Wow, how time flies. Its been a year since we started this trip and its far from over. Shirley had another PET scan last week and we got the results today when we went in to the doctors office. It shows that the cancer cells are active and coming back. Lymph nodes are all swollen again, but we knew that, and she has been in alot of pain at times. The doctor told her that she needs to quit work and concentrate on getting better so we are going to look into SSI to get some help. Without that, keeping the car, truck and house will be a challenge. The cancer center is setting up an appt for her to see a doctor at OHSU again to start the stem cell transplant process. Christmas just went out the window, but I'm not worried about that, the kids will understand. I wanted to update this as I know alot of you have been wondering whats going on. And, no, I won't be making it to any of the toy drives this weekend, time to tighten the ol' belt.

 

Sorry to hear that she isn't getting better Robbie. I do agree with the Dr. that she does need to quit working so she can get better & get over this so I'm glad you're making those moves.

Times are going to be tough I'm sure, but remember we're all here for you and if you need help please do ask. we can always come to you so that you don't have to travel so far.

The best christmas gift is you guys being a family & being together so I'm sure everyone understands....

I hope she gets better soon, it sounds like it's been a tough road, but you both have been strong the entire time and I know you can continue to do so..

 

I know exactly how you feel and what you guys are going through. you would be amazed how much help relaxation and time with loved ones can help. the tiniest bit of extra strength and a boosted attitude can change everything. the doctors actually commented on how much better my mom did when the boys would be spending a lot of time with her. I guess love IS the best medicine
Ill keep you guys in thoughts and prayers, let me know if there is anything i can do.

 

Sorry to hear this. Robbie let Shirley know she is in our prayers. At times like this cars and such are not so important as long as you have each other. I may not be close enough to be of any help but just know you both are in our thoughs and prayers.
Have faith that she will overcome this and you guys will be stronger for it.

 

 

i'm not a religious person, but i am allowed to have faith or even hope that things will get better for you.

hope things get better....

 

Well I am sorry to hear that Robbie. You, Your wife and family will be in my thoughts!

 

Robbie,Shirlie,and family.........

Is there anything we the Scion Community could do for your family......bring you some food for Xmas dinner,I could even cook it for you guys,I am a top notch chef..........

This latest news leaves me feeling sad and rather helpless and human.........

Please let me know if there is something even as simple as gettign you guys a Xmas dinner setup........I could bring the food,drive it down,and cook it......you gotta do the dishes though.....lol.........Brian

 

^I'm in! Let us know what we can do to help! I'll do dishes I know this has been an on-going thing and that sucks and never a worse time than the holidays for this news too. Keep positive and again let us know it we can help!

 

Robbie I sent you a PM.......we really really are available to help you have a xmas.......it would not be a burden on us to do.......last I checked the idea about Xmas was to give and spread some joy.......

Sounds like your family has not had much joy over the last year......even as wacked out weird my year has been with what is going on in my own family.........it is trifle compared to your year........Brian

 

We go down to OHSU Fri. morning to see the transplant specialist, see what happens from there.

 

Good luck Robbie, keep us posted. Tell your wife thanks as well for letting you share with us what is going on.

 

My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. I too am hear to help if you need anything, I will come along and help with dishes..!

 

We as a family are always here to do what we can to help..
Shirley... get better soonest!

 

Thanks for everyones support, we really appreciate it. We went and talked to the doctor at OHSU and he told us that he wants Shirley to do another round of chemo with a new drug that just got approved a few months ago. But first she has to get another biopsy from her lymph nodes to see how the cancer is progressing. They also want to map a donor to make sure that they are compatable. Its not a blood compatablity, its an immune system compatablity test. Shirley's brother has already said that he would be a donor if he is a match. So, at this point we are awaiting word from the hospital as to when they are going to get things started, hopefully soon. More when we find out more.

 

Good luck Robbie & Shirley, let's hope that things get better & that she's able to find a donor. I'm sure if her brother isn't a viable candidate, i'm sure somewhere here in the community may be able to assist you so keep us all in the loop

 

Good luck you guys. We're thinking of you.

 

Sooooo, I'm about sick to my stomach right now. We got a call from the cancer center this morning, my insurance isn't going to cover the new chemo drug that they want to give Shirley. They consider it experimental because it is too new still. Of course, we can appeal and go through the whole process and see what happens. I've already fired off a few emails to them and the lady told me that she would forward my email to the first step of the appeal process and a lady at the cancer center took copies of my pay stubs and fired off a letter to the drug company to see if we can get some help from them. Hopefully they will cover it if the insurance company decides not to after the appeal. Shirley's last day of work is Friday as the doctor doesn't want her working, she needs her rest. So, basicly we just lost almost $25K in income, heres to hoping we can keep at least the house and car, already planning on giving the truck back if things don't turn around here real soon. Shirley is already threatening to not do the chemo if the insurance comapny doesn't cover it. If we don't get help from them to only other option is to file bankruptcy on the hospital bills after she is done with her chemo, but I would hate to do that. Stress, you gotta love it. Glad I didn't go have my blood pressure checked today, doc would've admitted me to the hospital, lol.

 

Oh Robbie that's horrible. If there's anything you need you know exactly where to find Erik and I, we'd love to do anything ANYTHING at all to help. You and Shirley are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Oh man...I feel for you guys, talk about insult to injury...Hopefully they will see the light when the pull there heads out of... well you know where.