Update on Earl's treatments

Sorry, we haven't updated in a while. I guess you could say "No news is good news".

Radiation started on Nov. 19th. Earl has had 15 radiation treatments to date. He has these five days a week, excluding major holidays. None the Thurs and Fri of Thanksgiving week. We assume there will probably be none Christmas Eve and Christmas. He has 10 more treatments, so we guesstimate he will finish up Dec. 27th. Doctor finally settled on five weeks of radiation, which he is saying is the "minimum" recommended.

He is taking chemo pills (three twice daily) on the days he gets radiation. So far, he has not had any of the sore hands/feet as predicted. Why am I not surprised? He hasn't done anything else like the Doctors said he should or might!

I take part of that back. He was told he might have some problems with diarrhea... and he has. He was prescribed some pills for that and they seem to work pretty well..... always after the fact. He doesn't take them until he needs them. He lost two pounds last week due to this.

He was told today that starting tomorrow, and , I guess, continuing thru these last ten treatments, he will be shot with radiation on all four sides. He didn't know it, but the first 15 treatments were only to the front and back sides. From what he was told, the diarrhea stems from the radiation. Guess he'll soon find out just how bad it may get as he starts getting more radiation each time.

He has been fighting this cold and congestion that is going around. So far, it hasn't gotten real bad. Just hope he can get thru these next two weeks without getting sick. His bloodwork last week was "okay", so guess he's holding his own with the chemo pills, too. His Oncologist called him a "poster child". We took that to mean he is doing well.

Well, this year has been a real roller coaster ride. It's been perplexing, unsettling, anger ridden, to the very bottom of the deepest pit, scary, devastating, trying, uncertain, challenging of our determination, faith testing and faith building, joyous celebration and humble thanksgiving. I think I could just go on and on. I am sure there are many more places we have been during this year that I can't even think how to describe.

What we haven't seen is the place where we were even close to giving up and accepting defeat, in spite of what we were told in the early days. That just was never an option. We thank God that information came, doors opened, and opportunities presented, which we grabbed on faith. The three weeks we spent in Philadelphia were so long and hard, but the outcome has been a miracle. There's just no other way to describe how everything has transpired.

My wish and hope for each of you is that if you ever find yourself in the place where you are faced with hopeless odds, don't just accept the first answer you get. Particularly if it isn't what you want to hear. We found out there are other opinions and alternate avenues. Search for them! It's amazing what one can do when faced with the unthinkable!

The next few years will tell the final story, but Earl is determined he is going to be that one in four that survives pancreatic cancer. With your prayers and God's help, he will.

With thankful heart,
Lillian Lancaster

Radiation starts Monday, Nov. 19

Earl found out today that his radiation will start on Monday. He will get three treatments next week. Radiologist says he will get five or six weeks, so we're still not sure how long this will continue.

He will lose two days for Thanksgiving and probably another two days at Christmas. All we can estimate is he'll be through either the week before or after Christmas.

PET Scan results

Very good news! We are so thankful! There is no sign of cancer at this time. IF... there had been cancer elsewhere, he would probably not get radiation.

This just means there wasn't anything as large as 3-4 cm. in size. This does not mean there are absolutely no cells present. Just nothing large enough to show on the scan.

Earl has appointment with Radiologist on Thurs. Nov 8th. We assume Earl will likely start radiation next week. He was given a prescription today for the 5FU pills. There are enough to last six weeks. Oncologist suggested five weeks of radiation. It will be up to the radiologist to set the actual length of treatments. Earl will only take the 5FU on the days he gets radiation.

The Oncologist reemphasized that these next weeks will not be easy. There are several possible side effects. We'll just have to wait and see how severe it turns out to be for Earl.

Earl had gained about five pounds in the last couple of weeks. Weight loss will be likely during the radiation/5FU because of nausea and diarrhea. The nausea will make it difficult to eat. Just hope he doesn't lose a lot more weight.

Earl has expressed concerns about how bad this may be, but knows this is something he needs to do. Recurrence is just too likely with pancreatic cancer. He must do everything possible to try to ensure the cancer does not come back or show up in his liver or lungs.

We are so thankful for all your prayers and words of concern and encouragement. Please continue to pray for Earl as he proceeds with this next course of treatments. Your support is so important.

Earl should be finished with his treatments by Christmas. That will be a wonderful present!

With thankful heart!
Lillian

PET Scan on Halloween

Hello,

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. We have just been so relieved to have the three months of chemo completed. Trying to enjoy the couple of weeks off and catch up on work that needed to be done.

Earl goes for a PET scan on Wed. Oct. 31st. which should show any cancer cells that might remain. We pray there aren't any!

Radiation along with more chemo, 5FU pills, will be starting in next couple of weeks. Earl goes back to Oncologist on Nov. 5th. The Oncologist thinks Earl will get about four weeks of radiation, but he's not really sure.

Please pray that the surgery and chemo to date got all the cancer. We have been so blessed so far. Earl has not had too much problem with the chemo thus far. Though I don't expect the 5FU to be so kind. I know what it did to me, but understand the pills have different side effects. I hope they aren't as bad as the IV form I had. Earl will be taking the chemo pills each day he has radiation.

Lillian Crossley - Obituary

Lillian M. (Stogner) Crossley, 87, of Schnecksville, died Thursday, October 11, 2007, at the V.N.A. Hospice of St. Lukes, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County. She was the wife of the late Jack R. Crossley Sr. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, February 27, 1920, Lillian was the daughter of the late James D. and Naomi L. (Ikard) Stogner. She was a member of Christ Methodist Church in Allentown. Survivors: Sons, Jack R. Crossley Jr. and his wife Anne of Emmaus and David L. Crossley, at home; sister, Ruby Trentham of Tennessee; five grandchildren, Russell, Benjamin, Kevin, Jeffrey, Joseph, four great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Jesse, Jacqueline, Kayla. She was predeceased by a grandson, Michael. Services: Graveside, 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 16, at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1500 Airport Rd., Allentown, with the Rev. Harold A. McKenzie officiating. Family and friends may call 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Methodist Church, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.
Published in the Morning Call on 10/13/2007.

Arrangements for Lillian Marie Stogner Crossley

Funeral arrangements for Lillian Marie Stogner Crossley 1920-2007:

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Viewing at Heintzelman Funeral Home
4906 Rt 309
Schnecksville PA 18078

11:00 a.m. 10/16/07
Graveside service and burial

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to:
Christ Methodist Church
% Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc
P O Box 196
Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196


Preceded in death:
Husband: Jack Crossley 1918-1984
Brothers and sister:
Shelby S Stogner Sr 1903-1961
Comer Stogner 1907-1963
Mamie Stogner Watson 1910-2005
Rev J Hulett Stogner 1914-2000

Survived by sister:
Ruby Stogner Trentham 1917-
Sister-in-law:
Kate Trentham Stogner

Sons:
Jack & wife, Anne Crossley
David Crossley
Five grandsons
Four great-grandchildren

I hope this information is accurate. I will try to get a copy of the obit and make corrections, if needed.

Sad news about Aunt Lillian from Jack

Aunt Lillian was put into hospice today. Jack says there are signs her kidneys are beginning to fail. He doesn't think she will make it six months.

She is not strong enough to get out of bed by herself. Very weak but tests on blood do not indicate that the weakness is because of anemia.

Blount County Rescue Squad - Chattanooga

We're off to Chattanooga Choo-Choo Thursday thru Saturday to see our daughter, Liana, compete as part of a team from Blount County Rescue Squad. There will be several events Friday and Saturday.

There will be numerous events. Here are a few:
VEHICLE EXTRICATION CONTEST (Blount took third place out of 15)
EMERGENCY DRIVING COMPETITION
TARS EMERGENCY CARE CONTEST
RESCUE CHALLENGE CONTEST (Blount won first place)
WATARS EMERGENCY CARE CONTEST

We know Liana will participate in the vehicle extrication and rescue challenge. Not sure what else she will be doing. Should be interesting few days. Teams from all over Tennessee will be competing.

We hope BCRS will be picking up some awards at the Awards Banquet Saturday night.

Update on Earl

Earl had chemo yesterday. Everything going well with his treatments. This was next to last treatment. His FINAL chemo will be next Monday. Then come scans to check him out.

He got the results of his CA19-9 (tumor marker test) from last week. It is still "less than two", which is as low as it registers. This is still very good.

Earl is anxious for that final chemo to be over.

Ryan's story

Please pray for my nephew, Ryan Overstreet, who was first told 9/6/07 he has small cell lung cancer. Then, they aren't sure if the egg size mass is in the lung or on it. He was recently told surgery might result in entire lung having to be removed because of the location of the tumor. They have opted for chemo and radiation.

Ryan is 35 years old. He and wife, Cindy, have two children. Son, Hayden, will be 7 in Nov. & just started first grade. Daughter, Kendall, will be 3 in Dec.

Here is link to Ryan's MySpace

This post contains several blog entries from Ryan's MySpace. Read from bottom up.
Lillian

Email from Ryan's mother 10/9/07:

Jack just left to pick Ryan up and take him into Portland for his first chemo today-------7 hours worth---------I feel so bad for him-------- I can only imagine--------he will then have sessions on wednesday and thursday also-------we will know more today what the exact schedule will be---------

From Ryan's MySpace on 9/26/07:
GREAT NEWS!!!!

Well, after an extensive round of testing with all different types of dyes, solutions, nuclear scans, MRI's and everything else (GOD help me if I ever have another MRI) My cancer HAS NOT SPREAD ANY WHERE ELSE! THANK GOD!

MY family was so relieved!

Please allow me this opportunity to thank all of my family and friends, all of whom have been a wonderful source of support through all of this. With out all of you I would not be able to make this journey. MY thanks and sincere gratitude to all of you.

I love all of you

Ryan

Ryan's MySpace blog 9/22/07:

Cancer Update
Current mood: thankful

Well, yesterday was a VERY busy day.

I got 2 of my 3 tests done yesterday. I had the MRI of my brain done (yes I did have a brain), and let me tell you that was the absolute WORST 45 minutes of my entire life. GOOD GOD! I was feeling great until the MRI machine started banging, clanging and making all sorts of strange noises (almost like a jet engine was going to explode, not fun). I think I would have rather had a colonoscopy (at least I would have been asleep for that). I already told daddy that IF I have to have another one, someone WILL take me and I WILL get my butt knocked out for it. I DONT CARE!!! GIMME the top shelf drugs next time....LOL!!!

The second test was done on the other side of town (of course) and I had to drink the most wonderful concoction called BARIUM SULFATE. Let me tell you, it is yummy (cough, puke, choke). Then just before going into the CT scanner, I had to have yet ANOTHER IV line. They injected this stuff in to me that made me feel like I was going through menopause (yes, menopause). I got the hot flashes, felt all hot and sultry (even made me feel like I peed my pants, thank GOD that was not the case!!!).

So with all the drugs, and IV contrast meds yesterday I was lit up like an ATOM BOMB (not literally). At least I can make light of this situation and deal with it accordingly. Laughter really is the best medicine (next to PRAYER).

Thank you all for your thoughts, concerns and prayers. With out my family and friends, I would not be able to continue this journey through this part of my life.

Love to all!!!

Ryan

Ryan's blog 9/21/07:

More Testing
Current mood: cranky

I met with my Oncologist yesterday. He has ordered another battery of tests to ensure the cancer has not spread any where else. He did say there was hope of a complete recovery, but that we needed these tests to make an absolute determination for treatment.

Additionally, I will be meeting with my surgeon to go over in depth with me, all of the reports as far my scans, blood work and everything to confirm if surgery is an option. I need to have all my cards on the table before I make my treatment decision.

So that's about it for now. MORE TESTS!

I do sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughts, concerns and prayers. It is very comforting to know that so many people care. I love you all!

Ryan

Update on Aunt Lillian from Jack 10/3/07

Email from Jack:

We brought Mom home on Friday, she really did not want to stay
in the hospital any longer. Her situation has not improved and the
doctors no longer feel that they can beat the cancer.

They have stopped the chemo for now, hoping she will regain some
strength. They are giving her three options;
One continuing blood transfusions in the hope of starting chemo again.
Two operating to remove the tumor. This is NOT what they
they really want to try, her chances of surviving it are not good
Three is to put her in hospice and wait for nature to take its
course. They feel this will take less than six months.

Update on Aunt Lillian from Jack

Email from Jack Crossley 9/25/07:

Hi to all, just got home from the hospital. I had to take Mom to the hospital Sunday night around midnight. She was very weak again. She is very anemic. The stomach tumor seems to be bleeding again. They are going to go look inside with the endoscope on Tuesday afternoon, (today) to see if the tumor is the cause.
Mom has been doing well with her treatments up this point. We will let you know as soon as we get the results. So far she has only taken 2 units of blood this time, it was 11 units last time, I'm sure this will change.
That is about all for now. Everyone else is doing good. Ben is getting around very well, he is even doing some light work now. He may need another small graft in winter to close one small area and to repair the area on calf were they took tissue for his toe.

Band practice

The Knoxville Community Recreational Band began practice last night for their new performance season. They practice in a school, so must limit their practice time to days when school is in session. They practice on Tuesday evenings.

Earl went to practice with them and was greeted enthusiastically by everyone. I think a lot of them had written him off as a goner! Some stated they did not think he would ever be back. They asked him to tell about his ordeal, so he spent a few minutes telling the group about his last five months.

He came home tired, but excited to have been able to go for the practice and see all his friends. Said it felt good to be able to play his trumpet for that long. He had not played since April until about three weeks ago. This session did him a lot of good!

Earl goes for his sixth treatment tomorrow, then he will be off for 14 days. Then three more treatments. He's counting the days! He should be finished with chemo around Oct. 15th. providing the scans and tests that follow do not indicate the need for further chemo.

WOW!

We wonder just how low it will go!

Blood was drawn before the second series of chemo began last week. The results of the CA19-9 tumor marker this time was. . . . . "less than 2". This is down from the Aug 1st. test that was 5.

I think I'm running out of ways to say how thankful we are by all this. We're very glad the number is still going down and not heading up!

CA19-9, done monthly, will not be done again until right before the start of the third series of chemo at the end of Sept.

Earl's progress

Earl goes for his fifth chemo treatment tomorrow, 9/6/07. He will then have four more to go. He'll be on the downhill path.... over half way! He is eager to find out the results of last week's CA19-9. We hope it is still in the normal range. The 5 was wonderful a month ago. Hope to see another one tomorrow.

Still not gaining much weight, but is eating more. He is trying!

He is doing just fine with the treatments. No problems. I am very glad that he isn't suffering.

At the same time, it just doesn't seem fair :-)

I went thru a full year of pure ...... let's just say I wouldn't wish that year on anyone. Guess this just proves science keeps learning and making things easier and better, we hope! I need to ask the Dr. what the treatment is now for my stage and type of cancer. It had changed to six months right before I completed my year. This was 15 years ago, so it may be even less now! I'm not really complaining.... it worked and I'm still here!!

My fear seems to be that these nine treatments might not be enough to prevent a recurrence in a couple of years. It seems so little for such a deadly cancer! May be the "no pain, no gain" thing.

Earl has been so touched by all the warm greetings he has gotten at church the last two Sundays. He is so glad to finally feel like playing his trumpet again. It wears him out, but he wants to do it. Does him good to make the effort! Keeps him going.

Lillian Crossley - Stomach cancer update 9/4/07

Email from son Jack:

The doctors decided to give her a modified chemo treatment
any way. She had her second treatment today and is doing
very well so far. She is also eating much better with meds
they have given her.  The side effects have just started,
she is loosing her hair but her spirit is good. Gets
tired fairly easy and sleeps a lot as is expected, but
still tries to work out side a little each day. 

Speedy at the grocery!

Beware! He might run over you!

No chemo this week

Earl has done very well with his chemo so far. The only thing he has complained about is headaches the afternoon and next morning following chemo. No problems with nausea.

He was glad to not have to go for chemo this week. He will start second series of treatments on Aug. 30th.

He has been taking something to make him feel hungry, so he is eating better. Has gained maybe five pounts in the last couple of months.

He started practicing his trumpet this week and plans to play at church tomorrow. Another milestone!

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement.

Lillian

Lillian Crossley - Stomach cancer update

The news about Aunt Lillian is not very encouraging today, but at least the doctors have started treatment. She would only have one to two months without any treatments. She received her first chemo treatment on Wed. She got another dose of medicine on Friday for something.... sorry I don't remember what Jack said about it.

She and/or family has been told the anemia was caused from the tumor causing her to lose blood thru the stomach. This is what put her in the hospital as reported here earlier. Click on the "Crossley" label to filter the other posts about her.

The stomach cancer has been identified as a lymphoma and is taking up 1/3 of her stomach. The lymphoma in her neck is also getting larger.

Jack reports she is doing okay right now. Assume this means she is still up and about. He did say she can get confused about things at times.

Jack is trying to make plans to bring her to see my Mother, (her sister) Ruby Trentham, sometime soon as he can.... if she feels like she can make the trip. Mother just isn't able to travel these days.

At this point, they don't know how long she will receive chemo. Guess it will depend on how well the tumor responds to chemo.

Please pray for Aunt Lillian and her family as they face and fight this devastating disease. She has two sons, Jack & David, who have given her several grandchildren. Her husband died in 1984.

Lillian T Lancaster

Death in family

Horace "Whitey" Yeaton, 87 year old husband of my Aunt
Gladys Trentham Russell Yeaton died on 8/14/07 at his
home.

Receiving friends and service will be Friday,
Aug. 17th at Maryville Friends Church starting
at 6:30. Memorial service at 7 p.m.

Lillian T Lancaster 

3rd Chemo Treatment

Earl is doing very well with his chemo. He has not been sick or nauseated immediately following chemo or the next day.

He was sick Sat. night and did vomit in the wee hours of the morning, but we don't really think this was because of the chemo.

Oncologist is talking like Earl is Superman or something. Earl's blood work today before chemo showed his white count to be over 5000, which Dr. said is "normal". He said most people have counts down around 1000 to 2000. He doesn't seem to understand why Earl's is still so normal.

Either this is another of God's miracles or perhaps the flax oil Earl takes every day. We have been wondering how much the flax oil might be helping. Maybe this is an indication!

Whatever and however, we gratefully accept the results and give thanks!

Lillian

CA19-9 results history

I looked up Earl's CA19-9 history.

On 4/3/07 it was 572 before bile was drained
On 5/1/07 it was 309.6
8/9/07 it is now a grand total of 5 (This blood was drawn before first chemo)

Great News!

Earl went for his second chemo treatement today. Test results were there from blood drawn last week, before any chemo.

I don't remember the exact numbers, but his tumor marker, CA19-9, before the bile was drained the first week of April, was over 500. When Drs. were debating surgery, it was still a little over 300 when 200 was desirable for surgery.

Today his CA19-9 was 5. Dr. Grossman was shocked. He says normal is between 0 and 35 and that surgery must have gotten all the cancer. But, he also said "we're still doing chemo". We know there is the possibility that cancer cells may be wondering around looking for a place to set up housekeeping!

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and please continue to remember Earl as he continues with his chemo.

Prayers are answered! God is so good!

If any of the nurses from 3rd floor at Fox Chase read this, I would appreciate it if you would let Dr. Watson know about this. I plan to check to see if the results were sent to FCCC, but would like Dr. W to know. This is so wonderful!

Lillian Lancaster

First day of chemo

Chemo went fairly well. Took about two hrs. total after they
finally got him hooked up. He got nausea medicine thru IV
first, then the chemo. I think I should have got some nausea
stuff, too.

I don't know if it was just being in "that place" or what.
Lots of memories...and smells... from the days when I was
there. Almost like I was getting a treatment. :-(
I was relieved to get out of there!

They called in two medicines for nausea, just in case.
Hope he doesn't have to use them!

He didn't get sick or anything, so this first treatment
wasn't too bad. He didn't feel too good today, but
hopefully he'll feel better tomorrow.

I think I was in worse shape afterward than he was. I never
even thought about how I would feel or react to being in
that setting again after all these years. It was almost
like I was back in the middle of chemo again. Memories
flooded back that I had not thought about for many, many
years!

God's blessings to you all!
Lillian

Earl Chemo Scheduled

Earl's chemo starts early tomorrow morning. We are to be there at 8:30 a.m.

He will get weekly chemo for three weeks, then skip one treatment, which means he'll be "off" chemo for 14 days, then back on for another three weeks. This will continue for about three months as long as his blood counts remain high enough to continue. Dr. Grossman said Gemzar (gemcitabine HCI) is harder on the bone marrow than the 5-FU I received for colon cancer. More info on Gemzar. He will have blood work before each treatment.

Chemo will stop after about three months, then radiation will start. He will not get both at same time. After he finishes the radiation treatments, he may get another couple months of chemo. The way I counted, this is six to seven months of treatments, which will run into January or February 2008.

At this time, a port is not being recommended. Each treatment will only last about 30 minutes, so he'll only spend about an hour there each time.

Three months of treatments will only be nine infusions. Another two months of chemo after radiation, would be six more. This is approx 15 treatments. Unless he starts having real problems with his veins, he probably won't get a port.

I really dread these treatments for him. I went thru a full year of a similar schedule and remember all too well.... Dr. Grossman was my oncologist.... I felt today like I was starting my treatments all over again! That this should be me, not Earl!!

He has already lost so much weight. I just could not stand the smell of food, much less stand to eat at times. He will likely lose more weight.... Oh, I hate this for him! Tears won't help, but..... here I sit....

Well... I made it thru a whole year. With God's help and your prayers, Earl WILL make it thru a few months! :-)

Earl admitted this morning that THIS had him scared. Today was a hard day for both of us!

Please remember us as you pray.

Lillian

Crossley

Aunt Lillian was released from the hospital on Sunday. She is home, up and around some. She is not eating very much, but the blood she received while in the hospital has strengthened her some.

I talked to her son, Jack, today. They have not received any results from any of the testing done in the hospital. He said she has an appt with her doctor on Friday. He will let me know when they have any news.

Crossley update

Lillian Marie Stogner Crossley
June 16, 2007

Not much info, but did find out the biopsy report is not expected until next mid-week. Family does not expect any decisions regarding treatment or surgery until the doctors get the lab report.

I do have the phone number for her hospital room. If you want it, please let me know. She is in St. Luke's Hospital in Allentown, Pa.

Trip to Pa. canceled.

When Mother told me this morning she did want to go see her sister, I knew she would back out. And she did by about 11:00 a.m. I had just hoped she wouldn't. I hate it so much that they won't ever see each other again. They look so much alike and have always been very close. There is another photo of the two of them here on the blog. (Click Crossley label)

Lillian and Ruby

1946 in Gatlinburg, TN

Mom had started trying to get some things packed and wore herself out with what little she had done. She has decided she just cannot make the trip. It's hard for me to prepare for traveling and being away for long, so I can imagine how hard it would be if I were almost 90 years old!

Blessings and hugs,
Lillian

Doctor appointments, Earl & Sam T

Earl said he climbed the stairs from our basement twice today without his cane. That's progress! He doesn't use it much while walking around the house, but does still take it when he leaves the house.

Earl has an appointment with the oncology doctor on Wed. Aug 1st. We assume chemo will start soon after.

My father, Sam Trentham, has an appointment on Aug. 2nd with Knoxville Orthopedic. One of his feet/legs is getting numb from just below the knee down. He has finally agreed to go get it checked out.

As you pray, please remember my guys as they face these appointments.

Blessings,
Lillian

Lillian Crossley - Stomach cancer

I got news a few minutes ago that Mother's sister, Lillian, has stomach cancer...tumor at top of stomach. It's 7-8 cm and was not there a month ago. Drs aren't talking surgery. She's 87 and has lymphoma in her neck and chest. Kidney's aren't operating at full capacity, either. She's in hosp. already having problems getting food down. Does not sound good at all. Dr mentioned feeding tube. They took biopsy of stomach tumor, no results yet.

When family took her to hosp. she was very anemic. She got 11 units of blood.

I will probably go with Dad & Mother to Allentown, Pa. tomorrow to see her. I went to see her while we were in Philly. So glad I did! Guess we'll head out in the morning and I hope to get back Monday or Tues. as I have to work!

Please put her and sons , Jack and David and their families on prayer list.

I put a photo of her and Mother on the blog back in June. Click on the "Crossley" label on the right side of screen to jump to it.

More later as I get news.

Lillian

Earl fell on Saturday

I have debated about whether to tell you about Earl's fall. It scared me so badly.... I'm still not over it. He probably won't appreciate me telling on him!

He is ok except for a 1/2" cut across the bridge of his nose and a scratch above his eye. Minor carpet burn on his right knee. His right hip was sore for a few days, but he's getting around better now.

I think this fall may be related to the sleeping pills he has been taking. After we got back to Tenn., he was having a hard time getting back to sleep after getting up to go to the bathroom during the night. At times he would still be up around 5 or 6 a.m. He went to his Dr. who agreed with Earl that he needed to get his days and nights turned back around. Dr. prescribed something to help him sleep. Suggesting he take 1/2 pill when he could not get back to sleep.

Earl had been taking the sleep aid about two weeks was sleeping better. Then, he got up Sat. morning about 6:15 a.m. and fell. He said he could feel himself falling, but there wasn't anything to catch himself to keep from falling. The crash woke me with such a scare!

His head landed about 10-12 ft. from anyplace he should have been. I imagine him, in his mind, falling forever! His head was about a foot from the wall and about two feet over from a large wall mirror. Glad he didn't hit/break it!

I don't know now how I did it, but after making sure he wasn't hurt badly, I picked him up!! I know! I've paid for it for several days! I had gotten his walker and he used it to get on to the bathroom. He was very dazed and almost fell a couple of times by the time I got him back into bed. I have wondered if he might have taken too much sleeping aid and over medicated himself.

Monday morning, about 6:45, he almost fell again. This time, he was using his walker going to bathroom. He woke me when he fell forward holding on to the walker and hit the door facing going into the bathroom. If he hadn't stumbled into the door, he would have fallen head/face first over the walker. This time, I was furious! It almost had to be the sleeping pills. He has never done anything like this in all the weeks since his surgery!

We bought some Tylenol P.M. which he took last night. (I hid the sleeping pills!) Then about 6 a.m. this morning he insisted on taking 1/4 of a sleeping pill. Fortunately, there are only a couple of pills left, so I'm hoping I can talk him out of getting any more. I know it's aggravating when he can't get back to sleep, but I don't like cleaning up blood, applying bandages and worrying about broken bones!! Both of his hips have already been replaced, so he sure doesn't need to break one of them or something else!

We still have not heard from the chemo Dr. but we'll contact him, if we don't hear from him this week.

Earl is cooped up here at home.... working a couple of hours daily now in his home office. It means a lot to hear from friends. Thank you to everyone who has sent cards, called and visited.

Please continue to remember us in prayer. I'm praying for more patience!! :-)

Lillian

If you are reading this blog, I bet you can relate to this!

Thanks to my niece, Stacie, in SC for sharing this. Enjoyed a good laugh!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2007 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your
coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list

AND NOW YOU ARE LAUGHING at yourself.

Special hello to 3 North gang

We appreciate Linda and Kerri from 3 North (Fox Chase) stopping by to say "hello". Great to hear from you! Please tell all the gang Earl is doing well. Still not winning any foot races, but he's still walking several times each day. Also eating better each day. So far, he hasn't lost any of his meals since the second discharge from FCCC.

His incision has finally healed. There was another place near the bottom that puffed up and I squeezed for a few days. We have finally left off all bandages as of yesterday.

We are waiting for the chemo Dr. to call. He was to contact Dr. Watson and then let us know when treatments will start. We expect to hear something in the next couple of weeks.

Earl is having to buy new Jeans & dress pants. He has lost so much weight, he's having trouble keeping his pants from falling down!! Finally donated a BIG bag of his pants. His shirts are swallowing him whole, too, but they won't fall off!! :-)

He has discovered the motorized shopping carts. He has used them the last couple of trips to grocery or other shopping. Now, I'm the one trying to keep up! He can go & go & GO! He was spending a lot of time sitting somewhere on a bench, while I made the rounds. Not any more!

This week....

Really not much going on. He's just recovering and I'm just working. This will likely be what the next few weeks will be like, until he starts chemo and radiation.

It was good for me to get back to work on Monday and see everyone. A LONG week, but a busy mind doesn't have time to dwell on home matters! I'll welcome a break this week by being off for the 4th!

Earl has been fending for himself during the day. He is walking outside several times each day. Eating small amounts of whatever he wants. Avoiding fatty foods.

The open place in his incision has closed up to the point that we stopped packing it yesterday. Hopefully the small place will continue to close and heal without further problems. Another place festered this week and I have been draining and treating it. It seems much better today.

The big thing that is getting to him right now is that he has his days and nights switched. He never has gone to bed until after the 11 p.m. news. Now he's waking up around 2:30 or 3 a.m. and can't get back to sleep until around 5-6 a.m. He is napping during the day and then isn't sleepy when he should be.

Earl at cookout 6/30/07

I did take him to my sister's yesterday afternoon for their annual cookout to celebrate her husband's birthday (July 2nd) and The 4th of July. Earl ate TWO hotdogs! That's a lot for him now! It was so hot, he didn't feel like staying too long. He was ready for a nap when he got home. And he wonders why he can't sleep at night!?!?

Earl has ventured downstairs to his office a few times this week. Going thru mail and checking email, but not attempting any real work yet. His mind isn't clear enough to really concentrate on work. He's still so weak.... isn't able to do much for very long.

Dr. said recovery would take about eight weeks and as things look, it'll take that long or longer for him to recover. I hope the treatments aren't too debilitating.

Boredom is his enemy, too. He wants to GO.... then we go and he's ready to sit down or head home shortly after we get anywhere! So, if anyone has time to call or visit.... he will definitely appreciate any contact, now that he's feeling better.

Won't bore you any more with our boredom!

Hope you have a good week and A HAPPY FOURTH!


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We're home!

Enjoying the sunshine and freedom of outdoors!
6/21/07

Me watching him walk off on his own... (not hovering!)

Parting ways in Bulls Gap with my brother, Mike, and his cushy ride!
"Thank you, Little B" for meeting us in Chambersburg, Pa.

See more photos here:

Photos - Final days in Philly

Click on "slideshow" at top right of screen

or click on any thumbnail photo to enlarge.

We did finally make it back home today. Such a relief!

We are so thankful for a safe trip back home. We were so warmly greeted by family and a stack of mail that included several cards.

The most surprising, I guess, was one signed by a lot of Dollywood employees. Earl is a member of the "Dollywood Pin Club" and has become friends with Henry the "Pin Man". It was so nice of Henry to send the card with so many good wishes and signatures from Dollywood employees, who do not even know who Earl is. So many people are praying for Earl! The magnitude of all the prayers and concern for Earl is so humbling for both of us.

As we traveled back down I-81 today I saw a sign near Abingdon, Va. that said "Knoxville 128 miles". I was so tired.... thoughts of "we're almost back in Tennessee" and "Thank you, Lord, for a safe trip" hit me..... next thing I know... I'm crying like a baby! I must have bawled for 15 miles or more. I was in my car alone, following the motor home. So, I just had a good cry. Thankful for that big box of Puffs!

This was the first time I had cried about any of this. I've been so determined to be "strong" for Earl and have managed to get thru the past 3-4 months without breaking down. I guess I have needed to do this! My "how do you spell relief" moment!?

Now, we get a grip and tackle the next phase. Earl's treatments, chemo and radiation, will begin near the end of July. He will certainly need the month of July to regain his strength and some of his weight. He is so weak. He can climb a few steps, but only when he has something to hold on to to help pull himself up. There were seven steps down/up to the apartment and four steps into the motor home. It seemed just about all he could do to manage them. But, he did!

We forgot to take his cane, from his hip replacement days, and had to buy another one in Philly. It sure helps in his walks when he has wobbly moments. I have tried so hard not to "hover" and let him do for himself when he can. He comes so close to falling.... I'm a nervous wreck about the possibility of him falling and breaking something!

He has been so good, from the day after surgery, to walk several times each day as instructed. It may be at a snail's pace, but he's moving and determined to get stronger every day! His attitude is always so positive, too. If attitude has anything to do with his survival.... he WILL beat this!

We also know that it's going to take the prayers, love and support of our families, friends, church family and even the strangers we do not know. This means so much to us and is so very important and appreciated every waking moment!

Words cannot begin to convey how loved we feel! THANK YOU everyone!

THANK YOU, LORD, FOR BRINGING US THIS FAR!

We still have such a long way to go!
Lillian

At last! Home tomorrow!

We're spending the night in Wytheville, VA.

We really don't know how we would have made the trip if Mike and C. A. had not come up in their motor home. It has made a world of difference in getting Earl home and allowing him to sleep and rest on the road.

We left on June 2nd and returning 21 days later. Total of 14 days in hospital.

We're only about 3 hr 30 min from home. We'll be home tomorrow!

We're on the road again!

We were supposed to call Dr. Watson on Friday to discuss heading home. About 3 p.m. Thursday Earl had had about all he could stand of the apartment, the twin bed, the couch and the recliner!

Every time I woke up Wed. night he was in a different place. He was playing musical beds.... he'd be in the bed, then the couch, then the bed, then the recliner and back to the bed. I don't know how much he actually slept, but he couldn't have rested much. I know I didn't just checking on him.

Since we didn't have an actual appointment on Friday, I suggested he go ahead and call the Dr. and just see what he would say. Earl has been doing fine since getting out of the hosp on Tues. When he discussed this with the Dr. today the Dr. did ask him if he was already half way home and just calling. Earl told him "No, we're just about a block from the hospital". Which we were.... Earl had demanded that I take him away from the apt. so we had driven to a park that is across from the hospital. He walked around some and sat in the sun. He just enjoyed being outside for a little while. We were at the park when Earl called Dr. Watson.

Dr. Watson finally told Earl he could go home. Earl said "Let's go home"! We went back to the apt. and started packing. In about two hours, we had packed up three weeks worth of stuff and loaded it all into the car. We had to take the key to the hosp, gas up the car, get Earl a bite to eat and by 7 p.m. we hit the road.

We made it to Harrisburg, Pa. and stopped for the night. Earl is really tired. Went straight to bed. We'll take it easy in the morning. We are to meet Mike and C. A. (my brother and his wife) in Chambersburg, Pa. mid morning. They are in Gettysburg, Pa. tonight. After we meet them, we'll head on down the road.

We will probably spend another night on the road and get home some time Saturday.

It will be so good to be back home. This has, undoubtedly, been the longest three weeks of our lives!

Earl out of the Hospital

Earl was released from Fox Chase yesterday, June 19th, to go back to the apartment with Lillian. He seems to be getting back in the right direction with the stomach issue. He will be seeing Dr. Watson on Friday, June 22nd to make the determination if he will be released to come home. Please keep those prayers flowing, they feel they may be coming down the home stretch back to Tennessee. Home again!! Love to all for your support and prayers.

This post by Pat Carver

Pathology report

Dr Watson came in about 6 p.m. with pathology report.

The tumor was 7 cm or about 3". It was stage 3 which is the typical stage of most of Dr. Watson's patients. Of the 21 lymph nodes removed, seven tested positive. Only 1 in 4 survive 5 yrs. He said Earl's chances are not that good. That Earl could have a recurrence within two years.

Strongly recommended chemo and radiation. These to start after Earl recovers some.... around the end of July.

Dr. is letting Earl out of hosp tomorrow, but wants us to stay around for a couple of days to make sure Earl is ok, before we hit the road. He wants to see Earl on Friday and if everything is ok, we can head for home.

Granted this is not the best news we could have wished for, but the tumor is out and now we do have hope that Earl can be the 1 out of 4 that makes it!

Please continue to pray for us. It's going to be a rough road thru the rest of 2007.

Thank you for all your prayers, emails, comments, and support.... just everything everyone has done .... we appreciate each and every one of you. We would never have made it this far without your help and prayers.

Lillian & Earl


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Here another day!

Earl is making progress. The stomach drain came out Sat. night. He was on liquids Sunday. Regular meals today. He got unhooked from IV this morning. No IV pole tagging along on his walks! He does still have the IV in his hand, but they only use it when they need to give him antibiotics or other meds. He's hooked up right now for about an hour to get the antibiotic.

Now, we hope his stomach will get the hang of what it's supposed to be doing and we'll get to come home.

Earl said someone told him this morning there would probably be no need for him to see Dr. Watson on Wed, since he's been here for last week. So we may get to head toward TN on Wed, if he gets out tomorrow.

I haven't mentioned it to Earl, but I have wondered if Dr will want to see Earl in another week. That was the plan when he got out of hosp last time. He absolutely will not be happy with that. He wants to GO HOME NOW! We should find out tomorrow morning when we'll be traveling.

We're meeting my brother, Mike, in the Lancaster, PA area so Earl can travel back in his motor home. Should be a lot easier on Earl.

Lillian

Wonderful caretakers at FCCC

Earl was very blessed to have such wonderful ladies to take care of him and help make his stays at Fox Chase as comfortable as possible. Thank you for all your smiling faces and words of encouragement during his recovery. All of you have helped make our stay here very pleasant.

Though we will be glad to get back to Tennessee, we will long remember each of you. Thank you for everything!

I know there are others that were not working at the time of these photos and hope to get pictures of them tomorrow. These two photos are both night shifts.

Someone let me know, if I misspelled names or have names in wrong order.

Lillian Lancaster

3rd North Nursing Staff (first stay 6/3-6/11)
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Philadelphia, Pa.
(L-R) Marilyn, Laura, Glenda, Donna, Dara, Sarah

3rd South Nursing Staff (second stay 6/13-6/19)
Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, Pa.
In front (L-R): Eileen & Selina
In Back (L-R): Allie, Stephanie, Maria, Melissa, Earl,
Sheila, Niccole, Jennifer, Sue

My Aunt diagnosed with Lymphoma

Sisters, Lillian and Ruby
January 2005
Now 87 & 90 years old

Yesterday, I traveled up to Schnecksville, Pa. (near Allentown) to see my Mother's sister, Lillian (87 yrs old), for whom I was named. She learned this week that she has lymphoma cancer. The glands on the right side of her neck are swollen. She will be undergoing further tests, we assume checking to see the extent of the cancer.

Copied from About.com:
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma. While both types of cancer develop in the same way, the single factor that distinguishes the two is a single type of cell - the Reed Sternberg cell. This cancerous cell type is found only in Hodgkin's Lymphoma and can be distinguished from other types of Lymphoma by the way it appears under a microscope.

Furthermore, Hodgkin's lymphoma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma grow and spread in different ways. If a lymphoma diagnosis is made and does not contain the Reed-Sternberg variant, the cancer can then only be Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Also called Hodgkin's disease, Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma covers a far more broad range of cancer cells. There are about 30 different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These types of lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose as there are so many types.

Tubeless again! (Happy Father's Day!)

The stomach drain came out last night around 7 p.m. after being on a six hour schedule all day. The drain was off for six hrs. then turned on to see what came out. No intake of liquids or food since Wed. night admission.

He got first tray of full liquids at noon today. Instructed to sip, not try to drink everything in sight. Save some for another hour. Not overdo! Small meals several times a day. He even got ORANGE jello! Not his favorite, but sure reminded him of home & UT. There is also a rope-like thing holding the room door open. It's orange/white!

This morning the Surgical Fellow told Earl he might be released Monday a.m. Earl is READY to get out. The nursing staff have all been wonderful, but he has had enough of the bed and chair!

Earl was weighed Friday @ 170 lbs. Before all this started he was 220, so he has now lost 50 lbs. since end of March. He had lost about 35 lbs before coming up here. So, he's lost another 15 lbs since surgery on June 4th. He does not, however, recommend this method of weight loss!

Our prayers now are that he will be discharged tomorrow and is going to be able to work his way back up to eating normal meals without further problems.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there.

Lillian

Not getting out today

The assistant Dr. told Earl this a.m. that he won't be getting out today. The tube may come out this evening or in the morning. I would think they'll then start feeding him again to see what happens. This could take another day or so.

They call these young doctors "Surgical Fellows" (male or female).

Anyway.... Earl may not get out until Sat. or Sun.... we don't really know. His Dr. should be in some time today with more info.

Then, we'll just have to hope his stomach continues to work right. He's getting antsy to head home! Or, at least, out of here and back to the apt.

Earl's Mother fell early yesterday morning about 7:30 a.m. My Mother was the only other person there (in basement apt). Dad had already left to do a couple of odd jobs. She was able to call out for help and Mother heard her on the baby monitor we had hooked up before we left. Otherwise, she could have been in the floor for a while. Mother called 911. Public assist calls are referred to the Rescue Squad. Our daughter, Liana, was pulling time at squad, so she and three guys rolled to help her up. (Two of them were "green shirts".... high school kids in training). His Mother didn't break anything, so we've been told, but her shoulder is sore, where she landed on it.

Hospital room & phone number

Earl is in room (deleted) this time. His phone number is 215-(deleted)

Earl update 6/14/07

Good morning everyone,

First.... thank you to my sister for last night's post. We have no Internet access at the apt, so have not checked the blog or email since Monday a.m.

Earl got a real good chuckle out of the comments left about the "cheesecake" photo. Thanks for taking time to leave the comments.

Doctor told Earl this morning that his stomach is just being a bit sluggish about emptying like it should. It's being stubborn (like Earl?).... one nurse said "like a mule". We've been told that what is happening has nothing to do with what he ate or what he did or didn't do. Early release made no difference. It might have happened even if he were still in the hospital. So, I guess we don't need to second guess about "why".

While in hosp last week, Earl was getting one medication via IV that helped make his stomach work/empty. He may be sent home with pill form of that this time. Did not have that after release on Monday.

Doctor said they would keep the tube in today and may let him out tomorrow (Friday). This is just a temporary set-back!

Thank you for the continued prayers.

Lillian

Earl (setback) Re-admitted to Hospital in PA

Earl had to be put back in Fox Chase today. He started having problems with his stomach. Vomiting several times today, so Lillian called and they had her bring Earl back to the hospital. They have re-admitted him and re-inserted the nose tube to drain his stomach again.

X-ray did reveal he did not have any blockage and it was not caused by foods he had eaten. It seems, from what they have told them, that what is happening is something that is quite typical following the Whipple procedure he had done. They are saying basically, his stomach still has not woke up completely and is not emptying like it should. Will take more time to get it back in order. He's not allowed any fluids as long as the tube is in his stomach.

Don't know how long he may have to stay this time, but hopefully will not be too long. As fast as he's been recovering, hopefully this will be a fast fix-it. Please keep Earl in your prayers, they have definitely been a life saver. I want thank you for all the support and prayers that help keep Lillian and Earl going forward. Earl has been doing so good, so any setback is definitely dis-heartening, but faith and support helps to put things back in the right perspective.

This post by Pat Carver

A short walk outside... photos 6/10/07

I took Earl down to first floor and outside to a small water fountain. This was his first excursion off his floor since being admitted a week ago today. Here are three photos taken today.

More photos on my Fotki site: Earl hospital photos 6/10/07

Watching pro cycling on TV

A little cheesecake?

Resting beside fountain before return trip to his room.

.
.

All tubes, drains, IVs out

Earl is setting all kinds of records. The way the doctors and nurses talk, they've never seen anyone recover as quickly as Earl has. The doctor this morning told Earl he was more like a hernia patient than a Whipple patient.

The surgical drain and last IV came out this morning. The doctor who came in today told him that if we lived 10 minutes away he would let Earl go home, but he thought Dr. Watson would want to see him before Earl leaves. So, it looks like Earl will be released tomorrow, Monday, 6/11/07. That's just seven days!

Dr. Watson just left. Says Earl is doing great, but there's no big rush to get him out of here today. They'll check Earl's blood sugar tomorrow and may recommend a diet geared for borderline diabetics. Dr. said it is very unusual for anyone (5% do) to suddenly be diabetic after losing only 25 of their pancreas. It is obvious Earl's pancreas is making insulin, otherwise his blood sugar would be 500. It's been ranging 110 to high 170s. More than likely, Earl might have been borderline before he came up here. Other than being careful with sugars, fats are the only thing the Dr. recommended Earl avoid.

Earl will be on two medications for about a month. One is to make the stomach empty and the other is for nausea. Dr. had mentioned, before surgery, taking an antacid for about a year. Guess that will still be recommended.

Now, as for returning to Tennessee. Dr. Watson has made an appointment for Earl to see him a week from Wed. He only sees patients on Wed. and Thurs, so that's as soon as he can see Earl. After that, assuming everything is still okay, we'll be free to GO HOME!

Dr. appt is on 20th.... don't know time yet. If we leave on 21st, we should be back home on the 22nd. or 23rd. Earl isn't real happy about having to hang around up here, but he does want to go see the King Tut exhibit. So, we'll get him a couple of good books to read and he'll have no excuse not to rest for another 10 days!

Earl is dressed in his clothes today. Just took off down the hall. I'll catch up and we're going to try the stairs!

God is so good! He is the only answer for Earl's rapid recovery! We are so thankful!

Getting regular meal tray tonight

Earl had been told he would get regular meals starting Sunday. Now, he's been told he will get one tonight. So far, he is doing ok with the liquids.

Already had a BM this morning. Not sure how he managed that. He's had nothing but liquids since he was cleaned out before surgery. Guess it doesn't matter. Just glad he's beginning for function.

The Doctors said.....

Earl said earlier he wasn't trying to set records..... but, two doctors have been in during the last half hour. Both told him that he will get full liquids Saturday. If he tolerates them well, he'll get full meals on Sunday. IF... he does well with the meals, he may get discharged to the apt. on Monday. That would tie the current eight day record!

Doctor Watson did say not to worry about things, if it takes a couple of more days before Earl is ready to leave. Both doctors said that sometimes the stomach just does not start emptying like it should and could take a little longer to wake up. Otherwise, both told him he is doing fine.

Pathology has not come back. Probably be Monday before results come in.

Praise the Lord! God is so good!

Food at last!

Earl has had no intake at all since early Sunday morning. (Five full days) They had brought a cup of apple juice some time this morning before I got here. He had been sipping on it for a while.

He got a lunch tray with clear liquids. He sipped on the broth... looked like chicken broth. Very cautious, guess he's afraid to overdo. Couple of sips of the cranberry juice. Did not try the lemonade. He ate the small cup of "ice milk" or whatever it was. He said it didn't really taste like ice cream.

Pics of Earl look better than he really feels. He still needs help getting in and out of bed. Can't manage lifting his legs. Once he is upright he can stand and move to/from the chair. Is able to stand up from the chair. He is walking the halls with his pole and tubes. Still getting insulin shots a couple of times per day, depending on sugar count.

The IV may go this afternoon. The catheter may come out around 9 p.m. tonight. That will just leave the epidural and the surgical drain in his side. Once he gets unhooked from everything, PT will start him on the steps.

His mind is not clear enough to think about dealing with work questions. At least, anything that requires much thought. It will take him a little while to recover from five hours of surgery.

Overall, he thinks he's doing pretty good. Not trying to set a discharge record (8 days), but hopes to be out of here by the 12 day average, which would be a week from today.

I brought the big card from the church back yesterday for Earl to read again. I knew he didn't really have time to read it all before they took him to surgery. He is so touched by all the good wishes and notes of prayers. Thank you to everyone who signed it and to all those who were in line to sign it. My Dad, Sam Trentham, said there were lots of folks waiting to sign it when Bro. Glenn had to leave to get to the airport. We love all of you.

Nurse just came in (3 p.m.) and said when Earl wakes up from his nap she will take out his epidural.

The tube is out!!

Link at bottom to more photos

Earl sitting in chair with his "hug me" pillow.
After the tube came out and he blew his nose for several minutes!
Feeling much better!

Right before the tube was to be taken out. 6/7/07

This was taken not long after check-in on 6/3/07.

Red letter day! The nose tube came out around 2:30 p.m. today! Maybe his sore throat will start getting better. He got up and shaved for the first time this morning, so he looked much better when I got here.

Dr. orders that he walk five times today. He is to start trying stairs when he gets unhooked from the IVs. If they're talking about this, maybe he will be getting rid of some of the bags soon.

They put in a new IV in his right hand this morning. As soon as the bag attached to the old site empties, they will transfer to the new site and remove the IV from his left hand. That arm has been swollen for last couple of days.

His fever is gone today. He looks like he feels better. Says he's feeling better, too. Getting that tube out of his nose will work wonders.

Dr. Glenn Cummings

Pastor of Madison Avenue Baptist Church for 10 years.

We are still amazed that our Pastor came up.
Thank you, again, Bro. Glenn.

Link below will show you more photos. Some taken on 4/25/07 and a few from this week. More Philly photos
~
~

Earl.... 6/6/07 p.m.

Earl is doing as well as could be expected. His surgeon seems to think he is doing well and right on target with his progress so far. "Text book" he said today.

They are keeping close watch on his blood counts. Gave him potassium and magnesium today. He got insulin shots Monday and Tues evenings. Sugar is 168.... tested this minute. Don't know if he'll get more insulin. Guess we'll find out shortly. It was 190+ last night.

Earl's days for now consist of sitting in chair, nap, walking up/down the halls. He's getting pretty good at that already. Sitting in chair, nap, more walking. He wanted to shave today, but hasn't got that done yet. Maybe tomorrow. He's still pushing that pain pump when he has to move much. Doing his breathing exercise every hour. His throat is very sore from the tube down his throat. He'll be glad to get rid of that on Friday.

I'm not going to continue to bore you with Earl's activities for the next few days. Sitting in the chair and roaming the halls does not make exciting reading!! I'll be back when something monumental happens.... like when some of the tubes, catheter, IVs, etc. are gone. That will make his life a little more bearable!

Please keep up the prayers. Earl still has rough days ahead. He is so very sore. Coughing kills him. His voice is getting worse every day. The tube causes mucus to build up around it and is so hard for him to cough it up. He has been running low grade fever since yesterday afternoon. Hope he doesn't end up with pneumonia.

He just got insulin.... four units. Nurse said it wasn't much.

We've had reports that so many are calling Sandra, Mom and Kay to check on Earl. It means so much to know you care. Thank you one and all for your concern and prayers.

Praise to God that Earl's surgery went well and he is progressing as well as he is.

One day after surgery

Technology is great! Here I sit in Earl's room, updating this blog. Signal is "low" but think it will work ok.

Earl spent the night in ICU. Didn't get much sleep. Lot of commotion in the cubicle next to him. They were also checking on him thru the night. When the nurse called me around 8 a.m. they had him up sitting in a chair. Had helped him walk about 10 feet and back to the chair.

By the time I got to hosp around noon (visiting hrs 11 - 8 daily) they had moved him to a room. The phone number to him is 215-(deleted). Address should be (deleted).
He just got back into bed after sitting in a chair for over two hours. Had to have some help, but did ok.

Overall, I was glad to see him sitting up in the chair when I came in. He looks better than I expected. He still has the epidural and the pain button. Will have the tube in his nose to drain and deflate his stomach until Thursday or Friday. No liquids/food by mouth until the tube is out. Sponge on a stick to moisten mouth with water when needed.

He has been playing with the Solitaire game I brought this morning. Already beat Sol. Asked me to bring a couple of Smithsonian magazines from the car for him to read later. He's alert and seems to be feeling pretty good as long as he doesn't have to cough and move much.

After a short nap, he's been up and walked to the door of his room and back to sit in a chair again. About 60 ft. round trip! He'll probably be walking the hall in a day or so.

The covering over his incision came off this morning. The staples run from right below the breast bone to right below his navel. Funny.... the incision curves a circle around his navel. He'll have a cute curvy tail at the end of his scar!

He is up to 1000 and 1500 on the breathing gizmo. Don't know if that's good or not. I don't know what I could do....

Dr. Watson was just in and basically went over with Earl what he had told me yesterday. The medication he will be on for about a year is an antacid. There is something else he'll take for about a month, but neither of us can remember what that was! Guess we're going to have to start taking notes!!

Dr W said they have done six Whipples here already this week. Busy place! I found out yesterday, from reading some of the displays, that this was the very first cancer hospital. Started back in 1904, they been fighting cancer for over 100 years.

As Pat reported yesterday, it was a grand surprise to have Brother Cummings here with us. Such a blessing! I enjoyed our conversations while Earl was in surgery. It sure helped pass the time. "Thank you" Brother Glenn for taking the time, during your busy schedule, to make the trip. Thanks also, to the church for supporting him and allowing him to come. A special "thank you" to all who contributed to the financial gift Bro. Glenn brought to us. We love you and appreciate, so much, what you have done for us. We are so touched by your generosity and the love we feel from all of you. (Here I am.... crying again!) Thank you so much! We have such a wonderful church family, Sunday School Class and Pastor.

I also have a wonderful ETHRA family. I thank all of you for your love and support during this very difficult time. It's great to know you are all there praying and cheering us on.

We are so thankful, first to God who has been so good to us, and to everyone, everywhere, who have been praying for Earl and me. We know he has been on prayer lists all over the country. We can't forget Earl's clients either. You have been so generous with your prayers and patience in allowing extensions. Earl is already talking about getting back home and getting back to work!

Last, but dearest, is our families. We love you and appreciate your willingness to help with just anything that needs to be done. We love each and every one of you so very much. Just knowing you are there, if we need you, is such a comfort.

If I've forgotten to thank anyone, I apologize. Just know that we do appreciate what everyone has done. It is so humbling to really learn how much everyone cares.

And the news, yesterday, that Thomas Bright does not have cancer again is the most wonderful news to receive on the stressful day of Earl's surgery. He has been thru a very difficult month of tests and procedures. At least, we can stop worrying about that! (Thomas is married to my sister's daughter, Stacie. He has had three rounds of melanoma. It's been four years since his last surgery. Craig Carlson married them at MABC.)

I'm sorry I have rattled on so long with all this. I just have so much to be thankful for and probably not saying it very well. So, I'm going to hush for now and go look for something to eat. I missed lunch today!

With love and gratitude,
Lillian Trentham Lancaster

Update - Earl's Surgery - Fox Chase in PA

HURRAH!!! Earl came through surgery with flying colors. Only took 5 hours instead of the expected 6-8 hrs. According to doctor, he's doing very well, will be kept in ICU tonight and maybe thru tomorrow. Did not have to remove any of the stomach. The TUMOR IS COMPLETELY OUT!!! He will have a tube down his nose until Friday, then he may be put on liquids only. He has a drain tube also, but doctor says when Earl goes home, he will have no tubes. He will have to be taught to eat all over again, kind of like a child. He will be on pills and medications for about a year and then taken completely off. He will probably have chemo and some radiation, this is expected due to the aggressvie kind of cancer. But things went amazingly well and we hope for the best.

Great suprise and gift, Reverend Cummings came in this morning, early, and has been with them all day. This was a great joy for the family due to the fact Lillian & Earl were having to go through this day by themselves. Their immediate family could not be there, so Rev. Cummings was a blessing beyond our expectations. The gifts and prayers from our church families, Lil's ETHRA families and all our family and friends have helped beyond any doubt to get us to where we are. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Keep those prayers coming!

This is a short update, but wanted all to know Earl's doing great at this time.

This post by Lil's sister, Pat Carver

Arrived in Philly

We arrived at the hotel in Philly about 1 a.m. Sunday. We got to the North side of Washington right about dark. We realized, after looking at a map at the rest area, that we were only about 120 miles from Philly. Earl decided he would rather go on and not have to roll out so early Sunday morning.

When we get up in the morning, all we'll have to do is pack up, get him a "light" breakfast and be at the hospital by 10:30 a.m. to check in. Then, after I get him settled, I'll be off to find the apt and unload the car "again". Guess we should have packed a small bag of essentials for tonight, so we wouldn't have to unload all our bags. As is said.... hind site is 20-20! We've kept the luggage cart in our room, so we won't have to waste time hunting for one in the morning. They'll never know where it is tonight!

We're thankful for the safe trip. I thought drivers at home were wild and crazy. Hopping lanes and cutting in front of people must be required up here! Everyone drives about 20 miles over the limit. I drove all the way and it was move on or get run over. It felt like I had competed in the Indy 500 by the time we got here!!

Now, I AM READY for some sack time!
Lillian

Of all things..................

When I came in from work this afternoon, Earl said he was chilling. I felt of him. He was HOT! Took his temp..... it was 102.2 or 102.4 Immediately gave him some Tylenol. It's now 8:45 and he seems somewhat cooler. Will give more meds around 9:30. If he is still running fever in the morning...... he says he was instructed to call the hospital if he gets sick.

This is all we need. We've fought so hard to get to this point! The surgeon only operates on Monday and Tuesdays. No telling how long it will delay surgery, if he can't go tomorrow.

Pray, pray, pray..... he needs to be better in the morning!

More good news.... some not so good

We got comfirmation today that we are getting one of the apts. about three blocks from the hospital. It's not free, but less than hotel/motel.

Found out we have to be in admitting by 10:30-10:45 Sunday a.m. instead of some time in the afternoon. So, we'll have to move out earlier and travel longer Saturday in order to get on in the Philly on time.

Earl was told today that the surgery will last 6-8 hours. After he is admitted Sunday, he will be hooked up to IV and they will begin process to clean him out. I'm sure he is looking forward to that!!

This Vanderbilt University link tells more detail of what life may be like for Earl in the weeks/months following surgery.
Home care instructions.

Thank you again for all the prayers. They sure have been working. Everything is falling into place and this seems meant to be. Please keep up the prayers. He is going to need them for a long time. Me, too!

My love and gratitude to everyone.
Lillian

Talk about cutting it close!!

We finally have gotten some good news!

Great news! Prayers are answered!

Earl was told late last week that Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) was in the process of negotiating a contract with our CIGNA insurance to possibly go into effect on 6/1/07. Insurance lady from FCCC called Earl today and told him a contract has been signed and the hospital bill will be paid "in-network".

We don't know exactly what this means other than the hospital has signed a contract. We don't know if the surgeon does his own billing and would need to be under contract. Then, there is the anesthesthiologist and who knows what/who else.

We have received so many EOBs from CIGNA for his hospital stay in April. One of the doctors who did one of the procedures on Earl at St. Mary's (Knoxville) was "out of network" and we'll have a larger bill to pay on that. So, depending on who all is included in this new contract.... we could still have some bills to pay. But, the great part about this is that now we won't have to worry about the HUGE hospital bill for 10-14 days. We can face the small bills when the time comes.

This is such a relief!! God is good!

"Thank You"

We want to express, again, our thanks for all your prayers and contacts. Whatever form your contacts .... comments on this blog, emails, phone calls, cards... each and every one are greatly appreciated. Family, friends, co-workers, and our church family.... you know who you are... are all being so supportive. Thank you for everything!

Update on travel plans, insurance, surgery

I've been putting off updating.... hoping we were going to have some definite news. As things stand right now, we still do not have things worked out financially. The two local doctors have not come thru with the letters they said they would write confirming we were told it is inoperable here. It's been over a week and still no letters. The insurance case manager asked us to get statements, so she could present our case to the insurance doctors in an effort to get benefits paid as if it were in-network. We'll be contacting these local doctors again tomorrow.

We did learn this week that the estimated cost of the surgery is around $120,000. If the insurance only pays 60%, this will leave about $48,000 for us to pay. IF.... the insurance were to agree to pay as if it's in-network, I assume we would be responsible for whatever the insurance does not pay. We all know the insurance does not pay very much in most cases. So, we have no idea what our responsibility will be or if the hospital will accept payments. Website says not. We're trusting things will work out.

We've decided to drive up. It's about 12 hr trip, but just need to take a lot of "stuff" to be gone almost three weeks. We'll leave Sat. June 2nd. splitting the trip into two days. Earl is to check into the hospital some time Sunday.