tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60516150010857089082024-03-14T05:23:42.757-07:00The Adventure of a LifetimeOvercoming Stage 4 Colorectal CancerThe St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-49758080934082741622013-02-14T04:14:00.000-08:002013-04-12T13:00:04.165-07:00Prelude to a Dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If only this were a dream... </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Albiet one that I cannot wake up from, though it warrants examining, as some have inquired of me to share what, if any, the warning signs or even circumstances which existed prior to my life being thrust into the throes of the tumultuous chaos that is a cancer patient's life and journey through the unknown. ***In spite of the most recent development in my situation, i feel this is still important to share so that others have at least a little insight into what led or may have led me into the point of being an advanced stage; Stage IV fighter with no chance it seems to have headed it off at an earlier stage.** Recent scans to determine if the painful swelling and distention of my abdomen since the colostomy surgery in early Dec 2012 was ascites; a build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity due to irritation caused by the primary tumor and liver function disruption not only showed the lack of fluid to be able to removed to relieve the uncomfortable condition, but revealed several masses on my liver itself, one of the three measuring about the size of a golf ball, therefore being the culprit of the swelling. Nothing they can do they say, except increase the pain medicine. That's not ok with me. They know I am young and still want to fight and be informed on all aspects of my disease, though Hospice is in the palliative care business, not the interventional treatment business. Instead of biding my time and staying as comfortable as possible, which they are great at doing, I feel that more aggressive steps are needed to be considered at this point instead of just laying down and letting it win and slowly take me further down the rabbit hole. It would just be nice to know what that means forme to do. I'm searching for clinical trials again since the answer I get from every consultation is "try the last type of chemo, add this booster drug, then maybe this new drug on the market will be a candidate for you to try as a last resort." They all spell the same results that I decided against doing following the recovery from radiation treatment back in September 2012; I didn't want to put my body through that again with the flimsy guarantee that it may only keep me 'stable'; prevent further growth, and only extend life-expectancy but a mere 1.2 months, but with the side-effects making me feel 10x as worse as I already feel on a daily basis, it didn't seem logically worth the gamble. Now, maybe, give it a shot? I don't feel much different about trying it, but is it worth it if stable means staying on it long term to keep me there and feeling crappy the rest of my life instead of 'feeling' stable for the most part but knowing that it is being allowed to spread and progress. I'm between a rock and a hard place. I just need that rock to be my foundation and my strength.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Getting diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at such a young age and with little to no warning in the way of symptoms or major medical concerns that raised any flags was both bothersome and in and of itself, just plain mind-boggling. Everyone I speak with on this topic rightfully wonders aloud if there was anything that was happening in my life prior to the diagnosis that would have given me any clues or warning , but unfortunately as is the case with i'm sure the majority of cancer patients, there's simple not just one thing to peg as the cause.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In my case, heredity (the prevalence of cancer on my dad's side of the family), possible exposure to carcinogenic material in my air force years around the aviation industry, high stress at work environments overseas, working long and constantly changing shift work hours, not allowing my body to ever really get on any normal sleep pattern, a diet that probably lacked enough health fresh natural foods and vital nutrients as hard as I tried if military chow hall food counts as real food, I still tried to eat healthy, as well as skipping meals due to being too busy and a preoccupation and perfectionist mentality towards work; these all contributed to some degree or another to the natural breakdown in my body that allowed the cancer to manifest itself. Or it could have been none of these things. It just happened, though i'm sure some of these played a significant probability of allowing the cancer to develop from the substances we are all exposed to that lay dormant or latent in our systems and just need a weakness in the system to allow it to thrive and come to life so to speak. 100 different people could have experienced the same exact factors as me over my lifetime and not have a trace of cancer. Who's to know. Maybe my exposure to high-altitude mountain climbing triggered a lack or oxygen to my system tied to the intense physical stress of throwing myself at a demanding climb though short lived, could have triggered something. There are a million what ifs that it doesn't do anything but give you one more thing to worry about that you can't change, so early on I gave up on that thought process and now just focus on what is and take each day as it comes. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did however, come home from my last stint overseas on a solo trip of 6 months for my new job at the time, and sought out a primary care physician in our new town of Chico where we had bought our house earlier that spring but wasn't around long enough to establish a primary Doctor at the time (again since I didn't feel any major health issues that warrants the immediate need). Though later that fall when I nearing the end of my assignment, I started having to worrying symptoms that I would seek a Dr.s consult for but didn't trust the doctors or the healthcare system in the country I was in, so waited until I returned to Chico and started my new position at work full-force, still having the symptoms, sought out and found a Dr. of good reputation and voiced my concerns which led to getting a colonoscopy scheduled. (**censor warning: the following is described in detail for the purpose of sharing the exact details of what I experienced and led me to seek care for others to be aware of and to serve as an example of a warning sign that should be taken seriously as a potential precursor to a much larger problem**). For several months before returning overseas, I had been noticing significant changes in my bowel habits, namely blood; light streaks to moderate amounts of bloody mucus in my bowel movements as well as the consistency of it changing to a consistent softer mushy consistency like chocolate frozen yogurt (sorry for the food analogies, but was the best way to describe it to the Doctor) and the size was consistently smaller, like sausage links (again sorry to ruin these foods forever for those reading), though in my case, this was due to the fact that the existing tumor was already present and restricting the size of stuff passing through. This led me to the Primary Health Care provided I had chosen and had the colonoscopy performed, which in normal circumstances isn't prescribed until someone hits their 'Golden Years' at 50. It is highly recommended therefore for anyone with a family history of anyone who's had colon or colorectal cancer, for family members to have a colonoscopy performed 10 years prior to the age that the family member was diagnosed and should be screened irregardless. In my case that means my children will have to endure that necessary unpleasantness at 21, but for a very good reason. The screening involves looking for tiny polyps (mushroom like growths that indicate the precursor of cancerous growth, but can be biopsied to confirm malignancy). Several of my close family members since my diagnosis have done just this to ensure they are clear of the risk. My colonoscopy of course discovered the already growth of a full size almost circumferential tumor that was biopsied and confirmed malignant and already spread to nearby lymph nodes almost that same first surreal day. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wish there were more definitive warnings I could share that would educate and arm others with good ways to avoid what I now have to endure, though awareness is the first step and the key is listening to your body, even for the most subtle changes, is really the most important piece of advice I can offer. I lived and worked in a stressful environment for a long time, and even the little things that might have been warning signs could have been overlooked, ignored, or chalked up to how I just how I was living or treating my body. It is important not to ignore the little things, they could make all the difference. Even if they're not of immediate medical concern, it's exactly the environment we put ourselves in and the way we live and more importantly eat, that could be the cause (and the cure) of most major illness that develop because of those factors. Changes, <u>any</u>, in your digestive system, warrants taking note of and is probably the most common factor that could indicate the start of a problem but is also probably the most overlooked or ignored. Bring it up, don't ignore what your body is trying to tell you. What we put into our bodies is what we get out of it, literally and metaphorically. If we eat like crap, drink too much, smoke, don't get proper sleep, stress & worry, don't exercise; our bodies reflect all of it. Cancer is no different. Maybe being the penultimate consequence of all, it is truly how we treat our bodies that is the best defense we have. I felt that I lived a pretty healthy life, I ate fairly well but was way off from the truth of knowing what I know now on the subject due to the exhaustive research Alysha has amassed to develop her expertise in the field of nutrition, alternative medicine, diet and eating naturally and raw, spending countless hours since my diagnosis to shape the changes to make our home a healthy and chemical free one to the health of our entire family. The changes are obvious and logical how much a role our diet plays in not just our general health, but in disease prevention and fighting it. Even now i'm guilty of straying from it. Partly because some of the medicine I take acts as an appetite stimulant, which in my case has been a good thing; to gain back some of the weight I lost during chemo and radiation treatments. I weigh more than I did when I began this journey, except that the things my body craves: carbs & sweet stuff, gives me the kind of weight i'd rather not have, but not being able to be active and have it toned, I don't really mind. One of the steroids I take makes my face poofy (moon-face) and has been causing minor headaches because it's pushing on a piece of cartilage on the side of my nose that must have gotten dislodge (during a minor altercation at a time and place with people I won't mention here on return from a deployment layover where some coworkers in the distinguished crew-chief occupation got a little rowdy), but has swelled to the point of making my voice nasally and is threatening to interfere with my vision in my right eye. Anyways, my appetite is ferocious at times and I just want to eat whatever I can get, so trying to stay eating healthy is a challenge. But just doing the simple things like cutting out dairy, minimizing or substituting sugary snacks and highly processed foods with healthy alternatives are a good place to start. Kind of being past the preventative stage, it's still vital to arm my body with the right tools it needs to do what it was designed to do and fight from the inside out naturally. That was a big factor in deciding not to pursue the next type of chemotherapy that is available for traditional treatment options, though it can't guarantee any measure of success that we've yet to see from pursuing any of the previous regimens. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So without some magic ball to see into your future, you have to be your own advocate and make note of changes in your body that concern you, don't ignore them, and especially if you have family history of any disease, get screened yourself to ensure your own health, and treat your body well, and it will treat you well! Even as mine deteriorates, I feel that because i'm still young, my body, which some help along the way, will continue to fight and i'll be 'stable' for some time to come if I follow my own advice, I just wish we knew more about the enemy to ensure defeat. I've been reading snippets of Sun Tzu's <i>'The Art of War'</i> viewing cancer as the enemy in all analogies to arm myself with a mental insight or mentality of outwitting the enemy. In this case running from it doesn't work as well as moving an army to flank another, but it serves as a platform on which to perceive a battle that can be strategically fought whether imaginary or real. Dream or reality, our physical wellbeing relies on us and what we expose ourselves to. Heed the warnings and don't wait to address concerns, no matter how small. You are your own advocate, no one else in the health'care' system will put forth the effort you deserve and often need to delve into an issue to find the right answers because the caring part of it has been lost. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~Pete </span></h3>
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-67006282221524294902013-02-03T05:40:00.002-08:002013-04-12T13:00:32.455-07:00Sands of time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I think in life, we all feel like we're trying to climb some sort of mountain, metaphorically, of trying to make it to the top, to achieve our goals, or simply to feel like we're in control of our lives, our destiny, or fate; 'just trying to stay on top', as a general, human instinct. Sometimes these hills we try to stay on top of or are in the process of climbing back up when something knocks us down, can feel like it's made of sand; every step is hard earned, every step seems to disintegrate beneath your foot as you slide two steps back down for everyone taken and once on top, if you can scramble that far, it feels unsteady and as if you're sinking back down already as if the goal of reaching the physical 'top' was merely an illusion or a trick set to get your hopes up once reached.<br /><br />I feel myself there right now. I've continued to climb this slippery slope time and time over through my journey with cancer. Have stood on top, feeling not that I've conquered it, but at least have come to a stable plateau where it's bearable and I can deal with on a day-to-day basis fairly reasonably with the medications, supporting medical equipment I now have at home (adjustable hospital bed with good mattress and foam overlay cushions, respirator machine with nasal canula to assist when I am short of breath, travel oxygen bottles and a transport wheelchair for extended walking excursions) and of course the love and support of my family. It's a daily struggle nonetheless. I am stable in most senses; physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually, though I stumble through some days on any or all of those fronts as the nature of the beast chooses to test me at that given moment. I have an actual 1-hour sand hourglass sitting on the entertainment center by the tv in our living room. It only ended up there in particular for decorating aesthetics. I find myself flipping it and patiently watching the tiny grains of sand slip through the funnel and wonder in comparison to my life if I was on the side losing sand, or gaining it. The obvious answer isn't a mystery, but to contemplate the side that is gaining, that is also the true reality not just for me but for anyone willing to perceive it as such. Alysha always calls me a sceptic when it comes to saying if I'm a glass half-empty or glass half-full kind of guy. I'd like to say that I'm an optimist, at least that's where my good intentions lie, but I am pretty skeptical about most things and just claim to be a 'realist' instead! It always feels good to be on the side that is gaining something, that's human nature, it fulfills a desire and a need to be 'given' something, not having something taken away. To be on the gaining side of being given time is a rare commodity in our hectic lives, but broken down to the most basic of needs, of survival, time is as much worth fighting for on the most visceral levels as food and protection, the things to sustain basic life and enable all other needs that follow to be prioritized. To be given time is a gift. Climbing a mental hill of sand feels like it is constantly being taken away and looking toward the top of that hill, it makes me pause to wonder if it's worth the struggle to try to get there if it's just going to crumble away beneath me?<br /><br />Taking that for what it's worth, is not to say that I feel like giving up, though some days I can't help but to submit and just curl up isolated from the rest of the world and succumb to the pain, discomfort and helplessness that often threaten to break my will to remain above it, if only for the sake of my family not seeing me breakdown. But I have been given time, sometimes I wonder for how much longer and if I'm just biding my time until the inevitable. That thought makes me struggle too; am I resigned to the fact that nothing more can be done, am I just waiting to die? We've made choices along this whole journey, about treatment options, about natural therapies, ways to deal with the symptoms and side-effects of the medicine deemed necessary in my case to take, for pain management and for family coping. They all have taken an incredible amount of consideration, research and prayer to know what is right. But there is no right, no doctor or university specialty hospital or treatment center that has an answer for me. I am at the end of the rope of medical treatment options save for the single las t type of chemo that they can offer with a boost of a new drug that is only proven to extend life expectancy by 1.4 months. We decided no to do it because of the horrible side effects and just the process of putting my body through that torture when all the other types of chemo I've undergone did absolutely nothing except rake my body of all my energy to fight it on it's own by poisoning it and putting stuff in me that even if it worked to shrink the tumors, would not eradicate them totally and would only open the door for the actual chemicals used to cause, yes cause, more cancer even of a different type than I'm fighting now, in the future. We decided it was not worth the risk and self-mutilation with such a small margin of success that anyone could say it would provide. We've opted for home health care through hospice instead, to help manage the symptoms I currently have, but not to treat. I am comfortable for the most part, have the pain control under a good regimen and a team of nurses and a doctor who still consult with my oncologist for care when the need arises but mainly they are here for palliative care; to keep me as comfortable as possible as I face the road of the 'terminally' ill. That said, my case is considered 'stable'. I can't work, can't drive, can do much along the lines of being physically active, walking across the house sometimes is enough the leave me winded as the oxygen exchange, meaning basically all lung function, on my left lung is diminished or just completely gone. The pain and constant tightness in my chest due to the masses spread out over both lungs as well as pain from the primary tumor down below are ever present but manageable most of the time, yet enough to cause moderate anxiety on top of it all.<br /><br />Like the mountains I've loved to climb in real life; the snowy peaks that called to me that I can no longer attempt and have had to give up, trying to perceive my situation now as a sandy hill, to always be trying to reach the top of; I must also give up. Not for reasons of futility and 'laying down' to let what now seems like the inevitable just take me, but I am going to, and must, perceive my journey as merely a walk across still sandy ground, but level. Still trudging through hard land to cross, but a walk that is nonetheless manageable, with my family by my side and sometimes the tracks will show only a single set of footprints that won't be my own, but those of another figure carrying me when I am too weak to continue on my own.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">~Pete</span></div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-48287898826950074052013-01-10T03:45:00.001-08:002013-04-12T13:01:17.914-07:00For every season...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">~From the mind-folio musings of Pete~</span></h4>
"And a time for every purpose under heaven", the <i>Byrds </i> song continues. I know many follow this blog as their sole insight int our journey and it has long been neglected, so I apologize for the lack in continuity in being able to keep up with us short of short quips on Facebook, very few of which are my own. With the myriad of thoughts, struggles & rollercoaster of emotions that take a daily or more realistically moment-to-moment fluctuation on my mind and body, even more and more frequent mini-anxiety attacks, my thoughts will only portray the incongruity of my emotions as they would come out in writing. We've graceth and a half, so our house and routines have been in a bit of an upheaval for a while and has no just settled back down after the holidays and everyone goes back to their 'normal' lives, as we're left in the tail-wind spinning in the eddies of our not so 'normal' lives. That's led to some own upheavals and changes even to our little day-to-day life of managing the normal 'facing a terminal illness' life. We had a lot of small mini-milestones to look forward to since the last posting, beyond the visitations of family and the planning of the 'Living Memorial' party which went off extremely well on many fronts, the Saturday following Christmas; we had a grand Disneyland trip scheduled in mid-December which was side-lined by a last-minute surgery I had to implant a colostomy bag aimed at belaying many of the bowel issues i'd been struggling with. That typically straightforward procedure came with it's own set of complications that are still slowing me down and adding new trials yet alieved others. Small goals are all I can set now as the smallest of trips, car rides, or even small exertions around the house leave me short of breath and taxed of all energy. Just today, the hospice nurse in formed me that all lung sounds on my left side (where the largest tumor and fluid build up <u>had</u> been) are completely diminished; meaning almost no oxygen exchange is occurring on that side. Since the placement of the catheter to be able to drain fluid from that space back in October, there has been vitrually no drainage, meaning that it caused enough scar tissue that the fluid has stopped accumulating or at least it drains properly on its own. That's great but I still have this stupid tube stuck in my chest that is in some way or another irritating enough on a day-to-day basis. So anyways, i'm almost constantly out of breath, coughing, or feeling like i'm constantly getting a great big bear hug, amoungst things everywhere else in my body.<br />
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Speaking with a friend who has and is undergoing a similar yet wholly different case of colon cancer, he mentioned that our 30 year old bodies are undergoing the breakdown and function loss of 80 year old men. That coudn't be more the truth. I take it for what it's worth and what it has to be and deal with it, in all it's frustration, embarrassment, and relinquishment to a destitute frame of mind, it begs the question: what do I do from here? Just wait?... My thoughts seem best prepared to tackle that next question in the dead of night night when i'm awoken even in the midst of sleep inducing drugs with a maelstrom of thoughts invading my slumber. That and my ceaseless craving for sweets even at 2 a.m.<br />
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There's an ending tumult as I said, a whirlwind of threatening ebb and flow of emotions that assaults me or at least passes tauntingly close by daily, any of which could sweep me away to anger, malaise or plain destitiuteness. But lately I care to give any such claim; that instead I just am. I exist. If asked if i'm doing ok, there's an instant desire to fire back what that is?! Relative to what pray-tell?! Though that isn't fair to the genuinely concerned who don't exactly understand what that simple concern could elicit. I just am, nothing else really matters at this point when I sit under a streaming hot shower and feel any cares or worries i might have previously had about the world in general; nothing holds the same meaning or priority any more. Alysha will be the first to tell you that I am no longer the most timid or modest person whether in public or elsewhere, i just don't have the patience or tolerance for things I used to just let roll off my back. If we are getting sub-quality service at a restaurant and the coffee is pale and warmed over, I don't let it slide anymore, I demand more for the time I feel I have left and deserve something out of it even if it's a fresh cup of good coffee. That's not to say that nothing at all matters to me anymore, that I go through my day in a haze, though sometimes am forced into that state when sleep eludes me, it's just the same things don't give me the same concern nor can I find the patience to spend my time concerned with things other than the wellbeing of my family. I can be targeted by an onslaught of doubt and misdirected concern from others who simply can't grasp that place that I, we as a family, as a married couple, find ourselves on this walk in our 'journey', how we find ourselves at peace with it. Whatever that irrefutable logic tells us <b>and</b> how our faith in God's will places a higher understanding of trust in Him gives us peace, one that can't be related to those who's eyes and hearts cannot be opened or at least exposed to the same degree of grace we have been blessed with by finding ourselves where we do now.<br />
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So whether my days find mw walking along the RxR tracks, wondering why it's worth continuing on just waiting for the inevitable with no purposeful direction or aim in the dwindling days, just waiting for what's next, or I find myself soaring in an unspeakable beauty of peace and tranquility, brought closer to God's presence in a rebirth from the ashes that threaten to smolder at my will and the peace i've found, I simply am. Time and God's will are my soul's companion on this daily ride. But this is a very visceral part of me at the moment. Of course other things matter and I still find joy and interest in daily life, though it takes considerable effort to overcome the dragging weight of this core that can swing from one end of the spectrum to the next at any given moment.<br />
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I am currently attempting to put thoughts and chronicles of my journey down in a different manner than narratives such as this and hope in time, if it amounts to anything significant, will be a different kind of legacy I may leave, not just to tell my story, but to enlighten, inspire and educate how a life such as mine can shift from ordinary to what may feel insignificant, but maybe just maybe, share a different kind of story than all the others that tell of struggle and strife brought on by a tragedy or trauma. These stories are run of the mill once you are introduced to the genre, i just hope I have something more to offer that may make it worth the read. It's another line on my short list, so we'll see what may be, may be; que sera sera.</div>
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-46997876484570232832012-11-27T23:29:00.003-08:002013-04-12T13:01:43.045-07:00Legacy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Many of you are aware of the recent developments in our journey with cancer. But, just in case you aren't, here's the story:<br />
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Pete started on hospice about a week ago after we decided we needed to streamline his care. We were tired of having to complete nothing short of a circus act every time he needed a prescription refilled or a test ordered. So, we decided to initiate hospice so that we could have one point of contact and in hopes that we might be able to find someone with a better plan for managing his pain than all the other doctors had in the past. So, here we are, sorta at the end of the rope, so-to-speak. Although it's difficult to digest, it's also a little freeing and I think Pete would agree. I finally feel like we can really start living, although it may be near the end, instead of constantly striving to find a cure, that likely isn't going to be found. We were both tired of hitting brick walls, of being told "no, we can't", and of being given false hope. If you've ever experienced anything remotely close to our situation, you know it is ALL consuming; emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. You constantly feel as though you have to be one step ahead, in order to control the circumstances. However, no one really ever tells you straight out that you're not in control. They just allow you to keep pushing and pretend like it's all going to be okay. At least, this is what we experienced within the medical community. Now, finally on hospice, we can breath. We can look forward to our remaining days together and doing our best to fill those days with love, lasting memories, and laughter.<br />
As I said before, this journey has been all consuming and that's not to say, with the start of hospice care, it still isn't. It just is in it's own way. There have been many times that I have pretended to be okay, but really I'm just masking my emotions. There are times, even still, when it all seems like a dream and then I snap back to reality. I remember that I have to wake up to a hospital bed which takes up the majority of the living space to the right of what was once OUR bed. And I take one look at my husband's emaciated body and realize he's not the man I married in his entirety; the disease has overtaken the man he once was. And then my thoughts come back to my children. I remember that there will be a day when their father's voice will no longer resonate among the walls of this house. And, again, I realize this is our reality.<br />
Last Sunday at church my emotions took over. We were told to take some time in prayer to come before God. All I could think of was that I hoped I would be able to fully honor Pete's legacy in the years to come, long after he's gone. I thought back to our "Family Mission Statement" that Pete painstakingly wrote for our family while Izzy was still in the womb. He made it a point to explain that we would always show the love of the Lord to everyone, wheresoever we shall dwell. I wondered if I would be able to do that. Would I be able to teach my kids how to love everyone like their daddy has? Would I be able to break away from the mainstream culture to allow my kids to experience the life Pete and I had imagined for them? Or would I allow them to lose themselves in a constant stream of movies, video games, and pointless activities in order to cope with our loss? These were all questions that I agonized over while I sat there, with tears streaming down, head bowed before the Lord.<br />
And unlike cancer, these are all things I have control over. The way our children spend their time. Who they interact with. Whether or not I model God's love for others for them.<br />
I've lived long enough to know that we're all human, and I'll likely make mistakes in the years to come, however, I'm very grateful for the legacy my husband, their daddy, will leave. I am also honored (and a little scared) to have the opportunity to carry it on.<br />
While putting Izzy to bed tonight, I succumbed to her story request. I came up with a little story about magic baking elves who surprised a very poor family with yummy treats during the holiday season, when otherwise they would have had nothing. In the end, the family divvied up their yummy treats and shared them with their neighbors. Then the following bible verse came to mind (Thanks Mom!): "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." Luke 12:48.<br />
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And then I realized, the story and the verse were as much meant for me as they were for her. </div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-37637553722441195532012-11-17T14:42:00.000-08:002013-04-12T13:02:15.723-07:00A Daddy's Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I was cleaning the house in preparation for Pete's homecoming from his Dad's this afternoon, I sat down for a minute while the floors dried (ok, I know I'm a little obsessive about the house being perfectly clean!), and my eyes fell upon our Shutterfly memory books I have compiled of our adventures over the past couple of years. As I went through them one by one, I was amazed by how much times have changed. I was also reminded of the wonderful adventures we've experienced as a family. There are times when it all seems like a dream but then I look at those special photos and my memories are overflowing once again. I am filled with awe and amazement as well as a bit of envy for those times that have passed. Then I wonder why things aren't as simple as they once were. <br />
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What I see the most are the memories Izzy has shared with her daddy and I am thankful that those have been captured through photos. I see her actions in each and every one of those photos that mirror her daddy's spirit; a spirit of adventure she will carry on with her through the rest of her life. I also see the fullness of love that her daddy has for her. I witness it in all the photos in which he is with her and I hope and pray that she remembers the special connection they share. </div>
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This all makes me ever so grateful for what her daddy is to her. He fills a role that I wonder if I will be able to fill. He is the ultimate storyteller, the most genuine friend, and the undivided attention giver. The truth is that there may come a day when she may not remember the specifics of her and her daddy's interactions but it is my hope that I will be able to make those memories live on for her. As a mommy, it is always our most innate desire to protect our children from hurt and pain, however in this instance, I have no control over that. I can only hope to ensure that our little Izzy understands the ultimate love her daddy has for her and will always have for her. </div>
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There are so many unknowns in this life and there will always be so many unanswered questions during our time on this earth, however our God is bigger and his love for us is bigger than anything we will ever know. I am so thankful that our precious Izzy has her earthly daddy's love for her as a mirror for what her heavenly Father's love is like. And in the end, I think that is the only thing that matters because there is nothing I can do to change any of this story, it just is as it is. But I am so eternally grateful for Izzy's daddy and who he is to her and although this story may not turn out as we planned, I know she will always be as well. </div>
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-89867621827693069632012-10-16T00:40:00.001-07:002013-04-12T13:02:30.669-07:00Hey Mr. Tambourine Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am, as Bob Dylan suggests, much akin to an exhausted narrator of a dreamy tale to which I seek an answer of how to escape, unable to sleep yet wandering sleepily as if in a dream after someone playing a tune like the pied-piper who I somehow know in my heart-of-hearts has the answer I seek entwined in his song but my weariness is so profound that try as I might, I cannot catch up to him to be freed through knowing it's words. My days are more nightmarish than many of my nights which at least bring some hours of deep, dreamless and yet unrestful sleep provided by any one of many versions of benzodiazepines. As of late, when my days aren't filled with experiences of learning how to reteach a lung how to perform oxygen exchange again after being half choked with foreign fluid and the searing pain of trying to re-inflate it, I can still try to enjoy a semi-joy filled life with my family. It's true the latest episode of "draining" the fluid from between the pleural spaces (the liquid isn't actually in the lung itself, it's between the two pleura; the parietal and visceral), which prevents the lung from fully expanding, this last time being 50% full, was much more traumatic than the last. Neither was anywhere near pleasant since I had a bad reaction before the actual procedure began last time too. This gave me the opportunity to know what a collapsed lung feels like when they were almost finished draining the 3 liters I had sloshing around in there, I began coughing uncontrollably and painfully as I hyperventilated at the same time but was gasping for air I couldn't get because the lung was completely collapsed and took almost 2 hours of coughing and gasping for it to get it mostly inflated yet still some fluid did develop in my lung and I continued to cough painfully and gasp my way through the rest of the night coughing up the left over fluid. I can only just now breathe fully but with pain still stabbing in my side and tightening worse if I bend over or need to cough. I just hope this too fades and doesn't become the norm. All they can do is perform either a thoracoscopy with talc pleurodesis (which "blows" talcum powder between the pleural layers to cause scarring, thus binding the two layers together to prevent fluid from building), or inserting a permanent 'drain' to thus empty the fluid as needed wherever I am. Hmm, decisions decisions... We speak with an interventional radiologist tomorrow to discuss options. A normal day in the life: what kind of tube should I stick in my chest?!<br />
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Alysha did a good job of filling in what's transpired in the last few weeks as i've been a sociophobe and have avoided writing to anyone. To that I apologize for. I've preferred the altered reality of fiction novels to set my mind into another time and place so I don't have to confront my own present reality. It's easy to describe the few days that have been truly horrible and make it sound like a daily occurrence, which it isn't, yet as Alysha mentioned, most days are still filled with almost unbearable pain which I attempt to just muscle through so my kids can enjoy their life even though mine is hard to to picture as enjoyable if I can't focus past the pain and discomfort that adhere to me and invade my mind, body and soul. Still, most people can't believe how well I look when they see me. I am glad I can still be perceived to look healthy and vivrant, though mostly am biting back twinges of pain at every move and masking the odd sensations I can only begin to describe of being freezing yet overheated and sweating at the same time. Aside from the aches and pains, again, Bob Dylan nails it with the line of how: "my weariness amazes me," embodying the acute speed in which I now live due to mental and physical fatigue. From that same lyric string, the answers i've sought to find a direction in which I can follow to get me through this bloody confusing mess of a disease and the treatment we've followed and continue to seek answers from but get only riddles and attempts of cajoling contentment without anyone stating outright that they're treating me as a terminal case, which they do, echo what Dylan jangled on about how the answers to my conundrum of a life 'vanish from my hand', leaving me standing there blindly "but still not sleeping."<br />
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Being "branded on my feet," as Dylan sings on, is exactly how I feel when I want to run out to fight it bluntly but am left swinging wildly at nothing but my own infinite anger. My feet don't move and every ounce of energy drains from my body just from the thought and initial impulse to move. All my joints ache, my breathing is labored and with every breath, pain shoots from under my left armpit through my ribs and into a sharp jab in my side and strangely right behind my heart as if the cancer is trying to strangle that as well. I'm defeated before I take my first step. I feel like collapsing into the miserable sorry heap that I feel like and crawling away somewhere dark to curl up and hide from the world so I don't owe anything else to it so I can just evaporate from existence. Then my kids run in laughing yelling "daddy daddy", thus giving me the strength to face the day. My wife finding every opportunity to provide positive outlets for me, and hearing and reading all the outpouring of support, prayers and love also give me the drive to push past the first overwhelming crush of each day, but each day goes on, good or bad and gives me the opportunity to make the most out of it if i'm not just totally floored by it all that day or I can live it and get the things done I want to in order to feel... 'ready'. I know God wants us to submit our cares and worries to Him as he will take care of them all and deliver us in His own way. With my knowing where i'm going but just not quite when yet, I just want to enjoy the most out of everyday without worrying too much about doing everything perfect, just getting by to the best of my ability and eating good, not necessarily the best I could possibly be eating, but doing what I like and what's fun. I try to deal with alot less BS when I possibly can; I cut people off when they're just wasting my time or beating around the bush, I just don't have time for it. Priorities are different now too; some things just don't really matter as much anymore so I don't bother myself with them.<br />
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So "let me forget about today, until tomorrow," and I will write you another tune. Until then, i'll just keep on keeping on as best I can and I wish the days that are brought to you all bring you to where you need to go and fill you with what you need. We will most often find what we seek if we just allow ourselves to open our eyes to what's right in from of us. I seek a cure for something incurable in a case that's unsolvable and for surgeries that are inoperable. My solution is right in front of me: peace. I just have to wrap my head around exactly what that means for me right here, right now. It's mine for the taking. I just have to stop being angry at having to settle for that and not a return to the life I had before and accept that what I have is what i've got. It may not be what I want, but it's surely enough to grant me happiness and peace within if I can figure out how to hold it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~Pete</span><br />
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-68127453316601907392012-10-15T08:39:00.003-07:002013-04-12T13:02:55.233-07:00ER, Surgeons, & ER again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A lot has happened over the past month. I know a lot of you follow the blog and appreciate staying up to date so I am going to update you with as much information as possible while still keeping it succinct and to-the-point. So here it goes....<br />
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In the CANCER world there are really no easy days, just days that are easier than others. Throughout this journey we have had our share of tough days but I would go so far as to say that this past month has been one of the hardest we've experienced yet.<br />
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It all started with Pete's lungs needing to be drained in Portland while were passing through on our little mini RV trip. That was a shocker but we didn't realize how quickly that incident would lead to a progression in his condition. At that point the ER doctor informed us that he may need to have it drained again sometime soon but that he couldn't be sure how quickly it would fill up.<br />
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About a week later we went back to the ER, this time in Red Bluff. At that point they didn't think there was enough fluid to drain it and that we should come back again in about a week or when we thought it might be half-full. Over the course of the next couple weeks Pete would constantly say, "If it hurts this bad now, I have no idea how it's supposed to feel when it's half-full." He was just in constant pain all the time. His pain meds were increased and he began attempting to sleep propped up by pillows, sometimes rotating between the bed, couch, and lay-z-boy. It was then that he decided to ask his oncologist to write him a prescription for a hospital bed because he needed a better way to attempt to get some comfortable sleep.<br />
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Shortly after that, my FIL came up to attend a few of Pete's most important doctor's appointments to date; the appointments with the surgeons. It seemed that all our decisions had been hinging on these consultations. However, we mostly knew what the result would be but still tried to feign positivity. Pete's step-mom, who is a nurse, had informed us that the lung situation would most likely mean the surgeons wouldn't feel comfortable operating on him. There are a host of things that could go wrong including collapsed lungs, not being able to remove the breathing tube, or his body being immuno-compromised and not being able to recover. It turns out she was right and as much as we didn't want to hear it, her honesty was really what we needed to prepare ourselves for those two appointments.<br />
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One of the surgeons that we have been meeting with regularly over the course of the past 10 months is Dr. Matthews. He's a young guy with lots of energy and compassion. Throughout the past 10 months he has been there to answer the hard questions and has showed so much desire to help Pete. However, when we left that consultation, it was difficult not to be angry with the final result of our meetings; surgery just wasn't an option. It made me wonder, "What would it have been like if he had just done the surgery when Pete was first diagnosed?" But in the midst of our silence, after leaving the Dr's office, I had to remind myself of the positive. I told Pete, "Dr. Matthews really cares about you and if he could just snap his fingers and make it all better he would, but he can't so he is willing to do anything he can to make this better for you." While in the consult he talked with us about chemo vs. "quality of life", hospice care, counseling, and our new treatment options. He committed to taking the next steps to get Pete connected with someone he can talk to and an interventional radiologist to help with the lung problems. These are both things we needed and are very thankful that he offered to spearhead those endeavors.<br />
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After that appointment we headed down to UCSF in San Francisco. The result was the same. The Dr. explained a little more about why she didn't think surgery was the right option. She then suggested we meet with a genetic counselor to discuss the history of cancer in Pete's family. It's a good thing Charlie was there because we were totally clueless about ages of family members at diagnosis, etc..<br />
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The next morning Charlie urged Pete to be seen at the ER. It's a good thing he did because Pete's lung was half-full of fluid and his lung was on the verge of collapsing. It was hard to believe that it had filled up nearly 3 liters of fluid in less than 3 weeks! I was calling the ER to check on Pete periodically while I waited at home while Lucas napped. Charlie had told me how difficult the fluid removal was for him but said he was doing better now and that he would have another chest x-ray and be cleared to go home. Just a few minutes later he called and said, "Pete's having trouble breathing and he'd like you to come down. Just leave the kids in the car and I'll take them home. They don't need to see this." That was the quickest I have ever gotten out of the house with 2 kids. Amidst tears I pulled up to the ER and saw Charlie waiting outside. He apologized for scaring me and said Pete was just in a lot of pain but would be alright.<br />
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The minute I walked in the ER and laid eyes on Pete I knew he was in severe pain. He was coughing uncontrollably, tears were streaming down his face, and he was struggling to keep his temperature under control despite being wrapped up in 3 hospital blankets. I was enraged and immediately ran over to the nurses station to figure out what was going on. Within 5 minutes they gave him a shot of pain meds and the respiratory therapist was able to get him to take a few deep breaths to help him expand his lung. That was a scary couple of minutes, but I was so glad to see that he was okay although I hate to see him in such intense pain like that.<br />
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The doctor explained that it was such a traumatic experience because of the amount of fluid that was drained from the lung at one time. That's why our next course of action will be to meet with an interventional radiologist who will help us decide on a procedure which will help him remove or relieve the pressure of the fluid on his own.<br />
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So, it wasn't so short, but there's an explanation of the recent chain of events. </div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-22335882954509449412012-10-05T21:58:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:03:21.396-07:00Giving Thanks with a Joyful Heart {Eucharisteo}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you've read <i>One Thousand Gifts </i>by Ann Voskamp then you will understand the meaning of the word I am about to introduce;<br />
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<i><b>Eucharisteo</b></i><br />
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As I stood in my living room this morning doing yoga, while searching for something to fix my eyes upon and steady my tree pose, I came upon a gorgeous picture. I've always loved this picture, but for the first time I really felt the life of that not so long-ago captured moment, leap from the photo. My heart immediately overflowed with that bolded word above. That gorgeous word author Ann Voskamp explains in such depth in her book. The act and feeling of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Eucharisteo. </i>I felt the depth of it's beauty and joy explode at the moment I laid eyes on it and it struck me how important it is to maintain this thankfulness, beauty and joy in our lives. The one that is not only thought of and spoken about but played out in our lives.<br />
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Here it is. Here's the picture that screamed this with such intensity that it left me with an overwhelming feeling of joy and thankfulness in my heart.<br />
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Thank you Lord that you have used and continue to use us. Help us to be truly grateful in our daily lives. Not just to say thanks but to act on it. Help us to experience true joy in you and to have complete faith that you are in control of our destinies. Help us to remember that we have been blessed and therefore should be a blessing to others. Thank you Lord for a renewed day. One that you have granted us with expectations that we will live for you. Thank you Lord Jesus for these daily reminders. Amen.<br />
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-26102674902928651652012-10-01T23:18:00.004-07:002013-04-12T13:03:44.449-07:00Clouded by Hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever experienced that veritable roller coaster of emotions? Most of us have in some form or another. For me, this roller coaster doesn't have a happy ending. Unfortunately I can't look forward to that familiar lighter-than-air feeling once the breaks come to a screeching halt and riders step out proclaiming victory. Nevertheless I'm stuck on this roller coaster. There's no turning back.<br />
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Grief is a complex process that I am constantly learning more about. It encompasses so many emotions which usually follow no set pattern. The emotions include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I've experienced them all. Each day it seems like a new emotion has overtaken me.<br />
Some examples include:<br />
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"Please just believe in healing and it will happen. God will heal you."<br />
"Lord, if you would just heal Pete then we will give the rest of our lives to you no matter which direction you point us in."<br />
"I'm so tired. I just can't do this anymore."<br />
"It's okay to say goodbye. No one expects you to stay here and be in pain. It's okay to go."<br />
"Why won't you talk to me! I just want to help you!"<br />
"Well, I guess God doesn't plan to heal you. We just have to accept His plan."<br />
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....and the list goes on and on.<br />
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Well, a few weeks ago I was on a DENIAL kick, I was clouded by hope. I mean, it's good to have hope. Having hope definitely helps the situation, but a few weeks ago I experienced, first-hand, the downside of hope. While we were away on our mini-adventure in Oregon Pete started to feel worse than usual. Our trip was really low key and we ended up not completing most of the tasks we had originally planned to do and that was okay. We had planned to take it slow and not be too strict about sticking to a schedule. Over the course of our trip I began to ask Pete if he had any ideas about how we could work together to make our relationship better and grow closer. Through a series of tearful discussions he proclaimed that he was, "Just trying to survive," and didn't have energy for much else. I became ANGRY and DEPRESSED. How could he say those words? Was I not important enough to him? Didn't he have hope for the future? Hope of survival and of memories to come? I guess I didn't realize the there was an underlying issue that wasn't just the usual cancer.<br />
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Sometimes I feel that Pete's condition is deceiving. When people look at him, they don't see a sick person like I do. From the outside he looks good, mostly healthy, and he's even starting to put on weight. I guess, I too am still deceived by his appearance at times and was shocked when he mentioned the possibility of going to the ER. I didn't know he was THAT sick. So, off to the ER we went and our fears were confirmed when the Dr. told us that he had a build-up of fluid on his left lung which they would remove to help relieve his symptoms.<br />
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Upon diagnosis my thoughts immediately went back to my expectations of Pete just a few short days before and suddenly it became unfair of me to maintain them. I needed to re-evaluate my ideals and appreciate the time we do have together. Unfortunately that doesn't mean I'm not still angry we didn't have the opportunity to perfect our relationship while he was still healthy. It just means there's nothing we can do to change the situation at this point. Now is the time we need to find joy in the little things and cherish the good moments we have together. Although that's a tough pill to swallow, it's one I must force myself to.<br />
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Today was another roller coaster of emotions. It included another trip to the ER and confirmation that the fluid is starting to build up at a more rapid pace than it originally had. It's something we'll have to keep an eye on and he'll most likely be back at the ER within a week for fluid removal. But, we did share some sweet moments when we took the kids out for ice cream and made a stop at the library. These moments will be forever ingrained in my mind and for now, I'll cling to those and hope for similar opportunities tomorrow.<br />
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-90608102925136061782012-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:04:23.334-07:00Peter's Journey to Survival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This weekend was filled with fun! First of all I got to help
plan my little sister’s 14<sup>th</sup> birthday party, which is just so hard
to believe. She has the most amazing little group of girlfriends that
support her and love her and it was so great to see that. </div>
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Secondly, I surprised
Pete with a party for completing radiation. And it was a real SURPRISE! This is
a big deal considering I haven’t had much luck keeping secrets from him over
the course of our relationship, and Izzy knew about it. She was actually with
me when I ordered the cupcakes and she continually said, “And I’m not going to
tell dada.” And she didn’t! Way to go Izzy and thank you to everyone that
attended (or wanted to!) and those near and far who sent him messages to lift
his spirits and to spur him on during this next phase. It was such a blessing
to see the joy overflowing from his spirit on Saturday night. So, thank you
again for your support and love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The party really was a fun event and left us feeling so
loved by all our friends and family. The fact is, that with the move to Red
Bluff the attitude around here has not been that great. In fact, I’m ashamed to
say it’s been really poor. Pete and I have had a tough time coming to terms
with the change, yet at the time the decision was made, it was necessary.
However, now we’re here and settled and there is no choice but to come to terms
with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My father-in-law was kind enough to come up this weekend to
celebrate with us. Over the course of this journey he has been keeping a
journal. As an engineer, he is not manufactured to create anything but thorough
documentation of anything! And that’s exactly what he’s done. The document is
filled with almost 200 pages documenting Pete’s journey; everything from
doctor’s appointments, medications, CT scans, blogs, Facebook posts, texts,
messages, and pictures. This is a complex document and I am so thankful for his
dedication and perseverance to continue its compilation despite his hectic work
schedule and travels. So, thank you Charlie!<o:p></o:p></div>
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But, when he handed it to me for review, something caught my
eye, the title page. It was entitled, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peter’s
Journey to Survival. </i>When I first read that I immediately thought, “Is he
getting something I’m not,” or,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Am I
missing something?” Last I heard we were running out of options. Every night I
go to bed listening to Pete’s labored breathing and awake every morning to Pete
grimacing in pain. It’s not a pretty picture and it pretty much makes it
impossible to maintain as much hope as I once had of his eventual survival. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I remember one of my first Facebook posts back in December
2011, which read, “<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">Please pray for our family but specifically for Pete. They
discovered a tumor in his colon this morning and are pretty sure it's
cancerous. He'll have a CT scan tomorrow and we'll know the results of the
biopsy on Friday. The good news is that it's one of the better cancers to have
as it is very curable. This is a very tough time for us so any prayers would be
appreciated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">I keep rethinking those last words, “…it is one of the better
cancers to have as it is very curable.” Wow, if we only knew back then what we
know now. Would we have fought harder? Would we have made more of an effort to
live our lives to the fullest? Spread joy? Do more for others? The truth is, I
have no idea. But I do know that we are where we are today, for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">The truth is that we have to keep hope alive and that means
something different to everyone involved. Last night I finished a book by
comedian Robert Schimmel who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is
now cancer free. At the end of the book, he shares a list of lessons he learned
over the course of his treatment. One of them that stood out to me was, “Create
a purpose, a focus, and never take your eyes off it.” This is true of anything,
not just cancer. It reminds me of the story of the woman that was determined to
win the lottery. She meditated on winning the lottery everyday and guess what,
she won! So maybe my father-in-law has the right idea; believing that Pete will
survive despite having all the cards stacked against him. And, although my
faith waivers day-by-day, today I’m back to believing survival is possible. So,
as always, keep the prayers coming. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-55549323596203764382012-09-09T20:09:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:05:34.217-07:00Every Rose has it's Thorns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nothing exciting here; no waxing philosophical today, just an update of whats been going on the past couple of weeks. We've had to make a few sacrifices as of late to accommodate the changes our life has brought us. Leaving our house in Chico that we have worked so hard on to make our home and has become our refuge was hard, is still hard. I'm still not happy about feeling dragged out of it unwillingly, but it's for reasons I know we need to let happen for the time being. As hard as change is for me to take usually, this was a big step to force myself over. My mind can't process and accept alot at once right now. I feel like an autistic child must; easily overwhelmed by noise and multiple stimuli. I don't like it and try to shield myself or hide from it when confronted by it. My head just can't handle it. Getting our house in 'showing' condition wasn't easy, but it gave us the chance to finish all the details and finishing touches on the renovations we did in the beginning when we bought the house that we hadn't gotten to, so really our house looks better at the moment than it ever has. I'm glad for that, but not for the loss of the comfort of 'home' that our new house lacks. We had tons of help between getting the Chico house packed and cleaned, moving into our new rental house, and getting settled by touching up the details and landscaping at the new place to make it feel more like home. My father and step-mother, Kathy, stayed for a week to help get things settled for us. We're settled in, but Chico is still our home. Circumstances could have necessitated that we moved much farther away, which would have still been hard, but it would have seemed more preferable than having had made the move to somewhere so close but giving up so much.<br />
<br />
I finished the final treatment of radiation last Thursday, August 30th, and now start the 5 week pause to allow my body to heal itself before I abuse it with any further treatment options. I have an MRI scheduled on Oct 5th, to map the primary tumor area, to see if surgery will be an option or if it has intruded in areas that would make it inoperable. I then have follow-up appointments with both a local surgeon and with the surgery department at (UCSF) U. of California San Francisco teaching hospital. Alysha surprised me last night with a party at the house to which she had invited many of our friends from our church group in Chico and other friends and family. It was a welcome surprise and uplifting event to make me feel supported and loved. Thank you to all who attended and who wrote encouraging letters about their encounters with me over my life. I can't thank you all enough for all the support and encouragement now and always and hope to keep you all informed as things continue to develop over time. We love you all for helping us through this all in your own ways. We are eternally grateful.<br />
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~Pete </div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-6615464427300554882012-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:06:10.492-07:00Like a desperado waiting on a train<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This morning I awoke to an empty house, a scary experience for me. I need people around me as much as possible right now, even though it goes against my anti-social inhibition. My father and step-mother, who are visiting for the week, are leaving early from their hotel to go up to the new house in Red Bluff to finish painting. Alysha stayed up at her mom's house with the kids last night after starting the painting earlier last night. Being alone with my own thoughts is not a good thing right now. I was thinking about when we were down in Phoenix at Cancer Treatment Center of America, how everyone and everything about the place is so cheery you can't help but feel uplifted even after receiving the worst of news about your condition. I was reflecting how I have 1 more week of radiation and how when someone finished their radiation or chemo treatment, they rang a bell to celebrate, to make the patient feel good, for something to be about them, even tif the thing they are celebrating was the most horrible experience they've ever had to go through. But it feels good for someone to cheer for you even if it was just a kick in the balls. Here though, back in 'small-town Cancer Center USA' where normal people can afford the care, i'll finish radiation next week and be sent out the door with a bill still wondering if it did any good and where my treatment will go from there. No fanfare, no joy. Back in Phoenix, they do everything in their power to keep your spirits high. Mine right now; they're already digging the hole. I woke up early this morning lethargic, hardly able to move, everything sore and achy, no energy, no positive attitude, alone, nothing left. I cried in my oatmeal.<br />
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I write about staying positive, about the power of hope, the power of faith and prayer. Then I wake up to days like today. I'm usually surrounded by people who are willing to help so i'm not overwhelmed, so I don't have to make decisions, something that's becoming surprisingly difficult for me to do, weird, but it just takes too much, my mind can only handle one thing at a time and when something is thrown at me demanding that I adjust to decide; I hit overload. Many people are on standby waiting to be able to fulfill any need that arises to help us, but I don't know how to even help myself anymore. We have only one car, i'm not on the insurance, Alysha drives me everywhere but loading the kids up in the car requires planning so what really needs to be done is all that gets done. I can't just run down to the store, or go get my hair cut (which is in major need of a trim), i'm starting to fit in with the Chico crowd; unkempt hair, wool socks on with sandals (my feet still get cold even in this heat). So much of life right now revolves around moving to this new house in Red Bluff so we can afford to live by renting out our house here in Chico which after much work over the last year, has become home, everything i've worked for in my adult life, where we want to raise our kids, where we became a family. The stress of moving to a place that feels far from home, making the kids adjust, again, feeling like I need to help in the process but feeling inadequate to do much; it's more than I can take right now. It shows in my marriage; almost every conversation lately has ended in an argument, i'm short on tolerance with the kids and with noise and chaos in general. I don't like that, and my family deserves more than that from me, I just don't feel emotionally capable of being bright and shiny and patient. I feel more like just a patient.<br />
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To rid myself of at least some of the negativity I feel, I dunk myself in the hot tub to let it melt away. Shortly after my Dad appears on the back patio and I splash some water on my face so the dripping water will camouflage the tears that are still rolling down my face. I'm not exactly sure why i'm crying again, I don't try to dig too deep into it, I just am. I vent a little to him and he leaves to go get coffee for us all. I lay still and soak. I focus on the still reflection of the water then a tear drops onto the calm surface. It ripples and blurs; just like how I feel. Maybe tomorrow will be better. I think i'll just try to pass today hiding in as much solitude and calm as I can find, waiting for it to turn into a better tomorrow; like a desperado waiting on a train.</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-24219263338659368202012-08-17T21:45:00.005-07:002013-04-12T13:07:51.811-07:00Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The other day, while Lucas napped, Izzy and I looked through every single photo album on the computer. We ooed and awed in unison as we reviewed each pic from her birth, life and travels abroad, the birth of Lucas, all the way to the present. It was evident that we have been blessed by some very precious memories of time spent together.<br />
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So, without further adieu, here are just a FEW of the photos I thought were deserving enough of a repeat viewing. Don't worry, they'll be more. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRmEqUhGkt7LMVve41SgnStOFOkqGZpAQTcghoa3bn9lzNJFcMUdtnb03aLk2fjeUhz0RU5c-nAVwXNHziE-monC1PEsDt4c4HWGBJCvwLs4ZEskQQdgN98igMl1BUxblZMkQ8RY1jjpo/s1600/Izzy+Swing+Tahoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRmEqUhGkt7LMVve41SgnStOFOkqGZpAQTcghoa3bn9lzNJFcMUdtnb03aLk2fjeUhz0RU5c-nAVwXNHziE-monC1PEsDt4c4HWGBJCvwLs4ZEskQQdgN98igMl1BUxblZMkQ8RY1jjpo/s320/Izzy+Swing+Tahoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My whimsical princess. Swinging is one of her favorite pastimes. </div>
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My active boy!</div>
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Lucas and dada, September 2011</div>
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Mommy and Lucas, December 2011</div>
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Sister and brother, December 2010</div>
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She dressed herself, October 2011</div>
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Izzy Joy! July 2011</div>
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She finally fits into her yellow "Clown" shoes, July 2011</div>
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Contemplating, July 2011</div>
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Yummy!, July 2011</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tBhu7jwPvRrTxKZ61DjbAiKa5xr__LsLkPi0FN_ykfdvFUbg4XP5SKEAH4qLBUy0zSJ2PvfB4rj6v8vpMxEDfFoRnnrKrW6NYoi8tgyrgcExKhyphenhyphenJjd6jEY5YfHCCJ3qJKpFnqBaa0LHC/s1600/Lucas+camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tBhu7jwPvRrTxKZ61DjbAiKa5xr__LsLkPi0FN_ykfdvFUbg4XP5SKEAH4qLBUy0zSJ2PvfB4rj6v8vpMxEDfFoRnnrKrW6NYoi8tgyrgcExKhyphenhyphenJjd6jEY5YfHCCJ3qJKpFnqBaa0LHC/s320/Lucas+camera.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lucas bright eyes, July 2011</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IG6YsO4fkZBX5vvcqbSKiQg0rlrvx_trKdAB3FV_ekICGwNY-pVePhp78tAtI98X2pZWLuLMn48ANoYEUYIrP8VVl57HtLEQAR5iC728PWRBM5EtSWV5RKHg9tpNQGaPXcopexD6EjDB/s1600/lucas+devious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IG6YsO4fkZBX5vvcqbSKiQg0rlrvx_trKdAB3FV_ekICGwNY-pVePhp78tAtI98X2pZWLuLMn48ANoYEUYIrP8VVl57HtLEQAR5iC728PWRBM5EtSWV5RKHg9tpNQGaPXcopexD6EjDB/s320/lucas+devious.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My little devious man, July 2011</div>
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-41345674884684011062012-08-14T12:05:00.001-07:002013-04-12T13:08:13.324-07:00Hope Floats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You don't typically think of 'Hope' as a dynamic entity. Lately however, 'Hope' to me has been a fluid, ebbing persona of its own that changes faces as seamlessly as a fleeting breeze wisps away certainty leaving behind only doubt. Our own concept of hope relies on where you perceive your best chances for getting out of a certain situation lies. Ideally, my hope would lay in a cure for cancer, but there is none. Does that mean i've lost hope? Certainly not. I know there's no surefire cure and that many people i've met and have read about have had successful outcomes with their own battle with cancer. Their stories are all different because their situations are all different. Many cases are successful due to the ease with which their disease can be eliminated by removing affected areas or organs. My case is different in that my affected areas and organs are inoperable due to location and intrusion of the masses into or around sensitive nerves, blood vessels and bones. My current path of completing radiation therapy after 2 more weeks <b>may</b> allow for surgery for the resection of the rectal tumor if an MRI of the area shows that there is no such intrusion. My current symptoms and pain lead both myself and the doctors to believe that this surgery has a high chance of being contraindicated by a potential complication of this nature. Does <b>this</b> mean i've lost hope? A little. Even if the scan shows that surgery is a viable option and the resection is performed, it stills leaves the inoperable masses on my lungs and the phantom mass on my liver that they can't "definitively identify".<br />
<br />
My sense of hope has definitely wavered as my levels of pain and overall discomfort has continued to increase and spread. All I can and have done, is to attempt to target and lessen the levels of pain emanating from several sources. Each one requires being targeted differently and each has it's own set of other side effects from the nature of the why there is pain to begin with and from the medicine used to treat it. It's been an ongoing struggle, but yes, I still have hope. Some days it's still hard to identify what that hope is in however. With the pain under control, I can think more clearly now that the ominous feelings of helplessness and futility aren't overwhelming me and drawing me deeper towards despair. I can say I have hope in trying every option we possibly can; finish radiation, do the surgery if it is an option once evaluated after radiation, try the last type of chemo that is offered. So far none of these paths have really shown to provide any improvement. The surgery will eliminate many of my problems, but still leaves many others. It's like how they describe when a terrorist or tyrannical leader is eliminated; it's a great victory, but others are right there to fill in the void left behind. All these thoughts weigh down my will to remain positive, but as Alysha has said several times lately; hope should not be destroyed by putting faith in those who cannot and will not give you a positive outlook, that being the medical community. They can't offer a cure, so they offer comfort. They can't guarantee anything about the future so they treat the present. That doesn't give you much hope. And I have struggled with what Alysha has stated so fervently as of late; that our hope is with trusting that God will deliver me from this.<br />
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I am faithful and am grateful for the ability to have restored the faith in others who have read our posts and are inspired through grace by our words to seek out the Lord and His love in their lives as well. We do know however, that me making it through this may not be part of His plan for me. That makes the concept of 'Hope' through 'Faith' a very flexible and even surreal presence as you have hope that God will heal me but through faith, though you accept whatever is in store for you which may not include being healed. How does hope work in this case. Should I have hope or faith? Is it ok that I am still angry that having faith may hold no hope for me? I do not doubt that my fate will take me from this earth much earlier than I should be, but I <b>hope</b> that I will have the time to spend with my family before that happens that will be meaningful and allow time for me to nurture my children to instill in them the virtues and morals I want them to carry with them through their lives. So I have faith, and I accept my fate. Though my hope now lies with the 'here & now', that I make every moment count, if my back is hurting and I have no energy, you will still find me smiling and pushing Lucas around the patio in his toy car or holding him even though it kills me to kneel down to pick him up. I am determined not to give in to the anger and frustration this brings daily, to not succumb to the pain and allow it to make me short of temper and in a foul mood, that's not how I want my children to remember me, it's not the husband I want Alysha to have to <b>deal</b> with, I want to and will be the father that smiles through the pain to play one more game of knights and dragons and be the husband who helps with the chores even though i'm exhausted and takes the time to give my wife a break, watch the kids, rub her back and still be present to encourage and support her through her frustrations and stress, to reassure her when she is in doubt. Our plans and worries about what the right treatment to do or what diet to follow, what supplements to take honestly in the big picture, doesn't matter. Trusting each moment we have to God, submitting to His will and putting Him in each second of our day, that's what will get me through. Even if it's not to a miraculous recovery, seeking Him when the kids are pushing me to the end of my patience but smiling and calmly dealing with them instead of loosing my temper and getting angry and yelling, pausing to take time to listen to Alysha when she is wanting to share something with me instead of half listening over my shoulder while sitting at the computer or reading a book, these are the things that by investing quality and intentional time to be the person I should be, this is honoring God and honestly just living better. We should all strive to live that way anyways, but having a trial such as mine truly teaches you the importance of doing that and instead of giving in under the enormous weigh of what it brings, shrugging it off by simply putting your worries and trust in God, it gets you through the obstacles much more easily than struggling through them needlessly.<br />
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Once again, I hope this insight inspires and encourages. Thank you so much for everyones continued love and support. With all my love,<br />
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~Pete</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-61942643463761337842012-08-12T22:50:00.001-07:002013-04-12T13:08:44.122-07:00Thank You {Your Prayers Have Made a Difference!}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are so blessed by the community of believers that has surrounded us throughout this whole ordeal. Tonight's event of <u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/267682770008912/" target="_blank">Prayer and Fasting for Pete</a></u> was just one reminder of the love and support we have experienced during this trial. Thank you for reminding us to believe again in the healing power of Christ.<br />
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Many of you have probably felt the change in our attitudes as Pete's condition has progressed; I know we sure have. And for the past couple of months God has been constantly reminding me to "just believe". God has been challenging one of my greatest fears of the worst still happening in spite of my faith that He can heal Pete because, in the end, I'll be thankful I believed while I could.<br />
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God also prompted me to change my attitude when, most recently, I came across a friend of a friend on Facebook who's sweet little girl, Jenna, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The faith of Jenna and her family is so inspiring and has taught me to believe once again. You can find her incredible story <u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Godsgotthisjenna" target="_blank">here</a></u>. Please remember them in prayer as Jenna starts chemo tomorrow. It's interesting how cancer can create a camaraderie which forces the afflicted to band together. <u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Godsgotthisjenna" target="_blank">God's Got This</a></u>!!!<br />
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So, thank you to our wonderful friends near and far that continue to act as God's hands and feet. You are certainly making a difference.<br />
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XOXO</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-12258515758891242072012-08-12T13:59:00.003-07:002013-04-12T13:09:04.081-07:00Grace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The other day I went to the pawn shop to sell some gold. Don't worry, we're not that hard up! It's just, with the impending move and the downsizing, we have been purging like crazy! So, I got together those old dolphin earrings I got for my 13th birthday, some outdated black hills gold, and a few gifts from old boyfriends and decided to head down and see what I could get for it.<br />
As the attendant went through the treasures I set before her, she set one piece aside, a little fake-diamond studded violin pendant that obviously didn't pass inspection. As I cringed at the thought of having to return home with the hideous piece of costume jewelry, I was reminded of the story that led to that pendant being placed in my hands.<br />
When I was 19 years old I went on an intercultural exchange to Ecuador, S.A. There were many things that happened within that almost-year abroad that made it quite a learning experience. But, there is one story I will never forget.<br />
As an exchange student I received $50.00 a month from my sponsor to use towards any expenses I might have. One particular month I decided to put the stipend aside so I placed it in the top drawer of my dresser for safe keeping. One day when I went to go look for it, it wasn't there. I was a little surprised but thought I must have misplaced it. However, as I retraced my steps I realized something had gone awry. So, that evening I asked my host sister if the maid had ever stolen anything from her. Of course, her response was no but I told her the story about the missing money anyway.<br />
A few days later I was at school and I looked up to see our maid peeking through the window of our classroom. She motioned for me to come outside. The minute I stepped outside, tears began to fall from her eyes. She had been approached by my host father and her job was threatened. She literally dropped to her knees and pleaded with me not to tell the truth about the missing money; the fact that she had stolen it from me. She explained to me that she was struggling to make enough money to support her family and needed the money to buy school books for her children. My immediate reaction was one of shock and disdain, "But you stole from me!" I thought. But as she pleaded with me, I became aware of the level of her desperation. Her job was on the line and if she was fired, her children might suffer. So, I told her not to worry. I would go to my host family and tell them I had misplaced the money and was sorry for accusing her of stealing. In exchange she gifted me the violin pendant.<br />
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As I explained this story to Pete this afternoon I was overwhelmed by the emotions of pain, despair, repentance, and forgiveness it uncovered. Not only did I decide to forgive her but I essentially took the blame for her wrongdoing. In the eyes of my host family, I was an ungrateful, accusatory little American girl that had disrupted the flow of their daily life. However, in the end, the maid kept her job and I moved in with another host family.<br />
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But, as I held that little violin today, I was so thankful for that experience. I was also very grateful that it didn't pass inspection the other day at the pawn shop. You see, now that pendant has so much more meaning than it ever has before. It has become a metaphor for God's grace. How many times have I come before my heavenly Father, just as she came before me that day, with tears in my eyes, begging for forgiveness and pleading that he would make it all right?<br />
The answer---too many times.<br />
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I am looking forward to the day when I will be able to explain to my children the significance of that insignificant piece of jewelry. I hope they'll be proud of their momma. But most of all, I hope they'll thoroughly understand the depth of their Father's grace. Sometimes all it takes is one of those real life moments for us to fully understand the flawless love our Savior has for us, and I thank God for THAT moment.<br />
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<br /></div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-19408352779202949982012-08-11T21:35:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:09:29.600-07:00Weary Mom {Seeking Rest in the Midst of This Mess}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a long time since I've blogged. Partly because I haven't had time, but mostly because I have been living in a whirlwind of sleep depravation and self-doubt. As each day sneaks by I find myself wondering what I have done with my time. Have I used it to do something meaningful or have I just pittled away this precious resource God has granted me?<br />
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Over the past couple of weeks I have been really hard on myself. My mind is so often filled with thoughts of self-doubt, frustration, anger, and criticism. I find myself wondering if I'm a good mom. If I'm capable of carrying the weight of our family through this trial. I sometimes get angry at myself for not being more present for my kids and for Pete. After all, we have no idea how much time we have left together, shouldn't we be making the most of it, not plodding through the days as if each passing hour is a burden?<br />
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In the midst of all this, God stops me and reminds me to give myself a break. He constantly reminds me that my circumstances are unique and are not to be compared to that of anyone else. Maybe I shouldn't be trying to hold myself to such a strict set of standards that most everyone is incapable of meeting, not just myself?<br />
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The truth of the matter is that I'm weary. In fact I am so weary that I find it difficult to make it through each day. I am snippy and tired. I'm anxious and withdrawn. I'm fake and clouded. I'm more weary than I have ever been in my life. My burdens are so intense that I find it impossible to make sense of any of it. Often times I sit before God and plead with Him. I ask him why I have to be bombarded by these trials. In fact, it's not enough that my husband is sick, but we have to move away from our family home, and our sweet little Lucas wakes 5 to 10x per night. I can't take it. I have no idea where to begin to make this all better and I feel helpless.<br />
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Last week's message at church was about finding rest. During that message God was speaking directly to me. I needed to know that it was okay for me to seek rest and rejuvenation even if it meant time away from my family. I need to take care of me first before I can take care of anyone else.<br />
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Throughout the week I have been tentatively taking steps towards this goal and it looks like it might finally come to fruition in a few weeks. I will only be away for a few days but I am in great need of some restoration for my soul.<br />
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I was also prompted by one of my favorite blogging moms, Brooke McGlothlin, to incorporate a few other methods of finding rest when I read her heartfelt blog post on rest for the weary mom. You can find it on her blog at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><u><a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/2012/06/10-free-or-cheap-ways-for-a-weary-mom-to-find-rest/" target="_blank">Surprised by Life</a></u></span>. Last night, as I laid awake with Lucas for hours starting at 2:00 am, I realized that in the midst of my daze, I am missing out on so many precious moments. I must make it a goal to capture more of those moments, both for the future when our children want mementos of the time they shared with their dada, and for myself too. This is exactly why #6 on Brooke's list resonated so much with me.<br />
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So, it looks like God is leading me in the right direction, I only need to keep moving forward. As always, thank you for your love and prayers. Although we may never know the plans God has for us, he has promised that he will never leave us or forsake us. It's times like these that make me cleave to that promise more intensely than I ever have before. Thank you Lord for your promises and your never ending mercies. You are a breath of fresh air when all around me seems hopeless.<br />
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XOXO</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-61332998928543679012012-07-31T05:27:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:10:38.920-07:00My Chariot's on Fire!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="huge" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"Failure after long perseverance is much grander than never to have a striving good enough to be called a failure."</span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgeelio388825.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0000cc; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">George Eliot</a></span><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Now I could always quote Frank Oz as Yoda in <i>Star Wars (Episode IV): "Do or do not, there is no try." </i>I recently wrote a poem for Alysha, too private to share here, but it came down to a list of things I feel that because of my illness I have been unable to fulfill to the degree of quality of which I would have liked to. It's not for lacking the desire or spirit to satisfy my responsibilities as a husband and father, rather a degradation of my energy; physical and emotional strength which inhibits my ability to be the man I need to be. The ending of that poem however, stated my clear intention that in light of how I feel that this illness has debilitated me, that I will not give up or give into it without continuing to fight. Having still struggled on a daily basis to get the pain, again both physical and emotional, under control leaves me weak in the knees and weak in spirit. I've been told by several people that it would not be a fault to say enough is enough and give in to the pain and exhaustion. </span><br />
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There dwells within me still a pretty dark place, an island of despair and hopelessness that wells up within me in times of weakness when i'm overcome by the effects of the cancer. Most of the time it's kept quelled by keeping positive and seeking the good in every moment. However, it is a persistent beast of burden that sneaks up on me when i'm not focused on maintaining a rampart of hope and positivity to repel it. Having continually received the same reply from prestigious cancer treatment centers around the country that "we can't do anything more for you," and having our options continually limited by genetic gene mutations that inhibits this protein or this molecular process from allowing certain treatment methods from being effective, needless to say it gets very discouraging. It certainly lends its hand in leading us to confront the inevitability that I may not make it through this. We've recently discussed with both the medical and radiation oncologists what plans of action remain and it's come down to finishing radiation, which i'm a week and a half into a 6 week round of, to see if it's had any positive effect in either moderately shrinking the tumor or alleviating any of the pain or other symptoms associated with the tumor placement. Then the potential for surgery would be discussed, even thought the consulting surgeon has shied away from being aggressive in pursuing surgery as it won't solve any of the other problems posed by the metastatic disease in my lungs and the still unknown phantom lesion on my liver. We are trying to push for the surgery regardless of his hesitations, even if it means finding a different surgeon, just to eliminate the continually aggravated nature of the primary tumor; the pain, the blockage and discomfort. I want it out. Then, we try the remaining type of chemo that is the last version available to me and then we make the most of my remaining days. </span><br />
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I've been on the verge, in the midst of unbearable pain and discomfort, of giving up hope and feeling like I would give in, but my mind turns to my children and the pain and confusion that they would be left with in my absence and cannot and will not allow myself to willingly go to that place. Whatever God's plan for me is, whether my chariot awaits to deliver me to my eternal home now, I may be led to it, but with all the strength within me, it's gonna be down for maintenance if I have anything to do with it. The horses may be ready and willing to pull that chariot to the gates of heaven, but if I approach it, it's gonna mysteriously catch fire and be unable to fulfill it's journey. Sorry, not today... I certainly mean that in no defiance to God or to my acceptance of what my fate might hold, though regardless of how much pain I bear, no matter how weak and frail I become, I owe it to my family to fight with every last ounce of will and determination left within me. I've been going through possessions in my garage and my shed to see if we can thin out our belongings to have a yard sale and in going through all the gear I have for camping, skiing, rock climbing, and mountaineering, it pains me to think that I may never be able to use any of it again. My heart and soul yearns to climb and to ski high snowy peaks near and far, but my failing body anchors me to a desolate flatland. One day at a time, I will seek to keep that determination alive that I will once again have the strength to undertake another adventure, even if it would be my last. Just continuing to go through this trail is a daily adventure, but as long as I have the loving support of my family and of friends, I know I can reach that summit. Until we meet again, the best be with you all. Thanks for tuning in!</span><br />
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">~Pete</span></div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-33508249306379859302012-07-16T01:11:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:10:55.845-07:00Blinded by the Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Disclaimer: this post was a difficult one to decide to share as it is very personal and is in no way intended to seek sympathy or attention, other than your faithful reading, from this or any previous posts. I say this only because I more often than not am writing about the struggles in hope, faith, and health throughout our ordeal. It's hard to write about one's most intimate emotions and trials to a wide audience without feeling like it's to seek recognition. It is not. I hope only to inspire and to share the transformations that have occurred in my life because of this and can only hope it will instill some hope in others who can relate or garner some wisdom from these words to apply to their own life.<br />
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This past week has led to some pretty major changes in perspective and 'coming to terms' with some heavy topics touched on briefly in my last post. I started the week seeking solitude and faithfulness (which was the name of my room at the guest house) at the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina, CA; a monastery, winery, and retreat center. Being a self-guided retreat I had my own agenda while attending: seek a quiet place free of all distraction to be still and be in the presence of God. The first morning there I embarked on a trek across the acres of orchards and vineyards on the property to reconcile the concession of several topics in my own faith. Lately, I had grappled with the concept of how to truly and fully submit your cares and worries, to give them up to the Lord and declare "My life is yours Lord, I give it all up to you, my worries, my burdens. I submit myself wholly unto your will." It is such a digression from our social habit for American's to do this. You see it prevalently in other cultures; believers laying supine in the middle of the road, praying to God. This is so unthinkable in our culture because we worry what others will think, how they would judge you. I was walking down a gravel road, walnut trees on my left, wheat fields on my right. Not a soul around as I prayed for guidance on how to submit myself to God's will, to relinquish control of this struggle within to plan and trying to choose the correct path to secure a happy outcome from this disease. Totally isolated and alone, I knew the simple gesture I needed to perform to show God my willingness to submit and relinquish control to Him, but I still clung to stubbornness, looking around to see if anyone was watching and I still couldn't do what needed to be done. I walked on frustrated at my inability to overcome petty stoicism. God then presented me with a sign to answer my question and how to overcome my hesitations. A rock the size of a watermelon lay on the side of the road, pushed to the edge of the field when it had been plowed. The rock was me, Peter the disciple, 'The Rock', the foundation of the church. It was scratched by the plow blades but impervious to anything thrown at it. I saw that I must assume my namesake and be the rock, the strength to carry God's will and His word, impervious to the outside whatever they may think or judge about me. In the middle of this gravel orchard road, I lay face down and prayed; committing myself to the Lord and to ask for guidance in lifting all my worries up to Him to give Him control of where this struggle will lead us, to grant us wisdom to make the right decisions. I stood and felt lighter, freer from burdens that had weighed me down. They were no longer of my concern. God will deal with those now. I still face some heavy decisions and tough roads to walk, but now I know that He is with me and will guide and protect me.<br />
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When all medical options are extinguished, treatments tested and failed, natural methods abandoned, in that end, I know the Lord. My faith that His will and His plan for me will either be revealed or shall deliver me to the state of mind where I can accept my fate and am ready and willing to join Him in my eternal home. It is an easy thing as a believer to know your ultimate fate and to accept that you will be going home to Jesus; sooner or later, but it leaves still difficult human aspects of that commitment that aren't so easy to accept. My wife and family know where i'm going, even my three year old daughter knows that Daddy's sick, he has Cancer and might be going to live with Jesus soon. She may not grasp the depth of those statements fully yet, but she gathers enough to know most of what's going on. Since that walk and laying supine in the road like a pilgrim on road to Damascus, i've been able to face the possible inevitability of my condition. Doctor's don't want to say the word 'terminal' or 'prognosis' to you, but they start talking around things saying in not so many words that 'there's nothing left we can do for you.' That part is disconcerting amidst the rediculous levels of pain i've found myself in the last few days. The low-dose morphine complemented still will occasional Percoset hasn't even touched the pain at times. They also have the unpleasant effect of making me extremely constipated which in trying to resolve has caused more pain and discomfort that the pain pills were intended to treat.<br />
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I was writhing in pain most of the evening last night with Alysha by my side, upset that there was nothing she could do to help me. I sat in the shower for a little while as I no longer had the energy to even continue standing. With the water falling on my shoulders, I had the distinct sensation that someone had placed their hands on my shoulders. I knew no one was in the bathroom with me but I instinctively looked anyway and then hung my head and closed my eyes again. I felt the individual drops of water splash on my neck and my shoulders but again felt the sensation of someone standing behind me with their hands placed on my shoulders as if rendering comfort and support. In that moment, I felt God's holy presence and they were His hands on my shoulders; comforting yet giving me strength and renewing my spirit to know that I would get through this as long as I continued to trust in Him. A while later I was in excruciating pain laying on the bed with Alysha holding on to me wishing there was something else to ease my pain. I was at the point of almost shaking and feeling faint. When I had been standing or walking even just between the bathroom and the bedroom, the pain and pressure that the tumor is putting on my sciatic nerve causes intense lower back pain and discomfort in my leg on my left side, so much to the point of my legs wanting to buckle under me when I stand and put weight on them so I end up hobbling short distances to find a semi-comfortable place to crash and pressure breathe through the next wave. At one point it felt like all my senses were slowly failing. I started getting the tunnel vision feeling even though we were laying in the dark, as if I were about to faint, but this felt more ominous. Things I could hear around the house, the rush or air and the a/c unit running, the sprinkler running outside, all started to slowly fade in volume. It didn't feel like fainting, it felt like my body could no longer sustain me in that condition and was shutting down. It felt like the end. I was literally grasping Alysha's arm to hold on, to keep from slipping away, to cling to something in this life to fight the coming of darkness then light. It may have just been a wave of faintness coming over me, but it certainly felt like a glimpse of what the coming of the end may be like. It scared me. I started thinking that if the pain continued, that tonight could be my last day here, that my body may succumb. The kids were both asleep already but I snuck quietly into both Izzy and Lucas' rooms, laid beside them and prayed over them; prayed for them to grow up strong and to be fair and caring and generous to others and to accept the Lord into their lives. I said goodbye and that Daddy would always be with them even if they couldn't see me, that I will always be there and that I love them very much. I prayed with Alysha as if it were the last time we would lay down to sleep together. The pain had mostly subsided but I was afraid to go to sleep. Awaking the next morning to the sunrise was the happiest I've been to see a new day for a long time. I praised the day and hoped for many more, good or bad, to come without that ominous feeling I had felt the night before.<br />
<br />
I am ready to go when my time comes, but not yet. I don't get to decide that, but not yet. We still have a few avenues to explore before we have to make our own distinction as to when enough is enough, that we've extinguished all our options and will then spend our time enjoying life, doing the things we haven't had time to do, as a family, as a married couple, as Christians wanting to make a difference in someone else's life. The freedom of living life unrestrained shouldn't be reserved for the end when your options for staying alive and living a long full life have run out, but often is. Live like there's no tomorrow, or 'live like you were dying' (Tim McGraw). We should all get a chance to do that. Hell, that's a lifestyle everyday for some people. I wish the rest of us could share in it, to re-prioritize and stop giving a shit about all the trivial stuff in life. Things just don't matter as much once you truly see what's most important in life. Again, it shouldn't take a life-altering event to bring out the best in yourself, to realize that you have the strength within you to be the parent, the spouse, or the believer you thought you were but weren't really living up to the expectations of what a good one should be. Unfortunately it often takes something terrible to happen to make that change in perspective the catalyst for change. It is within you to be a better person. It's within me, i'm still finding it myself, it's not an easy or a short road either, it's an ongoing progression that lasts a lifetime. Transformation isn't about completely changing yourself. People can't change who they're meant to be; their design for their personality. They can change how they look at things and change how they react to them and act toward other people. They can overcome weaknesses and find new strengths. It's a process of perfecting the mold which leads to the ultimate goal of how you will affect others and pass on traits and inspiration to them so that they may be able to mold it into their own identity to then pass it on to another to inspire change and so on. I hope my stories can inspire strength in others, to change maybe certain attitudes toward life or towards others, maybe give new perspective on predispositions otherwise never addressed. I wish I could provide some profound advice to those closest to me to initiate changes that I know are in dire need for some, but all I can do now is to show them how I have found my strength and can only hope that this will inspire them to search their soul too to find the strength I know they have within themselves to fight their own struggles and to win out over them. I am confident I can help those who seek it, but I am still on my own journey as well, so can just be a helping hand along the way. This is what I truly hope.<br />
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All the best and thanks!<br />
<br />
~Pete</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-56048098131800651812012-07-08T23:27:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:11:18.170-07:00Deuces Wild<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What can be said for someone who claims to know what their own destiny holds in store? Would you believe them if they could tell you your own? How would you truly know for sure that it's true? The answer to all these questions is: You don't. I fully trust that God has a plan for me and it's yet to be revealed, and may never be. We are not meant to know, but are expected to trust that there is a 'reason for everything'. Not easy to do for us humans who are all naturally selfish and desire control over their lives. How do poker players control the outcome of a game of 'Hold 'em'? They stack the cards in their favor in order of precedence. We try to do the same in our own lives by habit. But what happens when we are dealt a bad hand in life? We try to barter and rationalize and jostle a way to make it work in our favor before 'throwing in the cards' and folding our hand, thus; giving up. Again it's not easy to sit back and relinquish control of our life to let the cards fall as they may. We want the best possible outcome for each round life throws at us.<br />
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The latest rounds we've been dealt has definitely made us feel like we are in a house of cards. Ok, enough card playing references, maybe. We've tried our hand at trying to seek the best path in natural medicine. During which we've met or been introduced from a distance to a very broad range of eclectic and eccentric people wielding a cure, well, a treatment at least. No one has or can claim a cure. We've been convinced and then misled, reassured and then let down, informed and then reproached. Through it all, all we wanted was a clear path that would lead to positive outcome. If it were a card game, every hand i've been dealt has been snatched from me, reshuffled, cards replaced or scattered out of reach midway through. There are so many answers out there for someone looking, but none have been valid or even offered as the best route with any degree of surety. I couldn't help but feel that precious time and resources have been wasted trying to seek an alternative. It has only led us back to conventional methods as my symptoms have worsened. I think my ride for the LiveSTRONG cancer foundation 2 weeks ago was a calm before the storm in the progression of my condition. I felt great the day of the ride, surprisingly so that I felt strong enough to ride hard, like I had a tangible goal I could physically control and work aggressively for when nothing else recently had offered anything close to the sort. I rode hard for the last 5 miles or so, pulled ahead of the rest of our team and focused on the effort, the will to fight hard. I passed the finish line in a blur of concentration and satisfaction of giving it the effort I wish I could distinctly pour into the real cancer fight i'm waging. The effort wasn't without it's consequences as my lungs protested a little afterward, but overall it was a day I felt strong and was proud of. Since then, i've been on a slippery slope of regressing into a state of severe pain that has drained me more than the chemo did. It's focused in the primary tumor which we've discovered has grown enough to now be putting pressure on my sciatic nerve, causing concurrent lower back pain on the left side, tingling and numbness in my feet and the feeling of 'restless leg syndrome'. Pretty much everything; bones, muscles, etc, from my hips to my thighs ache all the time with pretty severe focused pain in the middle. It's led me to need up to 6 Percoset per day just to alleviate the pain and keep me from writhing on the floor. I've now been prescribed a pain management program of low dose morphine to take regularly to fight it. Otherwise, I would be feeling worse than I did after a chemo round. In that much pain, nothing else really matters. I don't want to live like that either.<br />
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We also went to see a radiation oncologist to discuss the options and benefits of radiation and will be going for a SIM this coming Thursday and probably starting on several weeks of daily treatments shortly after. This will address the pain as well as attempt to shrink the tumor. It's extremely frustrating however, continually being told that because of the advanced nature of my condition, surgery is pretty much out of the question. Reading about similar cases on my own has only reenforced that statement, though it seems so counter-intuitive to what we're fighting to do that my mind hasn't accepted that as a valid answer. The answers have all resorted to being palliative: treating the symptoms to make my quality of life as comfortable as possible, but saying that there's nothing left to do to really treat it. That's led to some pretty grim thinking that is anywhere but where I want to be focused, but has become almost an inevitability that we've forced ourselves to address and begin planning for. We don't know what else to do...<br />
<br />
I'm now in the process of writing a dedication of sorts as something to leave my children should our fears be realized. It breaks my heart at the thought of my children growing up without me. I've turned to finding scripture to include throughout my lessons I wish to leave them, but no matter how strong our faith, not even the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ after this mortal one, I can't find comfort in the prospect of my family being left without me. These things hurt my heart and soul more than the physical pain can. This coming week i'm going to be unplugged from the rest of the world and will be at a retreat at the New Clairvaux monastery/abbey in Vina, CA (between Chico and Red Bluff) to grapple with these heavy things weighing on me. This is a chance for me to find the solace, time for reflection, and hopefully rest that I have sought since the beginning of my diagnosis but has eluded me. I hope this time will provide the conversations with God from which I seek to gain guidance, peace, and the ability to truly submit to His will and fully lay my worries at His feet relinquishing the need to control them. I don't know what the cards will hold in the next hand dealt to me, but if I were a gambling man, i'd still have my money on my strength and that of the prayers of hundreds of people behind me giving me the winning hand of a 'full house'.<br />
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~Pete</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-31479881127459455802012-06-30T03:56:00.002-07:002013-04-12T13:11:58.668-07:00Labyrinth: Misdirection in cancer care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Seven months ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Since then I feel like i've been thrust into this maze, one with many paths and levels like an M.C. Escher drawing where it deceptively intertwines with itself with gaining a higher level only to find out you're right back where you started. Maybe 'Chutes & Ladders' is more an accurate depiction. This maze may have no way out of it. At first, we took the standard advice of the oncology doctors, referred to by my Primary care Doctor, who then referred us to a surgeon and so on. That lead me to taking a backseat approach to my treatment: I was just along for the ride. I didn't have any control over what would be happening to me and was not informed enough to take control to make decisions for myself and not heed the Doctor's every inclination. The more we went on and began to explore our options by seeking out, second, third and fourth opinions from elite hospitals such as Stanford, Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Phoenix, AZ, and now Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass. All with the same results (though we're still waiting on a consult at Dana Farber); we can only do chemo, we can't do surgery, you're already too far along, lets talk about keeping to comfortable... They think and act like there's nothing else to do for me but to palliatively treat my symptoms and ride out the storm.<br />
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Our approach and growing concern lead us to seek natural alternatives. As Alysha has written, i've decided to go along with a plan that now is overloading me with unnecessary supplements and prescribing therapies to do at home that are going to costs us thousands of $'s more out of pocket beyond the high price that we've already paid to follow his prescribed regimen. We've now second guessed ourselves and may be following the advice of a local naturopathic Doctor that would start me out more slowly to help my body regain it's strength and immunity at a better pace then treat with her own prescribed therapy.<br />
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There's someone waiting at every turn of this maze, waiting at every dead end to offer their greatest breakthrough protocol and ready to denounce any other's approach to tell you that they are wrong and would kill you if you followed their path. Miracle workers selling their own wonder cure, superfood, herbs, or teas, people who would take advantage of those in desperate times, who seek answers but find only empty promises. I've continually sought out the ladders scattered around this maze, to rise above all the confusion and get a clear view of the entire situation only to see the true extent of the mess that lays below. Then taking a step in any direction at that point flings me back down into the depths on a chute to a place that leaves me even more confused and lost than before. Going all natural and not following the advice of the Doctor for what to pursue next is hard as the decisions are all up to you and there's too much information to sift though, much of which is conflicting or contradicting in nature. What leads you to follow one and not another is not taken lightly, especially with your life on the line. Seeing a real person firsthand to discuss options and issues surrounding treatments out of the norm helps immensely. They can discuss your doubts and calm your fears over doing the right thing and really take control again to guide you through a a set path with tangible goals to reach and a clear end in sight. There are still many paths to explore to make sure we don't overlook any possible solutions; Leave no stone unturned.<br />
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As this goes on though, my physical condition is declining. The pain level has reached higher thresholds that all but incapacitate me for hours in the mornings most days. I drag around in a state of extreme discomfort full of body aches and sore joints that make me anxious and nauseous still. I keep getting told that it's still too soon for an major affects to be had. But what happened to the promise of being pain free in 10-days (but you don't get your money back)? Some deep realizations have confronted us lately that I don't like to ponder too long but are necessary to address. Though i'm strong and am an anomaly to some who see me still functioning, I may not be around for long. Though we're still pursuing all avenues of natural and conventional treatment, it's late in the game to be throwing any and all conjured cures at it. It's advanced and still advancing. Though we try to maintain the positive attitude of saying to myself that 'i'm only as sick as I think I am," my body seems to push back and say, "no you're not stupid, you ARE sick!"<br />
<br />
Where does one go from here. Does he continue to wander the maze but ignore those who through miracle cures out at you, does he find a bench facing a blank dead end and sit and wait for the answer to present itself? Or does he just conjure up a bulldozer and force his way out of the tangles bushes and switchbacks? But what does that symbolize, how do I turn that simple imaginary solution into a tangible one? This parable yet has a moral, an ending that will teach and guide others from the experience to better direct their own life. But it's not there yet. That lesson has yet to come to fruition to be able to offer it as the powerful end to a story. Mine may not have ended yet, but the journey through the labyrinth should tell people that there is much out there in the way of cures for some horrible diseases, but you have to make you're own path, find that hidden wall in the brush that leads you to the exit with confidence. Getting lost in the jumble of potential ways to a solution can be overwhelming and make you want to stop and give up, jump in the backseat again and let someone else drive your life toward either a cure or disaster. Only you can know the direction to choose and only God knows if it's the right one. Trust in Him and hopefully that bulldozer will appear.<br />
<br />
~Pete</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-58921503771686659342012-06-29T21:19:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:12:17.570-07:00Hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We both had crappy days. Pete was horizontal most of the morning due to pain which left me wondering what causes people to let go. What exactly happens that causes them to say their final goodbyes? Is it that their bodies simply can't function in the late stages of cancer? Is it that their organs have failed? Is it that the pain is too intense that they over-medicate? Or is it that they've simply lost hope?<br />
<br />
Needless to say, these deep thoughts into unchartered territory left me on the brink of tears or in tears most of the morning. Finally Pete pushed himself to go meet a friend for dinner and I ran a few errands with the kids. After the change of scenery we were able to come back to each other with renewed minds which allowed us to truly discuss the future of his treatment.<br />
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For the past couple of weeks we have been re-evaluating Dr. Pablo's cancer treatment regimen. It seems too many questions have been left unanswered, too many supplement have been prescribed, and that Dr. Pablo is distracted by other events in his life which has left Pete with little direction. As a result, Pete has been experiencing increasing amounts of pain. This is both alarming and infuriating as we were promised results by Dr. Pablo. During a visit to a Naturopathic Doctor yesterday, she stated that, after reviewing Pete's blood work, she expected Pete to be a cripple and wincing in pain. She repeatedly expressed that he must be a very strong person because his blood work was very alarming. At this point his blood levels show that he is in a worse state than he was while on chemo. His body is very acidic, and knowing that cancer cannot live in an alkaline environment, this tells us his cancer is thriving. We were shocked but not surprised to hear Dr. Pablo's plan was not working the way we were promised it would.<br />
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During that visit, Dr. Miller explained how she would approach Pete's condition. She feels Pete's body is being overloaded on the current regimen and is not able to process and/or use all the supplements being pumped into his body. In contrast, Dr. Miller would start out slowly by introducing a few nutrients at a time while heating up Pete's core temperature with additional supplements. The heat causes bacteria and cancer cells to die off because it has been proven that cancer cannot live beyond a certain temperature. She also uses a specially formulated intravenous vitamin combination that she believes kills cancer. In addition to all this, she has created a food plan that will feed Pete's body the optimum nutrition in order for it to thrive.<br />
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With that being said, you probably think we have chosen to drop Dr. Pablo and pursue treatment with Dr. Miller. Not exactly. The truth of the matter is that Pete's cancer is advanced, very advanced. For a while we have ignored the severity of his condition because our hope has overridden our fear. However, at this point we know the chances are slim that he will live out a normal, happy, healthy life as most of us desire for ourselves. We have decided that the hope must continue because it gives us a reason to press on. And despite the overwhelming evidence that Dr. Pablo's program may not be the right one, Pete still remains hopeful that it may be. So, no matter which treatment we decide to pursue---whether Pete decides to continue with Dr. Pablo or switch to Dr. Miller---we still have hope for the future.<br />
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And although, we don't know exactly how and when those last days will overtake him, we do know that we would rather live in a state of being hopeful as opposed to feeling hopeless.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Phil-3-13" id="en-NASB-29435"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Phillipians 3:13-14</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="text Phil-3-13">Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of <i>it</i> yet; but one thing <i>I do</i>: <sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29435AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup>forgetting what <i>lies</i> behind and reaching forward to what <i>lies</i> ahead,</span> <span class="text Phil-3-14" id="en-NASB-29436">I <sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29436AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>press on toward the goal for the prize of the <sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29436AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>upward call of God in <sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29436AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>Christ Jesus.</span></b></span></div>
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The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-12043216451444953162012-06-27T14:47:00.003-07:002013-04-12T13:12:37.741-07:00Surgeon {Too much pain to bear}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday I came home from the park with Lucas to find Pete lying on the floor of the living room. He was in so much pain, he could hardly get up. For a while we had been tossing around the idea of getting a permanent colostomy, like other people we've met, in order to lessen the pain, etc. but each time we/he decided he'd rather live with the pain. But, when I found him in such a terrible state, I couldn't help but say, "We're calling the surgeon now!" I at least felt it was a good idea to meet with him again and discuss "options".<br />
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So, we met with the surgeon today and he suggests radiation. Many times, if radiation works as planned, it can help with pain management. So, as of now, we are waiting on a referral to the Radiation oncologist. Pete is continuing with the all natural regimen as instructed by Dr. Pablo in hopes that it will do what Dr. Pablo states it will do.<br />
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Thank you for all your love and support. All prayers are welcomed and appreciated.<br />
<br />
XOXO</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-17359726037397095002012-06-27T14:33:00.001-07:002013-04-12T13:12:59.284-07:00Wing and a Prayer {Livestrong in Davis}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj2DRPLOyXQvHPgi_fWghdS1dU8U6ojbQ0O9HXzz1siB42WeWCueE56eSscpX8NYZC8DtjWj7KSzENAJObD21pKJCV1-IKduKCYhNndrsgo-e55OTyFWaBhcT5JeXlzDkaQwOIL_Y5ydO/s1600/Livestrong+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj2DRPLOyXQvHPgi_fWghdS1dU8U6ojbQ0O9HXzz1siB42WeWCueE56eSscpX8NYZC8DtjWj7KSzENAJObD21pKJCV1-IKduKCYhNndrsgo-e55OTyFWaBhcT5JeXlzDkaQwOIL_Y5ydO/s320/Livestrong+challenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last weekend we had the pleasure of riding in the Livestrong challenge in Davis, Ca. There were a few participants who came out to support Pete. They included myself, my step-father Rick, his co-worker Dennis, and a few of Pete's co-workers---Randy and John, as well as John's girlfriend Katie.<br />
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Most of us only dared go as far as 20 miles, while a select few, John and Katie, pushed the limits with the 65 miler. To be truthful I was terrified I wasn't going to be able to complete the 20 miles. I had done no training and almost told Pete to go on without me after having a terrible night with Lucas in the hotel the night before. But I persevered and it was the most fun I have had in a long time! I loved pushing myself to complete such a physical goal, being out on the open road on the outskirts of Davis, passing other cyclists (even if they were just moms pulling bike trailers), and most of all, doing it all to show support for one of the strongest fighters I know, my husband.<br />
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Thank you to all of you who showed your support either by coming out to ride with us----either virtually or in person, donating money for cancer research (we raised over 3000 dollars), standing on the sidelines (my mom, sister, and cute niece and nephew), or sending prayers. This was such a great experience and one we will definitely do again. And wouldn't you know, the one with cancer beat us all to the finish line. Go figure!</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051615001085708908.post-39288940818688945592012-06-25T12:37:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:13:13.861-07:00SNAFU<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I apologize that it seems Alysha and I only blog to vent in times of doubt and frustration, though, unfortunately, that's what our life is full of right now. We thought we had a clear path to follow for alternative treatment and faith in the program that we decided on but are having serious doubts about the validity of the program and of even the man behind it all. I know Alysha had her doubts in the beginning, though I felt because of the comprehensiveness of what we were presented, that it was the right thing for me. Maybe i'm a sucker and it really is just a scam, a very elaborate one, or maybe this guy has just thrown together a bunch of stuff he's researched and half-asses his way through recommending what someone who's placed their life in his hands should follow. Due to the incomplete nature of the information that we've been provided, sketchy communications from him, and odd manner of getting materials and supplements through another supposed patient; late, incomplete, already opened, my patience and trust in this whole thing has been shaken and am in serious doubt of it being safe. I went to get blood tests done today, which due to the nature of some of the extra screenings that this treatment from "Not-a-Dr. Pablo" requested, had to be done at the infusion clinic where I have gone for chemo as a normal lab couldn't do them and even this morning they were still trying to figure out exactly what the labs were, most of which they had never seen or administered before, and needed clarification on most of them before they could draw the lab to make sure it was right. Not being their fault at all but that of the source request; Dr. Pablo, the guy providing, well, proctoring the treatment. Just like the rest of his information thus far, the lab requests were vague and incomplete. This is kind of the last straw. We don't even know if we could get our money back but are feeling like we need to cut our loses and find another alternative. I'm really sick of not "getting what we pay for" from the very beginning of this whole fight. Chemo, now this. Why can't life or death situations be more simple?!<br />
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We haven't ruled anything out even though we felt we definitely needed to seek an alternative to chemo. Who knows, maybe i just need to go ahead with the next drug they would try, loose all my hair anyways and see if that one works. That being said, we're still going to consult with an actual naturopathic Dr., yes a real Doctor now, later this week, originally to supplement the therapy we started, but now to seek professional advise on what she would recommend from scratch and have also requested a distance consult to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston at the prompting of friends of friends that have been treated there. I feel at a lose for knowing what the best route to take is, though we'll keep trying each path and coming back to the fork in the road to seek out the next when it doesn't work. It's a big fork now; getting lost in the world of medicine and natural remedies, to even remember when you last left off. We just need to keep the faith that God will lead us down the right path when it's time. Thanks for the continuing support to help us keep on keeping on!<br />
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~Pete</div>
The St. Germainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057725656677234236noreply@blogger.com1