Today's stomach scope aborted

As requested by Dr. Watson (Philadelphia surgeon),Earl had a CT scan done yesterday. Results later. He went for a stomach scope today (also at Dr. W's orders) to check for ulcers that might have resulted from the Whipple surgery. The procedure had to be aborted due to food still in his stomach from yesterday. Dr. said this is not uncommon following the type of surgery he had. So, he is rescheduled to go back to try again next Friday. He will be on clear liquids for 24 hours before Friday. His appt. is at 6:30 a.m!!

While Dr. was inserting the scope today, he noticed what he suspects is Barrett's esophagus.
This link explains. Barretts
Dr. will take biopsy next Friday, when he re-does the stomach scope.

Here we go again???

Back to Philadelphia

Earl thought he was going to repeat last weeks canceled flight. After a hint of mechanical problems, pilot announced that the problem had been corrected and they would depart. Two weeks in a row? Not a real confidence builder!

Earl did make it to Fox Chase for his appointment with Dr. Watson. Everything looks good. Doctor has ordered a CT Scan and scope of his stomach. Scope is to look for ulcers, which can be a result of the surgery.

Earl is to go back on June 18th for his one year checkup. Locally, Earl was to see oncologist three times a year. Dr. Watson wants him checked four times, so he will be checked here every three months. Not sure if this will be just blood work or if some sort of scans will be done. Either way, it is comforting that the doctors will be keeping a closer watch on him.

Dr. Watson seemed pleased that Earl's CA19-9 was low, but stated this did not mean he might not have a recurrence. You might say he was "cautiously optimistic". IF.... he makes it to the two year anniversary, that will be a HUGE milestone. Apparently, pancreatic cancer most often recurs within two years.

Earl went up on the third floor where he spent his two stays at Fox Chase. He visited with the nurses at both the North and South nurses stations. He enjoyed seeing everyone. He was just glad he wasn't staying this time! No offense, ladies!

A man standing nearby heard Earl as he was telling the nurses he was cancer free. He later spoke to Earl, telling him his wife was having a very difficult time with her radiation for lung cancer. Earl offered to speak to her, which seemed to please the man. Turned out Earl had been in the very room and bed that his wife occupied now. She seemed to appreciate Earl's story and his words of encouragement. We pray Mrs. Taylor will be a survivor, too.

I wish I had been able to go with Earl, but I exhausted all my sick leave, when I took three weeks off for his surgery. I intend to go with him when he returns in June. It will be good to see everyone again.

We hope you will continue to pray for Earl as he travels further down his road to complete remission. We give thanks daily for Earl's survival to this point. We are very thankful for all your prayers and encouragement. You have been such an important part of the last nine months. Thank you!

He has already started into what looks like a very hectic tax season. I hope he will be able to pace himself and not overtax himself. Pun intended! ;-)

Flight canceled, Dr appt rescheduled

All passengers were on-board waiting for take-off. Then one of the pilots announced weather conditions, time to travel, etc. The usual announcements before take-off. Then, passengers were told there was a mechanical problem. They were asked to get off the plane and wait in the terminal where they would be more comfortable. They waited.... and waited..... finally the flight was canceled.

Some passengers were re-routed, but Earl had to call Drs office to re-schedule because none of the available flights would get him to Philly in time for his appt.

Now, he has appt and flight scheduled for next Wednesday. It'll probably snow next week!

Oh, well. The nurse told Earl they have time available on all Wednesdays in January. So, he'll make one of them.

He's off to Philly to see the Doctor

Earl continues to recover from the effects of his radiation, which ended Dec. 26th. His last tumor marker count was 3. (Normal is anything below 35.) During the last couple weeks of radiation and chemo pills, Earl did have redness in his hands. His right hand would swell for several hours during the day. His right thumb actually split open on the center of the end near the thumbnail. The place was about 3/8" long.

He's flying to Philadelphia, PA today for checkup with the surgeon, Dr. Watson. It will be interesting to learn what the good Doctor has to say now. His long term predictions back in June were not very encouraging. The odds of beating pancreatic cancer are just not very good.

Earl will be back home late this evening.

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.