SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

Three years ago today, as Gary was resting in the hotel room after having a biopsy performed on the nerve in his brachial plexus, we received the phone call that Gary had a rare cancer of the nerves called Neurolymphomatosis.

Upon arriving at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, Gary was in severe pain, had lost the use of his left arm and hand, could not open his left eyelid, was seeing double due to his left eye wandering to the left, and was beginning to have pain in his right leg as well.

At that time, we had no idea what the future would hold for Gary. It is hard to believe that three years has past since that phone call. Now, 2 years post stem cell transplant, he is free of active cancer.

MAY 20

Gary continues to have good and bad days. Yesterday, he was able to get out for awhile and although was tired at the end of the day, he felt good. This morning however, he started the day throwing up. So, he is back to bed hoping his stomach will settle down.

Tomorrow, is moving day, or at least loading the van day. I plan to take Gary to a hotel so he can rest while the hired movers load our things for me. My daughter Becky, is flying up tomorrow night to help me drive the van back to Oklahoma on Friday.

I can't say enough good about Mayo Clinic and the doctors! This is definitely the place to go if you have unexplained symptoms or cancer! They just have the knowledge, technology and resources that other places don't have. God used them to work a miracle in Gary's life. Stage 4 large B cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma of the nerves and CNS involvement! To be honest, there were many times that Gary and I did not think we would come to this day ... for him to be clean of the cancer and for us to be leaving Mayo Clinic together. My heart is full of thankfulness to God, to the doctors, nurses and staff of Mayo Clinic!

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

When Peace like a river, attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot

Thou has taught me to say

It is well, it is well

with my soul

I chose this title for Gary's blog for several reasons. The main one being that it has always been his favorite song. The other is for my own benefit... to remind me, that no matter what the future holds for Gary, without a doubt, he and I know that it will be well with our soul.

After being in severe pain for almost a year now, slowly losing the use of his hand and then trouble with his eyes, on September 11, 2008, Gary was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma of the nerves, called neurolymphomatosis. Mayo Clinic has only seen 5 cases of this disease. Because of this, we will be staying here in Rochester, MN for his treatment.

Gary will go into the hospital on Monday to start treatment. Until I have a chance to talk more with the doctors, I am limited on my knowledge of what is going to happen.

I decided to make this blog so it would be easy for family and friends to find out what is going on and save me from repeating news. This does not mean I do not want friends and family to call or email, it will just help to give out information on the medical side so our conversations can be saved for news of home and how good God is.

And He is good. I am not happy with the diagnosis but I do know that we serve a mighty God and He is able to give me the grace and comfort when I need it. We have already received so many wonderful emails and phone calls from friends and family around the world that are praying for Gary. How wonderful is that!

This weekend, Gary's sister Tina flew up to see us. What a blessing that was. (Thank you Tina!) Having just received the diagnosis, it would have been a hard weekend for Gary and I. Having Tina here was just the distraction we needed. We took a drive to the Mississippi River and had a wonderful day viewing the countryside. Even though it was hard on Gary, he wanted to get out before being put in the hospital.

Monday morning, Gary will see two different eye doctors. Then he will see his doctor and be admitted into the hospital to start treatment. He will have to stay in the hospital for a week. Have a week off, then back in a week, etc. This will not only be hard on Gary and I, but for our family and especially our children. Becky and Brian will not be able to be near us at this time since we are staying in Minnesota. At this time, Sandra is in the Philippines and will be travelling back with Gary's parents in October. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

Thank you for your prayers! You can reach me at 918.814.7184 or email bamaw5@yahoo.com.ph