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.