October 20 Update: Recipe - Peanut Butter Reese's Cookies

We'll finish off with a yummy cookie recipe - a real treat for the peanut butter fan!

Peanut Butter Reese's Cookies

Ingredients
1 package peanut butter cookie mix (e.g., Pillsbury, Betty Crocker)
Reese's miniature peanut butter cups

Prepare
Make cookie mix according to package directions.
Put about 1/2 of a tablespoon into greased/sprayed mini pans.
Bake according to package directions.
Remove from oven.
Place an unwrapped miniature Reese's in the middle of each cookie.
Let the candy melt and cookies cool.
Remove carefully with a spoon.

These are better served the day you bake them.

Note: You can save time by purchasing pre-made peanut butter cookie batter (e.g., Eileen's, Pillsbury).

October 20 Update: Recipe - Very Easy Corn Soup

Here's the second one for today, from our daughter Cindy.

Very Easy Corn Soup

Ingredients
1 package chicken ramen noodles
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can cream style corn
1 cup whole milk

Prepare
Make noodles according to package directions.
Combine all ingredients and heat.
Optional: Add crisp bacon, onion and parsley.

Delicious!

October 20 Update: Recipe - Chicken and Noodles

I've been wanting to share some "comfort food" recipes that are easy for the caregiver to prepare, yet still delicious. Here's the first one: Chicken and Noodles!

Chicken and Noodles

Ingredients
Can chicken
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 stick butter
Nearly all of a carton of chicken broth
1 package frozen noodles

Prepare
Put all but the chicken and noodles in a pan or crockpot.
After warm, add chicken and noodles.
Simmer an hour or so, until noodles get soft.
Season with salt and pepper.
You can add cream or half and half.

Great over mashed potatoes.

Delish!

October 2 Update

What a memorable evening Gene and I had last Thursday evening!

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. Cindy is so concerned about her dad and of course me – she is so thoughtful, and it has transferred to her children. Taylor and Samuel, our grandchildren, are naturally the highlight of our lives ... and it showed in Taylor's special tribute to her grandpa on Thursday.

We drove to Broken Bow to watch Taylor play volleyball that evening. Broken Bow is such a special community, one that is very supportive of its youth. Every home volleyball game, most of the town comes to watch; the band performs as do the cheerleaders. It is so energized – you just feel the community is out there to support their local youth.

Right before the game, Taylor and all the volleyball team came over to Gene. They presented him with a "Team Gene" special sign, which all of the team signed.

And after the game (which Broken Bow lost but Taylor had seven kills), Taylor had arranged for the Broken Bow newspaper to interview Gene in recognition and awareness of pancreatic cancer. They took pictures, and we will watch for that in the Broken Bow newspaper.

Gene and I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful family. Not only our daughter, Jim, Taylor and Samuel ... but all our family members have been so supportive of both of us. What can we say about our family and friends except this: They are priceless.

October 1 Update

Thank you God, thank you family and all our friends!

Your prayers have made a huge difference in Gene's cancer. Gene has been in remission for 8 weeks now, and Dr. Ramaekers said he can't explain it. I said, I can: It is all the prayers from everyone!!!

I will never underestimate the power of prayer again!!!

It almost feels like this has all been a bad dream, but I know it is real. Gene goes back on the 14th for another scan, labs and doctor appointment. Of course, this makes me worry even more as it has been such a wonderful 8 weeks.

Gene is feeling much better, of course – not taking chemo makes a big difference. He still gets very tired, but I know that goes along with all his treatments.

We have been so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends, and our AQHA Family is always checking on us. This means so much to both of us. Speaking of AQHA ...

We just returned from a wonderful vacation!

We were so fortunate to be able to go to the Paws Up resort for the American Quarter Horse Association Foundation. This is the most fabulous resort we have ever been to. Paws Up is owned by a wonderful couple, Nadine and David Epson, who are wonderful supporter of the American Quarter Horse.

Their resort is located 45 miles from Missoula near Greenough. The moment you drive on to the ranch you know you are in a special place. We shared a beautiful home with Jim and Mavis Jennings and Chris Sitz. Actually, it was about 3,500 square feet with a huge fireplace, big bedroom suites ... and we had the most sophisticated shower ever! It was a 2-person shower with all the bells and whistles, but we had to read the instructions to operate it. We opened the windows in our huge master room, to view the beautiful Montana mountains.

It was even more special, as 34 AQHA supporters were there also, many we knew previously but made many new friends. Every day was special. Gene and I went on a trail ride Friday morning and then an amazing ATV ride through the beautiful countryside. Every evening was a special night with great gourmet food and entertainment. ... We could get used to this lifestyle.

Needless to say, all good things have to come to an end and coming home took an extra day as our flight out of Denver was cancelled, but we finally made it home.

Thank you again for all your support!

Barbara

August 17 Update (Great News!)

Dear Family and Friends---

Gene and I are so happy right now!

We went to the Cancer Center this morning at 8 AM for Gene's lab work and then had an appointment with Gene's Dr.

Gene's cancer numbers have again been reduced which is very good news but the best news is that Gene is now in Remission! Unbelievable but such welcome news.

Gene does not have to have Chemo at least for awhile. This will give all of us especially Gene a much needed break. It is like we have been given a vacation!!!

Thanks to all of you for your daily prayers and constant thoughts for us----please know we know that it was your prayers helping Gene. 

Many of you tell me to "Keep the Faith" – and I am trying to do that daily.

Love to you all, 

Barbara 

August 12 Update: Wake-Up Call

How many of you have signed a Power of Attorney for yourself, your spouse, your significant other?

I don't know where Gene and I have been, but we do not have Power of Attorney signed forms … so if I go into a coma, Gene needs to have Power of Attorney and I need to have Power of Attorney for him.

Tonight was a bad night. I had asked our son-in-law (who is one of the Good Attorneys!) to help me get ready when and if something happens to Gene, or me.

I approached the subject tonight with Gene and met with definite resistance. I had it all planned out: First, I had a nice beef roast in the oven with all kinds of vegetables and a very nice dinner planned. Then, I said to Gene: “We really need to get our Power of Attorney forms filled out, plus we need to work on our will.” Well, it did not go well.

Gene said, “I have to feel better first. Then I said, “I could have a heart attack tonight – then what?”

It does not seem to register with him. But with all the things he is going through and thinking, I am sure he thinks I am being pushy.

But … Wake up, everyone, and make sure you get an attorney. It is NEVER TOO SOON! I am going to put a plug in for our son-in-law, James V. Duncan of Broken Bow, Neb. He is an outstanding attorney and has such good advice along with Common Sense, which is lacking in many of our big-city attorneys.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Take heed and get your ducks in a row, which I have not done previously. I thought we had plenty of time – but who has plenty of time????

NO ONE.

On a good note, I have found the most remarkable handyman: Lowell Kohtz. He is 91 years old and looks 70. He talked to Gene and me one night and asked if we had anything thing he could help with at Diamond G Farms. Well, I called him the next day, and he has been invaluable. He is moving, fixing fence, using the weed-eater and all kinds of fixing things that need fixing. He is remarkable. I hope at 91 I will be as spry and able as he is. His grandchildren made a video of him for a movie they are interviewing for. The movie is called "Nebraska" and they want original Nebraska farmers to be in the movie.

Till next time,
Barbara 

Card From Cindy

I wanted to share this moving card and letter Gene received from our daughter Cindy.

August 10 Update

Gene had his 10th treatment a week ago, and it has really tired him out. But we know that with each chemo treatment, he will become more tired. We had planned on attending the AQHA Youth World Show this week, but feel Gene needs to regain his strength so that we can attend the AQHA Select World Show in Amarillo.

We were so honored that during the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show when each state or country had their Team Parade ... Nebraska honored Gene as being one of the state's famous people!

They listed Johnny Carson and some others – which I did not even hear because I was so proud that they had Gene's name.

We are so very proud of our Nebraska Youth and how well they have exhibited at this World Show. The show ends tomorrow. You can see video here: http://www.aqha.com/youthworld

On another note: I am always looking for good meatloaf recipes, as meatloaf seems to be Gene's favorite food right now. Please email me or leave a comment if you have a good one!

Again, thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for both Gene and myself.

Till next time,
Barbara

July 27 Update

Dear friends and encouragement givers,

So very sorry I have been AWOL for days! I have just been feeling sorry for myself, and that horrible ache in the pit of my stomach just does not seem to go away.

Last Friday was Gene’s ninth chemo treatment, but first he had a scan, then labs, then a doctor’s appointment with Dr. Ramaekers. Cindy was able to come also.

Gene did get a good report – the doctor is so pleased with his continued tolerance of the treatments and how well Gene is handling them. His cancer tumors in the lungs have shrunk again. The doctor feels for Gene’s age (74) that he is doing very well.

Even though Gene’s reports were good, he has had a bad week due to the shot he is given to increase his white blood count. The shot makes him really miserable – his bones and body aches, but I think tomorrow he will start to feel better.

I have such mixed emotions … . I want to do so much to help Gene, but I don’t want to do too much to make him feel helpless. So I walk a fine line. (As most women know, when men don’t feel well, they can get crabby!!!)

I think what I miss most after Gene’s diagnosis is our time together, remember we have been married 49 years and have spent most of that time working and playing together. I miss Gene going out with me each early morning to help me do farm chores. Of course now we don’t have horses at home, but still have our two big hunting dogs that have to be fed, watered and each walked. This way I get in my 2-mile walk with the dogs.

I especially enjoyed our evenings together after work: our cocktail together and great conversations. I am positive we will get back to our normal life, but right now it is taking one day at a time.

I so appreciate all your kindness and prayers. We are still getting some lovely notes, and Gene always loves getting phone calls (308 380 0508).

Until next time,
Barbara

June 21 Update

Happy Hot Summer!

It was so nice to get a little more rain on Wednesday, but we realize how dry it is for most of Nebraska and the surrounding area. (Sorry, I don’t know how to do a Rain Dance!)

Father’s Day was very special with Cindy, Jim, Samuel and Taylor spending the afternoon with us. We had a “comfort meal” of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and hamburger steaks. Homemade pies made by our own Grand Island pie maker and friend Virjeanne Baker were a special treat.

Gene had his seventh treatment on Monday, June 11. Tuesday he got the shot that he so dreads, but he knows it helps the white blood cells build back up. This shot affects Gene similar to flu symptoms – but he is very brave about all the treatments he gets.

We feel very fortunate that Gene receives such excellent care, and I am so thankful that we can get Gene’s treatments right here in Grand Island.

The St. Francis Cancer Center is such a wonderful facility. Everyone knows your name, and the nurses and doctors are very caring and concerned about your every need.

It is also amazing to see how many cancer patients come to St. Francis. The most disturbing of all is to see how many people are affected by cancer. All the patients greet one another, and there seems to be a community among all of us.

Tonight, Diane Sawyer on ABC News will be talking about a cancer breakthrough, and it may involve a young person finding some new discovery. Let’s hope and pray that something can be done about this dreaded disease.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers – they are working!

Next time, I will tell you about a great book I am reading that everyone needs to read. It is about being the best YOU can be.

Till then,
Barbara

Caregiver Tips:

We all know the benefits of drinking water, but Gene and I both see a marked improvement when Gene concentrates on drinking lots of water. I am sure it flushes away some of the toxins that are in his system.

I mentioned before that I like to put fresh lemons in our water, but now I am putting cucumber slices in our water glasses. This is very refreshing, and what a simple way to make your taste buds more active.

June 11 Update

What a fun-filled weekend we had!

Gene and I drove to Omaha on Friday and had a wonderful dinner with our longtime friend Barbara List. Then on Saturday morning, we were in the run/walk for pancreatic cancer held in Omaha.

Daughter Cindy and granddaughter Taylor ran in the 4-mile run. Gene and I were so proud of them. Taylor passed her mother, but Cindy was a real hero: She ran the 4 miles in very good time, even though it was a tough run. There were many hills, which Cindy doesn’t have to face in Broken Bow!

While in Omaha, I did sign a petition to be sent to Congress to increase the financial support for pancreatic cancer research. Pancreatic cancer only gets a very small percentage for research from the government, and this is such a difficult cancer to detect. We desperately need a screening test.

I want to say a big “thank you!” to our wonderful family and friends for the continued prayers and thoughts for Gene during his cancer treatments!

It is because of all your prayers that Gene’s cancer tumors have shrunk in size … by 90%. Dr. Ramaekers is so pleased with Gene’s progress, and we are, too. But, of course, we have to be ready for a plateau.

We had another call from our good friends Butch and Charlene Morgan from Colorado, checking on Gene. J.D. Yates calls at least once a week.

We are so thankful for our “Horse Family” – everyone has been so concerned and helpful to both of us. And we can never forget our Grand Island support team of family and friends. (If Virjeanne Baker keeps bringing us homemade pies, we will be too fat to move.)

Today, Gene is having his seventh treatment. We arrived at the St. Francis Cancer Center at 8 a.m., and he will probably be here for at least six hours today. I never look forward to the days after Gene’s treatments, but I know we have to take the good with the bad.

We are both trying to be very positive, but I have many bad moments where I silently pray that Gene does not have to suffer like we all have seen so many of our loved ones do. They say God only gives you what you can handle, but sometimes I think I have already handled more than my share.

On a more practical note, here’s a new comfort tip: It is helpful to bring your slippers or flip-flops along when you are getting your treatments. I always need to remember to bring a shoe horn. Sometimes it is difficult to get shoes on after several hours of sitting.

I would love to hear your comments and any advice or tips on making this journey through the dark tunnel of the unknown.

Thanks so much.

Till next time,
Barbara

May 24 Update

Dear Friends, 

It is unbelievable how supportive you have been to Gene and me during this very stressful time for both of us – and of course Cindy, Jim, Samuel and Taylor! 

We had such a great surprise yesterday. Taylor (our granddaughter who will soon be turning 18) and Samuel (our grandson who will be 14 at the end of the month) drove down from Broken Bow to spend the day with us. We are so very fortunate that we have such wonderful grandchildren. We are so very proud of them – they are very nice kids plus good students and athletes. Of course their parents, Cindy and Jim, had a big hand in their upbringing. (I have attached this wonderful picture of Gene with Taylor and Samuel.) 

It has been an up and down week. Gene was scheduled for his sixth treatment on Friday but his white blood count was too low. So on Monday, he had a shot of Neupogen and they continued these shots through yesterday for a total of three shots. 

We are hoping that on Friday, Gene will be able to take his sixth treatment … which of course will take all day and then he leaves with a chemo bag, which he wears for 48 hours. 

Gene has been worrying about his schedule for his American Quarter Horse duties as he is now president! We had all the treatments scheduled and our travel plans scheduled around them, but we will make it work. 

Each week, I learn more about being a caregiver. There are so many great FREE publications available at the Cancer Center. The one I picked up today is great – “Caring 4 Cancer.” 

There are many tips for the newly diagnosed cancer patient, such as: 

Bring paper and pencil with you to doctors’ visits for taking notes, or ask a friend to come with you and take notes. 

MY SUGGESTION: If possible, take one or more of your children with you. It was so helpful when we went for our first visit and took our daughter, Cindy. Cindy had many more questions than I would have thought. 

Our doctor has been wonderful, and at each visit he puts Cindy on speakerphone – so she feels she is very much a part of what the doctor is telling us on how the treatments are progressing. 

Another tip: Sign up for a customized weekly e-newsletter that will provide you with timely, helpful tips and support as your treatment plan progresses: www.Caring4Cancer.com I will check this out and let you know and if it is worthwhile. 

Remember, as I said earlier this week: “Love is often hidden till it’s given away. Love is a gift we can give every day!” 

Barbara         

May 14 Update

It seems like a merry-go-round!!! One day feeling great (maybe good) about how Gene is doing, and the next day … not so good.

Thankfully, he has had more good days but does get very tired, so I always have to remember to walk slow (I am noted as being the fast walker of the family).

We just returned from Jacksonville, Fla., where we attended the AQHA Region 10 show. WOW, it was very successful: They had almost 250 trail participants, plus many in the English classes, western classes, youth classes and reining classes, and I hope on Sunday they had equally full entries in the cattle classes.

It was wonderful seeing so many people that share Gene’s and my love of the American Quarter Horse. We saw many old friends and also met new friends.

It was so rewarding to hear all the good comments that AQHA is doing for membership, and we are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers that worked this show.

I always like to give a few ideas or hints I have learned along the way during Gene’s cancer treatments. (By the way, at our last doctor’s appointment, Gene’s cancer cells had shrunk 60%. That is good news but as we know not a cure. As the doctor said, these nasty cancer cells are always looking for a way to get around the treatments!)

So, on to those tips: 

• The very best sugar-free syrup we have found is “Walden Farms.” It is calorie-free plus sugar-free. I even warm it up before putting on the pancakes. (This is a good find for those looking for comfort foods while watching sugar intake.) 
• Be sure if you are a caregiver to have a good thermometer on hand. I like the easy one that you apply to the ear. 
• I have been having Gene use a face spray tanning lotion every morning. I think it gives him that "little bit of color." (He asks me every day, “Do I look pale?”) 
• Gene is going through extreme feelings of hot and cold, so he does not drink ice in his water or have really hot food. It gives him a tingling feeling, almost like a shock. 
• I have been buying lots of lemons to put in his water. It is so important for any cancer patient to drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins in his or her system. 
• Hand sanitizer is also very important as we all know, but I am trying to make it a habit to use it, especially when traveling. 

Finally, I did forget to mention: SHHHHHH! Let’s not mention this blog to Gene. I am not sure he would be too thrilled to know that I am telling ALL!

Keep Praying and Believing in Miracles,
Barbara

April 25 Update: To Texas and Back

What a wonderful last two weeks we have had!!!

I had almost forgotten that Gene has cancer, but of course, I really think of it all the time.

On Sunday, the day after the Race for Grace benefit (a truly inspiring and uplifting day for Gene, our family and friends!), we left for Amarillo, Texas, to attend the Executive Meetings for the American Quarter Horse Association.

This was one of Gene’s first official duties as President of AQHA. Of course, I am biased, but I feel Gene did a wonderful job. I did get to hear him give an introduction to the employee assembly on Tuesday morning – he was great and talked about customer service. (As we all know, customer service is so important no matter what business you are in.) Gene complimented the great AQHA staff on their customer service. It was a busy four days and the Executive Committee covered many items.

It is always a special time for me at the AQHA, as I get to be with Robbyn Treadway, Jana Trotter, Nicole Phillips (she could not be with us this trip) and newest member Karen Blodgett.

We had a fabulous meal at Robbyn and Don Treadway’s beautiful home with a gourmet meal – both the Treadways are wonderful cooks.

Jana Trotter entertained us on Tuesday in Herford. Texas. Nothing is small in Texas, and we toured Jana and Johnny’s gigantic feed lots. The Bar G must be one of the biggest cattle feeders anywhere.

We had a lovely luncheon at Jana’s home and (of course) we then went shopping – Herford has some lovely and unique shops.

We arrived home on Thursday afternoon, just in time for Gene to start his fourth treatment on Friday.

8 a.m.: Arrive at Cancer Center, do labs, have doctor’s appointment. The doctor is pleased with Gene’s blood counts so that is a positive note. Then he starts his three different medicines intravenously and after that is done (usually around 4 p.m.). Gene gets a chemo bag that has a meter to regulate the flow of chemo. He wears this for 48 hours … usually until around 8 a.m. on Sunday.

This time, we had a little scare: Gene went to the office to do some paperwork and he heard this alarm. First, he thought it was a fire alarm in the office. He went outside and the noise followed him out the door. Gene then went over to the house and went all through the house and the noise kept following him. He then looked at his meter and it had an error, something like "line blocked." He immediately turned the meter back on but we both felt we should have one of the nurses look at it.

To make a long story short, we went to the emergency room and the oncologist nurse met us. The meter was then working fine, but we felt much better knowing it had been checked.

Gene is now feeling tired out and weak. I hope in the next few days he will again be feeling better.

Till next time,
Barbara

April 25 Update: Comfort Foods!

I wanted to share these "comfort-food tips" I've learned along the long road of being a caregiver:

• A great comfort meal: Marie Callender's Turkey Pot Pie (white meat turkey). This is really a satisfying already-prepared meal, especially for lunch, but it does take an hour to cook in the conventional oven. 
• Sugar-free lemon pie filling (the instant one): This is really good and soothing to eat. Of course, lemon meringue pie is better but has sugar, which Gene has to be very careful of as he is type II diabetic. 
• Another great find: Bisquick Shake 'n Pour Buttermilk Pancake Mix. Delicious and so easy – just add water to the container and shake, pour and grill. We use the sugar-free syrup, too, so it is comfort food without a lot of work. 

We are trying to drink lots of water and Gene feels much better when he does. I have been adding sliced lemons to his water, which makes it seem to taste better.

I look forward to hearing your ideas for great (but easy!) comfort foods, too.

– Barbara

Next time: I will tell you about asparagus and how it has helped people with cancer.

April 19 Update

This past Saturday was such a very special day for Gene, and for support of cancer patients and cancer survivors, with the Race for GRACE (Grand Island Area Cancer Endowment).

GRACE was started by Lisa Willman and Julie Pfeifer. Both of these amazing women are cancer survivors and started The Grace Foundation to help families and cancer patients. 

Tracy Babcock, a real estate associate with Gene, organized the Century 21 "Running 4 Gene" group, with great T-shirts in the bold color of yellow (which is Century 21's color). 

What a fantastic day it was on Saturday, a bright sunshine-y day with great temperatures, so not too cold. Another shining example of family support was our daughter, Cindy, and Jim and Samuel Duncan drove 85 miles to be in the walk/race. Taylor, our granddaughter, was taking her SAT so she could not come.

We are so proud of Cindy – she ran the 10K race. She was a real trooper. She has never run that far but she finished the race with flying colors.

This was the second year for Race for Grace. Last year they had 500 participants, and this year they had 1,100. What a supportive community Grand Island is.

– Barbara

Update: See a few photos from Race for GRACE 2012 here.

April 9 Update, Part Two

We are so thankful for all our friends’ cards, notes and emails – every day we get another card or call of encouragement. Please know that it does help so much to know you are all thinking of us.

Yesterday a beautiful arrangement of Easter Lilies from Jana and Johnny Trotter came right before our Easter Dinner – how very thoughtful of them!!!

I did discover a great magazine at the Cancer Center. It is free to families that are dealing cancer and is called CURE and contains cancer updates, research and education: curetoday.com

Gene and I will be married 49 years on June 27, and for all those soon-to-be 49 years, we have done most everything together. We worked together in business, worked at the ranch and showed horses together … and now it seems very lonely for me and I know Gene feels the same.

We just can’t do the things together we used to. My favorite time was doing horse chores with Gene: Every evening at 5:30, we fed, watered and cleaned stalls for probably 20 years or more, and then exercised and fed the dogs. Now it is just me doing chores. We don’t have horses right now, but it is about an hour-long job morning and night taking care of our Chesapeake hunting dogs. Some evenings when Gene feels up to it, he walks with us, too. It just seems like something is missing when we can’t do this together. Hopefully soon Gene will feel up to doing more.

– Barbara

April 9 Update From Barbara

Thank you to all our family and friends for your love, prayers and thoughts for Gene and me these past six weeks.

I promise to keep you updated; I know it has been two weeks since my last post, but being a caregiver takes a big toll on one’s time.

Gene had his third treatment on March 24. Our doctor is wonderful about working Gene’s chemo treatments around Gene’s schedule.

We were so fortunate to have Jim Brett Campbell, senior director of marketing and publications for the American Quarter Horse Association, visit us recently. Jim spent two days with us in order to do a story on Gene and our family for the AQHA Journal. Cindy, Jim, Taylor and Samuel Duncan (our daughter and her family) came to Grand Island, and Jim Brett took pictures and recorded some of Cindy’s memories growing up in the family with horses.

This past week was also an eventful one. Don Treadway, AQHA executive vice-president, made a special trip to Grand Island from Amarillo to meet with Gene and discuss the agenda for Gene’s presidency.

One of Don’s favorite places to eat is right here in Grand Island: The Grand Island Saddle Club … great food and friendly people!

On the subject of food, Gene and I are learning so much about what Gene can eat and what not to eat during this time. We have learned beef broth (in the small packets) is great for an energy boost or when his stomach is queasy.

As Gene is a diabetic, we are always looking out for sugar-free items. Today we had some delicious sugar-free ice cream (Blue Bunny) with sugar-free peach pie.

We hope your Easter Sunday was special and that you remember to tell your family how much you love them! Life is too short!

More soon.

– Barbara

Thanks to The Western Vault

I wanted to share this new post from The Western Vault. Thanks to them for their support and kind words!

Original post: http://blog.thewesternvault.com/2012/03/light-shed-on-member-and-newly-elected.html

Light Shed on Member and Newly Elected AQHA President's Health Condition and Great Attitude

We received news last week that our member and dear friend Gene Graves, co-owner of Barranara Shirt Company and newly minted President of the American Quarter Horse Association, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Western Vault and all its members and clients wish Gene well as he begins his road to recovery, and we look forward to seeing him back and better than ever!

Barbara Graves, Gene's wife and co-owner of Barranada Shirt Company, sent us a very informative press release from the AQHA shedding light on Gene's condition and great attitude, and giving an address to which cards and letters can be sent:

I wanted to let you know AQHA First Vice President Gene Graves was diagnosed Thursday with pancreatic cancer. Robbyn and I spent Saturday afternoon with Gene and Barbara at their home and they are in good spirits, with positive attitudes. Most importantly, Gene wants to serve as president of AQHA. I assured him that TEAM AQHA will help make that happen! Later that afternoon, we headed to Gene and Barbara's favorite place to eat and socialize, The Saddle Club there in Grand Island. For certain, Gene has no loss of appetite!

He has chosen an aggressive form of chemotherapy to stop the growth of the cancer cells and reduce the tumor. The oncologist told Gene and Barbara he can't see any reason why Gene can't move forward with his year as president.

His chemo sessions are being scheduled so as not to interfere with his assignments as president... [so you] can look forward to seeing the same delightful Gene and Barbara!

Let's show them TEAM AQHA and flood their mailbox with cards and letters:

Gene and Barbara Graves
1711 S. Stuhr Road
Grand Island, NE 68801

Until next time, enjoy the ride and send those cards and letters to Gene and Barbara.

Don Treadway, Jr.

March 19: The Journey Continues

Our journey through the dark tunnel of uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis continues:

Gene received his second chemo treatment Friday. That took almost 6 hours, and then he wears a chemo bag for 48 hours, which is attached to his port.

This is a very aggressive treatment for pancreatic cancer, and we hope he can tolerate it. It seems to take about 3 to 4 days before he starts feeling queasy and nauseous; we have learned from the last treatment to take the medicine right after your treatments to help treat these symptoms. Last time we waited too long and the pills were not as effective.

We learn something each time we go to the Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center.

Finding foods that Gene can eat ... and that he wants to eat ... is a very big challenge.

Gene is a Type 2 diabetic, so it is especially difficult shopping for something that he will like and eat plus not elevate his sugar.

I know I have learned many helpful clues for others facing this terrible disease. I will let you know of my findings and of course would love to hear other clues from so many of you going through this long dark tunnel.

The Beginning

Here begins my diary of a wife ... of a family ... learning that a loved one has cancer:

I think I know how the family of a person on trial feels –
Will he be sentenced to Live or Die!

This is what my thoughts have been the past 7 days ... What will the new tests show? How bad is Gene’s cancer?

Being married to your best friend for 48 years, you try to hide your deepest fears. Gene and I are both doing our day-to-day rituals but deep down we both know we are on pins and needles.

I am trying not to baby him but I keep watching for signs that will show me, "Yes, he does have cancer" – but everything seems so normal.

In fact, I know we both are being over-polite to each other, and each time I enter the room where Gene is, first I put on a smile as to not look worried.

My stomach hurts constantly – like someone has punched me – but I have to act normal and like I feel fine.

As I write this [last Monday, March 12], we are patiently waiting for Wednesday when Gene has yet another test: a PET scan that will show where the cancer is. And then Thursday is Sentencing Day: We meet the cancer doctor at 9 a.m. to find out the results!

I am so thankful our daughter, Cindy, came with us to the first doctor appointment with the oncologist. Dr. Ryan Ramaekers was so kind and caring and told us many options that we have. We can go to any hospital we would like and of course get a second opinion, and he would not feel offended.

We feel God gave us the right doctor to go through this ordeal.