Mid morning, PET, then MRI. Tomorrow, more MRI's. Then Thursday is a day off while the tests are processed. At 9 Friday, we sit down with the doctor to decide what's ahead.
Yesterday we sat on the bed and listened to some of our favorite music on Youtube.com from early in our marriage. Mostly Gaither Trio. Danny Gaither had five years of lymphoma before dying. We now understand his last days so well.
The music was so comforting. Songs like: Something Beautiful, Because He Lives, The King is Coming, He Touched Me, and a favorite encouraging song, The Church Triumphant.
At my morning coffee, I again bumped into our classmate from Colquitt, Ga. She has been here continuously by herself for over a year except for two weeks at home during Christmas.
Each time we are here and I pass by certain rooms, I have flashback memories to what we were going through when we stayed in that room. Today I passed by 305, the first room we stayed in when Deb came out for her comprehensive eval. Amanda came with us and Deb was in terrible pain before six of her seven vertibrae were repaired. I was a zombie and we would not have made it without Amanda's clear-headed help and thinking. Seemed like the first time I ever remember being totally helpless.
Yesterday we sat on the bed and listened to some of our favorite music on Youtube.com from early in our marriage. Mostly Gaither Trio. Danny Gaither had five years of lymphoma before dying. We now understand his last days so well.
The music was so comforting. Songs like: Something Beautiful, Because He Lives, The King is Coming, He Touched Me, and a favorite encouraging song, The Church Triumphant.
Each time we are here and I pass by certain rooms, I have flashback memories to what we were going through when we stayed in that room. Today I passed by 305, the first room we stayed in when Deb came out for her comprehensive eval. Amanda came with us and Deb was in terrible pain before six of her seven vertibrae were repaired. I was a zombie and we would not have made it without Amanda's clear-headed help and thinking. Seemed like the first time I ever remember being totally helpless.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Arrived safely in Little Rock
We came out Sunday rather than the planned Monday departure.
Today the skies were extremely clear and visibility was more than forty miles.
Headwinds were a different story! Sixty on the nose for part of the trip. Ground speeds as low as 115 even though we were flying thru the air at 185-190 mph burning about 13 gallons per hour avgas.
So, the normal 2:15 trip took 2:55. Even so, what mode of transport would get us here more conveniently and quickly? None I know of!
Arriving Sunday instead of Monday presented another issue: Our rental car was not available today. An friendly off-duty fireman, Adam, brought us to the Markham House where we checked in and got a short nap.
It sure reduces Vern's stress level when I have gotten Deb here safely and comfortably.
Today the skies were extremely clear and visibility was more than forty miles.
Headwinds were a different story! Sixty on the nose for part of the trip. Ground speeds as low as 115 even though we were flying thru the air at 185-190 mph burning about 13 gallons per hour avgas.
So, the normal 2:15 trip took 2:55. Even so, what mode of transport would get us here more conveniently and quickly? None I know of!
Arriving Sunday instead of Monday presented another issue: Our rental car was not available today. An friendly off-duty fireman, Adam, brought us to the Markham House where we checked in and got a short nap.
It sure reduces Vern's stress level when I have gotten Deb here safely and comfortably.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Heading back to Little Rock + family sendoff
Three plus weeks ago the doc asked us to come back in a month due to questionable test results. He said "come prepared to stay one to four weeks."
Here's a short video of where we go and virtually everyone shown has helped us and are our friends.http://myeloma.uams.edu/?id=9108&sid=28
Here's the Myeloma link in case you want to learn more. http://myeloma.uams.edu/
We were heading back in Gracie on Monday but because of the weather, we are heading west tomorrow (Sunday).
As usual, you can follow our flight at . Enter N353RV in the general aviation block.
Stand by for reports! Pray for us to get good news.
Here's a short video of where we go and virtually everyone shown has helped us and are our friends.http://myeloma.uams.edu/?id=9108&sid=28
Here's the Myeloma link in case you want to learn more. http://myeloma.uams.edu/
We were heading back in Gracie on Monday but because of the weather, we are heading west tomorrow (Sunday).
As usual, you can follow our flight at
Stand by for reports! Pray for us to get good news.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jon, Amanda, Stephen, Ellie, and Parker met us at the family fav Mexican restaurant to give us a sendoff.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Parker Evans Swindall - 3
Today is Jan 1st 2012. Parker came home today. Deb and I took some chow up for everyone. Amanda and Parker are doing great!
Two admiring grandmothers checking out a perfect child
Deb helping Eliana with a puzzle
Proud Vern
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