sylvia's Requests...

From: Sylvia Pituch

Date: December 31, 2010 4:53:58 PM CST

Subject: PR for Joanne, my grandmother, and Victor

Victor & I are down in MD - a New Year's tradition with cousins Michael & Debbie - we went out for breakfast this morning - and a few hours later Victor is hit with the stomach bug - we quarantined him in a bedroom with gatorade, Imodium.....and can't say he's doing too much better - wanted to take him home - but that would probably be challenging - then received a call from my mom - my grandma Irene Jebitsch was taken from the Phoebe Nursing home to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest - she is still in the ER - she has chronic bladder infections which send her off in another world - I spoke with her nurse about it on Wed night (had been there Sun & Tues - she was so-so) - nurse explained they did a rapid flu test and it was neg and she is on antibiotics by injection but no difference - the dr in the ER explained that she is very toxic and there probably isn't much they can do - mom said I shouldn't come home - just to sit tight until we get more updates - just got a text from my brother Stephen who went over to be with mom and my uncle Jim - he said grandma seems a little more calm since getting IV fluids - she was also dehydrated - (while I was with her on Wed she drank three large glasses of water in the time I was there) - he also said just to stay put and they will keep me updated.  Please pray that Victor's stomach will calm down so that prehaps we can drive home tomorrow afternoon if need be - Michele, Hunter, Meghan, & Eric are alll coming up to MD tomorrow too.........  And pray that grandma will be comfortable.  Thanks! <3

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Happy New Year to all,

    

     Please storm Heaven again for Joanne McLaughlin.  She is back in the hospital with a tear in her stomach that is leaking stomach matter into her system.  She had another procedure done today, but they are also keeping her on heavy duty antibiotics to try to prevent peritonitis.  This is almost 5 months of home a week and then back to the hospital.  If any of you see Msgr Murphy,  Please let him know of Joanne's  newest trial.  All this is from the original surgery.  She has had every complication  that is possible.  I feel so bad for her and her children.  We are all getting very stressed out.  Seems she starts to turn a corner and is back again with more problems.  I don't know how much anesthesia and probing her body can endure.  I sure hope the New Year brings her strength and a new healthy body.  Love to you all,  Carole Y

Bernadette and the passing of her dad

Bock,

 

Thanks for the link.  I need to inform you that Bernadette's father passed away recently.  We had to go to Pittsburgh the week before Christmas to bury him.  If we didn't take over the funeral arrangements, they would of had to follow her mothers directions of "a one hour viewing, close the casket and plant him in the ground."  We gave him a proper funeral complete with military honors befitting a Purple Heart winner.  Bernadette was presented with the flag by the honor guard.  The mass was extremely well done and all who came to the repast shared their memories of Bernadette's father and how he had helped them to stay in business at one time or another during his time as their flour supplier.  It was good for Bernadette to hear some positive remarks for a change.  She is going through a tough period right now so please add her to the prayer group for the special "strength and comfort" only the lord can provide at this time.

 

Be well my friend.

 

Ken

Please pray for Sheila

Dear PG...


This from a friend of mine who has just taken a job overseas...

                Sheila’s sister is now beyond help with the cancer.  Sheila is still at home helping to care for her.  Not a good situation.   

Please say a prayer for Sheila, her sister and my friend David. M.

Thanks.

RGB

To make your tears...of joy, hope, and faith...

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: 'How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?

The surgeon said, 'I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it.'

Sally said, 'Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?'

The surgeon asked, 'Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the
nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university.'

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to son. She ran
her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair 'Would you like a lock of
his hair?' the nurse asked. Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's
hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, 'It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for
Study. He said it might help somebody else. 'I said no at first, but Jimmy said,
'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy
spend one more day with his Mom.' She went on, 'My Jimmy had a heart of gold.
Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.'

Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending
most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on
the seat beside her in the car.

The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She
carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her
son's room.

She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room
exactly where he had always kept them She lay down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Lying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:


'Dear Mom,
I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or
stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say 'I Love You'. I will always
love you, Mom, even more with each day.. Someday we will see each other again.
Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's
okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide
to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do.
You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know.

Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you.
God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him
'where was He when I needed him?' 'God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.

Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To
everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to
give God His pen back now He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food
will be great.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore the cancer is all gone..
I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to
see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

JB CANCER FREE...THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS

09 December 2010 at 14:21

Diane Carter...

Great news John does not have cancer it is just enlarged so thank god thanks for your prayers :) God Bless you

High School Student Killed in Car Accident...Please Pray

"Samantha Scott, junior at Helias Catholic High School, killed in a car accident yesterday evening." 

Please pray that she is in His arms...

Please pray for the students and Samantha's family...

Thanks...RGB

A ship sails...Farewell Greg's Dad...

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says "She is gone."

Gone where?  


Gone from my sight, that is all.  She is just as large now as when I last saw her.  Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.


And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "she is gone", there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and their voices take up a glad shout "There she comes!"


May the soul of the departed be embraced in His presence.

Sylvia's Requests...

Hi Sylvia,

Last week, I was told about 3-year old David Bryan, who is terminally ill with a brain tumor. His father, Gary, is a MedEvac pilot. I received more information today. David has been at CHOP in Philadelphia since August, and his mother and 4-year old sister have been there every day. The family has “maxed out” their health care benefits, so they have shut off their home phone, and they’re doing everything they can to save money. David turned 3 while he has been at CHOP; their physician told David’s parents that the odds of David living until 4 years old “are less than 10%”.

Thank you,

Jim Pauloski

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Trisha is the younger sister of Sarah Gracely who we keep in our prayers........(oh Dawn!  You didn't need this!!!) - please pray that Trisha's injuries will respond quickly to the treatment. 

Hi Sylvia!

Can you please say a prayer for Trisha for me?  My mom, Trisha and I went to see Sarah at school and on the way home, we were waiting to turn onto 25th Street from 24th Street and we were struck from behind by another vehicle.  (The driver did not see us and hit us at full force)  Trisha could not even get out of the car.  She was taken via ambulance on a stretcher and neck brace. Trisha sustained severe neck strain.  Her lower back is bothering her as well.  Trisha started to see a chiropractor yesterday.  This could take a long time to be resolved.  Trisha cannot look straight forward.  She keeps her neck very still and almost looking down.  Sitting in a pew at church and sitting in desk chairs are extremely uncomfortable for her. Both cars were totaled.  The passenger in the other car hit and severely cracked the windshield and also seriously hurt her knee--please say a prayer for her as well. 

Thanks and love you lots!

Love,

Dawn 

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Update on Coco!!!  She is doing really, really well…….AND SHE’S GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER!!!  Please continue to pray for Coco, her mommy & daddy.  Thanks!

Request for Prayers - Susan Matthews Reiter...CANCER

Dear Prayer Group...one of our members (Tim) received this request...

Dear Tim:

Susan's full name is Susan Matthews Reiter, if you have access to a prayer list.

Pray for Susan that she finds peace and does not die before her children are adults.  Susan is 45 years old, is almost a 5 year cancer survivor, and now has Stage 4 bone cancer, lower back and right hip.  The cancer has not spread, for example, to the liver.  Previously, Susan had chemotherapy, breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy, for almost one year.

The initial treatment now is heavy dose injections of hormone medication.  The goal is to slow the growth, and possibly, to eliminate the bone cancer altogether.  If this does not work, then chemo and radiation would be the next step.  Last Monday and Tuesday Susan had a battery of tests at MD  Anderson.  By last Friday we had received a bill for $34K dollars for the tests alone.  So far, United Healthcare has paid most of the medical bills, now in excess of $700K dollar

 Several of my family still live in the same house, Susan, her second husband, Marc, and Jake (16) and Annie (14).  Susan has three children from her first husband; Mike(25) and married to Sarah, and then Jake and Annie.  Marc has 2 children, Ellie(21), attending St. Edward's in Austin, and Brady(16), attending Lamar H.S. with Annie and Jake.  Jake now has his own truck, lives with his dad and works part-time for his dad.  Jake attends another local high school and plays on the h.s. baseball team.  Brady and Jake are at our house most weekend.  If you are not already confused, my son, Mike, is the father of three girls, all now teenagers, and all living in Houston with their mother.

 My prostate cancer was in 1994, and my recent thyroid cancer is very slow growing and is almost in remission.  I also cannot die now-it takes a village and we certainly have a village of teenagers.

 God's Peace,

Tom H.

To Cindy's Brother Steve...who is in His arms now...

Rick,
Add our friends and family in Little Rock to the prayer list.  Cindy's
brother, Steve, passed yesterday.

Thanks and love and prayers to all,
Bob Sig

sylvia's Requests...

Received the following PR from Michele's friend Lauren who lives in TN and teaches at St. Francis School there: 

Hey Mrs P - can you add soemone to your prayer chain for me? I have a student who's father had a massive heart attack 2 weeks ago. He wasn't expected to live through that night, but made it. Then, he wasn't expected to make it through surgery, but he made it again. But, when he woke up from surgery, he was very very agitated and they put him into a drug-induced coma to allow his body to heal. But now he won't wake up and he's completely reliant on a ventilator and machines (going on 2 weeks now). He and his wife had their 20th anniversary this past Wednesday. She refused to make any decisions before then and now it looks like they wil lbe making the decision to take him off of everything. It completely breaks my heart. The family has 4 boys - a senior, a sophomore, an 8th grader and a 6th grader. I've taught/am teaching the 2 younger boys and it is heart-breaking to watch them go through this. Please pray for the family to get through this difficult time.

Please pass this on to whoever will lift them up in prayer. The family is the Caprio family. Thanks!

This is from my former co-worker Nancy whose niece Kathy and her baby need our prayers:

To all who haven''t heard: I am am in icu at Univ of Alabama, Burmingham. I fell through the attic door and landed on my back on the garage floor. I broke my t11-12 spine and am numb from the waist down. Docs aren’t sure if I’ll regain feeling or not.  Also not sure how the pregnancy will go.  I’m in a lot of pain.  Had surgery on spine yesterday….prayers and well wishes much appreciated.

Pray for the Mother of D Turney Knicos

Hello Prayer Group...

We have a number of folks celebrating SURVIVAL of surgeries...and fighting through rehab.  Let's say one prayer for this little swimmer...Mrs. Turney.

Thanks...RGB

Dan the STEAM TRAP man...needs a prayer

Dear Prayer Group...

Please offer one of your favorite prayers for an old friend of mine, "DS, Sr." that is fighting "THE BIG C".

Thanks...
We all know our prayers work...so...please...a one minute prayer that DS, Sr. has a good treatment tomorrow.

RGB

The Answer to: Does God Exist?

 DOES GOD EXIST?

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.  They talked about so many things and various subjects. 
 
When they eventually touched on the subject of God,  the  barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.'   


'Why do you say that?' asked the customer.   

'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children?  If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the  shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a
man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barbershop again and he said to the barber:

'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'  

'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!' 
 
'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.' 

'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when  people do not come to me.'

'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't  look to Him for help.  That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.' 

Sylvia's Requests...

Sylvia,

Jean Lean called this afternoon and asked if you could please put her on your prayer list.  She is having glacoma and cataract surgery on December 14.  She asked that they please pray for her.  She is having it done in Lansdale.

Thanks,

Love, Mom

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And from my sister in law Lisa - my nephew Ryan has an internship in Pittsburgh (Norine and Leslie, can you pass this on to your nephew/niece who are up there to help spread the word?  Thanks!)

Could you send this around to people in case they know someone who is interested.

Thanks,

My son, Ryan, is trying to find someone to sublet his apartment in downtown State College for the next semester.  The apartment is “The Legend” at 246 Highland Avenue in State College.  It is close to the center of town near Pugh Street.  There are four other male roommates in the apartment.  The monthly cost is $468 a month which includes all utilities.  The sublet will be available anytime after 12/19/10 and can be rented as long as someone is willing.  The lease we signed runs until 8/1/11.  If you know anyone that is interested, please let me know.  My cell phone is 570-778-9562.

sylvia's Requests...

Heard from cousin Michael that Debbie did well with her surgery and may even be discharged tomorrow night!  Now I ask that you pray for Debbie to remain free from any infections, and quick healing.  Thanks so much!

HERE'S AN UPDATE FROM BERNIE ON HER DAUGHTER BRENDA: (we'll keep praying Bernie)

Hi Syl,

I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers. The doctor did not have to take Brenda's ovary. However, it does appear that due to a lot of scar tissue from her previous abdominal surgeries, she will most likely not be able to conceive without some fertilization help, but the doctor isn't sure that her uterus would be able to carry a baby to term. Brenda seems okay with this. I think when she had the tumor at 13 years old and lost her ovary then she had already resigned herself to adoption. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. On a positive note at least she won't be facing menopause anytime soon which was also a concern with losing her ovary.

Thanks,

Bernie

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URGENT PRAYERS FOR NICK FRANCA……..AND TO HELP CELEBRATE HIS 21^ST BIRTHDAY.  Please also keep all of his family in your prayers too.....

·         Thursday, December 2, 2010 10:49 AM, CST

We arrived at Sloan by ambulance about 9 last night.  Nick started having horrific clots again through his bladder, why we don't know.  His blood pressure and all tumor markers are crazy high.  He is inpatient in a private room for now, as I had made a pleading request to Dr. Kushner for Nick's mental state to not have to deal with anything else but what he already is..

I hadn't cried much this week until we walked onto the 9th floor.  There were 3 of his night nurses welcoming us with open arms and any drugs he needed.  AT CHOP there are just different rules about drugs and they don't match nick's needs.  It is a children's hospital and there are rules that can't be bent.  I was so moved by the emotion of our family of inpatient team here.  Today I cried again when his day nurses hugged me and Dr. Laquaglia is moving mountains to do another bladder scope to stop the bleeding.

This all means that we are delaying the start of chemo.  He has lost 8 pounds since Thanksgiving now and can't eat because of the underlying anxiety....... got his mama's stomach... Jim reacts in the opposite direction, wish Nick did.  Anyway, at this point we are going to ask if starting friday or Sunday would make that much of a difference.  Dr. Modak was very kind but very realistic today.  He asked how blunt Dr. Maris was in talking about where we are in the journey.  His disease doesn't seem to hold for more than 8 weeks after treatment, and it doesn't come back like a lamb, but a lion each time. So the question is how long do you want to keep doing this?  Nick made it clear that there will be no more talk of quitting, he doesn't see it as a choice.

So we have to
manage blood pressure
stop the bleeding of the bladder and the pain associated with it
Get him eating and pooping
Start salvage chemo

When we don't know.

We are in room 511 at the RMhouse
We are in room 902 inpatient.
Please send any mail to RMhouse,

405 East 73rd St. NY NY 10021 any gifts to
1275 York Ave. NY NY10021  room 511 Nick Franca, mark urgent otherwise it gets stuck in mail room for weeks.

The mountain is high... the summit looks beyond what we humanly know how to do at this moment, so we have to figure out a different way to climb, holding on to every step so we don't tumble without being roped in.  You are our ropes, you hold is up as we take steps to the top, helping us not to fall.

Michele & Meghan’s friend Peter - who we prayed for to find a job when he was left go from Air Products….and he just did!….in Philly – he is keeping his townhouse in Macungie, however needs to “fill” it…..if anyone knows of someone looking for a place, here is the info:

Hi Sylvia,

So good to see you the other day.  Even though it was only for a few minutes.

Please pass this along to anyone you know looking.  Here is a quick ad that I came up with.  I can provide many pics too, just ask.

Thanks,

Peter

Looking for 2 roommates, non-smoking, no pets. Male or female.  Can be either a student, intern, co-op, or full time working professional.

I have a three bedroom town home, built only a few years ago. I currently have one working professional living in one of the rooms. The bedrooms available have their ownclosets and can come furnished with a bed and nightstand at no charge. You just have to let me know.

Rent is $495 per month for one room and $475 for the other.  The cheaper room is a little smaller and has a smaller closet.

Home is an end unit town house, 1,800 square feet with a finished basement.
Common areas are shared and include living room, dining room, kitchen, and washer/dryer.

Rent includes wireless internet, phone, garbage, recycling, sewage, and free street parking right in front of the house. There is also one driveway spot.  There is always plenty of parking, it's never an issue. You will have your own bedroom and share a full bathroom. You will also have access to the private community's gym, basketball court, tennis courts, walking/running paths, and outdoor pool in the summer time.

Tenants split certain utility costs. They are electric and water. Cable television if you so desire.

The person who lives there now is pretty low key. This isn't a party house. If that is what you are looking for, this isn't the place for you.

This house is a very easy drive to Air Products, PPL, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Olympus, Lutron, and others for those working professionals and many universities such as Lehigh, DeSales, Penn State Lehigh Valley, Muhlenberg, and Cedar Crest College for students. Again, there are working professionals living here, so please keep that in mind.

Renter must be willing to sign general contract and agree to rental terms and conditions such as keeping common areas and your full bath clean.

There are a few pictures attached, I have more available upon request. Please email if you have any questions.
--
Peter V. Vuong
----------------------------------------
610.657.3959
vuong.peter@gmail.com

Request for Prayers

Hello Prayer Group.

Without great detail, but with sincerity, I ask for your single prayer of faith for these people...

1.  My Mom.  She has been in and out of hospital since August 31.  She is home now...but needs your support in prayer.

2.  My friend from college...JB.  He is seeing an oncologist this week.

3.  My wife's uncle Bill...he gets a pacemaker today.

4.  My new friend Rob...who fell down a flight of stairs and fractured his arm.  He works construction, so this will set him back.

5.  My uncle Charles...who cares for his wife Joan and her increasing issues with Alzheimer's.

For Ted

The brother of a coworker is in the hospital and needs prayer. His name is Ted.

Thanks!

Joanne Bockwinkel Recovering

UPDATE:  Although my mom's SECOND surgery went well, yet another procedure was required to remove fluid.  Mom is getting well.  But she won't be going home for a while.


If you have the time and could write a quick email to my attention I will share it with her. 


bock@erbsteam.com


Mom has received a few cards and I can tell that these help raise her spirits.  She does not want me to post her home address...so...if you would like to send her a card, email me and I will provide an address.  


Thanks in advance for your continued prayers and emails.

George Washington prayer...at the Monument

" Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation.  Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen."  Laus Deo!

The Four Seasons of Life

Click the link...turn speakers on...relax for a few minutes and your day will be wonderful.  God Bless you...you don't have to save saying that behind a sneeze ;-)

I Believe

This might as well be a prayer.

Glory be to God...this is a beautiful presentation.

Please say a Prayer for Donna Counts Loved ONE

A prayer by you...becomes for you.  Thank you for your grace...your prayer...for Donna Counts loved one.

Isaiah

Isaiah 66:22, 23 - For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.  And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

 

David Armstrong, Remembered

http://www.threeriversnews.com/articles/2010/07/31/news/local_news/doc4c5359d49082b509144763.txt
http://www.rivercountryjournal.com/?p=34863
http://www.threeriversnews.com/articles/2010/07/28/news/local_news/doc4c503858a5330660412084.txt

Prayers for Infant's Heart Surgery ANSWERED

Rick:

I am hesitant to keep putting names on your prayer list so as to not infringe so much.  I have a cousin who asked me and many others in our family to pray for her tiny granddaughter who was going through heart surgery.  It was a miracle of sorts and I am just passing along Susie's report this morning.  I know it is a lot of work putting the blog together and I feel sure everyone appreciates what you do.  I couldn't help but forwarding the good news on.

Reagan

-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Carder

To:
Sent: Sun, Aug 1, 2010 10:18 am

My precious grand baby came to see me last evening
She is kind of shy about things right now
She thinks everytime you go near her you are going to stick a needle in her or something
But she looks so pink and beautiful with her heart repaired and she smiles when her Dad put her
in the changing table in my sun room
I have always believed in miracles and she is truly one
We are so thankful and so blessed
Check out her videos on Youtube just type Eliavah
Thanks for all your concern love and especially prayers
Please continue to pray for Karma, Aree and Eliavah

Please Pray For Steve Boston

A long time, personal and professional friend of mine, Steve Boston, has just entered the WAR on Colon Cancer.  Please say a quick prayer for Steve and his family.  He's a young guy.  I say that about just about everybody anymore ;-)

Paul Walker - Fight Tiger Fight UPDATE JULY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2010 4:18 PM, CDT

Well, 

Linda and I went up to Rochester Monday for my second monthly checkup and review.  I had bloodwork Tuesday morning and consultation with my doctor late Tuesday afternoon.  The first thing she said after "Hello" was that I no longer had an M-Spike!   That was great news.  That means the drugs are working and I am back in remission.  

She cut back on my prednisone so now maybe I can sleep over the weekends.  In the future, she will most likely cut back on the Pomalidomide (the clinical trial drug) which should cut back the fatigue and other side effects.  In the meantime, I am thrilled to have the side effects for something that has worked so well against the cancer.  In effect, it reduced the cancer from a fairly high level to undetectable in 2 months.  

Now I will just count on a long remission.   

Thanks once again for your prayers and support.  The support of family and friends has been instrumental in my handling of this disease and I am thankful for the relationship I have with each and every one of you.

God Bless,
Paul  

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2010 7:43 PM, CDT

Wow, hard to believe it has been so long since we updated Paul's journal.  Much has happened since December.  Paul's "numbers" have continued to increase showing progression of disease.  We held off on treatment, but we are now at Mayo Clinic enrolling him in a clinical trial. 

He switched to Dr. Hayman, a Mayo clinic myeloma specialist, as his primary oncologist in March.  Since that time he has also found a new oncologist in Kansas City.  His KC oncologist was recommended by several myeloma patients that we knew through the support group and friends.  Since December, Paul has been getting monthly labs.  His numbers took a jump in March and then another big jump in May.  After talking to his Mayo doctor last weekend about a clinical trial at Mayo, on Wednesday they, scheduled appointments and we got here last night.  The trial is with the next "generation" of the drug that he was on prior to his 2008 transplant.  He had a good response to that drug, so we decided this was the right thing to do.  We met with his doctor this morning and he had several tests.  We met with her again this afternoon.  All that is left is the dreaded bone marrow biopsy, but at least at Mayo they put you out for it if you want.  So the biopsy is tomorrow morning and then we will meet with the clinical trial coordinator to get the drug....and we're off to the races.  Hopefully he will have a great response to this new drug with minimal side effects.

We are thankful that he has had two years without treatment and a great quality of life.  We knew that it would be temporary, and we are ready to take the step in the journey.    

At Paul's quarterly appointment in October, we were told that his myeloma "numbers" were trending up. We were told not to wait another three months for the next appointment, so Paul scheduled labs and appointment for December. We met with his new physician yesterday. His numbers are still trending up; however, it was decided to continue monitoring closely and to hold off treatment until the numbers worsened or he became symptomatic. He still feels great and was told to enjoy life, which he is doing. He is currently planning our next vacation; probably a driving trip through the southwest to the coast next spring. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Linda Walker.