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