JANUARY 30

Gary had an MRI of his brain this morning and we saw his doctor this afternoon. There is a slight improvement in his brain, but the lymphoma in the nerves along his face increased. They admitted him in the hospital for his 6th cycle of Methotrexate (MTX), which will be the full dose this time. Before the doctor saw us, he had Gary's protocol of treatment planned out and there was no discussion ..... the doctor emphatically said, we HAVE to go with the full dose.

We had an idea this would be the case and Gary knew the way he was feeling that there was not going to be a major change in the MRI. They will hydrate him 24 hours, before administering the MTX, as the last two treatments and increase the rescue drug as well, so we are hopeful that his kidneys will hold out. Appreciate your prayers for Gary.

JANUARY 27

Today I celebrated my 50th birthday. Whew! Felt good to get that out in the open. *smile* My family and friends helped make it a special day by all the cards, facebook comments and phone calls. Even though we tried to celebrate, there was still a cloud over us as Gary felt too bad to be able to do much. I fixed a steak dinner in place of going out and Sandra cleaned up the kitchen afterwards. Can't beat that! Pray for Gary.... his pain levels are increasing each day. I was hoping that these last treatments would take care of that for him. Hard to see him being in such pain.

JANUARY 26

We have been enjoying our time away from the hospital, but Gary has not felt very good. The pain in his head is returning. It is not at the intensity it was during December, but worse than the past couple of weeks. We appreciate everyone's prayers. It is a comfort to know that we are not alone and have so many praying for Gary. It is such a blessing to receive cards, emails and such and they always seem to come at a time that we need them the most. On Friday, Gary will have an MRI and will find out if the treatment is working or not on the tumors in his head. Pray with us that we will see a change for the better.

JANUARY 23

Gary is home from the hospital and I have been humming Etta James' song At Last..... "At last, my love has come along, My lonely days are over, And life is like a song...." *smile*

His levels were still not below .1 but close enough that they went ahead and dismissed him but he will need to take the rescue drug Loucovorin in pill form for the rest of today and tomorrow to help get the rest of the MTX out of him.

The original schedule was to be back in the hospital on Tuesday for the next treatment, but they moved it back to Friday, the 30th to give Gary a week out of the hospital. Thank you for your prayers!

JANUARY 22

.17 !!!

Finally, Gary's Methotrexate levels dropped a significant amount. Still not enough to leave the hospital today, but we are pretty sure that his levels will be under .1 tomorrow, and he will be dismissed. Thank you for your prayers. We appreciate it!

JANUARY 21

Another day at the hospital! Gary's Methotrexate levels were .43 this morning, so the chemo is not moving very fast out of his body. The doctors told Gary this is not the norm, but not completely unheard of either. We have seen this happen with Gary before, when his kidneys were in crisis. This is the first time to see it happen when his kidneys are doing well. It is just frustrating for Gary because he feels good otherwise. I will be very surprised if his levels drop below .1 by tomorrow but that would be a pleasant surprise! Thank you for your prayers.

JANUARY 20

Gary was pretty disappointed this morning to hear that his Methotrexate (MTX) levels were still up. He was really hoping to go home today. They were .58 and need to be below .1 before he will be released. He is doing good with the pain levels and his kidneys are doing well. It is just a waiting game for the MTX to leave his body. Please pray that they will dramatically reduce by tomorrow.

JANUARY 19

I was unable to write last night because my Internet was down, so writing now before heading to the hospital. Gary is doing good with the treatment as far as his kidneys are going, but not out of the woods completely until all the Methotrexate is out of his body. The doctors said the levels were still too high to let him go home today, but said Gary was doing good. This was a little disappointing to Gary because he doesn't like staying any longer than necessary in the hospital, but he was upbeat and just feels good that he did not have any complications. Thank you so much for your prayers. It means so much to us to know that yesterday churches all over the world were lifting his name up in prayer.

JANUARY 17

Today was uneventful, but that is just how we like it! The doctor on rounds this morning spent most of the time talking to Gary about football. Gary said he must be doing well since the doctor really didn't have much to say. *smile* The first reading of Methotrexate levels was 1.8. Good, but not good enough to let him leave the hospital. It needs to be below .1, so hopefully tomorrow it will be. His Creatinine level did go up to 1.0, but again, not enough to cause concern. We appreciate your prayers!

JANUARY 16

Gary is still doing well. His creatinine level was .9 which is still in the area of normal. Early in the morning, they will draw blood to start monitoring the level of Methotrexate still in his body. I feel confident that his kidneys are doing well.... it is now just a waiting game to see how long he will have to stay in the hospital until the MTX is out of his body. Thank you for praying.

JANUARY 15

Gary was much better today. His creatinine was .7 this morning, so everything is going well so far. Tonight, they will put the rescue drug in. If it does it's job, then we are in the clear. Hopefully, this protocol of hydrating 24 hours ahead of time and the extra Loucovorin is what works for Gary. I am sure all the prayers have something to do with it too! Thank you for being diligent to pray for him!

JANUARY 14

Gary did not start the day off too good. He could not keep down his breakfast and did not try to eat until evening. After a bowl of soup, he felt nauseous for a short period of time but managed to keep it down. Just did not feel too well all day. They started the Methotrexate at 10pm. As in the past, we usually will know in about 24 hours whether or not his kidneys will stay healthy. Appreciate your prayers!

JANUARY 13

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

I Peter 5:7

Every day this week, God has shown us in one way or another how much He cares for us. We have had so many emails, comments, and phone calls from family and friends expressing their continued prayer for Gary. Not a day goes by without hearing about someone new praying for us and asking their church and friends to do so. How humbling and amazing this is to us. It really encourages Gary.

Gary was admitted back in the hospital today to start another treatment. As with the last treatment, they will hydrate him for several hours, then give sodium bicarbonate for 24 hours before starting the Methorexate. Because Gary did so well last time, they are going to increase the dosage to 75%. It makes us a little nervous upping the dosage, but if we do this, it will possibly reduce the amount of treatments as a whole he would have to go through.

The doctor did confirm for me today, that this new development in his brain, is different than the Lymphoma in his nerves. They did see several tumors. So, he has two diagnosis .... Neurolymphomatosis and Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Please join us in prayer for Gary once again, that his kidneys will handle the Methotrexate and he will be able to leave the hospital before the week is out. Thank you so much for your prayers!

JANUARY 10

Gary slept most of today. Seems to be sleeping more and more. Sometimes even choosing to sleep instead of eat. He says the pain is not bad, but he just doesn't feel well. I have noticed for a few weeks now that his voice sounds different and seems to be getting worse. He says the side of his face and mouth feels like he is on permanent Novocaine. Not sure if that is what is affecting his throat now or not, but will be sure to mention it to the doctor on Tuesday. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate the prayers for Gary! He really needs them.

JANUARY 8

Gary is the same today as yesterday. Doesn't have alot of energy but the pain levels are still down. After a month of severe pain, this is a much needed relief! Gary's sister, Tina is flying in tomorrow night to be with us a few days. We are looking forward to having time with her.

Tonight, I received a phone call from a dear lady in Cheyenne, Wyoming! Complete stranger! She had received an email about Gary from her pastor's wife, who received it from another pastor's wife in Colorado, who had received it from someone else! She was just calling to let us know that she would be praying for Gary. That wasn't the only phone call today. We received one from a pastor's wife who has known Gary's parents for years and from a dear Pastor friend in Oklahoma. It is just overwhelming to think that so many are praying for Gary and our family. We are so grateful!

JANUARY 7

Not much has changed for Gary. He is still doing well with the pain levels and that is a relief, but yesterday and today he has had some bouts of nausea. He is just very tired, which could be due to the increased dosage of the morphine. We appreciate all the notes, emails and comments. They do alot to encourage Gary. Thank you!

JANUARY 5

Gary has spent most of the weekend sleeping. I guess he is catching up after weeks of no sleep due to the pain. His pain levels are controllable and all in all, he feels well. A few days ago, a dear friend wrote an email to encourage Gary and asked me to look up Ephesians 3:14-21 to read to Gary. What wonderful promises God's Word holds for us! God is able to do "exceedingly, abundantly above ALL that we ask or think". This has always been a favorite verse of mine because it is a promise that God will bless far more than we ask or even think!

"For this cause, I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

FAMILY, FRIENDS and PRAYER

This week, we had several family members drove the long 11 hour drive from Oklahoma to be with Gary. We appreciate them leaving their jobs and spending the time and money to come up to be with us. Our oldest daughter, BeckyGary's brother Perry with his wife and my sister, Debi and Gary's brother JohnGary's brother John with his son Josh

We have a great spiritual heritage on both sides of our family. Our grandparents were believers, both sets of our parents, each of our siblings, nieces, nephews, our children and grandchildren have all made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ! We have two great nieces that are too young, and future babies to be born, but with this kind of heritage, I have no doubt there will come a day when we they will also make Christ their personal Savior. What a blessing that is!

Friday, our good friend, Tim Berns also flew up to see Gary. Tim has visited us in the Philippines several times, and has a love for our children in the feeding centers. He will be making another trip in a few weeks, promising to give all my kids hugs from me!This was just the boost of encouragement Gary and I needed. We are so thankful for family and friends. I want everyone of you to know that we appreciate so much the prayers!

This week, I was talking to the nurse our insurance company has assigned to us. She mentioned that she saw this blog and that we have alot of support. I told her that if Gary does not make it through this, it will not be for lack of prayer! Thank you once again!

JANUARY 3

I am writing this post early in the day because it is such great news! This morning, we found out the lab results from last nights' first blood draw to start measuring the levels of Methotrexate. It was .12! I asked Gary what he thought about that, and he said, he wanted to wait until the doctors came in to talk to him because he was afraid to believe the report.

Well, the doctors arrived and the one that had told us on Wednesday that we could expect 5 days of excitement, said "You haven't been very exciting!" *smile*

Gary's MTX this morning was at .06 so he can go home! Woo hoo! We are just stunned! The doctors are stunned! They will let our primary doctor make the decision of how to approach the next treatment, as far as giving the full dose of Methotrexate.

This does not mean that he is out of danger as far as the cancer is concerned, but that they may be able to use higher doses of the Methotrexate next time in order to kill the cancer. Words just seem so inadequate to express our deep gratitude for all who spent time praying at all hours for Gary! We are so appreciative. Thank you.

JANUARY 2

I am very tired tonight, so this will be short. Gary has done very well today. His pain levels were down, which is a great blessing. He had no nausea and was amazing us all with his appetite. *smile*

The doctors are still closely monitoring his creatinine levels and they have stayed at .6 today. This evening was the first blood draw to start monitoring the Methotrexate levels. We still have not received word from the lab on that, so will have to wait until tomorrow to update everyone because I am headed for bed. *tired smile*

Gary had a full day visiting with his family, and this evening, a good friend of ours, Tim Berns, flew in to see him as well.

At this point, we are starting to allow ourselves to breath a sigh of relief believing that Gary will not have problems with his kidneys. I appreciate so much your prayers and for taking the time to write comments or emails to let me know your are praying. Every morning, when I arrive at the hospital, Gary will ask who wrote. It really encourages him and we are grateful!

JANUARY 1

Early this morning, Gary was walking down the hall when he heard his name. His Nephrologist was chasing after him down the hall to tell him that his creatinine level had actually gone down, instead of up! That was encouraging news. This does not mean Gary is out of the woods yet, but it certainly is a good start. This afternoon's blood work showed the same reading. Praise God!

The team of doctors were all grinning from ear to ear too. As I came to the room, one of our nurses looked up and said, "He's doing good!" *smile*

Tonight and tomorrow will give us an indication if he will get through this treatment without any problems, so please keep praying.

We have heard from Africa, Canada, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Austria, Bolivia, and all over the States. Young and old, friends, relatives, many we have never met and may never meet in this life time, assuring us of prayers going up. How wonderful it is to be in the Family of God!

DECEMBER 31

Gary has had a pretty good day. He has been asleep most of it due to the anti nausea drug. Off and on, his pain levels were high, but compared to the previous weeks, he is better.

The team of doctors came in this morning to check Gary out, and went over again the plan for the treatment. They are all well aware of what has happened in the past with the Methotrexate (MTX) and were explaining all the steps they were going to do, to hopefully prevent it from happening this time. The doctor then said, "But, to be honest, I think we can expect 5 days of excitement." *sigh*

Gary started the MTX at 7pm. In 24 hours, they will administer the rescue drug. This is when it gets critical. Pray the rescue drug will do it's job in getting the MTX out of him before it crystalizes in his kidneys and starts shutting them down.

Again, I want to express our appreciation for your prayers. The emails and comments have been very comforting to not only Gary, but to myself.

THANK YOU!

I have received so many emails, and comments on here and Facebook, that I will not be able to respond individually at this time. I just want to say THANK YOU! The outpouring of love and the many prayers that have went up, is just overwhelming to us! You will never know what even the simplest of words have meant!

I read several off to Gary last night before leaving the hospital, then again this morning. I even went through and mentioned all 204 names that have joined the group "It is well with my Soul" on Facebook. All the notes of love and prayer really encouraged him. I know he felt God's presence during the night and the prayers of so many around the world. I can just imagine how the "sound waves" of all those voices travelling toward heaven must have pleased God.

Thank you for praying for the safe travel of our children and inlaws. Brian and his wife, Kristina made it to Georgia before midnight last night and our inlaws with our daughter Becky, arrived here safely at 2am. Please continue to pray for my sister and her husband (Gary's brother) as they travel from Oklahoma today as well.

Gary has been asleep most of yesterday and today due to the anti nausea drug they give him. He is ready to start the MTX treatment as soon as his ph levels are where they need to be. I will update again at the end of the day. Just wanted to express my appreciation for all who took the time, to let us know they were praying. I have alot of people on my list to give a hug to, the next time I see them face to face!