short but sweet

Craigs white blood cell count is normal!!!!! YAY!! Now to get the stomach infection under control and we'll be out of the woods!

November 24 2010

Today marks Craig's second day in the hospital- it looks like he is going to be in here until sometime next week- probably a week from today.
The pain meds they gave him yesterday had him so drugged up he doesn't remember anything from yesterday- which is good because I know I was freaked out- and if I'm freaked out I can't imagine what he would have felt.
The high dose of the pain meds and the type of meds caused him to have several mini seizures- like epilepsy I'm thinking. There were times when his whole body was convulsing and he couldn't do anything to stop it. So I think not remembering that would be a good thing.
His pain is under control now- and so is his nasuea- but his white blood cell count is still dropping and his liver levels are becoming more elevated. They are uping the dose of the medication that promotes white blood cell production- but that takes a few days for them to see results. And they ares suctioning out the mucus in his throat- which is helping VERY much in his oxygen intake- his breathing- and the way he sounds when he breathes- now he just sounds like a kitten purring- instead of a whole tribe of lions roaring.
Once again the nurses and the staff here at St. Als are wonderful. Very helpful, caring and knowledgable. Couldn't ask for a better hospital or better staff.
I'm heading to Parma today to pick up the girls- my dad and step-mom picked the girls up at the rental and spent the day and night with them. I'll getthe girls around 3:30- then we'll come back here to visit Craig- then it's back to the rental- then to a cheapo movie- then back to see Craig- then back to the rental to sleep. Instead of having the kidos here all week like we had planned I'm taking them to their Dad's house on Saturday. I hate leaving Craig in the hospital.
I would like to thank all of the sweet caring people who have commited to helping us on this journey. I firmly believe that there are no accidental meetings; everyone in your life has a purpose- even if it is just a smile or a kind word to lift your spirits and make your day. Prayers, blessings, and just knowing that there are people out there who acknowledge our worth makegoing thru this time easier.
 It is so easy to get lost in the day to day process of living that we forget to see the sparkle in the icicle.

Just realized it's been forever

It seems like it has been awhile since I have posted on here. I know I posted on the other blog but not this one.
Today is Saturday- the 20th I believe. We are home for the weekend and are heading back down to Boise tomorrow-late afternoon. And we are taking the kids with us for the entire week- so that should prove exciting!
Craig is doing ok. His fatigue has increased- but he is eating thru the tube and is getting the nutrition he needs. He needs to up his hydration- but we might end up having him do that in the infusion room at the hospital. The fluid thru his veins- although longer to take than putting it in his tube- his body seems to utilize it better. So now weight loss is at a minimum- though at 132 he can't afford to lose any more weight.
Tuesday is his last chemo- we are so excited. Then after that I believe he has 12 more radiation treatments- we will know if he is cured about 3 months after the last go-round of radiation- at least that is what the docs say. He is also going to find out about a biopsy and some liver tests- it looks like those might take place in January- and if it is decided he needs treatment for his Hep C then that will be 6 months-but from what I understand it is 3 days a week- and something that can be done in McCall with lab and checkups in Boise.
I am very thankful for everyone who calls or writes to check up on us- we are hanging in there and doing the best we can. Craig is EXTREMELY grumpy and irritable- but I'm chalking that up to the stress and cancer. That would be enough to make anyone grumpy!
Best wishes to all

November 6th 2010

I wish I had better news to put on here. Craig isn't doing so well. He had chemo again on Tuesday- stronger that the first go round of chemo. He hasn't been eating,(via the feeding tube or otherwise)- and he isn't taking the medication unless I am pretty witchy about him taking it. So knowing that even though I have to be the bad guy in this I stay up and make sure he takes his anti-nausea meds every 4 hours. I just haven't figured out a way to make him keep his feeding tube in. I guess I CAN'T force him- thats the thing. All I can do is make sure he has what he needs and hope he does what the docs say.
I guess the one good thing in this time is that we didn't go home this weekend so he wasn't able to go out and do anything to hurt himself more.
And we have had Sara here since Wednesday. I can't even express how amazing it has been to have her with us. Caleb and his girlfriend are going to take her backup the mountain on Sunday- but she has gone with us the the doctors office and to his radiation. I think that now that she has seen where we go and what we do that the seperation will be easier on her. Plus it gives me some time with her- I wish that all the kids could be here but that isn't going to happen until Thanksgiving. I miss my babies that is for sure.
I really hoping that things even out soon- I know everything is very difficult for Craig right now- and that his spirits are low, he is grumpy as hell- but all I can do is be there for him and try to make his lifeas easy for him as I can.
Thank you to everybody! And much love and thanks to my grandparents- I love you guys!!!

Nov 2nd 2010

Craig had his 2nd go round of chemo today. I took in my computer so we could go over my photos from the past 2 years- at Craig's insistance I'm going to have a portfolio put together- gives hime something to think about. The chemo medication they gave him today is stronger than the first time- and he is already dragging. Plus since he has Hep.C his liver function is down- and  so there is that worry as well. But we are just going to keep an eye on that and do the liver biopsy and such AFTER his treatment. Too much to worry about right now.
Sunday night was a hoot- we took Sara and her friend out trick-or-treating.  So glad we did that.
All of our best to everyone.