KU appointment

Les went to KU this morning at 7:30 AM for a blood test, CT scan and appointment with Dr. Forrester. He had the blood test and CT scan and waited until 12:45 PM to see a doctor (not Dr. Forrester). I say all of that to tell you that everything looks good. The doctors are happy with his liver function and the blood tests are good.

However, his blood pressure is still VERY high (of course he had been waiting for 4 hours to see a doctor)and they are not happy with that. He has been taking medicine twice a day for high blood pressure and they prescribed him another one to add to the other two.

Dr. Forrester released him to go back to work, and go upstairs. He cannot lift anything heavy or do anything strenuous for the next two weeks.

Les will now make an appointment with Dr. Lee so see what the next step is. He is very tired, but glad that appointment is over.

God Bless you all!

Cancelled appointment

Les was suppose to have his follow-up appointment with Dr. Forrester (surgeon) yesterday, but it was cancelled due to Dr. Forrester performing a liver transplant. We are so thankful that this did not happen on the day of Les's surgery.

Les will go next Wednesday, November 6th, and have a blood test, CT scan and appointment with Dr. Forrester. This will start at 8:00 AM, with the final appointment at 10:00 AM.

Les was disappointed that the appointment was cancelled, because he was hoping to be released to do some things. He is feeling so good that he is getting anxious to be on the move more and have some limitations lifted.

We are trusting the Lord to handled everything, so we are trying to have patience.

Thank you for all of your cards and phone calls. It really helps. Please continue to pray, as we are sure there will be more chemo in the immediate future for Les.

God Bless you all! Linda

First outing

Well, Les had his first day out of the house yesterday. Jeremy picked him up, took him to the hospital for a blood test and then onto the YMCA for a visit. He sat the whole time there, but said it was good to be out. He was going a little stir-crazy staying in the house all day.

When he got home, he slept for a couple of hours. It made him pretty tired to go out, but he said it was worth it.

We thank the Lord constantly for his recovery and for his system to be getting back to normal and working well. It is so amazing considering how sick he was just a few days ago.

Thank you for all of your prayers and the cards and phone calls. It means so much to Les and to me.

God be with all of you!

Les has been home four days now and he is doing well. He wears out quickly, but his pain is bearable.

It looks like the liver is functioning and everything is looking good. He continues to rest and sleep alot, but tries to walk as much as he can---only at home.

He goes back to the doctor October 31st and we should know then what the next step is.

Thank you for all of the cards and phone calls and especially your prayers. God has been so good.

Linda

Les is home from the hospital. Very worn out, but glad to be here.

Popsicle

A day makes a big difference. After being sick Monday and Monday night, Les had a good day yesterday. His stomach was fine all day and they even let him have a popsicle---which he enjoyed greatly. If his stomach tolerates clear liquids then he can have something a little more substantial like oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc.

They are even talking about him going home. So maybe that will happen soon. His spirits were much better yesterday and he was able to walk around the nurses station twice.

Your prayers are so important to us. The Lord is giving us strength for everyday as we need it.

God bless you all.

Linda

Mom and I came home last night---the first time in 5 days. It was hard leaving Les up there. We will head back later this morning.

Friday, Les was in a lot of pain that they couldn't get under control so they did not get him up. His blood pressure has been high. It goes down for awhile, but then goes back up again. Dr. Forrester says this happens sometimes because of all the fluid from surgery. They are trying different medications to contol it, but so far it's up and down.

Saturday and Sunday were pretty good days. Sunday he was up in a chair for most of the day. He was very tired by the end of the day, but was glad to be out bed. They decided to try him on a few sips of appled juice on Sunday to see if he could tolerate it. He did okay until yesterday, Monday. Around 11:00 AM he started having an upset stomach and it continually got worse. They gave him one nausea medication and when that didn't help they gave him different one. The last med made him incoherent. He was saying all kinds of things that didn't make sense. It was funny and scary at the same time. This lasted for the rest of the day.

When Dr. Forrester came in yesterday he was very concerned that his bowels weren't moving. He ordered an x-ray to see if there is a blockage. We don't know the results yet. After he came back from x-rays he got very sick. I hope they get this resolved today. He has only had 4 sips of apple juice since last Wednesday.

Thank you for all of your prayers. Linda

Dad came through the surgery okay last night. They were able to burn off the tumors on his liver and took a section to test for more cancer which came back negative.

He is in a lot of pain this morning but they are going to try and get him up and around. He should be in the hospital for about a week. He is at KU in room 6419

Surgery tomorrow

Well I guess Les is all set for surgery tomorrow. He went to KU yesterday for preregistration. He also had a CAT scan at Olathe Medical Center. It was a long day for him.

His surgery will be at 7:30 AM and we need to arrive at KU at 6:00 AM. They will do a few more tests in the morning, but it should be pretty quick. The surgery will be approximately 3 hours and he may be in ICU immediately after. He should be home in 5-7 days. Knowing him it will probably be 3 days.

His spirits are good. He is ready to get this over with and move on.

I have been reading Isaiah 43 for the past few weeks and holding onto the promise of God:

Isaiah 43

But now, this is what the Lord says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior---

We are trusting the Lord to see us through these next few weeks and give us strength. Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement.

We will try to update this blog as soon as we can.

God Bless you!

Dad saw Dr. Forrester today and they are planning to do surgery on Oct. 9. The Doctor is making no promises about the success of this procedure. He said that it is a serious surgery with potentially serious consequenses to the liver but he added that it is the best option. A decision on another chemo treatment should be made in the next few days.

Les's surgery will be approximately 3 hours and he will be in the hospital 7 days. They will remove his gallbladder and basically burn the top of his liver where the tumors are. He could possibly be in ICU at first, but it depends on the speed of his recovery. Knowing him he will be in a room immediately after the surgery.

He may or may not have more chemo after the surgery. This will be Dr. Lee's decision.

Thanks for your continued prayers. We definitely know it has made a difference these past two years.

Linda

Weekly Update

Les has been feeling better the last few days. He is still very tired and sleeps alot in the afternoons, but he is not feeling sick so far.

He is anxious about Friday's appointment with Dr. Forrester (liver surgeon). He is unsure what the next step will be. He hopes that a date will be set for surgery and not more chemo. He is ready to get the surgery overwith and go on.

The waiting is hard. He knows God has a plan and is trusting in Him.

God's blessing to you all.

Survived the night!

Les made it through the first night after chemo. He sat up in a chair all night because his stomach feels better when he sits. Even with the steroids, he got some sleep.

Hopefully, this won't be as bad as the last one.

His next chemo is scheduled for Sept. 23rd, if they haven't scheduled surgery. We'll just wait and see. He's getting pretty good at waiting. Just trusting the Lord and keep on keeping on-------day by day.

Chemo today

Les' comment this morning was that he was going to the torture chamber. I know he dreads chemo today (at 9:30 AM), but it should be the last one for awhile----hopefully until surgery.

Maybe he won't be as sick this time and will get through it more smoothly. The Lord has been so good to him these past two years---keeping him going everyday. I am so proud of the way he has handled this illness. He hasn't given up eventhough I know he sometimes felt like it. When I look back at everything he has gone through it is amazing that he is where he is today.

It is comforting to know so many people are praying for him and thinking of him. I know it gives him hope and strength.

Keep him in your prayers, especially for the next few days.

God's blessings to everyone.

Chemo update

Les had chemo Tuesday. It has been rough this time---probably the worse yet. He has had an upset stomach, chills and swelling. He is real weak again and his feet and legs are numb. He hasn't missed work--of course, but is wiped out when he gets home and sleeps all afternoon. He still has an upbeat attitude and just goes with the flow.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers, especially regarding the surgery that we hope will be by the end of the month.

God's love to you all!

Chemo & surgery update

We received a little more information yesterday from Dr. Lee. The machine that Dr. Forrester(liver surgeon) uses to do the microwave procedure on the tumors is a traveling machine. In order for KU to have the machine there has to be a list of people that need the procedure. Therefore, Les is on a waiting list for the machine and when KU gets the machine then he will be scheduled for surgery.

The doctors agreed that since the chemo seems to be working on the tumors, they would continue with the chemo during the waiting period.

Les had chemo yesterday, 8/26. He had the same symtoms last night as usual, insominia, upset stomach and chills. He went to work this morning as usual.

We know God is working.

More chemo

Well, Les just a call from Dr. Lee's nurse at Olathe Cancer Center. Dr. Lee came out of the conference with Dr. Forrester and said to call Les and have him come in Tuesday for chemo. The doctors decided to do two more rounds of chemo before surgery.

We don't know how long this will delay the surgery. We also don't know the particulars from the meeting between the doctors. Maybe Dr. Lee will tell Les tomorrow.

It looks like we will be waiting a little longer.

Dr. Forrester visit

Les went to the KU Cancer Center today for an appointment with Dr. Forrester(liver surgeon). Dr. Forrester would like to operate on Les to remove his gall bladder (which is pushing against his liver) and to do a procedure similiar to the radiology procedure he had on the tumors in his liver last September.

Dr. Forrester would like to first meet with two other doctors before making the decision. One of the doctors is an expert in reading PET Scans. He will also confer with Dr. Lee and together they will decide the next step.

Les should hear something by the end of next week. He should be getting used to waiting by now, but that's not so. The Lord is definitely teaching patience and trust in him.

More Good News

Dad met with Dr. Lee today and was told the tumors in his liver have shrunk so the Chemo has worked. He meets next week with Dr. Forester to discuss the next step.

Thanks for your prayers. Good news twice in a row has not happened much through this whole process, so it feels like finally things are moving in the right direction.

Dr. Lee appointment

Les has an appointment with Dr. Lee today to get the results of the PET scan. We are anticipating no surprises, just a more detail report of the CAT scan.

His spirits are up after Monday's tests. He is anxious to see what the plan is. We will know more after next week's appointment with Dr. Forrester (liver surgeon).

It is comforting to know so many people are praying for him.

God Bless you all!

Results of Monday Tests

Dad got some good news today. His colonoscopy showed no signs of tumors in his colon or stomach. They did determine that the cause of the pain in his throat was from bleeding ulcers in his esophagas. They prescribed some new medication to help with that issue.

Monday morning

Les has his 2 scopes tomorrow. Today he is doing his prep procedure which is worse than the actual test. He hasn't had solid food since Friday evening.

I don't know if we will know anything after the appointment or have to wait until Thursday when we see Dr. Lee.

Thanks for your prayers

Results & appointments

We've been trying to process the outcome of the cat scan and we really don't know how we feel.

The four tumors in the liver have not changed. They are not bigger or smaller. The good news is that there are not new tumors.

Les will have a PET scan on Monday, August 4th and see Dr. Lee again on Thursday, August 7th for the results. This will give a better picture of the tumors. Dr. Lee is scheduling an appointment with Dr. Forrestor (KU Liver surgeon). Dr. Lee thinks that Les will have surgery in 4 to 6 weeks to remove the 4 tumors and his gall bladder.

Les has been having trouble swollowing so Dr. Lee is scheduling a scope to look at that area and make sure his esophagus has not been damaged. He also wants him to have a colonoscopy at the same time.

It is all a little overwhelming, but we know that the Lord has a plan.

Les is doing okay.

APPOINTMENTS:
Monday, August 4th PET Scan
Thursday, August 7th Dr. Lee for PET Scan results(Changed to August 14th)
Monday, August 11th Scopes of colon and esophagus
Friday, August 22nd Dr. Forrester (KU liver surgeon)

CAT Scan

Les checks into the hospital today at 9:30 AM. His CAT scan is scheduled for 11:00 AM. It will be a long day for him, since he cannot eat before the procedure.

His spirits are good and he is very positive.

His appointment with Dr. Lee is tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9:45 AM. Les is anxious to see what the next plan is---surgery or more chemo.

God's blessings to all of you.

4th treatment

Les goes today for his last chemo treatment before the CAT scan. I don't know when the scan will be, but probably within the next week or two.

Your prayers are appreciated.

Linda

We got home around 1:30 PM today. Les got sick during the chemo treatment and has been sick since we got home and he is very weak.

His CAT scan is scheduled for July 28th and he sees Dr. Lee on July 29th. It seems like a long time to wait, but he understands why.

God Bless!

Day by day!

Les continues to keep going every day. He is very tired and weak, but he does more than he probably should. He doesn't have much appetite, but he tries to eat. We keep trying to make foods that sound good to him. Sometimes it works.

He is anxious to get the 4th treatment over and the scan done. As everyone knows, the waiting it the hardest, but God is his strength and comfort.

Thanks for all of your prayers and comments. It means so much to Les.

God Bless you,

Linda

Holding steady

Les seems to be feeling okay. He is very tired, but no stomach trouble the last two days. His throat is dry and raspy, but no sores yet.

Thanks for all of your prayers----they are working.

Linda

Treatment #3

Please remember Les in prayer today at 9:30 AM. This is his third treatment and will probably last three hours. He has one more before the CAT scan. We are praying that his side affects don't get worse.

God Bless you all,

Linda

We got home around 2:15PM. It hasn't been a good afternoon. Les is really sick at his stomach; chilling and feverish both. Maybe he will feel better by bed time.

Les made it through the night without getting too sick. However, the steroids kicked in and he didn't sleep.

He doesn't feel too bad today----he's at work.

Better days

Les has felt fairly good the last 2 days. He is eating well, but still losing weight. He has lost most of his hair and beard.

He is ready for round 3 on Monday!

Thanks for your prayers!

Linda

Good & bad days!

Les had a bad night Tuesday. He was sick all night and didn't sleep. Not surprisingly, he still made it to work Wednesday morning. He was slightly sick most of the day Wednesday and Wednesday evening. He did sleep very well Wednesday night and is feeling better today.

He has to go to Olathe to have the pump removed today. No 3 treatment is scheduled for June 30th, with only one more after that before the scan.

Linda

Treatment #2

Today at 1:00 PM Les has his 2nd chemo treatment. He is still having some stomach problems and is beard is getting very thin.

He is hoping that this treatment will only last 2 hours and not 4 like the first one.

He continues to work and keep up the positive attitude. The Lord is with him.

All of your prayers are so important to us.

God Bless you all!

Linda

Well, the chemo lasted 3 hours today, so we didn't get home until after 5:00 PM. Les is feeling a little sick, but is still going. Dr. Lee said he probably wouldn't be able to go to work tomorrow, but Les told him he would be there.

I just pray he will have a tolerable night's sleep.

Feeling better

Today, Les says he feels about 75% better. He still has the sores in his mouth and a slight stomach problem, but all-in-all he has been better today.

He has four days to enjoy and then another treatment on Tuesday. It won't be as long (shorter than four hours) and hopefully he won't feel as bad.

Thanks to everyone for your support and especially all of the prayers. We feel God working every day, every hour, every minute and every second of the day.

Linda

Starting the new week!

Les is still having some stomach trouble. His mouth has quite a lot of sores, but he has medication that help somewhat.

He was able to go to church on Sunday. He wasn't sure if he could, but he made it the whole day.

He continues to work and have semi-normal days. The fatigue and heaviness in his legs seems to be increasing, but he manages to keep on going.

We appreciate the prayers and comments. It is nice for him to know that he has friends and family that care.

God bless you all!

Rough days

The last 2 days have been pretty tough for Les. Fatigue has set in and his legs are heavy again. The metalic taste is back in his mouth and the mouth sores have started showing up.

All-in-all he is handling it like always. Last night he watched Jer and I mow the lawn and I know that was hard on him.

He will start to feel better now and have 1 week of "almost normal" and then begin the 2nd treatment.

The Lord has been right by his side holding him up.

Over the worst!

Les is feeling better today. The last 2 days he has been a little sick, but he's not missing work.

Last night(Tuesday) around 11:30 PM he got the hiccups---a common side affect. They were gone this morning and he seems to be feeling better.

Today he goes back to Dr. Lee to have the pump removed.

1 down and 3 to go!!!

Thank you for your prayers!

Linda

Survived #1

Les made it through the first chemo treatment today. He got really sick in the middle of it, but the nurses gave him a shot that helped him immediately. He didn't finish until 3:00 PM, so the day was a long one.

He will have the treatment for 8 weeks, every other week and then a scan at the end to see if the tumors are responding.

He is pretty weak and not feeling great right now, but he's not down.

Thank you for all of your prayers and comments.

Pray for Les

Les will start his chemo treatment today around 10:00 AM and it will last until approximately 2:00 PM. Please remember him in prayer today. He has a positive attitude and is ready to fight another round.

Thank you so much for all of your support during this time.

Chemo treatments

Les heard from Dr. Lee's office today. He starts chemo treatments next Monday at 9:45 AM. It will take approximately 4 hours, so it will be a long day for him. On a positive note, he won't have to wear the pump this time and go back in 2 days and have it taken off.

His attitude is positive and he is ready to begin. Your prayers are a blessing to us.

New Update

Well how quickly things can change with one phone call. Today (Friday), Les's doctors met to look over test results and found more cancer cells in his liver. They have determined that surgery at this point would serve no purpose because new tumors could then develop right behind the ones they remove.

Instead they have decided to put him on a different form on Chemotherapy starting next week. In three months they will do more tests to see if the tumors are shrinking and check for more cancer cells. The hope is that if the Chemo is working in three months, they could do the surgery at that time.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Chemo was not an easy time for him last year and with a new form, there are more fears and unknowns to face.

Update on Les

Les will be having surgery on May 29. The surgery will be to remove four new tumors that were discovered in his liver last month. The three tumors that were burned off last year are gone. We will update this site with information on how he is doing. The hospital will only allow two visitors on the day of his surgery and they have asked us to keep all visits to a minimum for the first three or four days after. We will keep this site updated though and any comments or well-wishes during this time will get to him. Thanks for your prayers for our family during this time.