Indianapolis Monument Marathon

Indy Monumental Marathon

He did it! 26.2 miles downtown Indianapolis in 3:56.46. His goal was to run the whole way and not walk...he met that goal, however, is feeling a little gimpy right now. 

In his younger days he's ran 9 marathons. A lot has happened over the years including aging and a cancer diagnosis. It's only been a year since surgery and even less since finishing up chemo. God has surely blessed him with feeling good and a clean bill of health!

A God thing...I saw a bald eagle at about 7 mi mark. Just before we got to the Monon trail bridge. This verse came to mind. Pumped me up for awhile.

Isaiah 40:31

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

That lasted about 11 mi. Things started to tighten up around 18. 😕 

This part written by Jim. Too bad he had no way of getting a picture!

Another God thing...I decided to get some breakfast while Jim was running so was waiting for a table at a cafe and there was a couple other people waiting for a table for 1 also. We were going to be waiting awhile for tables for 1 so one of the guys mentioned all of us sitting together. It was totally out of my comfort zone but felt like it would be awkward to say," no I want to sit by myself". So I agreed. Turns out they were wonderful! One guy is a great family man with his wife running the half and is the president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The other guy's wife was doing the half also and is a law student. That couple got married in Flagstaff at the Nordic Center that Jim and Chris ran at this past summer! 

It's amazing how God puts people in our path that we have a common thread with if I'm only willing to step out of my comfort zone. 

It's been a good day...we are thankful!

Hauling

My answer to the question, “How is your dad doing these days?” Well, he’s running marathons, here 22 miles into the Monumental, having had a cold all week, beating the pace he and I ran the mini 14 years ago.

http://imm17.onlineraceresults.com/individual.php?bib=1591

Great report!

PET scan and blood tests were all normal! Dr P was his usual fist bumping/excited self about how healthy Jim is. It's always good to see him and catch up.

After a hand shake and a hug he said "see you in 6 months!"

We are blessed and thankful!

October check-up

At Moffitt today for blood tests, PET scan and Dr visit. 

Jim just went back for the PET that will take 2-2 1/2 hours... I'm settling in with a glorified coffee and book while "Fixer Upper" is in front of me that's distracting and causing me to dream.

God has truly blessed us in the past and we will trust him for the future! We are thankful!

This wall art is in the radiology oncology area.

Arizona

We had a great time vacationing in AZ with Chris for a week. We were in Sedona a couple of days, visited the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon and Flagstaff. On Saturday Jim and Chris did a half marathon trail run at Nordic ski center north of Flagstaff in a  beautiful area in the pines. The altitude was a little over 8000 ft which Jim was a little concerned about but it didn't seem to be a problem. 

Of course Jim was able to get many great pictures with all the beauty around us. 

We are so thankful and feel very blessed to have been able to make this trip with all that has happened in the past year. We give God all the glory and are trusting Him for the future.

Blueberry stomp

One last training run before AZ., the Plymouth Blueberry Stomp.

Jim came in first running the 5k (3.1 miles)in his age group. The weather was cool, lots of people...a fun morning.

Indy beaver chase half marathon

It was a beautiful morning to run a race...or to just watch people run.☺️Jim felt strong running a half marathon trail run today, finishing first in his age group. Trail running is a lot different than just running on roads with having rocks, roots, sand and a lot of uneven ground. He's feeling it tonight but will recover quickly I'm sure.

10k trail run

Woo-hoo #1 in his age group! Ran a 10k trail run at Southwestern MI college for a cancer fundraiser. 48:55

Being thankful

Wow! It's been a year since Jim's diagnosis! Those were scary days with not knowing what to do and feeling very helpless! Looking back, God was putting into place years ago what needed to happen to get us through this tough time. I am so amazed how He orchestrates our lives to benefit and bless us! Our lives are a puzzle, each day God is fitting in the pieces exactly where they need to be to make it complete.

We give God all the glory for his healing touch! We are thankful...

Sunday morning beauty

My view this morning while Jim and Chris enjoy a run in St Pete.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! Psalm 103: 1-5

The 6-month Checkup

Dad and Mom came down for his scheduled 6-month checkup. The tests, a blood test and a PET scan, were today.

Dad has been eating fairly well for not having a stomach and his energy level is high enough to accomplish feats such as running a 2-hour half marathon, as he did a couple weeks ago. It takes effort to consume enough calories but there is some improvement and he's put some weight back on. So on the quality of life scale he is doing quite well, but post-treatment scans are always a necessary part of keeping things in check.

He scored well on that front as well. There were two small spots that lit up on the scan but they were small and in locations that his sort of cancer doesn't normally migrate to, a lymph node in the arm pit and a spot in the colon. Given he had a colonoscopy 12 months ago, the spot on the colon is not an issue and we'll just have to keep an eye on the lymph node. Lymph nodes can be inflamed for any number of reasons (simple infections can cause them to act up), and there is no reason to believe it is a sign of cancer existing somewhere.

It is not easy to pinpoint the chances of cancer coming back some time in the near or distant future. The doctor said it is not likely, but honing in on any range of possibilities beyond that is not appropriate. This is the case primarily because the sort of cancer he has is rare enough that the sample data is not thick enough to proclaim a likelihood with much certainty. For example, if on opening day a baseball player goes 1 for 3 in his at-bats, what would you guess his batting average would be for the year? Our 3 data points say .333, but there are hundreds of at-bats left in the season. So if you had to guess, your best guess is .333, but you wouldn’t say you have much confidence in that number. Maybe he was facing a bad pitcher, or maybe the wind was blowing out and a ball that would have normally been caught for an out was a homerun. All those "chance" circumstances add noise to the data we care about. But as the season goes on and you gain more data points, you can provide your guess with more certainty because you have more observations to rely on and you can remove some of that noise from the data you care about.

So quality of life is great, the current diagnosis is good, we’ll look positively to the future, and we’ll be forever appreciative of some quality Doctors.

 

The girls ran hard just like Papa!

2017 miles for Moffitt

We are so blessed that Jim was able to do something like this only 6 months from surgery and a couple months from chemo!!

Chris knew this event was coming up and thought it would be neat for Jim to come down to participate in it but was waiting to see how chemo went. Jim being the runner he is he got out there pretty close to every day working towards this day. Thank you Chris! It was a special day to see you running along side your dad!

Jim and Chris ran the 10k, then a little later in the morning  Maddie, Macey and Melanie ran the 100 yard dash. The girls were so proud to run like Papa!!

It was so fun to experience this day with our FL family! Thank you for your loving support! We love you dearly!!

1 million dollars was raised for cancer research today!! They have come a long way towards a cure of all the different nasty cancers affecting so many millions of people but there's much more to do!

Moffitt 10k

Emeline and Sylvie celebrating PaPa's birthday with special cards. It was fun having Shawn, Monica and girls here for the evening.

Feeling great

This guy had surgery for a total stomach removal and part of the esophagus 5 months ago. After running a 5k yesterday he is a little tired but overall feeling strong.

Chris ask Jim if he would like to come to Tampa to run in a race that Moffitt Cancer Center sponsors the middle of May. Of course he said yes!! (Lord willing) Chris and Jim will do the 10k and Jesse and family will do a walk. 

It was special to have Shawn's family with us yesterday to come alongside and bless a young family in a small way and will be special for our FL family to participate in an event that is near and dear to our heart! We are very thankful to be able to make these precious memories as a family!! It's SO amazing how God orchestrates our lives! He already knows our future... we only need to trust him for it!

I am especially thankful Jim is able to do something that he has enjoyed doing for over 35 years!! After surgery he started out walking and slowly worked up to running again in a fairly short amount of time,  even during chemo he was out walking early mornings when he didn't feel so good. I think it was that dedication and determination that has gotten him to where he is today!

Thank you all again for your love and faithful prayers!! Hugs!! To God be the glory great things He has done!!

5k Carmel

He did it! Great job !

Jim was part of a fundraiser for Team Strength. God's blessings to Meredith and her children!

Port out

An easy procedure...numbed the area locally and pulled it out. No anesthesia! Now enjoying some Starbucks.

We are thankful!

Jim's blood tests are all good/normal!! Dr didn't have much to say other than he's doing great, with a big smile.

We scheduled to have the port taken out on Monday. Another thing to check off to have this all behind us. To God be the glory!!

We had some shopping to do then decided to eat at Olive Garden. Our waitress was chatty but sweet...our table was her only one for awhile so she spent extra time with us. Jim explained to her why he couldn't eat much and it really touched her heart. She wanted to do something so bad to celebrate his health and offered us dessert but we were too full. When she came back with our change she said she told the manager the story and they both wanted us to take dessert home and we should choose the one we want. It was a privilege to give God the glory for bringing Jim through chemo and the good health he is enjoying!!

Thursday was THE last day of chemo pills!! We are so thankful to be done, although it has went unbelievably well! The last while he's had a couple sores in his mouth and fingers are smooth/dry/tender and loosing a little hair the last few days. Knowing that he won't be taking anymore chemo we know these side affects won't last long.

Tuesday is a Dr appointment to get blood tests done. Not really anticipating anything to be too off.

PET scan and Dr P appoint in FL the middle of June.

Thank you for being our prayer warriors through the last few months!! We love and appreciate each one of you more than you can ever know! God's blessings...

"Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." 

Ahh spring time!! It's so refreshing to see the new growth, warm sunshine and gentle rains after a cold (not so snowy) winter. My mind went to this season of life we are coming to the end of with Jim's illness. None of us know what the next season will bring in nature or in our lives but there is One who does and his name is Jesus! He is ALL knowing, I just need to trust and be confident in Him and be sensitive to what he wants me to learn along the way.

Jim has felt unbelievably good since the last infusion which was a week ago this past Thursday. He went to work right away on Friday. He said he had not had that much energy after any of the previous infusions. His energy level was down a little over the weekend but not too bad. He didn't need any antinausea meds until mid week one day after work and no extra naps until he took that one pill then slept all evening. We're hoping he continues to feel good through the rest of the oral meds.

April 11 is the next Dr visit and blood draw. 

Thank you isn't enough for all your love and prayers for both of us!! We are so humbled! May God richly bless each one!!

Last infusion!!

Woo-hoo! Getting the final chemo  infusion and then 21 days of pills!!! Looking forward to having this all behind us! 

Pray for minimal side effects...God is good, he has been with us in the past and will be with us in the future!

Dr visit

Well chemo is on hold again for a week. Jim's white cell count is low, Dr wants him to get 3 shots in 3 days to give them a boost. He has to go to St Joe hospital for them starting Friday then back to Dr Khan Tues for blood tests and hopefully get last chemo infusion on Friday. Dr doesn't want him to finish this round of chemo pills which would end this Thursday.

Overall Jim has been feeling pretty good. Once in awhile not feeling quite right and feet starting to get a little sore. Although he eats at mealtime and tries to snack in-between some it's still tough when he doesn't feel hungry...weight down to 155#. Still getting out running and working.

We are looking forward to getting this last cycle done and have this all behind us! It really has went very well and for this we are so thankful!!

Blood work good today for chemo. Pharmacy mixing it then it drips for a couple hours. Probably will be mid to late afternoon until we are out of here.

We are thankful for kind nurses and meds that kills cancer!

It's the little things...

Yesterday I stopped to pick up Jim's chemo meds and the tech said  oh that's not right as she scanned  the barcode that brought up the price and I said well it probably is, knowing its expensive. The first time we went to get them after surgery the price had really jumped up and the pharmacist said he would give us the price we paid before surgery and gave Jim his card so if there's a problem next time we can talk to him. The tech called pharmacist over and he had already marked the bag with the discounted price ( tech hadn't even opened bag yet to see it )  so he explained some things to me and helped override the transaction, the tech was a bit frazzled by then, pharmacist called someone else to come help other  customers and I was standing there thinking he really wouldn't have to be doing this. As they were finishing up I told him how much I appreciated him taking the time to give us the best price he could. He looked at me and said at a time like this you don't need to be going all over town trying to find the cheapest meds, I want to do what I can to make it as easy as possible on you. 

Wow! Thank you Jesus for kind and caring people that go above and beyond  to make someone's life a little easier!

Jim's white cell count rebounded enough to go ahead with chemo tomorrow. He's had a week off and has been feeling good...working, running, doing normal activities. It sounds like there's a lot of flu, sinus stuff going around out there so praying it stays out of our house!

Bless you all for your love and prayers!

Dr visit

Jim had an appointment with Dr Khan today and blood draw. Because of the white cell count being low he won't be getting chemo infusion for the next cycle on Friday. He will take a week off and do blood tests again next week then hopefully start chemo the end of the week. 

He is feeling good, going to work, eating and exercising. For this we are thankful!

A week into chemo

There's really not too much to report. 

After the infusion on Friday a week ago, Jim laid low all weekend fighting nausea and sleeping. He takes chemo meds by mouth each day and antinausea meds as needed. He was hoping to go to work on Monday but ended up staying home, then was able to work the rest of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday he came home at lunch, ate a little and slept a couple hours, then back to work. Thursday and Friday he didn't sleep at noon but each evening all week slept a couple hours. It's seems he's feeling some better by this weekend.

Despite not feeling the best,  he's consistent with walking/running each day. I've read its really important for body and brain health while on chemo and it helps to keep strength up, to not become so weak.

A big thing is to eat enough not to be losing weight. He has lost a couple of pounds.

Thank you for continued prayers for good health during this chemo time! We are thankful!

Chemo round 4

We are at Elkhart General Hospital for round 4 of chemo infusion.  They drew blood to make sure everything is at good levels for the chemo. He's good to go. Now for the prechemo meds...steroids etc...for nausea and any reactions he might get from the drugs. So we will hunker down to be here a few hours.

They have new patient recliners that have heat and massage in them. Hmm how about for the support people?? Sounds pretty relaxing!

Praying for minimal side-effects once again. Thank you all for your faithfulness in praying and loving us through this journey!

Dr visit

Today went as expected...good.

 Got blood draw done. Everything was fine.

Dr P was pleased that Jim is able to eat all that he is and getting along so well with it. Talked again about getting chemo started when we get home. It's important to go through that again in case any stray cells escaped...will do the same as before surgery since it worked so well.

About a month after chemo Jim will have scans done, then we have a scheduled appointment back down here in June. 

One good thing about coming frequently is we get to spend time with our FL family! And we really do look forward to seeing Dr P., he's a great Dr and guy. As I sit in the cancer center and look around and see so many sick people it reminds me again of how blessed we are for Jim to be doing SO good! We are thankful!!

It's that time again

We are at Indy airport waiting to fly to FL once again. Jim has a followup appointment on Thursday and we are also looking forward to celebrating Christmas with our FL family.

Jim has been doing great! Eating anything he wants...just can't overdo it. He's been maintaining his weight and that's without using the feeding tube for a couple of weeks. Oh and he's doing a little running along with walking daily.

Last week the feeding tube started bothering him. Talking with the nurse they felt like it was getting infected so we got an antibiotic. By Friday it was hurting and looked like it was starting to come out so talked with the nurse again and decided he could take it out. He is thinking the reason it was hurting is because the little balloon on it to keep it in the intestine was working itself out. Long story short... he pulled it right out with no problem. The intestine hole closes right up and the hole in abdomen will in a couple of days. His body decided to reject it and Jim was ready! The Dr originally thought it would be good to have it there to supplement during chemo if he's not able to eat much but hopefully he's able to eat enough to not lose too much weight.

We had a really nice relaxing Christmas and New Years week. Shawn, Monica and girls spent a couple of days with us which is always fun. We are so blessed and thankful Jim is feeling rather normal!! We are anticipating when we get back home to schedule chemo. 

Until next time...